Prepare for winter weather - North Somerset Council
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WINTER 2019 Prepare for winter weather
Revised recycling and waste
collections this Christmas
Recycling and waste collection days will change slightly over the festive period to allow
for bank holidays. Check your calendar online at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/calendars to
make sure you put the right bins out on the correct day.
If your normal Your revised collection
collection day is: day will be:
Monday 23 December as normal
Tuesday 24 December as normal
Wednesday 25 December Friday 27 December
Thursday 26 December Saturday 28 December
Friday 27 December Monday 30 December All collections
Monday 30 December Tuesday 31 December will return to
normal on Monday
Tuesday 31 December Thursday 2 January 13 January.
Wednesday 1 January Friday 3 January
Thursday 2 January Saturday 4 January
Friday 3 January Monday 6 January
Monday 6 January Tuesday 7 January
Tuesday 7 January Wednesday 8 January
Wednesday 8 January Thursday 9 January
Thursday 9 January Friday 10 January
Friday 10 January Saturday 11 January
Recycling centres Garden waste day between Monday 20 and
North Somerset’s three recycling Garden waste will not be collected Friday 31 January. Christmas trees
centres in Backwell, Portishead and between Monday 23 December can also be taken to one of the
Weston-super-Mare are now on and Friday 17 January so that area’s three recycling centres and
their winter opening hours. extra vehicles can be used to put into the garden waste skip.
collect excess festive recycling.
All centres will be closed on Collecting extra recycling
Christmas Day, Boxing Day and If you’re signed up to the garden Christmas is the busiest time for
New Year’s Day. waste service then your real collection crews. Due to extra waste
Christmas tree – up to two meters created, you might see a different
Find locations, opening hours high and minus the decorations recycling vehicle. Although the way
and what to take there at www.n- and pot – will be collected from the it’s collected may change, it will be
somerset.gov.uk/recyclingcentres kerbside on your usual collection recycled as normal.
Turn to page 13 to find out what to do with your recycling if severe weather hits the area.
Dear reader...
In October members of the council’s especially affordable to rent and May we wish all our residents a
executive met with town and buy and the infrastructure to very Merry Christmas and Happy
parish councillors from across support that, plus regenerating New Year.
North Somerset as part of our our towns while at the same time
The Executive
commitment to listen to residents addressing the climate emergency
and to respond. At that meeting by doing these things sustainably. Cllr Don Davies (Independent)
Leader of North Somerset Council
we introduced our vision for North
The other challenges have not gone Cllr Mike Bell (Liberal Democrat)
Somerset going forward - more
Deputy Leader
open, fairer and greener. away either. Austerity hasn’t ended
Cllr Mark Canniford (Liberal Democrat)
as far as we can see and we shall
Cllr Ashley Cartman (Liberal Democrat)
This is the basis of our Corporate be giving you our proposals on
Cllr Caritas Charles (Independent)
Plan, how we want to run this what we need to do to address the
Cllr Catherine Gibbons (Labour)
authority over the next four years to budget gap in December. We shall
Cllr Bridget Petty (Green)
serve you. We shall be consulting welcome your input.
Cllr James Tonkin (Independent)
further with staff, residents,
businesses and so on to make sure
we understand your views as we
produce the finished document.
The plan will guide how we
deal with the very big issues we
face - how we look after our
vulnerable residents, how we
realise opportunities for all, how
we provide more jobs and homes,
Contents
4 News update 20 Keeping roads clear
10 Plan ahead for winter 24 Love your place: Clevedon
weather 26 Climate emergency
12 Help keep your 28 Catering for children with
communities safe complex needs
14 A hot meal with a friendly 30 Fostering celebrations
visit
34 Budget update
16 Stay active and warm this
47 Contact details
winter
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
Rewilding North Somerset
Wildlife will be flourishing across North Somerset as part of a rewilding project to create more
habitats and help mitigate the effects of climate change.
North Somerset Council declared
a Climate Emergency in February
and in July councillors voted
unanimously to adopt a rewilding
programme across the area.
Since then, officers have been
identifying council-owned verges,
parks and open spaces as
potential sites for rewilding.
This will include both tree planting
www.n-somerset.gov.uk/parks
and tall grass areas.
www.n-somerset.gov.uk/consult
More information will be coming Turn to page 26 for more information about the climate emergency
soon, along with the chance to and actions being taken.
comment on a consultation.
ADVE RTIS E ME N T
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An
Registered Charity 202151
Enjoy a full and active retirement at Sandford To find out more or book a place
Station Retirement Village in North Somerset on an open day call 0117 919 4262.
Or visit our show home open every
www.stmonicatrust.org.uk/villages/sandford-station Thursday 10am-12noon.
4 North Somerset Life • Winter 2019
For the latest updates on North Somerset’s news visit www.n-somerset.gov.uk/news
Volunteers needed for Become a Shared Lives
new charity shop and carer and change
telephone helpline someone’s life
Could you help build confidence and
Volunteers are needed to help run a new charity
shop in Weston-super-Mare which has recently independence for an adult with learning
been opened by the Samaritans. differences, dementia or mental health
difficulties and develop their positive
The shop, in the High Street, opposite the entrance to
relationships?
Grove Park, opened in the summer and sells clothes,
bric-a-brac, haberdashery and vintage items.
Money raised from the shop helps fund the charity’s
24-hour telephone helpline for people struggling
to cope. As well as creating the shop, the Weston-
super-Mare branch of Samaritans also carried out
extensive renovation work to the building.
It moved its operations centre to the ground floor and North Somerset Council’s Shared Lives scheme is
created disabled access, so opening up volunteering looking for people who could provide long-term care,
opportunities to those with mobility issues. short breaks and day support to vulnerable adults
Branch director Andy said: “We are delighted within the local community.
that we now have full wheelchair access to our The Shared Lives service has recently expanded and is
building. “It means we can now welcome those now also working to meet the needs of older adults.
with disabilities to join our team
As a result, more carers are needed who could
of volunteers, as well as
provide placements and day support to help reduce
provide a ground floor
isolation and loneliness for some of the most vulnerable
space for members of
adults in the community.
the public who would
like face-to-face advice Shared Lives is looking for people who can support
from our team.” others to stay active in their community and live a
meaningful life, by supporting existing relationships
The charity is now and encouraging participation in social groups,
seeking volunteers to join community activities and hobbies.
its shop and listening teams.
The Weston-super-Mare and North Somerset branch Studies show that just one hour a week of social
of Samaritans is one of over 200 throughout the UK. interaction can improve the quality of life for those
living with dementia. Carers can provide day support
Last year volunteers at the local branch responded that is flexible and can fit around their own lifestyle
to 15,350 telephone calls for help, as well as and routines.
answering more than 1,000 emails and 600 text
Carers receive good rates of pay and receive
messages. Calls to Samaritans are free on 116 123.
extensive training and support with regular visits from
a Shared Lives co-ordinator.
To find out more about the
volunteering opportunities, email If you’re interested in becoming a Shared
samaritansrecruitmentwsm@yahoo.com, call Lives carer, get in touch for more information
07852 962 909 or pop into the shop, which is and an application form on 01275 888 368 or
open six days a week from 10 am-4pm. sharedlives@n-somerset.gov.uk
www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 5
News
Settlement scheme for EU citizens Check you’ve
Are you an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen living in North Somerset?
got the right
bank sort code
If so, you and your family can The deadline for applying will be
apply for the EU Settlement Scheme 31 December 2020.
for council
to continue living in the UK after 30
June 2021.
If your application is successful, If you pay council tax, business
you’ll get either settled or pre- rates or any other bill to North
settled status. Somerset Council by standing
You may be able to stay in the UK order, online or over-the-counter
without applying - for example then you need to check the
if you’re an Irish citizen or have details are correct.
indefinite leave to remain.
The council’s bank sort code was
changed two years ago but up
Find out more about the scheme and how to apply at
until now payments have been
www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families
redirected automatically.
You can also call the Home Office helpline on 0300 123 7379
(Mon-Fri, 8am-8pm; Sat-Sun, 9.30am-4.30pm) However, this is now stopping so
you need to check and update
your payment
Applications now open for new school places details
otherwise
Now is the time to apply for school It’s very important to apply by the your payment
places if your child is due to start closing date to stand a chance of will be
school next September. being offered your preferred school. rejected.
If your child was born between 1 Parents can name up to three If you pay by direct
September 2015 and 31 August preferences, for schools both within debit then this will have been
2016 you can now apply for a and outside North Somerset. updated automatically so you do
reception place for September 2020 not have to do anything.
Applications can be made online
at an infant, first or primary school.
or on a paper form. For more The original bank sort code was
The closing date is 11.59pm on information and to apply online 20 94 74.
Wednesday 15 January. visit www.n-somerset.gov.uk/
admissions This must be replaced with the
Parents of children who are now new bank sort code – 20 95 08.
in their last year of infant school
Consultation Contact your bank to check.
and are due to transfer to a junior
school will also need to apply by Each year schools are required
this date. to consult on their school 2021 will be available on the
admissions arrangements if relevant school websites and North
there are significant changes Somerset Council’s website (for
to their admissions policies or council maintained schools), for a
oversubscription criteria. six week period between November
and January.
For schools proposing a change,
the consultation for policies relating For Catholic schools, the
to admissions from September consultation runs until December.
6 North Somerset Life • Winter 2019
Weston chosen Landlords invited to free lettings
to host UK Pride event
events Landlords in North Somerset are invited to a free breakfast event to
find out what incentives North Somerset Council offers.
A massive party will come to
Weston in 2021 after the town
was chosen to host the UK Pride
festival.
The UK Pride
Organisers
Network
(UKPON)
chose Weston-
super-Mare to host
the annual event in 2021 at its
annual conference in October.
The event will celebrate freedom,
equality, diversity and inclusion.
The first UK Pride event was in Hull The council’s lettings team is hosting the event on Wednesday 20
in 2017. November at the Winter Gardens, in Weston-super-Mare.
Weston’s local Pride events will The event will promote the council’s free lettings service for landlords
return to the Beach Lawns next and provide information on financial incentives currently being offered
summer on Saturday 18 and in exchange for good quality, affordable accommodation.
Sunday 19 July.
The team is always looking for homes across North Somerset for
families in need of housing.
It provides a comprehensive service to make the letting process as
smooth as possible, with on-going support throughout.
Also attending are representatives from the local landlord accreditation
scheme (NLCE), Private Rented Housing Team, Department of Work
and Pensions and tenancy support.
Enhanced packages are being offered to landlords taking referrals
from Weston’s Night Assessment Centre. A representative will be
available to discuss the support provided to sustain tenancies and
The big UK Pride celebrations ensure long term stability for clients.
will then take place in Weston on The Lettings Team is offering to pay for membership of local
Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 July accreditation scheme NLCE for all landlords attending the event who
2021. are not yet accredited.
l @WSMPride The drop-in event runs from 8.30am to noon. For more
l @UKPrideNetwork information contact the lettings team on 01934 426 484
or lettingsteam@n-somerset.gov.uk
f westonsupermarepride
www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 7
Get the latest news
straight into your inbox
Stay up-to-date with council news,
events and services by signing up
to the North Somerset Life email
newsletter.
The e-newsletter is a monthly round-up
of what’s happening in the area, including
school holiday events, consultations, offers,
recycling updates, travel initiatives and more.
Subscribe online and stay informed at www.northsomersetlife.co.uk
8 North Somerset Life • Winter 2019
Your
Getvoice, your
vocal, beviews
heard
Have your say on council services
Comment on
council consultations
You can have your say on North
Somerset Council’s policies by
taking part in consultations.
All consultations are listed at
www.n-somerset.gov.uk/
consult
Sign-up to receive email alerts
when new consultations are
opened.
If you can’t get online at
home, posters are put up at
the beginning of every month
Have your say on North Somerset Council’s decision-making in all North Somerset libraries
and council connect points,
processes to help the local authority improve its services. such as the Castlewood office
Public trust in politicians and government institutions is at an all-time low in Clevedon, to publicise open
nationally but there are many ways to get involved to feel more motivated, consultations and how to take
represented and engaged. part.
You could take part in surveys, consultations, public meetings or other focus
groups to add your own voice, perspective and experience to the discussion. Public and legal notices
covering a range of council
Speaking at council meetings matters can be viewed online at
Any resident, business ratepayer or someone entitled to vote in North
www.n-somerset.gov.uk/notices
Somerset can request a slot to speak at council meetings.
This might be Full Council, the Executive, the planning and regulatory Get email alerts
committee or policy and scrutiny panels.
for planning
The length of time you can speak varies from three to five minutes applications
depending on the meeting.
Email alerts can tell you when
Contact democratic services to request your slot by noon the day before the new planning applications are
meeting. registered in your chosen area.
Find out more at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/speaking-at-council-meetings or To set it up, visit
contact democratic services on committee.administration@n-somerset.gov.uk www.n-somerset.gov.uk/
or 01934 634 900 lookatplanningapplications
See which meetings are coming up at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/meetings and follow the instructions.
www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 9
Winter is coming
Plan ahead for severe
winter weather
Long-term weather forecasts are hard to predict
but it’s worth being prepared for if severe weather Who to contact for help and advice
returns to North Somerset this winter. � Stay up-to-date with the Met
Office weather warnings at www.
In this edition of Life you’ll find information about
metoffice.gov.uk or download the smartphone
keeping warm and well, getting your flu jab, salting
app.
routes, what to do with your recycling in snowy weather,
and more. � Get flood warnings by signing up to the
Environment Agency’s flood information service
Keep this issue handy throughout the coming months at www.fws.environment-agency.gov.uk
because you never know when you might need it.
� Register to hear flood warnings through your
If there is severe weather, North Somerset Council telephone by calling Floodline on
will give a round-up of information and advice about 0345 988 1188
different services at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/disruption
� If you smell gas or think carbon monoxide is
The council’s social media feeds will also be regularly leaking then call the gas emergency service on
updated. 0800 111 999
� Report or get information about power cuts
l @NorthSomersetC by calling 105, no matter who you buy your
f NorthSomersetCouncil electricity from
� Water leaks can be reported locally to Bristol
Water on 0345 702 3797
10 North Somerset Life • Winter 2019Winter is coming
Festive opening times for
council services
If you’re stocking up on library books or want to burn off those
festive pounds at the gym, here’s a quick round-up of opening
times over Christmas. For full details of all festive opening hours of
council services visit www.n-somerset.gov.uk/festive
Libraries North Somerset Council Friday 27 December:
All libraries will be closed on You can report or do things online All above services close at
�
Christmas Day, Boxing Day, at any time at www.n-somerset. 4pm, except the social services
Friday 27 December and New gov.uk/connect or www.n- number remains open 8am-6pm
Year’s Day. somerset.gov.uk/myaccount
Saturday 28 December:
In addition, Congresbury Normal opening hours apply All above services closed all
�
Community Library will be closed up to and including Monday 23 day, except the social services
on Saturday 28 December. December: number, open 8am-6pm
However, if you’ve attended a Main council switchboard –
�
briefing session and registered
Sunday 29 December:
01934 888 888 (9am-5pm,
for Extended Access, you can All closed
�
Mon-Fri)
visit Worle, Portishead, Yatton or
Winscombe libraries from 8am- Streets and open spaces
� Monday 30 December:
8pm on Friday 27 December and enquiries – 01934 888 802 Normal opening hours
�
New Year’s Day. (9am-5pm, Mon-Fri)
New Year’s Eve:
Council tax and benefits
�
All above services close at
�
service – 01934 888 144
4pm, except the social services
(9am-5pm, Mon-Fri)
number remains open until 6pm
Social services – 01275 888
�
801 (8am-6pm, Mon-Fri)
New Year’s Day:
� All closed
Check your local library for any
Town Hall and Castlewood
�
other opening hour changes at
reception desks – 8.30am-5pm From Thursday
www.n-somerset.gov.uk/libraries
2 January:
Christmas Eve:
Leisure centres � As normal
All above services close at
�
Leisure centres will be closed on
4pm, except the social services
Christmas Day, Boxing Day and
number remains open until
New Year’s Day.
6pm
Opening hours vary on other
days at different centres. Find
Christmas Day and Boxing Day:
contact details for your local All closed
�
centre at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/
leisurecentres
www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 11Community Resilience
Help grit your
hilly street
Hilly areas across North
Somerset have their own grit
bins so you can salt roads and
Help your community public areas yourself.
Grit bins are located near
stay safe in the snow steep hills or areas that are at
risk of repeated freezing, such
as under trees or in shade.
Volunteers across North Somerset daily business.
are needed to help keep their
“The general public are also very
communities safe in the event of appreciative of the clearance work
snow this winter. I do and often stop to chat or just
Snow wardens work across the give a cheery ‘good morning’.”
area to keep essential paths Roles include checking grit bin
clear so that residents in their levels, formulating a plan of action,
communities can still access monitoring the weather forecast
schools, shops, pharmacies, and clearing snow.
surgeries or other facilities in
severe weather. Volunteers are fully insured by The salt is for public use and it
North Somerset Council. is illegal to use it on your own
The scheme launched in 2013 and
more than 100 volunteers have land. If you do, you could be
signed up so far. prosecuted for stealing.
Volunteer Alan single-handedly Use a shovel or spade to get
cleared snow in Nailsea town the salt out because it is very
centre last year. corrosive and could damage
your hands if you pick it up.
He said: “It is very rewarding to
help clear pathways for people Parish and town councils
who are busily going about their pay to have the bins installed
where they are needed and
North Somerset Council fills
How do I become a snow warden? them.
Training to become a snow warden Once you’ve completed the web-
If you spot one that needs
in North Somerset can now be based training, you’ll be able to
refilling then visit www.n-
completed in the comfort of your register as a snow warden and be
somerset.gov.uk/connect or
own home in your own time. issued with hi-vis, a snow shovel,
call 01934 888 802
gloves and an ID badge.
Learn about what’s involved and
what your responsibilities will be Find out more at www.
by completing the online training communityresilience-ns.org.uk or
on the Community Resilience call 01934 426 322
North Somerset website.
12 North Somerset Life • Winter 2019Recycling
Recycling and
waste collections
in severe
weather
Icy roads, hazardous driving conditions and the
extra volume of recycling and waste generated over
the festive period can cause collections to become
disrupted.
How you can help
4 Put your bins and containers out
by 7am on your usual day. Check
www.n-somerset.gov.uk/calendars
4 If collections are missed from a whole street,
you don’t need to report it as it will already
be logged
4 Sorting materials in your recycling box helps
Here’s the advice to follow if severe weather hits North
crews collect quickly and more efficiently.
Somerset this winter…
If your boxes are full please separate each
material into loosely-tied carrier bags and
Waste place next to your containers (except for
Put your wheelie bin or grey council- glass).
issued bags out on your normal collection
day. If it’s not collected, then leave it 4 Any glass bottles and jars must be put in the
out and crews will be back as soon as recycling box to help reduce the likelihood of
possible. crews being injured by unseen glass.
4 Remove packaging from inside large
Food caddy and recycling boxes
cardboard boxes and flatten the boxes
Continue to put these out on your normal
down to the length of your recycling box for
collection day. If they are not collected by
7pm, take them back in and put them out
collection.
again the following week on your normal 4 Extra general waste that doesn’t fit in your
day. black bin will not be collected and should be
taken to a recycling centre or stored until your
Garden waste next collection.
Put your garden waste bins out on your
usual collection day. If they are not 4 Check the council’s website, Facebook and
taken, take them back in and put them Twitter accounts for updates
out again the following month on your
4 Help neighbours who may have difficulties.
scheduled day. There will be no garden
waste collections between Monday 23 www.n-somerset.gov.uk/recycling
December and Friday 17 January.
www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 13Community meals
A hot meal with a Do you drive a 4x4?
friendly visit Community-minded drivers
of 4x4s are needed to help
deliver meals on wheels when
severe weather strikes.
The service relies on
volunteers with 4x4s during
snowfall or adverse icy
conditions to help reach the
most vulnerable people and
ensure they get their food for
the day.
Some of the community meals team based in Weston
If you have a 4x4 and
could help out during severe
Hot meals are delivered daily to to my driver Kate coming with my
weather or at weekends, then
vulnerable people across North hot meal and pudding.
get in touch with the team.
Somerset and the team is now
“I know that she will pick my mail
getting prepared for the critical up on the way through and, as my
winter season. eyesight is not good these days,
Community meals are delivered she tells me what I am going to be
to people who are too frail or ill eating.
to cook for themselves. They can “We have a little natter while she
also be delivered for short periods, is busy plating my meal. It’s one of
to help recover from an illness or the highlights of my day.”
if returning home from hospital.
Drivers also provide a valuable Another regular customer said: “I
welfare check at the same time. have had meals for years, they
They might help with cutting up employ such lovely people.
food, checking the
“Recently I needed
person is comfortable,
my carers to
or calling for help if Community meals
come earlier
there is a problem. cost £5.50 for
because I was in a
predicament and a hot meal and
To cope over winter,
they sorted it for pudding. An
a new route has
me.” additional cold teatime meal
been added into the
costs £3.40. There is no
rounds to support the
Small eco-friendly charge if a meal is cancelled
Clevedon, Nailsea
electric cars are in advance before 9.30am.
and Mendip areas.
used to deliver the
food. If a meal is ordered before
Delivery drivers have
9.30am, it can be delivered
also had their annual
Weekend that day.
flu jabs.
deliveries are
subject to criteria Call 01275 882 155 or
One recipient of
and for the most email commmeals@n-
community meals
Testing the food temperature vulnerable. somerset.gov.uk
said: “I look forward
14 North Somerset Life • Winter 2019Health
Keep flu at bay and
stay healthy this winter
Nobody likes getting ill but it MM
can be a bigger worry if you’re
Call 111 for non-emergencies
older or live with long-term health
conditions. MM Call the free NHS helpline 111
if you need medical help quickly
If you do feel unwell this winter but it’s not an emergency
there are teams of experts on-hand
MM Fully-trained advisers are on-
across North Somerset to help you
hand 24-hours-a-day, seven
get better.
days a week to advise you on
Follow these simple steps to get the which health service you need
right care at the right time – and and how to access it, such as the
help reduce pressure on busy NHS MM Adults who aren’t eligible for a minor injuries unit in Clevedon or
services. free flu jab can get one for about out-of-hours GP services.
£10 at their local pharmacy.
Be prepared
MM Stock up on medicines before the
Christmas holidays start as many
GPs and pharmacies close over
the festive period. Request and
Fight the flu pick up repeat prescriptions in
good time
MM Flu can be very serious,
especially for older people or
those who may be more prone to Stop the spread
serious illness MM Good hand washing can help Make the
MM You can still pass on the virus stop the spread of flu and other pharmacy the
even if you don’t have symptoms illnesses including norovirus. first port of call
so the only way to protect Alcohol hand gels don’t kill
yourself and loved ones is to norovirus so be sure to use soap MM Visit your local pharmacist
have the flu jab and hot water at the first sign of a winter
illness to help prevent it
MM Some people are eligible for MM Norovirus is very unpleasant and
getting worse
a free flu vaccination from the highly contagious. It can be very
NHS, including anyone with serious if it spreads in hospitals MM Pharmacists are qualified
long-term health conditions, or care homes healthcare professionals who
people aged 65 and over, can offer clinical advice and
MM If you’re ill, treat it at home and
children and pregnant women, over-the counter medicines
do not visit healthcare facilities
carers and health and social to manage a range of minor
until you’ve been symptom-free
care workers. All primary concerns, such as coughs,
for two days
school children will get their free colds, sore throats, tummy
MM Follow #NoNoro4Xmas on social troubles and more.
vaccination at school
media for tips to keep healthy.
www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 15Staying active
Stay active Travel roadshow on its way
and warm
Get advice about walking and
cycling through the winter at a
Travelwest Roadshow visiting
this winter
North Somerset this month.
The team will be giving
advice and handing out free
accessories to help keep you
Cycling, walking or jogging can Make yourself visible
active during winter.
still be enjoyed during the winter
Wearing dark colours makes it very
months if you are prepared for Dr Bike mechanics will also
hard for drivers to see pedestrians
whatever the weather may bring. be there to do safety checks,
and cyclists in the dark.
quick fixes and maintenance
Keeping active can be tricky as the
The low winter sun can also reduce recommendations.
nights draw in but if you layer up
driver visibility during the day.
and prepare well you can continue Visit these train stations in
to enjoy the great outdoors. Wear light-coloured or fluorescent November, from 4-7pm each
clothing to increase your visibility day:
Here’s how….
during the day and wear
� Monday 11 – Nailsea
Wrap up warm something reflective after dark.
� Tuesday 12 – Yatton
Wearing warm, breathable It is a legal requirement to have a
layers means you can adjust your white front light, red rear light, a � Wednesday 13 – Worle
clothing and stay comfortable as red rear reflector and amber pedal
reflectors when cycling. White A morning roadshow without
you warm up.
front reflectors will also help you to Dr Bike will take place in
Check the weather before heading be seen. Weston-super-Mare, from
out, wear a good windproof, 8-10am on Thursday 14.
waterproof jacket and suitable Check your bike
footwear.
Consider swapping your tyres
Waterproof boot covers could also for wider ones with better grip Could you
come in handy if cycling. and make sure your brakes are host a travel
maintained.
roadshow?
Mud guards are essential to stop
Businesses in North Somerset
spray from the road. A waterproof
could host their own travel
saddle cover is also a good idea.
roadshow to encourage their
Clean your bike and oil the chain staff to cycle, walk and stay
regularly to keep it running smoothly. active throughout winter.
Be more cautious with your speed as Events could include a prize
wet weather increases your braking draw, goodie bags, active
distances. travel breakfasts and more.
Contact Ruby Tobin on ruby.
f NStravelandroads tobin@n-somerset.gov.uk or
l NStravel_roads 07919 546 401
16 North Somerset Life • Winter 2019Travel
Latest
updates
Follow the
council’s dedicated travel
Get updates about and roads accounts on
social media to get the latest
road disruption
information.
l @NStravel_roads
Snow and ice can cause major said: “When snow is forecast, f nstravelandroads
disruption to the road network we’ll prepare to communicate
but real-time updates could any disruption to local people.
f NSpublictransport
help you plan your journey “We monitor bus operators’
before you step outside. social media feeds or call
Anyone who relies on public operators, if necessary, and
transport to get to work or school share any updates through our
could find themselves stuck if the own social media feeds.
roads are covered in snow. “We can also display messages
North Somerset Council’s on our electronic real-time
integrated transport unit works information screens at bus stops.
behind-the-scenes to collate the “If snow arrives overnight, we’ll
latest information. aim to get the first update out at
Alice Griffin, from the team, about 7am.”
Public transport
Commercial operators run the Visit www.travelwest.info/ For a round-up
majority of North Somerset’s journeyplanner or download the of all council
public transport services so it’s free UK Bus Checker app to your services during
up to them whether a service can smartphone. adverse weather
operate safely. visit www.n-somerset.gov.uk/
Getting to and from school disruption
Follow your local bus operator on
Schools and colleges make their
social media or visit their website
own decisions about whether to
to get the latest information during Check your school or college’s
reduce their opening
times of disruption. website for open or closed
hours or shut
updates.
Plan your journey in advance completely during
bad weather. School transport is usually run
Real-time information on the by independent operators so if
whereabouts of buses and trains The decision will
a school does remain open, the
can help you plan your journey at be made at the
operator will determine whether
any time of the year. earliest opportunity to give enough
buses can run safely.
notice to parents and carers.
www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 17Getting around
True grit
Gritters usually go out in the early 40 per cent of the council’s Salt is used instead of grit because it
morning or after rush hour as they road network is treated. has de-icing properties – grit is only
need to keep moving to spread effective as an abrasive to break
the salt properly. The weight of the down ice and snow.
traffic then helps break up the salt
and make it more effective.
Officers receive weather forecasts
from Metdesk and use this data to
Highways staff are on duty
decide if and when to treat roads. The
24-hours-a-day to monitor
decision is based on road temperature
weather conditions.
not air temperature, as these can be
Six gritter lorries are on quite different. Crews can be called
round-the-clock standby throughout out with two hours’ notice.
winter to salt main routes.
Each gritter now uses
sophisticated software to
control how much salt is
The council’s dispersed, where, and how
Facebook and Twitter accounts widely. This means the driver
The council’s salt barn holds will be updated with news of when
2,000 tonnes of salt. can concentrate on just driving,
the gritters are out and about. so makes it safer.
18 North Somerset Life • Winter 2019Getting around
A dedicated team of council officers work around
the clock to keep North Somerset’s major routes
passable in most conditions.
The team is made up of highway engineers who work
on schemes all year to help improve the condition of
the area’s roads.
From October to April, they also become winter
specialists and provide cover seven days a week.
Find out which roads near your home
or work are gritted by visiting the
interactive map online.
Visit www.n-somerset.gov.uk/
winterroads and put in your postcode to check your
route and help plan your journey.
Six gritters operate in
North Somerset and can
work round-the-clock when
temperatures drop.
The fleet was named following a public vote last year and
includes Burrrrrington, Bleadon-cold, Nailski, Portispread,
Weston-scooper-Mare and Sleetholm.
Each gritter tends to operate in its named area where
possible - so look out for your local one.
Each gritter can each spread between five and 12 tonnes
of salt every time they go out, and travel on average 62
miles per run.
Follow social media feeds for updates:
l @NStravel_roads
f nstravelandroads
www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 19Clearing roads
Keeping you moving
whatever the weather
Winter weather can vary from Gritters are taken out in September
beautiful cool, crisp, dry days to for test runs and to make sure
torrential rain, high winds and everything is in working order.
freezing temperatures. The council’s gully officer checks
North Somerset Council’s highways possible flooding hot-spots and
team wants to keep you moving makes sure the drains in those
and safe, no matter what the areas are clear.
weather throws at you. Any forecasts for extreme
Preparations are made well in downpours will also kick off a
advance and the team starts getting series of extra inspections to reduce
ready for winter while the sun is the likelihood of flooding.
The winds can also bring other
still shining in August. Rain is not the only potential cause issues too.
A spray injection patcher is used of flooding in North Somerset
though - the coastline also brings Area officers carry equipment to
for six weeks to seal roads and fix
risk from the tides. clear any debris that is blown onto
potholes before temperatures start
roads and pavements.
to drop, which increases the risk of Teams monitor the forecasts and
surface cracking and frost damage. deploy the defences if seawater They are linked up to the
levels and winds put towns at a emergency services to respond to
Salt levels are also topped up
high risk of flooding. any other issues that are caused by
during the summer when prices are
poor weather.
cheaper.
20 North Somerset Life • Winter 2019Clearing roads
The council’s emergency team is If they cannot solve the issue but
on call 24-hours-a-day, seven days it is safe for travellers to move
a week to look after all of North through the area - such as if there
Somerset. is flooding - then they will put out
signs or temporary traffic lights to
The team includes winter specialists
direct traffic past the problem.
who have specific training to deal
with snow and ice. If it is not safe, such as if
powerlines have come down or a
They monitor weather forecasts and
tree has fallen, then the route will
direct services to help reduce the
be closed.
impact when wind, rain, snow and
ice does hit. All this behind-the-scenes work is
done to help the roads stay clear
Duties include deploying temporary
and so you can stick to your travel
flood defences, sending out gritters
plans.
or snow ploughs, checking and
clearing drains, responding to
emergencies and closing roads, The impact of weather cannot
footpaths and cycleways. always be totally avoided, though.
Extra people are also drafted in Officers use a ‘fix it, protect it,
to help during times of extreme or close it’ approach. If they can
weather, such as prolonged snow they will solve the problem there
or hurricane conditions. and then, from filling a pothole to
chlearing blockages.
www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 21Funding
boost to What to do if
tackle you spot a rough
sleeper
homelessness Contact the national rough
sleeping helpline StreetLink
if you’re concerned about a
rough sleeper.
Give the specific location of the
Homelessness is being tackled in North Somerset thanks to £50,000 of person, the time and any other
funding for local organisations. information to help identify
them.
The group of organisations are working
together to co-ordinate action to reduce Details are passed onto the
rough sleeping in the area under the new local council or outreach
name of Street 2 Settled. The agencies services so they can find the
include North Somerset Council, Weston person and offer support.
Town Council, the YMCA, Somewhere to StreetLink: 0300 500 0914
Go, local charities, health professionals www.streetlink.org.uk
and the police.
Emma Simmonds, from North Somerset Council’s
homeless prevention team, said: “All members of the Appeal for
partnership believe that everyone should have a safe and suitable home to
sleep in and no-one should have to sleep rough.”
landlords
Are you a landlord who would
North Somerset Council has been successful in bidding for money from
consider letting a property to
the Government’s Rapid Rehousing Pathway and Rough Sleeper Initiative
one of the many households
Funds. Thanks to this £50,000 funding, the daytime hub for homeless
the council helps each year?
people at Somewhere to Go, in the Boulevard, Weston-super-Mare, has
extended its hours to open five days a week. Contact the lettings team
This gives rough sleepers more opportunities to engage with services and on 01934 426 483 or
access help. lettingsteam@n-somerset.gov.
uk to discuss incentives and
Chris Charnley is a regular volunteer. He said: “I find it a great support.
opportunity to meet and help others who were really disadvantaged and
to be part of their journey.”
The night-time provision is also going from strength to strength.
The night assessment centre, also based at Somewhere to Go, is a referral-
only centre for a maximum of 12 people a night. Visitors can access
various services to help with accommodation and support they need.
The funding has also been used to expand the outreach team at the YMCA
to help with assessment, prevention, coordination and tenancy support.
www.somewheretogo.org.uk f WestonNightAssessmentCentre
22 North Somerset Life • Winter 2019Local events
Christmas
countdown is on
The Christmas countdown has begun so now
is the time to succumb to the festive feeling.
Here are some highlights of events happening
over the next couple of months...
Tap into the Grid
Christmas
switch-on events
Now until Sunday 5 Tuesday 12 November
January Dance Dynamic
Towns and villages will
soon be switching on their
Icescape @ The Tropicana Dynamic dancing will be coming Christmas lights.
Get your skates on for to Weston-super-Mare this month.
Enjoy music, stalls and
another season of Tap into the Grid, by the Tentacle entertainment at these events:
skating at this Tribe Dance Company, tales
huge indoor rink. l Saturday 23 November –
place at the Blakehay Theatre, in
Weston-super-Mare
Enjoy skating under Wadham Street.
the fairy lights, l Monday 25 November –
For full details and booking visit
Santa’s grotto, rides, Portishead
www.theatreorchard.org.uk/
festive food and drink. weston l Saturday 30 November –
www.icescape-tropicana.co.uk Clevedon
Saturday 14 December l Friday 29 November –
Friday 8 November (Portishead) and Sunday Nailsea
15 December (Weston-
Weston Illuminated Carnival super-Mare)
See the light, music and colour of eat:Christmas Weekly
Weston-super-Mare’s spectacular
illuminated carnival in its 50th Get your taste buds clubs and classes
anniversary year. tingling and pick
Hundreds of clubs, art
up a unique gift
Floats, marching bands, fancy groups, dance classes, music
from a local
dress walkers and entertainers will groups and more run every
producer at
wow the crowds. week in North Somerset.
these festive -
The procession leaves Locking themed food and Visit www.northsomersetlife.
Road car park at 7.15pm. drink festivals. co.uk/local-events for the
full list.
www.northsomersetcarnival.co.uk www.eatfestivals.org
www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 23Love time
Take yourout
place
– Walk
Photo credit: Gary Clark
Discovering the delights of Clevedon
Picturesque towns and villages are found throughout North Somerset - from small hamlets nestling in the
natural environment to vibrant coastal communities. This month, Life takes a look at Clevedon….
Historic charm with a New independent shops include
modern twist Lolly and Moo, selling vegan
fragrance and bath products,
Discover the historic charm of and Store For The Curious,
Clevedon and sample its modern- selling eclectic gifts, furniture and
day allure of food, art, culture, homewares.
entertainment and shopping.
For food and drink, the Market Hall
The Victorian seaside town, with its Café is a traditional café in the
Sarah Ball
Grade I-listed pier and ornamental Grade II-listed market hall, while
gardens, is enjoying a new lease of Glede Brewing Company has
life as a place for great shopping, opened a tap room with tours of the She said: “Clevedon is the kind
ethical buys, theatre and cultural micro-brewery every Saturday. of place where there really is
treats. something for everyone.
Ethical and minimal waste shop A
Visit www.discoverclevedon.co.uk to Better Weigh, in Old Street, is also “Independent shopping from the
find out what’s on and ideas about proving popular with its eco-friendly seafront to the town centre has seen
what to do. credentials. a flourish of new faces and bright
business ideas over the past few
The website is funded by Clevedon
years.
Business Improvement District, a
partnership of 250 local businesses “The Theatre Shop is another great
formed to promote and enhance example of a creative collective
Clevedon in the face of the growing which adds to the cultural buzz.
threat of the internet to traditional
town centres. “Having been here for a few years
now, I can really see Clevedon
Photo credit: Gary Clark
Along with the website, there are becoming a destination for
plans to improve signage around the weekend day trips.
town to help people get around, and Sarah Ball moved to Clevedon two
more murals, flowers and posters years ago and now works as the “Unlike your usual seaside town,
installed in empty shops to make the social media and content manager Clevedon has something unique
shopping streets more attractive. for the Discover Clevedon website. and quite special to experience.”
24 North Somerset Life • Winter 2019TakeLove
time your
out – place
Walk
Aardman joins cinema tile fundraiser
Bristol-based animators They will be joined by Peter’s
Aardman have got behind co-founder David Sproxton and
a fundraising scheme to more Aardman directors and
help save Clevedon’s historic designers.
cinema. Other highly-regarded artists,
The Curzon, in Old Church illustrators and celebrities will
Road, has launched its Art on the also paint, sculpt, draw or doodle
on the antique tiles which have Aardman creative director
Tiles fundraising auction to raise
been tiles lifted off the cinema’s Merlin Crossingham
money for its roof restoration
appeal. huge roof.
The money raised will go towards The restoration is expected to
Fifty tiles, made in a local
the roof restoration appeal, which cost £600,000. In September,
brickwork in the 1920s, will
will see 12,833 new tiles fitted. the cinema secured almost
be sold online in a week-long
£240,000 from the National
auction ending on Sunday 8
Lottery Heritage Fund and a
December.
community campaign to raise
Nick Park will paint Wallace and £100,000 has already reached
Gromit onto one of the old roof £60,000.
tiles, while Peter Lord will create
Find out more at
a Morph tile.
www.curzon.org.uk
Top website
links
Enjoy a picturesque
www.discoverclevedon.co.uk/
riverside stroll
thing-to-do
Take a tranquil riverside walk
www.discoverclevedon. along the newly opened Two
co.uk/blog/a-cultural-tour-of- Rivers Walk in Clevedon.
clevedon
The walk comes courtesy of Land
Yeo Friends, a volunteer group
www.discoverclevedon.co.uk/
which helps look after the Land
blog/a-family-day-trip-to-
Yeo River.
clevedon
It is a 3.25-mile route from Kenn
www.facesofclevedon.com Road bridge towards Clevedon
Pill, and onto Queens Square.
www.theatreshop.org.uk
Find it online at www.n-
www.clevedonpier.co.uk somerset.gov.uk/walks
www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 25Climate emergency
Action on climate crisis
Millions of people across the globe took to the streets in September to
raise awareness about the devastating impacts of climate change.
The Global Climate Strikes saw � A new policy will be introduced � Cycle infrastructure continues
people protest during two days of to require developers to to expand to make commuting
action to push for solutions to the make new buildings more and leisure rides more attractive,
climate emergency. environmentally sustainable, such as Brean Down Way
and the council will lobby connecting Weston-super-Mare
Locally, North Somerset Council
government to reverse decisions to Brean Down.
declared a climate emergency in
that have hampered it applying
February and since then officers � A Rapid Charging Hub for 10
sustainability planning policy to
have been developing an action electric vehicles will be built
new developments.
plan to ensure steps are being in Portishead, and almost 50
taken. Improving energy efficiency per cent of the council’s fleet
vehicles will soon be electric.
During the first Climate Strike Day, � About 18,500 street lights
the council hosted seminars for across North Somerset are � Businesses, community
staff and town and parish councils, being upgraded to energy- organisations and schools
including understanding our carbon efficient LEDs, to reduce carbon continue to encourage
emissions, building low carbon emissions and deliver financial sustainable transport, through
buildings and more. savings. schemes such as business grants
and bike loans.
Here is round-up of North Somerset � Activities to educate and
Council’s latest actions and promote energy efficiency are Green infrastructure
commitments… being delivered to help residents
� Green spaces in North Somerset
alleviate fuel poverty, such as
Planning for growth winter fuel payments and the
continue to be safeguarded,
improved and enhanced.
� More than £10m has been warm homes discount scheme.
New contracts for ground
secured from Homes England
to build precision manufactured
Transport and tree maintenance will
take advantage of re-wilding
homes in Nailsea and Weston- � Funding has been secured for opportunities where possible,
super-Mare. These will be several cross-regional public restoring wild nature.
inherently energy efficient transport programmes, including
and use a manufacturing and Metrobus and MetroWest. � The council passed a motion
assembly process that has low MetroWest, which includes to support rewilding and is
carbon emissions and saves on reopening Portishead rail devising a strategy for some of
building waste. branch line, will help take its own land and forestry.
thousands of cars off the road
every year.
26 North Somerset Life • Winter 2019 KEY: (E) Every • (A) Alternate • (1) First • (2) Second • (3) Third • (4) Fourth • (L) LastClimate emergency
� 400 new trees (called Standards)
will be planted across North What can I do to help? Why is it a climate
Somerset thanks to new funding
The world cannot meet its emergency?
from DEFRA.
climate change target without
Last year the United Nations
� Thousands of new trees (called individuals changing too.
Intergovernmental Panel on
Whips) will be planted over 4 Re-think your shopping Climate Change (IPCC) said
the next few years to increase habits the world had 12 years to
biodiversity and lock up carbon. Think before you shop. Eat reduce its carbon output by
more locally-sourced food, 45 per cent to avoid a climate
in season. Buy less meat, catastrophe.
milk, cheese and butter.
Avoid single-use plastics Most countries
and buy things with less around the
packaging. For big items, world had
consider buying second- adopted
hand or borrowing. the Paris
Agreement
4 Reuse and repair in 2015 to
Recycling and waste Think before throwing limit the
away. Is it still useful? Could global
� A recycling rate of 57.1 per cent it be repaired or reused? temperate
was achieved in North Somerset Sell unwanted items or rise to
in 2018/19, ranking it 26th out donate to charity or reuse 1.5˚C above
of 345 local authorities. The total organisations. pre-industrial levels.
amount of household residual
4 Recycle
waste also declined between However, the IPCC report
Recycle as
2017/18 and 2018/19, said we were heading
much as
despite an increase in houses. towards a 3˚C rise instead,
possible in
An average household now leading to catastrophic
your recycling
produces about 430kg residual consequences.
boxes, garden waste bin
waste a year, a 17kg reduction
and food waste bin. A further report published in
on the year before.
4 Renewable energy September highlighted the
� An ambitious target of zero Buy energy from 100 per impact on the seas – that they
tonnes of landfill waste has cent renewable sources to are getting warmer and more
been agreed. This will be reduce the need for fossil acidic as a result of climate
achieved by increasing energy fuels. change.
produced from waste, plus
greater recycling. Support also Calculate your current This warming could
continues for community projects carbon footprint on the World potentially melt permafrost,
such as the Repair Café. Wildlife Fund’s website. which would release even
Visit www.wwf.org.uk/ more carbon into the
footprint atmosphere.
North Somerset’s low carbon action plan will be
discussed by councillors in November. Read it at
www.n-somerset.gov.uk/climatechange
www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 27Catering for children
with complex needs
Proposals have been put forward to extend a
special school in North Somerset to cater for
the increasing number of children with special
educational needs and disabilities.
If successful, North Somerset Council’s plans will
see Baytree Special School, in Weston-super-
Mare, expand from 72 to 120 places.
This expansion can only happen if the school
moves onto a second site. This is currently
proposed to be in Clevedon.
Life found out what this means for local families….
Edith Edith and her family live in Pill so The long journey means she
she travels the 15 miles to Baytree can often arrive at school tired
Five-year-old Edith is a Year 1 on a minibus with four other young and frustrated. She also can’t
pupil at Baytree School. people with complex special communicate if she feels unwell or
educational needs and disabilities needs the toilet en route. A new
She can’t speak and instead
(SEND). school site in Clevedon would
communicates through facial
mean a shorter journey, less stress,
expressions, noises and body To get to school on time, Edith must
and she would arrive at school
language. Complex health needs be up by 6.15am so her parents
happy, more comfortable and
mean she uses a wheelchair and can carry out all her personal care
ready to learn.
needs adult support for all day-to- and she has her breakfast through
day tasks. a feeding tube. Edith’s mum said: “It’s hard to put
into words what this new school
location would mean for us as a
family.
“Journey times have been
incredibly tough for her so this
new site means we could take
that extra bit of time, knowing that
school is not too far away.
“It will create an environment
where Edith can be the very
best she can be, with all the best
people supporting her.
“I can only dream of what
the children would be able to
accomplish when given a purpose-
Edith built site for those with the most
complex of needs.”
28 North Somerset Life • Winter 2019Increase in demand The total number of children
with an EHCP in place rose from
North Somerset Council carries 534 in January 2015 to 900 in
out Education, Health and Care January 2019 – a 69 per cent
Plans (EHCP) to identify what extra increase.
support is needed for a child with
additional needs. North Somerset Council expects
this number to keep increasing.
There has been an 80 per cent
increase in new EHCP assessments Also, more North Somerset
in the last four years - from 140 a children have to go to special
year in 2015 to 252 in 2018. schools outside the local authority
area because they can’t be
Despite this rise, in 2018 North 93 per cent of new EHCPs within catered for locally.
Somerset Council completed the statutory 20-week time frame.
Success at special schools Support for pre-school
Two other special schools in This can be quite upsetting as a children
North Somerset are helping their parent, let alone a child.”
Pre-school children with
pupils to flourish.
Eventually a special school was disabilities and
Tracy Page’s daughter Ava now suggested and, after getting additional needs,
attends Westhaven Special an EHCP approved, Ava was and their families,
School, in Weston-super- offered a place at Westhaven. are supported
Mare, after falling behind in a in North
Tracy added: “Our daughter’s
mainstream primary. Somerset by
confidence has grown, she is
a community-
Tracy said: “The signs were happy going to school, and can
based charity.
there from day one that her see she is capable of achieving
academic abilities were behind great things.” Springboard
compared with her peers. Opportunity Group
One parent with a child at
“We had meetings every term Ravenswood Special School, works in partnership with
with the SEN co-ordinator but in Nailsea, also said: “As North Somerset Council and
school reports year after year a whole, the school offers the Clinical Commissioning
stated she was behind in all complete support. Everything a Group to provide services
areas. child needs to grow, learn and for about 100 children aged
develop confidently.” from birth to five every week.
It runs structured term-time
play and learning sessions,
regular Stay and Play
sessions, and workshops and
training courses for parents
and carers.
Find out more at
www.springboardweb.org.uk
A planning application about the expansion of Baytree School is due to be submitted shortly.
Once submitted, people will be able to comment on it and share their views about using land at
Brookfield Walk. Find out more at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/baytreeschoolexpansion
www.n-somerset.gov.uk
www.n-somerset.gov.ukl @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 29
l@NorthSomersetCYou can also read
