Category: Uncategorised

Residents in Bath and North East Somerset who are on low incomes can apply for a one-off payment of £150 to help with energy costs this winter. Bath & North East Somerset Council has launched a new Winter Energy Support Fund using its allocation of government funding from the Household Support Fund. To qualify, residents must be aged over 18 with a permanent address in B&NES and savings of no more than £6,000. They will also need to be in receipt of a qualifying benefit or be on a low combined income of less than £500 per week. Anyone in the household who receives Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payments, or Attendance Allowance will qualify for an extra £100 in addition to the £150 standard payment. The council may also consider applications from residents who are in financial crisis due to circumstances beyond their control. Applications can be made here and will be assessed in order of receipt. People can also request a paper copy or complete it over the phone by calling the Benefits Team on 01225 477277 (option 1). The number of awards that can be made are limited. B&NES Councillor Mark Elliott, cabinet member for Resources, said: “We know that many households continue to struggle to pay energy bills and want to make sure that families are supported through these harsh winter months. I don’t want to see any residents go cold this winter. If you think you qualify for this vital help, please apply to us as soon as possible.” Information and advice to support with food, energy and money is available on the B&NES website Residents can find a warm space near them on the warm spaces directory

We have been advised by Wessex Water that there will be multiway traffic lights on the Bristol Road/A37 in the location of the United Reform Church. This is to repair/replace the cover/frame.

There is an Amber Cold Health Alert in place for the South West between 08/01/2024 at 12:00 and 12/01/2024 at 12:00. A brisk north-easterly wind is in place across the south, with added wind chill making it feel much colder. Temperatures are likely to be at least a few degrees below average across much of the UK.

Significant impacts are probable across the health and social care sector due to forecast weather conditions, including: observed increase in mortality across the population, particularly in the 65+ age group or those with certain underlying health conditions, but impacts may also be seen in younger age groups; increased demand for remote health care services likely; internal temperatures in care settings (e.g. hospitals, care homes and primary care settings) may fall below recommended threshold for clinical risk assessment; maintaining indoor temperatures at recommended 18°c may become challenging for some, leading to increased risk of vulnerable people; staffing issues due to external factors (e.g. travel delays); other sectors may start to observe impacts (e.g. transport and energy).

A big thank you to all who have decorated their homes making the village look so festive again this year.

There were so many wonderful displays to choose from the judges have picked three winners.

We have been advised by Bath and North East Somerset Council that on Tuesday 24th October 2023 Stockwood Hill, Keynsham will be closed to all traffic between 09:30 – 15:00hrs (this is an anticipated requirement). This is to undertake drainage improvement works to remove highway flooding.

The road will be closed at Stockwood Hill, Keynsham from its junction with Stockwood Vale extending north west to a point outside the former garden centre, Whitegate Nurseries.

The closure and diversion will be clearly indicated by traffic signs. Access will be maintained for residents and businesses where possible, but expect delays.

Around 17 representatives from 107th Bristol (Whitchurch) Scout Group joined other volunteers on a cold but sunny Saturday morning to
collect around 20 bags of rubbish from pavements, footpaths and open spaces around Whitchurch Village.

Whitchurch Village Councillors would like to thank all those who took park in this event to help make the Village look clean and tidy.

Saturday 14^th October 2023

10.00.a.m. – 11.30.a.m.

Please come and join members of

 Whitchurch Village Council

in our village litter pick

Meet at Whitchurch Village Community Centre

Equipment provided. All welcome

Bath and North East Somerset Council are advising of possible disruption to waste, recycling and garden waste collections due to Unite industrial action within our Waste and Recycling service starting from Monday 18 September to Sunday 24 September. This industrial action is in relation to the local government national pay award. There may also be disruption at our recycling centres in Midland Road, Bath and Midsomer Norton. They are working hard to minimise any disruption so please put your recycling/garden waste or refuse waste out as usual. For recycling and rubbish collections if they have been unable to collect they will not be able to return later in the week. Please take your bins/boxes back in and present them again on your next scheduled collection, they will collect additional waste/recycling if placed alongside. Please check their waste disruption page next week for any updates, including garden waste collection arrangements and opening hours for our recycling centres. They apologise for any inconvenience.

Whitchurch Village Councillors are very disappointed to report that on the evenings of Monday 11th and Wednesday 13th September three trees in the Norton Lane Playpark were vandalised.

These trees were planted as part of an ongoing scheme to attract wildlife, promote clean air and add nature to the Village. These particular trees would have added shade to the benched area at the park and being mature trees will be costly to replace.

The crime has been reported to the police but if you have any further information please either contact the Whitchurch Village Council or the police direct.

We have also had reports of antisocial behaviour in Hamilton Way/Sleep Lane which has been reported to the police, who did attend.

Our Village is proud to be a pleasant place to live and work , we therefore ask that should you see any criminal activities please report it to the police.