The NEWS Bradford on Avon Town Council Spring 2021
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the NEWS
Bradford on Avon Town Council
Spring 2021
Committing to a greener future
Photo: Over The Top Drones
At the Full Council meeting in early n The Climate and Ecological Emergency Strategy with community groups such as Climate
January, Town Councillors unanimously outlines Council plans for Bradford on Avon to 2025 Friendly Bradford on Avon and the
approved a Climate and Ecological This year’s funding includes up BoA Preservation Trust, alongside local
Emergency Strategy, outlining how the to £16,000 to be spent on grants businesses and organisations further
Council will tackle the joint emergencies specifically aimed at addressing the afield who may bring specific expertise
up until 2025. joint emergencies, with £6,000 of this to the table.
The strategy provides for around allocated to projects to be devised by This way of working has already seen
£100,000 of funding in 2021-22, and young people in the town. Applications councillors from the Environment and
commits the Town Council to allocating to these funds are open now. For Planning Committee involved in a pilot
at least 10 per cent of its annual budget more information, please visit https:// project with the Centre for Sustainable
to this work in future years. bradfordonavontowncouncil.gov.uk/ Energy and the University of Exeter,
Projects supported by the funding will climate-and-ecological-emergency- trialling software that gives detailed
include: installation of EV charging community-fund/ information on local carbon emissions
points at various locations in the town; The Strategy identifies the importance to highlight areas needing attention.
provision of Terracycling collection of continuing engagement with Leader of the Council, Cllr Dom
points; provision of recycling bins; and other local authorities – recognising Newton, said: “People sometimes ask
procurement of electric vehicles for use that issues affecting climate and what we, as a Town Council, or even
by the town wardens and CEVs. biodiversity reach across parish and individuals, can realistically do to
Communication is also recognised as county perimeters. It also commits to address a global issue. The answer is
a key area to support on an ongoing greener approaches to planning and simple; we can’t do everything but we
basis. The new Climate and Ecological town development, looking forward can do something. If everyone does
Emergency section of the Town to Town Council projects such as the what they can, that can quickly add up
Council’s website is leading the way in skatepark (see page 4) and Culver Close to real change.”
supporting the public’s understanding Pavilion, future tree planting and the n To read the full Climate and
of this issue, and will continue to implementation of recommendations Ecological Emergency Strategy and
provide information on how we can all arising from the recently completed find out more about how the Town
play a role – through our own actions biodiversity survey. Council is implementing it, visit https://
– to reduce our carbon footprint and In addition, it notes the value of bradfordonavontowncouncil.gov.uk/
support biodiversity. collaborative approaches and work climate-ecological-emergencies/
Visit our website at www.bradfordonavontowncouncil.gov.uk
1
Spending increase won’t be
passed on to householders
In January, Town Councillors agreed to address catastrophes in the future.
the budget for the financial year 2021- It is great to be able to support the
Wiltshire Council is currently consulting 22, with an increase in Town Council community in this way for the long term.”
residents on the Wiltshire Local Plan, spending across several key areas. These
Cllr Dom Newton, Leader of the Town
with 9 March as the deadline for include taking on and maintaining places
Council, said: “Given current levels of
submitting comments. and spaces from Wiltshire Council,
uncertainty, now is not the time to be
maintaining the Town Council’s ongoing
The Local Plan is a Wiltshire Council levying further charges on household
response to the Covid-19 public health
document that describes how housing incomes. The ongoing economic
emergency and tackling the Climate and
needs will be met at both county and repercussions of the pandemic and as-
Ecological Emergencies.
local level up to 2036. It provides an yet unclear effects of the Brexit deal have
The spending increase amounts to to be taken into account.
indication of the quantity of new houses
£73,100 on the 2020-21 budget.
that will need to be built, and possible “It has also taken considerably longer
However, Councillors agreed to maintain
sites that they could be built on. It will for Wiltshire Council to hand over assets
the precept, (the small proportion of
guide developers, Wiltshire Council, to the Town Council than previously
households’ Council Tax that is raised
Town and Parish Councils, in assessing envisaged – meaning that monies
directly for the Town Council), at the same
new sites and planning applications. have been raised to help cover those
level as last year. Therefore, there will be
no increase in the precept in 2021-22, increased expenditures in previous years,
The Local Plan will directly affect how
with the increase in spending instead adding to the ample reserves held by the
much additional housing Bradford on
being funded from the Town Council’s Town Council.
Avon is expected to accommodate
within the town boundary over the next reserves. “Based on these factors, even with a small
15 years, and also in nearby areas such Deputy Mayor and Chair of the increase in spending, we felt that there
as Trowbridge and Hilperton. Environment & Planning Committee, Cllr was no way to justify a further increase in
Alex Kay, said: “I’m particularly glad to local taxation, when so many are already
As a resident, your views are important
see a significant portion of this budget struggling financially.”
to that exercise; it’s your town, and
this is your opportunity to help decide directed towards Climate and Ecological We will be releasing details of spending
how it will develop over the coming Emergency measures, including green plans, as set out in the new budget,
decades. Initial sites that Wiltshire space management and tree-planting. in due course. For information from
Council has noted as potential “In these times of Covid-19, perhaps other public authorities which make up
development sites include Woolley more than ever, we gain so much from the remaining elements of household
Allotments, land adjacent to Holt Road, thriving natural environments, while it Council Tax visit: https://www.wiltshire.
and the Golf Course. These areas differ is also vital that we take urgent steps gov.uk/benefits- council-tax
from the areas of opportunity identified
in the adopted Neighbourhood Plan.
You can submit comments to Wiltshire
Council on the Local Plan via the Town Let’s GROW again ...
Council website.
For much of last year, scores of Bradford so please
Working together
on Avon’s residents took solace in the start
Town Council’s GROW project, which sharing
saw two seed and plant ‘swap stations’ seeds and
A Local Council Climate Action Planning pop up at the St Laurence Road planters consider
workshop was held in November, and the Town Council-owned phone growing
sponsored by BANES Council and box at the top of Whitehill. more
supported by Bradford on Avon Town seedlings
Hundreds of donations of seeds,
Council, to assist local parishes on their than you
seedlings, more mature plants and
journey to carbon neutrality. Leader need for the
plant pots were made throughout the
of the Council, Cllr Dom Newton, who 2021 season.
growing season, with photos of the
liaised with CSE and BANES to make resulting bounties, mainly edible, shared Of course, not everyone will have
provision for Bradford on Avon and by many on the GROW Facebook page something to give at the start, but
our neighbouring parishes to attend, and group: https://www.facebook.com/ collect some seeds from one of the
said: “A huge thanks to CSE for a very GROWBradfordonAvon stations and you will soon have more
informative and inspiring day! It was seedlings than you need and will be
great to meet Councillors from all over As the pandemic rolled on, many, ready to share back.
North–West Wilts and BANES; to hear whether experienced or new to growing, To help you along, we have produced a
about the actions they are taking or found pleasure in developing their skills handy reminder timetable of what and
considering, and also giving the Town and the ability to attain a degree of self- when to grow, and we are really looking
Council the opportunity to showcase sufficiency. So it seems fitting that, as we forward to seeing your plant and
some of our projects for those just now enter a second year of restrictions, produce photos as the days lengthen
starting on the path.” To discover more the project re-launches! and weather brightens up. Visit https://
about CSE’s Local Council Action And this time, we are ahead! Anyone bradfordonavontowncouncil.gov.uk/
Planning days visit: https://www.cse.org. can join in, with giving to others grow-bradford-on-avon to download
uk/news/view/2516 bringing just as much joy as receiving, the GROW timetable.
2
Funding boost for protected woodland
In April 2020, the Town Council
Photo: Lydia Booth Photography
facilitated and supported the purchase
of Becky Addy Wood on behalf of the
community. The wood is one of the few
remaining ancient woodlands in the
area and a refuge for many rare and
protected species.
The project was initially brought to
the attention of the Town Council by
members of the Environment and
Planning Committee and the Friends
of Becky Addy Wood (FROBAW), and
although the wood lies just outside the
parish perimeter, it directly serves the
community in terms of access to green
space and is a valuable asset in terms
of further increasing and protecting the
biodiversity of the local area. n A grant from Cotswolds National landscape will help to improve and care for Becky
Addy Wood
We are now thrilled to announce
that we have been successful in our the Cotswolds Youth Panel, who helped the Town Council,
application to Caring for the Cotswolds; review the recent round of applications. we look forward to
a grant scheme run by Cotswolds This project will provide immediate improving Becky
National Landscape. A grant of £2,480 benefits, as well as helping to inform Addy’s Ancient Woodland habitat with
has been awarded, representing 40 per and facilitate future work.“ bird, bat and mammal boxes, learning
cent of the project budget, to assist the The project entails the development much more about the wildlife that is
Town Council and FROBAW to improve of a management plan to protect the there, and being equipped with some
the wood, for nature and people, for the site whilst enabling access by the tools so that, in due course we can help
long term. public, undertake tree safety surveys, carry out further work on the ground.”
James Webb from Cotswolds National provide tools for conservation tasks as Cllr Alex Kay, Chair of the Environment
Landscape said: “We were pleased well as necessary signs and furniture & Planning Committee, said: “Protection
to receive this application, having such as benches. FROBAW volunteers of Becky Addy Wood and areas like it is
provided advice in the past to help will be consulted and enlisted in a key part of the Town Council’s strategy
conserve the wood. Ancient woodland implementation, continuing their much to address the Climate and Ecological
is the UK’s most biodiverse habitat appreciated work to date. Emergencies, and this grant, as part
and every effort should be made to A FROWBAW spokesperson said: “With of the wider project, will help us to
conserve what precious little remains. this grant from the Cotswolds National understand and protect this habitat for
This was highlighted by the Caring for Landscape and additional funding from future generations.”
Community displays resolve and resilience
A message from the Leader of the Council, Cllr Dom Newton
M
eeting the needs of our Margaret’s Hall for use by the over a much longer period of time.
community in response to vaccination programme, when They also play into discussions around
Covid-19 has been, and will requested by the local NHS Primary the town’s future: on housing needs
remain, a key priority for the Town Care Network, and will continue to and eco-building; protection of our
Council. In the last year, we have facilitate the Community Emergency river habitats and green spaces;
provided support, directly and Volunteers and others in supporting improvements of infrastructure to
through organisations like the Hub; those who need additional help. promote use of electric vehicles
developed positive activity projects We also acknowledge the economic and improved air quality. Following
like Grow BOA; and run innovative impact of the pandemic on individuals. publication of our own strategy to
communications campaigns to provide While we have agreed an increase in address the emergencies, we hope to
advice, support and information. spending for 2021-22, this increase see these issues reflected in Wiltshire
We have also sought to help local will be met out of Town Council Council’s Local Plan, and its response
independent traders through the reserves, and not passed on through to the joint emergencies.
#ShopLocal scheme and expanded the precept (see page 2). Household Although this has been a long, hard 12
the Explore Bradford on Avon website, incomes are already under pressure, months for everyone, that has tested
www.bradfordonavon.co.uk, as well as and Councillors felt that it would not be us time and again, the support and
enabling pedestrians to safely navigate fair to increase that at this time. care that we have witnessed in the
the town centre through the ongoing As pervasive as tackling the pandemic community over that time has been
social distancing scheme. is, we are mindful not to lose sight amazing.
Local efforts have been underpinned of the other emergencies facing Whatever the future holds, it is certain
by substantial time and financial the town and the wider world. Our that our community will respond with
input from the Town Council. This declarations of the Climate and resolve and resilience, and by looking
will continue in 2021 and beyond Ecological Emergencies call for no less after each other. Something that makes
if necessary. We have offered St urgency and no less effort – probably us all very proud to serve you.
3
Triple boost for skatepark plan Hub co-ordinator
is 2020’s
Photo: Lydia Booth Photography
Shining Light
The past year stands out for many
reasons, and though some we may not
look back on fondly, the way members
of our community have gone above
and beyond has been phenomenal.
And this has made the choice for the
‘Shining Light of Bradford on Avon
2020’ particularly challenging.
Nominees for the award, in its third
year, came from businesses, charities
and volunteer groups, all of which
played a part in responding to
Covid-19.
There had to be a winner though, and
we are pleased to announce 2020’s
Shining Light as Avril Clarke, Volunteer
Co-ordinator of The Hub, which has
n Idris and Wren Jones were handed a cheque for £3,000 by Bradford on Avon-based AB Dynamics. Idris, Wren and
their friend Kai (pictured on Idris’ deck) kicked off the project in 2018 with their presentation to the Town Council supported hundreds of families in the
Bradford on Avon area and seen huge
The project to build a new skatepark be able to be used by scooters, BMX growth in demand over the past few
has gained further momentum with bikers and roller skaters. The Maverick months. Avril was awarded her Shining
confirmation that the facility – to be built Skateparks design has been developed Light trophy by Deputy Mayor, Cllr
on the site of the old park at Poulton – will in consultation with local wheeled- Alex Kay, along with a huge hamper of
be classed as ‘permitted development’ sports enthusiasts, including Idris Jones goodies donated by the Bradford on
and will not need planning permission. In (aged 11), whose dad, Carl Jones, wrote Avon branch of Sainsbury’s.
line with the Town Council’s declaration to Leader of the Council, Cllr Dom
of a Climate Emergency, the project Newton, in 2018 to ask for the park to be
Photo: Lydia Booth Photography
will also include a means of carbon replaced. Idris and friends subsequently
off-setting, to ensure any environmental attended Town Council meetings to
impact is mitigated. present their plea for help, after which
Fundraising has got off to a great start, members resolved to take the project
with over £4,000 being raised to date forward.’
from the community via a GoFundMe Cllr Newton said: “Having been involved
page and through support from with this project since 2018, it really is
Christine’s Sustainable Supermarket, as great news that the project can now
well as a donation of £3,000 from local move forward. Given how important
technology firm, AB Dynamics. outside space and activities have
A spokesperson from AB Dynamics become in recent times, seeing the
explained why they have supported the skatepark finally become reality will be a
project: “Bradford on Avon is the home huge moment for the town.
of AB Dynamics and, as such, we want “I would very much like to thank all those n Avril, left, was awarded her Shining Light trophy
to ensure the best for the town and who have contributed so far, including by Deputy Mayor, Cllr Alex Kay
local community. We actively support the sizeable sum from AB Dynamics, and
ventures which benefit the development
of young people and encourage them to
encourage everyone to get behind the
project in any way that they feel able.”
Grants for bright ideas
reach their full potential; offering work Do you have a brilliant idea for
n If you would like to make a personal
experience placements, internships and cheering, connecting and inspiring
donation to the project please visit:
a mentoring scheme. There is no doubt our community over the coming
https://bradfordonavontowncouncil.
in our minds that a new skatepark for months? We’re particularly
gov.uk/a-new-skatepark-for-bradford-
Bradford on Avon will be an essential interested in projects that will
on-avon/. Businesses wishing to
facility for our local kids, young people support the community during
make corporate donations should
and adult skaters alike.” the pandemic: for residents, for
get in touch with our Director of
the town’s independent retailers,
Work is now underway to finalise the Operations, Ian Brown via: ian@
and projects that will address or
design of the skatepark, which will also bradfordonavontowncouncil.gov.uk
raise awareness of the Climate and
Ecological Emergencies. Grants are
You can keep up to date with local news, and available to help get schemes off
the ground: more details at https://
contact your Town Councillor, via our website at bradfordonavontowncouncil.gov.
www.bradfordonavontowncouncil.gov.uk uk/bring-your-ideas-to-life/
4
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