Hope for the future - North Somerset Council
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SPRING 2021 Hope for the future
Wash hands
Cover face
Make space
Still the most important ways to protect yourself
and your loved ones from Covid-19
Even if you’re vaccinated or tested
Thank you
for helping stop the spread of Covid-19 in North Somerset
Dear reader...
As we head into spring, we may look We are very aware of the pressures increase in council tax, along with
back over a very challenging year on local businesses. We are providing a 3 per cent social care premium,
for everyone. How our communities advice and distributing cash support which the government has forced us
have coped with restrictions on our as quickly as we can – more than to charge given that they have not
freedoms, the work to look after £55m by early February (see page funded those pressures (see page 16).
our most vulnerable has been truly 14). We have a dedicated business To avoid more cuts to essential services
amazing. We are so grateful to so hotline 01934 888 114 and email and address our green agenda, we
many people, volunteers, partners businessgrants@n-somerset.gov.uk. won’t be providing a free collection of
and our council staff and contractors. Once the lockdown eases it’s clear that garden waste which now becomes an
many businesses will need ongoing optional, chargeable service, as it is in
Our social care teams have adapted
help, and we are working to move every other council in the South West.
to new ways of working, roads have
projects forwards and doing our best to
been maintained and gritted, library Thank you all. Please keep safe.
maximise the use of local frms.
services are there for us, and waste Cllr Don Davies
and recycling continues to be collected. Sadly, too many people have also
had to cope with the loss of loved The Executive
We are pressing ahead with waste
ones and to care for those taken ill as
and recycling through the council’s Cllr Don Davies (Independent)
result of Covid-19. The pandemic has
own company, NSEC, which takes Leader of North Somerset Council
taken its toll on the mental wellbeing
over responsibility on Saturday 27 Cllr Mike Bell (Liberal Democrat)
of us all but we are working up a
March (see page 4). Deputy Leader
plan for a return to normality, with a
key part being how we continue to Cllr Mark Canniford (Liberal Democrat)
We have been doing work we have
never done at this scale before support the wonderful networks of Cllr Ashley Cartman (Liberal Democrat)
– Covid testing, test and trace, volunteers in our communities that Cllr Catherine Gibbons (Labour)
supporting 190 adult social care and have grown during the crisis. Cllr Bridget Petty (Green)
care homes with £10m of additional Cllr Mike Solomon (Independent)
Doing all this has fnancial implications
support, sourcing items such as
and, unlike central government, we Cllr James Tonkin (Independent)
1.2m items of PPE and training and
must set a balanced budget. So we
guidance.
will be asking for a 1.99 per cent
Contents
4 News update
20 Cutting carbon emissions
10 Vaccinating
24 A wander in
North Somerset
Weston Woods
12 Helping communities
28 New vision for
return to normal
Weston’s shopping centre
14 The road to
30 Protecting a
economic recovery
wetland habitat
16 Creating a strong
34 Tackling domestic abuse
fnancial footing
47 Contact details
18 Changes to garden waste
North Somerset Council does not endorse or recommend any commercial products or services advertising in Life magazine.
This publication is available in large print, Braille or audio formats on request. Help is
also available for people who require council information in languages other than English.
www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 3
News
Recycling and waste services return to
council ownership this month
Recycling and waste services From Saturday 27 March, NSEC will prioritise and improve
recycling, garden waste and black resident experience of the recycling
in North Somerset will soon
bin collections, plus the three and waste service. Biffa staff will
be delivered by a new council- recycling centres in Weston-super- transfer over to the new company
owned company called Mare, Backwell and Portishead, and there will be no immediate
North Somerset Environment will all be operated by the newly changes to any collection days or
Company (NSEC). established company. routes.
Last year, councillors agreed to The new arrangements deliver the An annual charge for garden
end the current recycling and best possible value for money for waste collections, which the council
waste contract with Biffa by mutual North Somerset council tax payers, originally planned to introduce in
agreement and instead establish the support the council’s ambition to be spring 2020 but delayed due to
wholly council-owned company to carbon neutral by 2030, and provide Covid, will be introduced from 1
run services. an opportunity for the council to April.
make improvements to the service.
For more information about garden waste changes see page 18 or go to
www.n-somerset.gov.uk/recycling
Great Western Freeport could create almost 50,000 jobs
The West of England Combined across the aerospace and nuclear Economic modelling shows it could
Authority (WECA) is bidding to sector, the region’s universities and bring in an economic return of £3
host a Great Western Freeport that colleges, innovation centres, local billion each year to the regional
could create up to 50,000 jobs in authorities and business networks. economy.
the region and 90,000 nationally. A Great Western Freeport would It would bring regeneration
The Combined Authority has put be based around Bristol Port, the and jobs and boost the region’s
together the bid – which was UK’s most centrally located deep reputation as a global leader in
submitted to the Government in water port, with additional tax and high-value design and innovation,
February – working with public customs sites at Avonmouth and building on strengths in aerospace,
and private sector partners, Severnside, Junction 21 Enterprise nuclear and food manufacturing.
including large-scale businesses Area and Gravity Smart Campus.
For more information visit: www.westofengland-ca.gov.uk/freeport
4 North Somerset Life • Spring 2021
For the latest updates on North Somerset’s news visit www.n-somerset.gov.uk/news
Plans to uncover hillfort move forward
Plans to uncover Worlebury accessible for future generations to help manage this. The licence,
Camp Iron Age hillfort in Weston- to enjoy, while also managing the which has now been approved by
super-Mare for the frst time in surrounding woodland responsibly. the commission, covers the hillfort
200 years have moved a step site which is about 10 per cent of
In 2019 the council adopted a
forward. the whole of Weston Woods.
Conservation Management Plan to
The hillfort, which is a Scheduled preserve the hillfort. The plan’s main The council will now draw up
Monument, has been on Historic objectives are to address the damage more detailed plans that ensure
England’s Heritage at Risk Register to the archaeological features and the protection of the site whilst also
since 2016. to include new interpretation and recognising the views of residents and
signage to raise awareness and people with an interest in the site.
The hillfort is a nationally important understanding of the monument.
heritage asset and, as owners of Once the plans are completed the
a Scheduled Monument, North The main damage to the hillfort is council will apply to the National
Somerset Council has a duty caused by vegetation and trees so Lottery Heritage Fund for a grant to
to preserve it and make it fully the council applied to the Forestry help fund the project.
Commission for a felling licence
More information on the plans to safeguard the future of the hillfort are available on the council’s website
at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/hillfort
Think NHS 111 first for the right care
If you have an urgent but non life-threatening Clinicians, such as nurses, doctors,
medical need, make sure you use NHS 111 pharmacists and paramedics, play an
frst rather than going straight to A&E. increasingly important role in NHS 111.
In many cases clinicians in the service can
NHS 111 will help you right away and if you assess patients and provide the advice you
need urgent care, the NHS can book you in to need over the phone without having to visit
be seen quickly and safely at an appropriate a physical service
local service such as a minor injury unit or the
out-of-hours GP. If you need an emergency You should still dial 999 if you have a
ambulance, one can be dispatched immediately. life-threatening illness or injury.
www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 5
News
New electric vehicle
charging point installed
The frst in a series of new electric vehicle (EV) charging
points is now ready for use in Kewstoke.
The 22kW charger provides To use the Revive network,
two charging bays conveniently users can sign up at
located in Sand Road Car Park. www.revivecharging.net
This is good news for electric
The network of new EV
vehicle owners visiting the area
charging points, along with
as well as local residents and
the Portishead Marina rapid
businesses.
charging hub, underlines
A parking order will help North Somerset Council’s
ensure the smooth running strong commitment to the
of the charger, with owners Climate Emergency and to Are you fostering
asked to only occupy the creating more sustainable
charging bays while their car travel options for residents and privately?
is charging (unless charging visitors.
overnight).
The £7.1m investment from
Private foster carers are being
The project, which plans the Offce for Zero Emission reminded they need to inform North
to install 30 charging bays Vehicles (OZEV) for the Go Somerset Council about their living
across North Somerset, will Ultra Low West project will arrangements.
include both fast (7 and deliver approximately 120 Private fostering is an informal arrangement
22kW) and rapid chargers EV charging bays across the when a child under 16 (or 18 if disabled)
(50kW) as part of the West Revive network, including a stays with someone who is not a close
of England Local Authority rapid charging hub in each of relative for more than 28 continuous days.
owned Revive network. the four council areas.
A close relative is a step-parent,
Revive is free to join and For independent one to one grandparent, brother, sister, uncle or
will include use of North advice about switching to aunt, whether of full blood, half blood or
Somerset’s fagship rapid electric, book an appointment marriage.
charging hub due to open with the Travelwest EV expert.
in the Spring in Portishead Visit travelwest.info/ Examples of private fostering might
Marina. electric-vehicles include:
M a teenager living with the family of
A lifeline during lockdown
a boyfriend or girlfriend
M children living with a friend’s family
Hot meals continue to be The drivers, who wear PPE, as a result of parental separation,
can leave meals on doorsteps divorce or arguments at home
delivered to vulnerable
residents across North if needed, to keep self-isolating M children sent to this country for
Somerset and have been a residents safe. education or health reasons by
parents who live abroad.
lifeline during lockdowns. Find out more by calling
01275 882 155, emailing Anyone who is privately fostering,
Meals on wheels drivers carry
community.meals@ or aware of a private fostering
out essential welfare checks on
n-somerset.gov.uk or visiting arrangement, can contact North
residents while delivering the
www.n-somerset.gov.uk/ Somerset Council on 01275 888 808 or
meals.
communitymeals cyps.careconnect@n-somerset.gov.uk
6 North Somerset Life • Spring 2021
VR On
The steps we’re taking to line
ur a
The Russets to keep our residents safe av nd
ail
ab
Care Home le
A safe, secure and caring environment
Temperature Touch point
testing for cleaning and
The Russets is open for admissions residents, robust infection
colleagues control
and visitors procedures
“ The St Monica Trust has been providing high quality care for
older people for 100 years and despite the challenge of Covid-19,
our care homes are the same safe, secure and engaging places to
live that they always have been.
Our aim of providing the best experience of ageing has not changed.
With our robust infection control procedures, financial stability
and dedicated colleagues, you can be sure that we will be here A good supply Pre-bookable, Activities
for you or your loved-one no matter what the future brings.
David Williams, Chief Executive of St Monica Trust
” of PPE for all
colleagues
socially distanced
visiting available
colleagues to keep
you engaged and
connected with
loved-ones
Call 0117 919 4262 or go online for more information www.stmonicatrust.org.uk/russets
The Russets, specialist dementia care home in Sandford, North Somerset.
Short-term respite care also available. Registered Charity 202151.
Elections scheduled for May
At the time of Life going These elections will take place at Key registration deadlines for the
a time when Covid-19 continues May elections are:
to print, elections were still
to present risks to public health.
expected to take place Depending on the infection rate,
M last day for the council to
receive applications to register –
this spring. measures taken to control the
Monday 19 April (midnight)
spread of the virus may change as
On Thursday 6 May residents M last day to receive applications
we approach May.
in North Somerset will go to the to vote by post, postal proxy or
polls to have their say on who This means the council cannot request to amend or
will be the new Police and Crime currently answer all the questions cancel existing postal vote
Commissioner for the Avon and you may have about how the arrangements –
Somerset Police area. elections will be run. However, Tuesday 20 April (5pm)
it is working closely with central
Two by-elections are also M last day for applications to
government, the Electoral
scheduled, for the North Somerset vote by proxy (other postal
Commission, the wider electoral
Council ward of Portishead East, proxy, see above) –
community and public health to
and the parish council of Tuesday 27 April (5pm).
help ensure you can stay safe
Weston-in-Gordano.
when casting your vote in May.
Find out more at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/voting
www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 7
Help provide a snapshot
of modern society
Households across North Households will receive a letter in those aged 16 and over on sexual
early March with a unique access orientation and gender identity.
Somerset will soon be asked
code. Paper copies available on
to take part in a survey request.
Results will be available within
which gives a snapshot of 12 months but personal records
The census will include questions will kept for 100 years for future
modern society.
about your sex, age, work, health, generations.
Census 2021, carried out by the education, household size and
Offce for National Statistics (ONS), ethnicity.
takes place on Sunday 21 March.
For the frst time there will also
It’s a once-in-a-decade event to give be a question about whether you
the most accurate estimate of all have served in the armed forces,
people and households in England as well as voluntary questions for
and Wales.
Results will help plan and fund local
services, such as schools, doctors’ What is the census?
surgeries, emergency services and
The census is a once-in-a-
transport routes.
decade survey that provides
Charities use the information to help the most accurate estimate of What if I don’t speak English?
get funding and businesses use it to all people and households in Translation booklets are
help decide where to set up. England and Wales. available to download from the
The census has been carried out It asks questions about you website. If your language isn’t
every decade since 1801, with the and your household to build a there, call 0800 141 2021.
exception of 1941. picture of society.
Can I get help?
This is the frst year it will be Visit the help pages at
Why should I take part?
run predominantly online. Lisa www.census.gov.uk or call
Wareham, census engagement The census helps the 0800 141 2021
manager for North Somerset, said: government understand what
“It’s vital that residents complete society needs now and will What happens if I don’t
the census because it’s is our likely need in the future. It helps complete it?
chance to show how Covid has with planning and funding
You could face prosecution,
affected our lives and to help services in your area.
have a hefty fne (up to £1,000)
shape our future.”
and a criminal record.
8 North Somerset Life • Spring 2021
Join
Getthe conversation
vocal, be heard
Give your views on the
natural environment
Would you like to give your views on the future
of North Somerset’s natural environment?
The area’s landscape – including Read more about the draft
green spaces, wildlife and Green Infrastructure Strategy
waterways – is important to us all. and have your say by visiting
We depend on nature for food,
www.n-somerset.gov.uk/ Go online to
materials, clean air and water,
greeninfrastructurestrategy
question councillors
climate regulation, food prevention,
pollination and recreation. Social media is providing
another opportunity for people
However, the environment can be to ask questions directly to North
quite fragile and needs careful Somerset’s councillors.
management to fourish.
Facebook Live chats take place
North Somerset Council has
every month with executive
therefore developed a draft Green
members of the council.
Infrastructure Strategy to outline
how the natural environment in You can ask a question in
the area will be protected and advance by sending the
enhanced over the coming decade. council a private message
Green infrastructure is about through its Facebook page
connecting places and habitats to at www.facebook.com/
make them the best they can be. NorthSomersetCouncil or on the
The consultation will be available day during the live event.
It includes green and aquatic spaces until early April.
and other physical features on the The recording is available on the
land, coasts and marine areas, in council’s YouTube channel, with
both rural and urban settings. Read more about the subtitling, for you to watch later
climate emergency on
if you can’t make the live event.
The strategy covers the period up page 20 and the latest on
until 2030, the year North Somerset Visit www.youtube.com/user/
Portbury Wharf nature reserve
Council is aiming for the organisation NorthSomersetCouncil
on page 30.
and area to be carbon neutral. Council meetings are also live
streamed virtually and saved on
Comment on consultations the YouTube channel. Written
statements and petitions can still
All consultations run by North Somerset Council are listed at
be submitted. Find out more at
www.n-somerset.gov.uk/consult
www.n-somerset.gov.uk/
Sign up to receive email alerts when new consultations are opened. how-speak-council-meetings
www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 9
Vaccinating North
Coronavirus has been called
the biggest health emergency
since the Second World War
but the vaccination rollout is
giving hope for the future.
It’s been a diffcult 12 months
as everyone has had to Vaccination rollout continues
adapt to new ways of living Vaccinations are being More and more places are
becoming vaccination sites to make
and changing restrictions but carried out across North it as easy as possible for you to
it’s essential that everyone
Somerset for eligible attend when you’re invited. If you’re
continues to respect the current having trouble getting to your local
people.
rules and works together to appointment and don’t have friends
bring infection rates down. The NHS is inviting eligible people or family to help, speak to your GP
on a phased basis so it’s important about community transport.
The vaccination gives us hope, you wait for your letter, as you will
Getting your vaccination as quickly
with the prospect of being able to not be able to book without one.
as possible is the best way to
do more of the things we love as
protect yourself from coronavirus.
this year unfolds.
So please continue to play your
part and look forward to a brighter
future. Thank you for everything
you have done so far to keep
yourself, your family and your
community safe.
Figures from the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire area up to the end of January.
10 North Somerset Life • Spring
Summer2021
2020Somerset Stay home | Protect the NHS | Save lives
Rapid testing for
people without Watch out for Beware of fake text messages
claiming to be from the NHS
vaccination scams asking for your bank details and
symptoms fake social media messages
Scammers are using the Covid-19 offering to send you self-injection
Community rapid tests are vaccine to target vulnerable vaccines for a fee.
available for people to fnd out if people so be on your guard
they have coronavirus even if they against fraudsters. Report fraudsters by contacting
don’t have symptoms. Crimestoppers. Visit
The NHS will never ask for a fee www.crimestoppers-uk.org or
Research shows that one in three for the vaccine, it is completely call the Covid fraud hotline
people with coronavirus do not free. anonymously on 0800 587 5030
have any symptoms but could still
pass it on to others so rapid testing
identifes these people so they can
self-isolate and help stop the spread.
Get a Covid test if you Local test and trace for
have symptoms North Somerset
Critical workers and volunteers
who work in the community are Anyone with symptoms of A local test and trace system is
encouraged to get tested twice a Covid-19, no matter how mild, now running in North Somerset to
week. should self-isolate and book a test. support the national NHS service.
It’s vital that those who test The symptoms are a new North Somerset Council launched
negative continue to follow the continuous cough, loss of or the new service in January to
latest social distancing and change in sense of taste or smell, contact people who have had a
hygiene rules. or a high temperature. positive Covid test, to help them
keep themselves and the virus
Rapid testing is currently available Book online at www.gov.uk/
isolated.
at Hutton Moor Leisure Centre, in get-coronavirus-test or call 119.
Weston-super-Mare, Somerset Hall Staff from the council’s public
in Portishead, and Scotch Horn You can now arrive at a testing site
health teams are making the calls
Leisure Centre in Nailsea, from in Weston-super-Mare on foot or
and will offer advice about where
8.30am to 5pm every day, with by car for your appointment.
to get fnancial and practical
evening opening until 7.30pm support while self-isolating, as well
The site, at Locking Road car park,
on Tuesdays and Thursdays, for as identifying close contacts to
is open 8am to 8pm seven days a
anyone aged 16 and over. pass back to the national service.
week and free parking is available
For more information about locations while you do your test.
The local team complements NHS
and to book visit Test and Trace by picking up calls
The mobile site at Castlewood, in
www.n-somerset.gov.uk/rapidtesting where the national team have
Clevedon, and the centre at Bristol
Airport also continue to operate. been unable to get hold of cases
within 24 hours.
Information about fnancial and
practical support available for National calls will come from
anyone who needs to self-isolate is 0300 013 5000 or
available at 0300 123 7790 and local calls
www.n-somerset.gov.uk/together from 01934 313 777.
www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 11Helping communities
return to normal
Continuing to work with the dedicated network of volunteers across North
Somerset will be key to returning to normal life when the pandemic is over.
Life changed beyond recognition support from family and friends with The council has committed to
last March when the country organisations that could help them. sustaining North Somerset Together
went into lockdown to combat as a means of working with
It also connected those who wanted
Covid-19 and North Somerset communities in the long-term.
to volunteer or donate with the
Council quickly joined forces with
right organisations, and signposted It is now the foundation for
charities, town and parish councils,
businesses to relevant information. the council’s future work with
local businesses and volunteers to
communities, town and parish
respond rapidly to changing needs. By the end of January, North
councils and voluntary sector
Somerset Together had made more
A new coalition – North Somerset partners.
than 9,000 referrals to network
Together – was launched to link
partners since last March.
socially-isolated residents who had no
In the frst nine months of
coronavirus, North Somerset
Together:
M became a network of
68 partner organisations
M dealt with more than
9,000 referrals for
assistance
M worked with about
2,500 volunteers
M made more than
1,000 video calls.
12 North Somerset Life • Spring 2021Dealing with Lockdown #3
Within a week of the third lockdown being announced to establish how long-term needs
can be met, such as loneliness
in early January, North Somerset Together partners and isolation, mental health and
confrmed that were ready to respond. wellbeing, food poverty, digital
exclusion and community transport.
This meant all towns and larger programme through GP surgeries,
parishes in North Somerset had by providing patient transport To do this, the council is
coverage of the support network, services. broadening the membership
thanks to new and original of North Somerset Together to
More specialised support continues
volunteers stepping forward. include new communities and
to be available through partners
organisations.
An enhanced centralised referral such as Citizens’ Advice North
process was established to help Somerset, Curo and Alliance This includes working with town
prioritise referrals that came via Homes. and parish councils who want to
the National Shielding Support develop their own local strategies,
Service (NSSS). Looking to the future working with health colleagues on
the development of an integrated
Anyone aged over 70 who Community-led early intervention health system for North Somerset,
registered with the NSSS and services will continue to be and improving the way that the
indicated they needed additional delivered in a post-Covid world. council engages and empowers
support were also referred to the
North Somerset Council is working communities.
council’s wellness service for an
assessment. with other partners in the network
Where required, emergency food
requests were dealt with through North Somerset Together can provide practical support
the council’s community meals to residents through a network of local volunteers.
service while network support was
There are links to local organisations that can help if you have
put in place.
fnancial challenges, as well as advice on mental and physical wellbeing.
Organisations within the network
Find information and support at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/together
are also supporting the vaccination
or call 01934 427 437
www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 13The road to economic
A region-wide economic recovery plan has been launched to help businesses and
residents get the support and guidance they need.
Coronavirus continues to be a risk Locally, a dedicated contact centre Training and support is also
to people’s jobs and livelihoods as has been set up by North Somerset available for those just starting
well as their health but businesses Council to guide business owners out or needing to develop their
can get the help they need to through the scores of government employability skills.
adapt, build resilience and grants available.
prepare for the future.
Free support for
all businesses
Is your business struggling This confdential and impartial Starting in Business course runs
advice comes from accredited regularly online.
because of the pandemic?
advisers and is being delivered
Specialist workshops are also
All businesses in North Somerset as part of the West of England
available in sustainability, ethical
can access free support and Universal Business Support
fnance, business resilience,
advice to help them recover from Programme, funded by North
digital, food and drink.
the economic downturn caused by Somerset Council and the West of
Covid-19. England Growth Hub. North Somerset Council has also
launched targeted programmes
North Somerset Enterprise Agency Sessions can take place in-person,
of support for those businesses in
is offering a range of free, following social distancing
sectors which have been hardest
comprehensive courses, including guidelines, or virtually.
hit by Covid-19 restrictions, such
help with business continuity,
For start-ups and those needing as tourism and events.
fnance, developing an online
support to grow, a three-day
presence and re-focusing activity.
If you are a business operating co.uk, call 01934 418 118 or
in retail, tourism or the creative email info@nsea.biz
industries, contact business@n-
A region-wide support guide has
somerset.gov.uk for guidance.
also been published for small and
For information about the support medium-sized businesses, through
offered by North Somerset the West of England Growth Hub.
Enterprise Agency visit www. Visit www.wearegrowth.co.uk
northsomersetenterpriseagency.
14 North Somerset Life • Spring 2021recovery
Don’t miss out on grants
Grants are still available to support The amount of grants available
businesses through the pandemic makes it tricky for people to
so make sure you get the money navigate so a specialist team can
you’re entitled to. help business owners identify
which ones they are eligible for
Up until early February, North
and how to claim.
Somerset Council had given out
more than £55m of government The number and nature of the grants
grants to more than 4,000 is complicated, depending on the
businesses but many eligible nature of the business and its size.
businesses had still not come
Call 01934 888 114 or email
forward.
businessgrants@n-somerset.gov.uk
Helping job seekers improve their skills
Two projects have launched in North Somerset for residents to gain skills and help them fnd work.
Some areas of North Somerset of digital barriers to work, support To target this, the Get Connected
have seen signifcant rises in for people who want to start programme is open to low-income
unemployment since the pandemic their own business, and general residents on Universal Credit or
started so the council has received support to address homelessness, with few or no qualifcations,
funds from central government to addiction and other issues. particularly in areas where digital
launch these projects which will exclusion levels are high.
At the same time, a programme of
address the barriers to employment.
digital help and support is being Eligible residents can borrow one
Tailored programmes of advice put in place to increase the level of 120 laptops for up to
and support will help job seekers of basic digital skills. 12 months.
in North Somerset’s most deprived
The pandemic has proved that They will be supported through
communities.
the internet is a key utility for the year and encouraged to sign
Where possible, this will be everyday life and knowing how to up for courses which will improve
delivered through libraries, as they use it is an essential skill. their confdence, employment
are accessible, safe community prospects and connectivity and
spaces with free IT facilities and wi-f. reduce social isolation.
Services provided by Opportunity To fnd out more call Jane
North Somerset partners includes Goodison on 07990 805 512 or
careers and education information email
and advice, youth wellbeing jane.goodison@n-somerset.gov.uk
and employment support, a job
brokerage service, an assessment
www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 15Value for money
Creating a strong
financial footing
A new budget has been approved for the fnancial year ahead which sets out how
North Somerset Council will retain, protect and improve services for local people.
The past year has brought new Richard Penska, head of fnance North Somerset remains a low-
challenges for everyone but this at North Somerset Council, said: taxing council overall. At the time
budget is a commitment to building “Like everywhere, the pandemic of Life going to print, a council
an open, fairer and greener has changed things locally, tax rise of 1.99 per cent was
organisation on a sound fnancial bringing new social, health, expected.
footing. environmental and economic
On top of this, an additional
challenges to address.
Almost £200m is being 3 per cent has been added
invested in projects which specifcally for adult social
will have a positive impact “The budget protects the services care.
for local people, including that will help our communities The demands on council
community infrastructure,
business, tourism and
to recover and thrive, while services increase each year but
also investing in tangible the knock-on effects of Covid-19
cultural recovery, the climate
has put even more pressure on
emergency, active travel, projects that will bring quality to the council’s fnancial position.
and improving outcomes
for vulnerable adults and people’s lives and make North
Despite this, the council was
children. Somerset a better place to live – expecting to end this current
both now and in the future.” fnancial year in a broadly
balanced position.
16 North Somerset Life • Spring 2021Value for money
Building and improving local facilities
The budget sets out proposals to M supporting the continued opening the railway line from
develop projects which will help regeneration of Weston’s Portishead and Pill into Bristol.
make North Somerset a more seafront, including securing the
M Investing in schools, such
attractive place to live and visit. future of the SeaQuarium site,
as the Winterstoke Hundred
Birnbeck Pier for the RNLI and
These include: Academy and Baytree
at the Tropicana in due course
expansion at Clevedon
M investing in the ‘Great Lakes’ –
M continuing to work with
the Marine Lakes in Clevedon M Further investment in Weston
Parkwood Leisure to reopen
and Weston-super-Mare, and town centre, including a new
the Playhouse Theatre
Portishead Lake Grounds transport hub at Alexandra
M investing in local transport Parade, public open space
M continuing support to leisure
infrastructure, including enhancements, and a new
centres to re-open and for
delivering the MetroWest business plan for the Sovereign
residents to return to the gym
scheme with the West of Centre, to stimulate the town’s
England partners and re- economic recovery.
What council tax
can I expect to pay?
This year’s anticipated rise of 1.99 per cent, plus
the 3 per cent levy for adult social care, means
an average Band D household would pay
£1,505.03 in 2021/22 for North
Somerset’s share of the council tax bill
– about £28.94 a week.
The fnal bill also includes charges
for Avon and Somerset Police
Authority, Avon Fire and Rescue,
and town and parish councils.
North Somerset Council has no
control over the level of these charges.
Council tax support Manage your council tax bill online
Council tax support can help if View and download your latest council tax bill online at a
you have little or no income to pay time to suit you when you sign up for e-billing.
your council tax. Find out if you’re
eligible for the means-tested support You can also access many other council services, such as reporting
and how to apply at www.n- issues regarding streets, roads, parks and more, through MyAccount.
somerset.gov.uk/counciltaxsupport
Visit www.n-somerset.gov.uk/myaccount
www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 17Recycling
Changes coming to gar
An annual charge is coming to garden waste collections
in North Somerset from April.
What next?
The annual charge is £50 per bin
(or three sacks) and each household
can have up to two bins.
Letters have been sent to all Households eligible for the council
This has not been an easy decision registered properties to explain the tax support scheme will also
to make but council fnances are changes and what to do next. qualify for a subsidised garden
under great pressure and income waste collection service.
If you do not want to pay, you do
from this chargeable service will
not have to do anything. However, Initially, the day and frequency of
make it self-fnancing.
you will no longer receive a collections will not change and you
This in turn will free-up resources to garden waste collection after should continue to use your existing
protect essential services, such as Thursday 1 April. garden waste bin or sacks.
care and support in the community.
If you do want to continue, you Properties which sign up to the
More than two-thirds of councils in can get a 10 per cent early bird new service will receive a permit
England already charge for their discount if you sign up by to stick on the lid of the bin to
garden waste collections, including Friday 16 April. identify it clearly.
all neighbouring areas.
Visit www.n-somerset.gov.uk/ Any unwanted garden waste bins
The changes will also make gardenwaste and follow the link. will not be collected straight away
a positive contribution to the but the council will let residents know
You can make a one-off payment
council’s carbon emissions target how to do this later in the year.
or pay by direct debit. Payment
by encouraging home composting,
can be made online or by calling For more information visit
which is the most sustainable way
01934 888 802. www.n-somerset.gov.uk/gardenwaste
to dispose of garden waste.
10 per cent discount
when you sign up by
Friday 16 April
18 North Somerset Life • Spring 2021Recycling
rden waste collections
Could you compost?
If you choose not to sign up for
the garden waste collections
Composting at home
Home composting is the most over the coming weeks to help
you’ll need to decide whether
environmentally friendly and get you started and answer some
composting is right for you, cheapest way of dealing with common questions.
or if you’ll take your garden garden waste.
The Zoom sessions will take place
waste to a recycling centre. Chris Davies, from Uphill, said: from 1-2pm on Wednesday 24
The council is looking at supporting “We have composted for more March and 7.30-8.30pm on
new projects to encourage and years than I can remember. Thursday 1 April.
enable more composting. “You save money on buying bags of Spaces on each session are
compost as well as knowing you are limited. If demand is high more
It hopes to set up more community
doing your bit to save the planet.” dates will be added.
composting sites, such as the one
run by Winford Parish Council. Compost bins can be bought from Book a place by emailing
the council for a discounted price gardenwaste@n-somerset.gov.uk
If you are involved in a local of £10 this year, including access
gardening, nature or community to a free e-learning course.
group, or allotment association, Read about the new
and would be interested in starting The range of composting products council-owned company –
a community composting site, email will also be expanded. North Somerset Environment
Company – taking over
gardenwaste@n-somerset.gov.uk Online Zoom talks with an expert
recycling and waste services in
in composting will also take place
March. See page 4
Collecting recycling and waste in the pandemic
Recycling and waste M navigating big collection vehicles your bins and boxes. Make
around more parked cars as sure items such as tissues and
collections have continued in more people stayed and worked PPE are bagged and placed in
North Somerset throughout at home. your waste bin. Put used tissues
Avoid parking on corners and and disposable cleaning cloths
the coronavirus pandemic.
opposite junctions to help avoid securely within disposable
Crews have faced new challenges: missed collections. If a recycling rubbish bags. Place into another
vehicle can’t get through, neither bag, tie securely and keep
M collecting an extra 80 tonnes of can an emergency vehicle separate from other waste for at
recycling per week on average, least 72 hours before putting in
compared to 2019. M keeping crews safe
your external bin.
Can you reduce and reuse as Help crews by washing your
much as possible in 2021? hands before and after moving
www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 19Weston emergency
Climate Vision
Working
together to cut
carbon emissions
Tackling climate change is at a critical point as world leaders head to the UK later this year re-affrm their
commitments in halting a global emergency.
Scientists say that countries have Being greener is also one of the Area-wide emissions can only be
only a limited time to act if the council’s over-riding corporate reported annually when national
world is to stave off the worst aims so climate change is now a data becomes available but some
effects of climate change. deciding factor in all policy and council emission fgures can be
strategy decisions going forward. reported more regularly.
The good news is that many of the
world’s largest economies are on- This also means the council needs The latest report compares
board, such as Joe Biden moving to to take a leadership role across the emissions for April to September
reinstate the US to the Paris climate area to encourage, support and 2019 to the same period in 2020.
agreement just hours after becoming enable others to reduce their own
Results shows a dramatic reduction
president, and China’s pledge to be carbon emissions.
of 29 per cent – more than 1,000
carbon neutral by 2060.
tonnes of CO2 – between the two
Locally, North Somerset Council
Progress on becoming a years, mainly due to different ways
declared a climate emergency carbon-neutral council of working because of coronavirus
in February 2019 and later that and factors such as the on-going
Carbon emissions are regularly
year published its frst action plan switch to LED street lighting.
reviewed by North Somerset
towards becoming carbon neutral
Council as it works to become a
by 2030 and to support residents
carbon neutral organisation and
to lead greener lives.
area by 2030.
Make or break Under the Paris Agreement,
governments agreed to avoid the
worst impacts of climate change by
World leaders are coming to the trying to limit global temperature
UK later this year in a ‘make or increases to well below 2ªC above
break’ moment to tackle climate pre-industrial levels by the end of
change. the century.
Glasgow is hosting the UN Climate However, scientists say that the
Change Conference of the Parties world is currently on track to hit
(COP26) in November, a follow-up 3ªC of warming by the end of the
to the Paris summit of 2015. century.
20 North Somerset Life • Spring 2021Climate
Weston
emergency
Vision
Make a change
Small changes can make a
big difference to our carbon
emissions, such as what we eat,
the products we buy, how we
power our homes and the way
we travel.
Read North Somerset Council’s
Businesses now face many Potential projects could help climate emergency strategy, plus
challenges as a result of Covid-19 businesses save money on their how to make greener choices in
but the council’s new economic energy bills and reduce their your daily life, at
plan sets out commitments to build greenhouse gas emissions. www.n-somerset.gov.uk/
a green, digital, people-centred climatechange
The grants can help fund between
recovery.
40 and 80 per cent of eligible costs,
f NatureandClimateNorthSomerset
There is also an opportunity to depending on the project chosen and
promote tourism in the area as a the size and location of the business.
low-carbon alternative to travelling
A free carbon survey and report is
Be a climate hero
abroad, as well as low carbon
also available to help businesses Use a simple tool to calculate your
investment such as retroftting
decide on which project they would own carbon footprint at
buildings and community
like to fund. www.pawprint.eco
renewable energy.
Green Business Grants are funded
Green Business Grants through the West of England
up for grabs Combined Authority’s West of
England Recovery Fund and the
Grants of up to £15,000 are European Regional Development
available to small and medium-sized Fund.
businesses in North Somerset to help
They are available until
them go greener.
Friday 25 June. Visit
www.westofengland-ca.gov.uk/
business/green-business-grants
This would be
catastrophic, Becoming Carbon activities, and to help people be
leading
to extreme
Literate motivated to reduce emissions.
heatwaves, As a result, North Somerset Council
A training programme in Carbon
wildfres, foods and droughts, was awarded a bronze award from
Literacy has been established at
losing the ability to grow food and the Carbon Literacy Trust, named the
North Somerset Council for offcers
crops, coral reefs being destroyed, frst Carbon Literate Organisation in
and councillors.
global sea levels rising and tens of the South West, and the frst English
millions of people displaced. The training aims to create an Carbon Literate local authority
awareness of the carbon dioxide outside Greater Manchester, where
www.ukcop26.org
costs and impacts of different the scheme originated.
www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 21Today is the day
There’s never been a more important time to stop smoking than now.
Smoking kills over 100,000 UK residents
every year and this was before the pandemic. Stopping smoking allows your body
If you smoke, now is the time to quit so that
you can stay healthy and out of hospital.
to repair itself.
After eight hours oxygen levels return to normal; after two
Covid-19 can cause life threatening damage days, your lungs start clearing out smoking debris; after three
to the lungs, heart and compromises the days breathing becomes easier; and within weeks, your heart
body’s immune system. attack risk begins to drop.
Smoking also damages the heart, lungs and Exposure to second-hand smoke also increases the risk of
immune system placing you at greater risk of complications from respiratory infections, especially in children.
developing severe disease from Covid-19.
It also increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes and cancer.
If you smoke, you are more likely to develop During this time, when people are spending most of their time
long-term health conditions such as diabetes, at home, it’s important to protect others from tobacco smoke.
emphysema as well as many types of cancer,
heart attacks and strokes increasing the
likelihood of hospitalisation.
Smokefree North Somerset can offer you
the support you need to successfully stop Due to Covid-19 restrictions, all support is currently
smoking. delivered via telephone or video chat.
It offers a 12-week programme of expert Call 01275 546 744, text HELP to 0780 000 1316
behavioural support with a trained, or visit www.smokefreenorthsomerset.co.uk
friendly advisor and stop smoking aids
For more information on covid-19 and smoking visit
which are free for those who don’t pay for
www.todayistheday.co.uk
prescriptions, or at a greatly reduced cost for
those who do pay.
22 North Somerset Life • Spring 2021Local events
The changing face of events
North Somerset has always had a lively and Go online to find up-to-date
listings of any virtual or
diverse events calendar with many long-standing in-person event:
and much-loved annual events. Performance art organisation
Theatre Orchard hosts digital
But the Covid-19 pandemic means As Life went to print, the spring/ experiences to fll the soul. Visit
it’s been an incredibly tough year summer events calendar was www.theatreorchard.org.uk or fnd
for the events industry, one which still uncertain but, with the ever- them on social media at
is largely supported by freelancers increasing number of vaccinations www.facebook.com/
and very often volunteers. taking place, work was being done TheTheatreOrchard
behind-the-scenes to prepare for a
Damage to the supply chain, rising Cultural organisation Culture
time when some form of outdoor
costs of implementing Covid-19 Weston organises its own events and
events can return, restrictions
measures on-site and current promotes other agencies. Visit
permitting.
uncertainty means it is still a huge www.cultureweston.org.uk or
challenge. Some organisers have also risen www.facebook.com/cultureweston
to the challenge by hosting events
The events industry was forced to Find out about events taking place at
online, with ever more innovative
adapt last year and a small number the Tropicana this year
ways of working and presenting
of Covid-safe events took place www.tropicanaweston.co.uk
their events virtually.
under government guidelines at Follow North Somerset Council’s
the time. seafront Facebook page for
updates, at www.facebook.com/
westonseafront
Harry’s Cider at the eat:Portishead festival last year
www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 23Take time
Take time out
out––Walk
Walk
A wander in Weston Woods
Take a woodland wonder and a trip back in time at Weston Woods.
Weston Woods was grassland until There are many paths to take
Walk information the 1820s when landowner John
Hugh Smyth Pigott planted trees to
through the woods. Those heading
south lead back down to the
Distance: about 1 mile from the create a private game reserve. hillside streets, such as Bristol Road
car park at end of Worlebury Lower, while going north leads
Once the trees began to mature he
Hill Road to the hillfort. towards Kewstoke Road and
opened the woodland for public
Sand Bay.
Diffculty: a fat route. Watch use, creating drives and walks to
your footing on the hillfort. take in the views. A wooden play area provides fun
Can get muddy so wellies for younger children, while older
During the First World War about
recommended. ones can visit the purpose-built
80 per cent of the trees were felled
BMX track.
Be Covid aware: the woods for military use.
are popular with walkers At a junction in the paths is the
Since then, the wood has naturally
and dog owners. Be mindful water tower, built in 1925 to
re-vegetated.
of up-to-date lockdown supply houses in Worlebury.
restrictions and abide by the Weston Woods covers about 130
On the wall nearby is a blue
latest guidance, including hectares and the south-eastern
plaque marking when General
that on hygiene and physical section, called Ashcombe
Dwight Eisenhower visited Weston
distancing. Wood, is classed as
Woods for one night in 1944
ancient semi-natural
en-route to the D-Day landings.
woodland.
Troops camped in Weston Woods
This area is
between the Toll Road and the
best visited
water tower, hidden from enemy
in Spring
planes by the tree cover.
when the
ground is The blue plaque was installed last
covered in year by Weston-super-Mare Town
wildfowers. Council.
24 North Somerset Life • Spring 2021Take
Taketime
timeout
out –– Walk
Walk
To the west of the water tower you Hillforts Worlebury Camp covers about
might see the Picwinnard cairn, a are 10 hectares and has a set of
mound of stones. defended seven banks and ditches on the
settlements – mostly found on eastern ramparts.
The stones were built up in previous
hilltops – that are surrounded by
centuries by fsherman from The banks appear as rubble now
circuits of banks and ditches.
Birnbeck Island, who would throw a but in the Iron Age they would have
stone on the pile for good luck. It may have been home to about been dry-stone walls, also called
200 people in the Iron Age. Many ramparts, up to 20 foot high.
From the water tower there are
hillforts would have been places
two paths to take, both leading to These are most impressive at the
of refuge, though, and not always
Worlebury Camp Hillfort (the left- eastern end, with a single rampart
lived in year-round.
hand path is less muddy). still visible along the southern slope.
In the Iron Age most people would
This Iron Age hillfort dominates the The holes in the ground within the
have lived in small settlements
western end of Weston Woods and hillfort are stone-cut grain storage
and farmsteads throughout the
was designated as a scheduled pits. Ninety-three were excavated
landscape and farmed the fertile
monument in 1915, a nationally in the 19th century with discoveries
higher ground.
important archaeological site due of charred grain, weapons and
to its rare coastal location, size Remnants of the prehistoric feld animal bones.
and considerable defences. system, known as Celtic felds, are
still visible today to the east on
Worle Hill.
A detailed plan of the hillfort from the 1886 survey, taken from the book
Worlebury: An Ancient Stronghold in the County of Somerset by CW Dymond (1886).
www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 25Putting
sustainability
at the heart of
major projects
A number of major One survey focussed on local bat
populations and how they move
infrastructure projects are
around the area.
planned for North Somerset
Banwell sits in some of the
over the coming years and
North Somerset and Mendip Bat
sustainability is at the heart of Specialist Conservation Area,
each one. which is one of the region’s
European sites of international
In February 2019 North Somerset
importance for wildlife.
Council declared a climate
emergency and it aims to become It provides a habitat for two bat
a carbon neutral council and area species – the Greater and Lesser
The surveys give a clear
by 2030. Horseshoe bats – and includes
understanding of how many bats
hibernation roosts such as Banwell
This includes taking big steps are in the area, how they use the
Bone Caves.
towards a more energy-effcient environment, and how the council
built environment and the use of These caves provide a cool and can ensure steps are taken to
more renewable energies. consistent temperature for the bats protect their populations in the
to slow their metabolic rate and bypass’ design.
Life takes a look at what this means
sleep through winter rather than
for two upcoming projects… Other studies include wintering
look for food.
bird surveys, archaeological
The landscape around Banwell surveys, ground investigations and
Protecting the bats offers a rich foraging habitat that watercourse surveys to improve
understanding of potential food
of Banwell
helps feed and maintain the bat
population throughout the rest of risks.
the year.
The council is due to appoint a
Over winter, ecological surveys
Protection of local wildlife is a key contractor to draw up designs
were carried out in the area of the
priority for the Banwell bypass for the bypass this spring and
proposed Banwell bypass.
project. results from these surveys will help
These surveys are vital to help ensure the project meets ambitious
understand and reduce the environmental standards.
environmental impacts of the
bypass’ design.
26 North Somerset Life • Spring 2021Green future for school expansion
Environmentally friendly More environmentally friendly
materials and techniques will
building materials and be included in design and
renewable energy sources renewable sources will make the
will be key priorities of building more energy effcient.
design for a new school site In addition to its green
in North Somerset. credentials, the Winterstoke
Hundred Academy scheme will
Winterstoke Hundred Academy, also offer a range of learning
in Locking Parklands, Weston- and job opportunities for local
super-Mare, welcomed its frst people.
pupils in September and the
planned expansion will provide Plans include a new pavilion
900 additional places when for a Winterstoke Hundred
complete. Sustainability Academy, which
Further wildlife surveys will then
will showcase modern methods
take place later in the year so that Contractor Kier was chosen to of construction and provide
badgers, otters, birds and more design the expansion, in part, employment and training
can be properly protected as the because of its record of building support for a range of trades,
project moves forward. to top environmental standards. technical and professional roles
The bypass designs will be put to Kier is also certifed by the in sustainable construction.
consultation later in the year and Carbon Trust Standard for best It is hoped these roles will
work is expected to be completed practice in carbon management. be available to local young
in 2024.
The new school building is people looking to start a career
Once fnished, the bypass will a major investment so it’s in construction, as well as
help to reduce local environmental important to look to the future other residents wanting to try
impacts, such as traffc congestion and refect that in the building something new.
in Banwell village, and support design. Consultation on the school
the development of future homes
expansion designs will start in
subject to the new Local Plan.
the spring.
The scheme is funded by the
government’s housing agency
Homes England, after North
Somerset Council successfully bid
for £97.1m.
The money will also fund a
range of other infrastructure
improvements, such as the
expansion of Winterstoke Hundred
Academy in Locking Parklands.
www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 27You can also read
