As ever, please do get in touch if we can be of any help.

Best wishes

Mike Bell, Robert Payne and Caroline Reynolds
Your Liberal Democrat councillors for Weston-super-Mare Central Ward

Action on town centre antisocial behaviour

Following concerns raised during recent events, we’ve asked council officers and community safety partners to take a close look at ongoing issues around the Italian Gardens, including nuisance behaviour, litter and alcohol-related disorder. We all want Weston to be welcoming for residents, visitors and families attending events.

The police have been running a special targeted operation in the town centre over the last few months to clamp down on criminality and bring persistent offenders to justice, but more needs to be done all year round to stamp this out.

We’re continuing to push for more action.

Grand Atlantic Hotel

Following continued concerns from residents about anti-social behaviour and people gaining access to the vacant building, we’ve been pushing for stronger action from both the council and the site owners. Further work to the building has now been undertaken, security patrols have been introduced, and access points including windows and skylights have been further secured.

Nobody wants to see the building empty, neglected and attracting nuisance and antisocial behaviour. We have been urging the owners - a Singapore-based hotel company - to push ahead with promised refurbishment plans. But whilst these are stalled, they need to do the basics to protect the community and the building from harm.

Tackling problem campers

We’ve had a number of complaints recently about campervans and motorhomes using residential streets in Weston-super-Mare for overnight stays, particularly where residents are then being left to deal with rubbish, waste, noise and other nuisance.

This isn’t about responsible campervan owners and it isn’t about somebody simply parking a vehicle legally.

It’s about people effectively using residential streets as overnight camping areas and showing little or no consideration for the people who actually live there.

Residents should not wake up to rubbish or waste left outside their homes. They shouldn’t have to put up with repeated overnight stays causing disturbance, obstruction or antisocial behaviour.

That’s why we want to see stronger action where there is a persistent problem. This has been a perennial issue around Clarence and Ellenborough parks and on the seafront.

We need to look seriously at what powers North Somerset Council already has, whether additional parking restrictions or enforcement are needed in problem locations, and what can be done when litter, waste or antisocial behaviour is involved.

Have you experienced problems with campervans or motorhomes staying overnight in your street? Let us know which area is affected and what problems you’ve experienced.

Leave only footprints

If you’ve spotted the trail of footprints appearing along Weston seafront, there’s a simple message behind them. Enjoy our coastline, but please take responsibility for what you leave behind.

Our beaches and seafront are there for everyone to enjoy. Most people do the right thing, but litter left behind creates extra work, harms wildlife and spoils the place for everyone else.

Our advice to visitors and residents alike is:

• Use the bins where you can

• If they’re full, take your rubbish home

• Recycle what you can

• Never leave hot coals or disposable barbecues behind

It really is about small actions making a big difference.

Youth Parliament applications open

North Somerset Council is looking for young people aged 11 to 19 who are interested in becoming members of the North Somerset Youth Parliament.

New Grove Park toilets open

It’s birthday and Christmas all rolled into one as the new public toilets are finally open in Weston’s Grove Park!

Featuring an accessible toilet and baby changing facilities, the facility was opened today and will be managed by Weston Town Council, as the old block was.

The work has been delivered by North Somerset Council and funded by the UK Government and marks the conclusion of the project to enhance Grove Park as part of the improving Weston programme.

North Somerset Council and Weston Town Council are still in discussions about improvements to the Grove Park pond, which has been drained and out of action for some while due to a structural problem. I hope we will be able to confirm progress on this in the next month or so

Sand movement makes a difference

We would like to recognise and thank our dedicated Seafront Team and cleansing contractors, Glendale, for their continued hard work in keeping the seafront safe, accessible and welcoming during the recent period of hot, dry and windy weather.

Over recent weeks, the team has carried out regular clearance work to remove wind-blown sand from promenades, walkways, shelters, beach access points and other key locations along the seafront.

These efforts help maintain safe access for pedestrians, wheelchair users, pushchair users and cyclists, while keeping beach entrances clear and accessible for residents and visitors alike.

Their work plays an important role in ensuring that everyone can continue to enjoy the seafront safely and comfortably, despite the challenging weather conditions.

Get in touch

• Contact Councillor Mike Bell on 07881 320 279 or email mike.bell@n-somerset.gov.uk or follow him on Facebook. Mike serves on North Somerset Council and Weston Town Council.

• Contact Councillor Robert Payne on 07904 026 096 or email robert.payne@n-somerset.gov.uk or follow him on Facebook or Twitter. Robert serves on North Somerset Council and Weston Town Council.

• Contact Councillor Caroline Reynolds by emailing caroline.reynolds@wsm-tc.gov.uk. Caroline serves on Weston Town Council.

As ever, please do get in touch if we can be of any help.

Best wishes

Mike Bell, Robert Payne and Caroline Reynolds
Your Liberal Democrat councillors for Weston-super-Mare Central Ward

£19 million boost for Birnbeck!

Brilliant news for Weston-super-Mare, Birnbeck Pier has been awarded £19 million from the Government’s Growth Mission Fund!

This is a huge step forward for one of our most iconic and nationally important heritage landmarks, and it means we can keep real momentum going on the restoration and bring Birnbeck back into use for residents, visitors, and future generations.

This funding will help us move forward with the next key parts of the project, including:

• delivering new visitor facilities on the landside, including a café and much-needed public toilets

• restoring and fitting out historic buildings so they can be opened up and used again

• bringing parts of the island back to life through conservation and repair work

• improving access and the visitor experience with interpretation and public realm improvements

• progressing work to restore the north jetty, helping reconnect Birnbeck with the sea

Your Lib Dem team have been campaining for many years in support of the Birnbeck Pier project we’re delighted in this further funding boost.

This additional money is genuinely game-changing. It enables us to restore additional landside and island buildings, and the north jetty, to bring the pier fully back to life as a major national heritage landmark and visitor attraction.

Our project team at the council has been closely involved throughout and has been putting the steps in place for a rapid start to delivery. The first stage will be the additional landside works, with the island buildings and the jetty expected to follow in 2027 once pier access is complete.

Taking action on potholes

We’ve been busy across Central Ward identifying potholes and reporting them to the council for attention.

Some locations are pretty shocking and we reported potholes in Graham Road, Whitecross Road, Walliscote Road, Stanley Grove and around Clarence Park amongst others.

Reports of potholes in North Somerset have increased significantly, in line with the national picture: 1,316 reports were logged between November and January, compared with 530 during the same period the year before.

To help deal with the increase, the council are deploying two additional repair crews to prioritise repairs across the road network. Over 700 pothole and road defects have already been repaired in March and next month the council will be using a specialist piece of equipment know as a jet patcher for eight weeks. Last year the jet patcher filled 13,300 holes in a similar timeframe.

You can report potholes online or through the North Somerset Council App.

Weekly market returns to the town

Good news that the Weston Independent Market will be back at The Italian Gardens on Sunday, 29th March, operating from 10am to 3pm!

After a winter break, the market will be back in the heart of Weston-super-Mare with a mix of local traders, great food, handmade crafts, and a lively community atmosphere.

The weekly Wednesday Weston Independent Market returns on the 1st of April and runs every Wednesday through to the end of October. This one operates from 10am to 4pm, weather permitting.

Markets like this play an important role in keeping the town centre vibrant, supporting independent businesses and giving people a great reason to visit Weston.

New owners for former M&S building in High Street

The former Marks & Spencer store in High Street and Regent Street, Weston-super-Mare has a new owner.

The owner is in touch with the council and we’re already discussing with them their plans for the site.

This is a really prominent site for Weston and it’s important that it’s developed in a way that contributes positively to the town centre and High Street.

What is coming is unclear at the moment, but the High Street facing part only has planning permission for retail uses right now. It’s a case of watch this space, but good to see signs of life on the building.

Have your say on town centre safety

North Somerset Council is reviewing the Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) that help tackle antisocial behaviour in our public spaces, and they’re asking for local feedback.

If you’ve been worried about what’s happening in the town centre, like street drinking, drug use, aggressive shouting, and verbal abuse, now’s the moment to speak up. We need rules with real teeth, and consistent enforcement, so everyone can feel safe using shops, streets and public spaces.

Please take a few minutes to complete the survey and share this with friends, neighbours and local businesses. The consultation closes at 9.30am on Monday 27 April 2026. The consultation can be found here.

Can you help your local Lib Dem team win for our area?

The work of our councillors Mike, Robert and Caroline is only possible thanks to the backing of Liberal Democrat supporters - at election time, of course, but also all the year round.

If you would like to find out more about how you can help visit the local website here for more information or sign up to volunteer here.

Get in touch

• Contact Councillor Mike Bell on 07881 320 279 or email mike.bell@n-somerset.gov.uk or follow him on Facebook. Mike serves on North Somerset Council and Weston Town Council.

• Contact Councillor Robert Payne on 07904 026 096 or email robert.payne@n-somerset.gov.uk or follow him on Facebook or Twitter. Robert serves on North Somerset Council and Weston Town Council.

• Contact Councillor Caroline Reynolds by emailing caroline.reynolds@wsm-tc.gov.uk. Caroline serves on Weston Town Council.

The Christmas season is upon us and, however you choose to celebrate, we hope you have a peaceful and enjoyable time with friends, family and those most important to you.

As ever, please do get in touch if we can be of any help.

Best wishes

Mike Bell, Robert Payne and Caroline Reynolds
Your Liberal Democrat councillors for Weston-super-Mare Central Ward

All your key Christmas binfo

Recycling and waste collection dates will change over Christmas and New Year to allow for the bank holidays.

It’s easy to check when your collections will be:

• Download our North Somerset Council app from the Apple store or Google Play – it’s totally free and you can set up reminders

• Check your calendar online at https://orlo.uk/IO0af - just pop your postcode in and it’ll tell you when your next collection is

You might see different collection vehicles during the festive period and some materials might be collected at a different time by a different vehicle. For example, cardboard or glass might be picked up earlier or later than the rest of your recycling. This is because we deal with much larger volumes of recycling over Christmas and New Year.

You can also take your recycling and waste to one of our recycling centres. Check opening times on the app or at https://orlo.uk/mR8iT

Kids can travel FREE on buses once again during the school holidays

Around 150,000 children aged between five and 15 years old across North Somerset, Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol and South Gloucestershire can enjoy free bus travel this winter, just by hopping on board - no bus pass or registration needed

The offer starts tomorrow (Saturday 20 December) and finishes on Sunday 4 January 2026.

Whether you’re heading to the shops, a Christmas event, or just out for a winter adventure, hop on the bus and make the journey part of the experience

Kids Go Free is funded by the Bus Grant secured from the Department for Transport by the West of England Mayoral Authority.

Investing in Weston-super-Mare

Contractors are now on site at all our investing in Weston programme locations!

This work is possible thanks to our successful bid for £20m from the UK Government - another example of us working hard and securing money to help improve local places for the benefit of local people, making North Somerset a better place to live, work and visit.

The funding is being focused on several high-profile sites across Weston town centre and seafront including:

• Birnbeck Pier

• Grove Park

• Marine Lake

• The Tropicana.

We’ve also completed work to restore shop units in the High Street and on Walliscote Road, near the Plaza cinema.

Now we’re working on improving a couple of units in The Sovereign to help attract new tenants.

Plus, you may have seen our new signposts popping up and a cast iron ‘breadcrumb trail’ installed in pavements around the town. This is part of our ‘wayfinding’ project to help encourage people to move around the town centre and seafront.

Through these projects we’re aiming to transform the culture, leisure and retail experience for residents, business and visitors.

Tackling antisocial behaviour in the town centre

Working with Avon and Somerset Police, we have taken action to secure a number of vacant town centre properties in Weston-super-Mare after they were unlawfully accessed and linked to repeated anti-social behaviour.

This is exactly what our Winter of Action is about, keeping people safe, supporting vulnerable residents, and protecting local businesses during a busy season.

Council officers and police teams carried out joint inspections, identified the responsible landlords, and ensured every affected building has now been properly secured. Our 24/7 CCTV and Community Response teams are also monitoring and responding fast across the district.

We will keep up proactive patrols and work closely with property owners to prevent this happening again, and to maintain confidence in Weston’s town centre.

If you see suspicious activity, please report it (101, or 999 in an emergency).

Bus lanes suspended in key locations

Sometimes a bit of common sense is needed! We’ve asked for action to help keep traffic flowing while major road improvements are underway.

From this week, the bus lane at the Queensway junction (Food Warehouse) will be temporarily suspended and clearly signed as “bus lane not in use.” This will make it easier for drivers turning left and help reduce queues at nearby roundabouts.

The new inbound bus lane from Somerset Avenue towards Worle will also be suspended and won’t be in use again until early 2027 when the wider Queensway scheme is completed. So motorists will be able to use these both lanes inbound to Worle as previously.

We need longer-term action, but in the meantime, it’s right to take small wins where we can get them.

Get in touch

• Contact Councillor Mike Bell on 07881 320 279 or email mike.bell@n-somerset.gov.uk or follow him on Facebook. Mike serves on North Somerset Council and Weston Town Council.

• Contact Councillor Robert Payne on 07904 026 096 or email robert.payne@n-somerset.gov.uk or follow him on Facebook or Twitter. Robert serves on North Somerset Council and Weston Town Council.

• Contact Councillor Caroline Reynolds by emailing caroline.reynolds@wsm-tc.gov.uk. Caroline serves on Weston Town Council.

As ever, please do get in touch if we can be of any help.

Best wishes

Mike Bell, Robert Payne and Caroline Reynolds
Your Liberal Democrat councillors for Weston-super-Mare Central Ward

Marine Lake improvements

Marine Lake is now closed for a few months whilst improvement works are undertaken.

The lake needs to be drained to enable the work to be carried out. It’s also important to close the whole site for health and safety reasons due to the heavy machinery and equipment being used.

The improvement work includes:

• new signage around the lake and installing a new welcome sign at the entrance to improve visibility

• utilising and repurposing under-used space to create a new concession, equipment hire and storage facility

• upgrading and increasing the number of public toilets in use, including one accessible toilet, while changing them to self-contained cubicles with direct entry from the promenade

• installing cycle racks

• improving access by repairing, resurfacing or rebuilding steps and ramps, and upgrading handrails

• repairing and resurfacing the lower walkway around the lake

• repairing the Madeira Gardens pavilion roof.

Whilst the work is ongoing the toilets will be closed, so we’ve arranged for some temporary portaloos next to the toilet block.

Old Town Quarry reopens

The Old Town Quarry officially opened to the public again last weekend. It was really exciting to see this joint initiative by Weston-super-Mare Town Council and North Somerset Council coming to life. The Quarry now boasts new cafe, art and nature facilities and is a real hub for the community. Please follow the new Facebook page for updates and information about events and facilities or check the Quarry website.

Grove Park works underway

Work is underway to improve Grove Park in Weston including demolishing the old toilet block, enhancing the entrance to the park and building a new toilet block next to the cafe.

Whilst the work is ongoing through the winter some parts of the park will be closed off. There is a temporary refreshment kiosk operating in the park and portaloos are available too.

New youth parliament launches

The brand-new North Somerset Youth Parliament has officially launched, giving young people the chance to shape decisions on the issues that matter most to them - like education, mental health, transport, housing, and more.

Over 40 students from schools and youth groups across the area came together for the first meeting, sharing ideas, building connections, and setting their top priorities for the year ahead: tackling racism and hateful behaviour, improving mental health support, and making our streets and communities safer.

Even more exciting, two members will be elected to represent North Somerset nationally in the UK Youth Parliament, taking local voices to a national stage and helping to influence change across the country.

The project is being led by the North Somerset Council Children’s Services team as part of our commitment to strengthening the voice of young people.

Fair funding and local freedom - we’re urging government to fix a broken system

Mike Bell, as Leader of North Somerset Council, has written to the Chancellor Rachel Reeves calling for national reform, fair funding and local flexibility so that we can protect essential local services and the people who rely on them.

North Somerset Council now faces a budget gap of £25.9 million for 2026/27 - that’s an increase of £13.7 million since February this year.

In the last three months alone, there has been a £911,000 increase to adult social care due to increasing demand and more complex needs, including support for a growing number of younger adults.

At the same time, spending on children’s social care has increased by £243,000 as we continue to provide safe homes and specialist care to children in or on the edge of care.

The council needs to find £40 million of savings in the next three years just to balance our books.

On top of this, government proposals published in June would see our core funding cut by nearly 20% - that’s £17.4 million less for local services.

We’ve already delivered millions in savings and continue to transform our services, but no amount of efficiency can fill a £17.4 million hole. Our council tax base is historically low, which limits our ability to raise funds and government capping rules restrict what we can do.

We need a fair deal that recognises our responsibilities and gives us the freedom to invest in our people, our places and our future.

Surface treatments on key routes

Earlier this month new road surface treatments were laid on Marine Parade, Beach Road and Uphill Road North to help strengthen the network and avoid more expensive work in a few years. This is part of an ongoing programme of work that the council does to try to manage the more than 690 miles of road it is responsible for.

We are continuing to campaign for more funding to be committed to roads and pavements so key streets can be improved.

Fireworks advice

Did you know that 66% of animals are negatively impacted by private firework displays, and 40% of pet owners feel awkward discussing their fireworks concerns with their neighbours?

Every year fireworks are enjoyed by many across North Somerset but they are can sometimes be set off at random times, in an unplanned way and without consideration to neighbours.

There are estimated to be more than 13,000 dogs and cats in the Weston-super-Mare area alone. Please think of animals and their owners in our area when planning fireworks displays. If you’re holding a private fireworks display, make sure to give neighbours - and their pets - enough time to prepare.

You can follow RSPCA advice here: https://www.rspca.org.uk/fireworksimpact

Get in touch

• Contact Councillor Mike Bell on 07881 320 279 or email mike.bell@n-somerset.gov.uk or follow him on Facebook. Mike serves on North Somerset Council and Weston Town Council.

• Contact Councillor Robert Payne on 07904 026 096 or email robert.payne@n-somerset.gov.uk or follow him on Facebook or Twitter. Robert serves on North Somerset Council and Weston Town Council.

• Contact Councillor Caroline Reynolds by emailing caroline.reynolds@wsm-tc.gov.uk. Caroline serves on Weston Town Council.

Lots of GOOD NEWS in this edition with projects at Birnbeck Pier, Grove Park, Tropicana, Marine Lake and the long-awaited new health centre all getting underway, plus read about our call for police action on antisocial behaviour and street drinking in the town centre.

As ever, please do get in touch if we can be of any help.

Best wishes

Mike Bell, Robert Payne and Caroline Reynolds
Your Liberal Democrat councillors for Weston-super-Mare Central Ward

Health centre project to start

Contracts have been exchanged to enable works to begin on a £15 million development including the construction of a new health centre and GP surgery which will replace the Graham Road surgery.

Work is expected to begin in October this year, with completion of phase 1- the 0.9-acre health centre site - expected in July 2027.

Patients in Weston-super-Mare have been waiting a long time for this new, much needed and purpose built health centre.

It has been a complex project and we have been working hard behind the scenes with developers and the NHS to help make it happen. Not only will the centre improve healthcare, but it will do more to act early on health needs and provide better access to a wide range of care and support.

Later phases will also include new homes and new, improved facilities for Weston Rugby Club. The recreation ground will remain as well as guaranteeing land for a future new primary school.

£5.5m secured as Birnbeck Pier work starts

Birnbeck Pier: saved for the future! Thanks to an extraordinary commitment from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, and the tireless work of partners and council officers, the restoration of Birnbeck Pier is going ahead.

Following our summer setback and withdrawal of RNLI funding, we’ve been working to secure the £5.5m we needed to keep the project alive. The National Heritage Lottery Fund, who had already pledged £10m to the project, have agreed to our request to increase it further to £15.5m.

Now, with funding secured and a contractor appointed - which we have just agreed at North Somerset Council tonight - we can bring Birnbeck back to life.

This investment is huge vote of confidence in our plan

Hot on the heels of this announcement, work on the landside of the Birnbeck Pier project is underway. The work is being led by Bristol-based contractors Smith and Brenson.

They’ve started assembling at the site and work will include:

• Restoring landside buildings including the Pier Masters Cottage, the old shell shop and the South Toll House

• Creating new visitor facilities including toilets

• Installing essential services and infrastructure, including a new water supply, sewer and electricity substation

• Removing asbestos and repairing the sea wall

• Replacing broken railings and street lights along Birkett Road

Action needed from police on town centre antisocial behaviour

This week we met with the Police and Crime Commissioner and senior policing leaders to press for stronger action on antisocial behaviour and street drinking in Weston-super-Mare town centre.

We made clear that our community deserves a town centre that feels safe, welcoming, and fair for everyone. That means:

• More visible police presence

• Stronger powers to deal with persistent offenders

• Tougher action where crime threatens our shops, businesses, and shared spaces

We are working together to make Weston a place where families feel secure, businesses can thrive, and everyone can enjoy their town centre with confidence.

One of the key things that everyone can do is to please report crimes and antisocial behaviour. I know people are sceptical about whether anything gets done - but policing and community safety is an evidence and needs-driven area. The more the police can understand the issues and problem areas, the more they can do and the better the case for more resources we can all make.

You can report crimes and antisocial behaviour online or dial 999 in an emergency or 101 for non-emergency calls: https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/report/

Grove Park work underway

Work has started at Grove Park to improve the entrance area and create a new toilet block. The work is funded by the UK Government as part of North Somerset Council’s successful bid for funding to improve Weston-super-Mare.

The project includes:

• redesigning the park’s main entrance to include additional planting, new seating, installation of a sustainable draining system, re-surfacing and signage

• removing the existing closed public toilet block, which was managed by Weston-super-Mare Town Council

• constructing a new public toilet block, to include an accessible toilet and baby changing facilities, back into the park adjacent to the café.

The project will lead to some disruption in the park so keep an eye out for barriers and notices. It should be completed by early 2026 ready for spring.

More progress coming up too:

• Work at Tropicana will be starting next month, commencing with the demolition of the existing 1980s internal building.

• Work on the Marine Lake improvement project will be starting next month - look out for updates.

Eat Weston: Autumn edition

This Saturday 27th September, Eat Weston returns to the Italian Gardens for their autumn edition. There are more than 100 stalls featuring local producers, makers, growers, street food plus entertainment. The event is open from 10am to 4pm.

Weston Town Council - have your say

Weston-super-Mare Town Council provides a range of services and facilities to the town. They have created a short survey for you to provide feedback on the services that you use. Find the survey here: https://wsm-tc.gov.uk/contact-us/tell-us-what-you-think/

Get in touch

• Contact Councillor Mike Bell on 07881 320 279 or email mike.bell@n-somerset.gov.uk or follow him on Facebook. Mike serves on North Somerset Council and Weston Town Council.

• Contact Councillor Robert Payne on 07904 026 096 or email robert.payne@n-somerset.gov.uk or follow him on Facebook or Twitter. Robert serves on North Somerset Council and Weston Town Council.

• Contact Councillor Caroline Reynolds by emailing caroline.reynolds@wsm-tc.gov.uk. Caroline serves on Weston Town Council.

In this edition we have updates on the Old Town Quarry, the M5 and SummerFest on the Beach. As always, please do get in touch if you’d like any help or information.

Best wishes

Mike Bell, Robert Payne and Caroline Reynolds
Your Liberal Democrat councillors for Weston-super-Mare Central Ward

New cafe operator for Old Town Quarry

Weston-super-Mare Town Council has announced the appointment of a new café operator ahead of the much-anticipated reopening of the Old Town Quarry.

Following a robust and competitive public tender and procurement process, the café at the Old Town Quarry will now be operated and managed by The Food Hub (WSM) Limited, an award-winning, family-run business with deep roots in Weston-super-Mare.

Final preparations are now underway, with opening dates and times to be announced in the coming weeks as redevelopment works near completion.

M5 junction works this weekend

National Highways are resurfacing the M5 junction 21 southbound exit slip road in the coming days.

To do this the southbound exit slip road will be closed overnight Thursday 28 August and Friday 29 August, between the hours of 8pm and 6am.

A signed diversion will be in place for vehicles travelling southbound needing to leave the motorway.

• Continue to junction 22

• Exit and rejoin the northbound carriageway

• Travel back up to junction 21

Library services consultation

North Somerset Council is today launching an important consultation on the future of library services. The council needs to save £44 million from our budget over the next three years to balance our books and as part of this we need to make savings from library services.

No decisions have been made, but the consultation sets out the details of what is being considered, options and choices that we have to make that we would like residents to help influence and asking for alternative ideas to help achieve the changes needed. We need to make savings, but want views on how we can do that and best protect access to library services for our community.

All libraries will be affected in some way but three in particular are at a potential risk of closure if we do not come up with an alternative delivery model - Worle, Winscombe and Pill.

Worle library is in an older building alongside the children's centre. This building has significant repair and maintenance costs which will make it uneconomic to continue running a library from the building. We'd like community feedback on what the library offer looks like in the future in this area, given the Campus Library is nearby as well as the Central Library at the Town Hall.

Winscombe and Pill libraries are the two with the lowest usage numbers, so we are asking whether the community wants to take over and manage these libraries (as Congresbury does). This option might enable them to stay part of the library network.

The council currently runs 11 libraries located in towns and villages across the district. 10 of these libraries are run by the Council, and one - Congresbury - is a community managed library. We also run a mobile library service that visits smaller communities and a home library service and care home library service for those who are not able to get out at all.

Find out more and have your say here: https://n-somerset.inconsult.uk/Libraries/consultationHome

Paper copies of the consultation are available in libraries or by telephoning 01934 888 888. Alternative formats (such as large print) are also available upon request. Face to face consultation events are also being organised and you can find details via the consultation page or in libraries.

First acts for SummerFest at the Beach

The first headline act for Summer Fest at the Beach, which is taking place in Weston-super-Mare next year, has been announced. Popular act Scouting For Girls will be hitting the stage on Saturday 6th June 2026.

From She's So Lovely to Heartbeat and This Ain't a Love Song, there will be a full set of feel-good anthems by the sea. Find out more about the event here.

Queensway junction improvements - find out more

Want to find out more about important junction upgrades coming for the Queensway and B3440 area of Worle, Weston-super-Mare?

North Somerset Council is holding an information event on Monday 1 September, sharing details of the approved improvements scheme, which will help with traffic flow and ease congestion.

The event details are: Monday 1 September, 4pm to 7pm at The Campus, Highlands Lane, Weston-super-Mare, BS24 7DX.

If you can’t make this event, an information display will be available for people to view at their leisure in the downstairs entrance to The Campus from now until 1 September.

The scheme includes:

• Converting the existing two traffic light-controlled junctions between the Queensway and Walford Avenue, and Bristol Road and the B3440, into two connected roundabouts. This will allow the junctions to function more fluidly, supporting a higher volume of traffic.

• Small changes for two nearby roundabouts on New Bristol Road, to improve traffic flow – the Victory (at the entrance to the Sainsbury’s trading estate), and by the Summerhouse pub.

• Updates to the B3440 slip-roads, which connect the A370 to M5 junction 21, to include new bus lanes and smart traffic signals using GPS to track buses’ locations to give them priority.

This project is funded by the UK government. The conditions of this funding mean it can’t be used to pay for any other council services.

Clean up for Italian Gardens

Well done to the team from North Somerset Council who have been cleaning the Italian Gardens/town square.

We asked for this to be done following complaints about how dirty it had got in the warm, dry weather. The council no longer has the equipment needed to regularly deep clean some of the paved areas like the Italian Gardens and Promenade as a result of budget cuts over many years.

We’re campaigning to get the council to purchase the right equipment so that there is more regular cleaning of these high-footfall and high-profile areas.

Get in touch

• Contact Councillor Mike Bell on 07881 320 279 or email mike.bell@n-somerset.gov.uk or follow him on Facebook or Twitter. Mike serves on North Somerset Council and Weston Town Council.

• Contact Councillor Robert Payne on 07904 026 096 or email robert.payne@n-somerset.gov.uk or follow him on Facebook or Twitter. Robert serves on North Somerset Council and Weston Town Council.

• Contact Councillor Caroline Reynolds by emailing caroline.reynolds@wsm-tc.gov.uk. Caroline serves on Weston Town Council.

This time we’ve got updates on the Birnbeck project, the Kids Go Free on the buses offer, Weston Wallz 2025 and our latest campaigns, amongst other issues.

Please do get in touch if you’d like any help or information.

Best wishes

Mike Bell, Robert Payne and Caroline Reynolds
Your Liberal Democrat councillors for Weston-super-Mare Central Ward

Birnbeck Pier landside work starting

Work has started on the landside buildings as part of the Birnbeck Pier project. We said we would press on with the project, despite the withdrawal of RNLI HQ, and we've kept our word. Earlier this week Mike met with the other project funders and we are continuing to explore ways to close the funding gap for the pier structure work itself.

The work includes:

• restoring landside buildings including the Pier Master’s Cottage

• creating visitor facilities including toilets and bicycle racks

• providing essential services and infrastructure to the site including work underground on a new water supply, a new sewer and sewage pumps, and to install a new fit-for-purpose electricity substation

• removing asbestos and repairing the sea wall

• replacing broken railings and streetlights along Birkett Road.

This work is being funded from an allocation from the £20m awarded to the council by the UK Government through the former Levelling Up Fund.

Can you help maintain the floral clock?

To keep the Floral Clock display blooming, we need your help. Caring for the Floral Clock takes time, attention, and water, especially during dry spells. And right now, North Somerset Council is looking for volunteers to lend a hand.

To join us or learn more please email: Parksranger@n-somerset.gov.uk

Council of Sanctuary

Some of you will have heard about Weston Town Council’s vote earlier this year to become a ‘council of sanctuary’. This would mean that the Town Council (not North Somerset Council) would become part of a network of areas who are committed to supporting refugees and people who move into our community.

Sanctuary status asks our community to be a welcoming place of safety for all including those fleeing violence and persecution. It is not about changing immigration policy, the laws around illegal immigration or increasing numbers of people who might come here - none of which are controlled by councils, but are decided by Parliament and Government.

There is a process to work through before this becomes formal, including engagement with the community, and the Town Council is currently running an online survey for residents to find out more about the council of sanctuary approach and have their say. You can complete the survey here.

As your councillors, we understand the concerns of our residents – which many of us share – about the scale of immigration into this country in recent years. Immigration can be good and indeed vital for our national interests, providing skills, investment and people to do the work that we are struggling to provide for ourselves. However, this does need to be managed and controlled appropriately. Successive governments have failed to deliver an effective migration policy or system. They have conspired to create conditions where we have failed to provide timely support to refugees and those in need, failed to attract essential professionals to support our public services and still allowed more than one million people to enter the country legally through work, family and student visas. It takes a special kind of incompetence to manage to get everything wrong and the UK Home Office are our own British made experts!

New town maps

It's good to see that North Somerset Council have started putting up copies of the new town centre map in bus shelters and other locations.

The first one is up at the busy Grand Pier bus stop, so do check it out. The idea is to help make it easier for visitors and residents alike to find their way around and identify key locations.

Alongside the Town Council's information hub at the Carrot (Silica), this is a good improvement to town centre signage and information. The map is based on a fab design by local artist Nick Roberts, working in partnership with Weston-super-Mare Town Council.

Weston Wallz 2025 kicks off

Weston Wallz 2025 is underway with some new murals and artworks across the town. An updated map of the locations will be available soon. Look out for artists at work - it’s a fascinating watch.

Lions Real Ale and Cider Festival this weekend

Don't forget the brilliant Weston Lions Charity Real Ale and Cider Festival is on the Beach Lawns this weekend from Friday 26th July to Sunday 28th July. Gates open at 11am Friday/Saturday/Sunday and last entry is 9:30pm Friday/Saturday and 4:30pm Sunday.

Music, food and more ales and cider than you can shake a stick at. Proper job!

Kids Go Free!

Kids can travel for free on buses in the West of England for the summer holidays. Around 150,000 kids in North Somerset, Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, and South Gloucestershire aged from 5-15 years old will benefit from free bus travel this summer – just by hopping on board, with no bus pass or registration required.

Mike joined children from Walliscote Primary School to launch the offer on the seafront. The offer is being funded by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, not local council taxpayers, thanks to a deal we secured.

More homes, good, but we need the services too!

North Somerset Council is being asked to build more than 24,000 new homes over the next 15 years by the government. As part of the Local Plan process we're trying to rise to the challenge and identify space for these homes. But we need basic infrastructure to support them - roads, cycle lanes, healthcare, schools and employment.

Lib Dem councillors have written to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government - Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner - to ask what the government is going to do to provide the funds and infrastructure needed to meet these housing targets.

We all recognise the need to build more homes to cut housing waiting lists, make home ownership and rentals more affordable and give future generations space to grow their families. But we need the tools to do the job.

Some of this is can be a result of new homes and we will challenge developers to work with us to provide infrastructure. But some of it depends on government intervention. New roads, rail links, jobs and essential services need to be paid for - both for those who already live in North Somerset, and for our future new residents.

We must learn the lessons of the past. Houses without jobs and infrastructure are not the recipe for the successful growing economy the government says it wants.

Get in touch

• Contact Councillor Mike Bell on 07881 320 279 or email mike.bell@n-somerset.gov.uk or follow him on Facebook or Twitter. Mike serves on North Somerset Council and Weston Town Council.

• Contact Councillor Robert Payne on 07904 026 096 or email robert.payne@n-somerset.gov.uk or follow him on Facebook or Twitter. Robert serves on North Somerset Council and Weston Town Council.

• Contact Councillor Caroline Reynolds by emailing caroline.reynolds@wsm-tc.gov.uk. Caroline serves on Weston Town Council.

In this edition we’ve got information on the Kids Go Free bus offer, our campaign to tackle pavement parking, a new youth talent competition being organised by the Town Council.

We hope some of these stories will be of interest. If we can be of any help or assistance, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Best wishes

Mike Bell, Robert Payne and Caroline Reynolds
Your Liberal Democrat councillors for Weston-super-Mare Central Ward

Kids Go Free on the buses this summer

Children and young people under the age of 16 are set to be able to travel for free on buses across our region during the school holidays.

Around 150,000 kids in Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire aged from 5-15 years old could benefit from free bus travel this summer – just by hopping on board, with no bus pass or registration required.

It’s part of a new scheme North Somerset Council has agreed with the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority. Not only will these help local families enjoy our area this summer, it’ll encourage those from the wider region to come and enjoy what North Somerset has to offer.

The school holidays are due to start on 19 July. The proposed free travel offer would run from then until 5 September (to cover varying INSET days) across the West of England and North Somerset during the same period on all registered commercial and supported bus services starting in those areas, with limited exemptions to be set out in due course on the Travelwest website – e.g. for airport services.

Travel for children and young people aged from five to 15 years old, inclusive, is currently capped at £1 per journey. Children under five years of age already travel for free on the majority of services in the West of England.

Find more travel information on the TravelWest website.

Tackling pavement parking

More and more people in Weston - and across the country - are speaking up about a growing problem: vehicles blocking pavements.

When cars and vans are parked on the pavement, they don’t just take up space - they take away freedom and safety. For older people, disabled neighbours, or parents with buggies, this often means stepping into the road, into traffic. That’s not just inconvenient - it’s dangerous.

Our pavements are meant to be safe spaces for people, not parking spots for cars. They aren’t built to bear the weight of vehicles, and the damage causes costly repairs - money that could be better spent on schools, parks, and public services.

We all want to live in communities that are safe, caring, and accessible to everyone. So please, think twice before parking on the pavement. The Highway Code is clear: you should not obstruct the pavement - and doing so could lead to a fine.

If you see examples of pavement parking you can report this to the police on 101 for action, this includes blocked pavements or obstruction/dangerous parking on the road. If somebody is illegally parked and there are parking restrictions in place (e.g. double yellow lines) you can report this to the council parking team for action here.

Our view is that it is time for the law to reflect what’s right. Scotland has already taken the lead and made pavement parking illegal unless clearly permitted by exception: and we believe England should follow. This would give local authorities the tools they need to protect pedestrians and keep our streets safe for all.

New operator incoming for the Trop

We're making progress in securing a new long-term operator for the Tropicana. The process to secure an experienced venue operator to take over the building has been ongoing since last year and we're now reaching the conclusion of a process that attracted a lot of local and national interest. Due to commercial sensitivities and legal constraints, the name of the preferred operator cannot be made public yet, but once the procurement and contracts details are completed we expect to announce this latest in the summer.

Construction work is due to start later this summer and will be completed next year (2026) with the successful venue operator expected to complete their fit out and reopen the Tropicana shortly afterwards.

Together this programme - which has been funded through the council's successful bid for government funding to improve Weston-super-Mare - will see the Tropicana reopen as an all-year-round cultural and entertainment venue with increased capacity, better facilities and flexible indoor and outdoor spaces.

Youth talent show - could you be Weston’s next big thing?

Our wonderful Weston-Super-Mare Youth Council is organising a youth talent show 'NextGen Spotlight' on the 27th September at the The Blakehay Theatre, and they are looking for talented youth in Weston - aged 11 to 21, who want to take part in the show. Whether that is singing, dancing, magic or another talent, they want to hear from you!

Young people can submit an audition or find out more by contacting: alli.waller@ymca-dg.org

Partial u-turn on Winter Fuel Payments

Slashing winter fuel payments for pensioners was more than a spreadsheet mistake - it was a moral failure. Thousands of local pensioners were left to face rising bills and falling temperatures with no support. The partial u-turn announced by the Labour Government is welcome but it should never have come to this. They shouldn't have to wait for public outrage to do the right thing.

We hope the Government learn from this. We all know difficult decisions have to be made to balance the books, but this was a policy rushed out in the two weeks after Labour won the General Election. They have paid the political price for leaving older people in the cold.

Weston College Business Awards

Mike was guest speaker at the Weston College Business Awards, held recently at the Winter Gardens - and helped celebrate the inspiring achievements of learners and local employers.

The event brought together 200 guests to recognise the work done by the college and local businesses to offer work-placed opportunities to people taking their first steps in their career.

The stories from learners who had participated in training, apprenticeships, placements and through them learned new skills, secured jobs and unlocked their own potential was so good to hear. Equally, it was so pleasing to hear from so many businesses who benefited from the programmes too, not least in securing the future talent they need to thrive in the future.

Well done to everyone nominated and to all the winners.

Get in touch

• Contact Councillor Mike Bell on 07881 320 279 or email mike.bell@n-somerset.gov.uk or follow him on Facebook or Twitter. Mike serves on North Somerset Council and Weston Town Council.

• Contact Councillor Robert Payne on 07904 026 096 or email robert.payne@n-somerset.gov.uk or follow him on Facebook or Twitter. Robert serves on North Somerset Council and Weston Town Council.

• Contact Councillor Caroline Reynolds by emailing caroline.reynolds@wsm-tc.gov.uk. Caroline serves on Weston Town Council.

In this edition we’ve got updates on Marine Lake and Tropicana improvements, new shops in the town centre and the latest on waste and recycling.

As always, please do get in touch if we can be of any help.

Best wishes

Mike Bell, Robert Payne and Caroline Reynolds
Your Liberal Democrat councillors for Weston-super-Mare Central Ward

Marine Lake improvements moving ahead

The planning app is in for the improvements to Marine Lake in Weston. Check out the details below. This is funded by the UK government as part of our successful levelling up fund bid. This is a really important investment in Weston-super-Mare and will help to give our nearly 100 year old Marine Lake a bright future.

The work includes:

• improving signage around the lake and installing a new welcome sign at the entrance to improve visibility

• utilising and repurposing under-used space to create a new concession, equipment hire and storage facility

• upgrading and increasing the number of public toilets in use, including one accessible toilet, while changing them to self-contained cubicles with direct entry from the promenade

• installing cycle racks

• improving access for people into the water by repairing, resurfacing or rebuilding steps and ramps, and upgrading handrails

• repairing and resurfacing the lower walkway around the lake

• repairing the Madeira Gardens pavilion roof.

Subject to planning approval, the work will be completed ready for summer of 2026.

Progress on health centre - at last!

We are continuing to work with the developer of the Weston Rugby Club / new town centre health centre project to push for further progress on this long-delayed scheme.

The health centre / new GP surgery was given NHS funding back in 2019 to replace the Graham Road Surgery on a new site. The NHS chose Sunnyside Road for the new health centre as part of a wider scheme to create new facilities at Weston Rugby Club.

For several years now the scheme has faced challenges due to the Covid pandemic and then global economic uncertainty that has pushed up costs and led to delays in the scheme commencing. We have been assured by the developer, Studio Hive, that they remain committed to the project and are close to final funding arrangements to enable work to start on site.

The scheme at Sunnyside Road includes a new club house and improved facilities for Weston Rugby Club and the community, the new health centre, parking, a residential development, securing a site for a future new primary school and maintaining the existing pitches.

Tropicana project approved

Proposals to reinvent the Tropicana in Weston-super-Mare were approved this month by North Somerset Council’s Planning and Regulatory Committee.

This project will create new jobs, support local businesses and deliver a year-round experience-led economy for the future. This is going be exciting and unlike every other scheme for the Trop, we’re going to deliver!

We know that residents are concerned about the impact of the venue and, as a member of the planning committee, Robert pushed for better residents’ parking provision, noise nuisance protections and good communications with neighbours.

We’re working on the procurement of an experienced operator to run the venue for at least 20 years, with the successful operator due to be announced once appointed this summer.

Construction work is due to start this summer (2025) and complete by summer next year (2026). The appointed venue operator would complete their fit out and reopen the Tropicana shortly afterwards.

Recycling and waste collection changes

Keep an eye out for your new waste and recycling collections information pack, dropping soon. It'll set out your new collection dates and how to:

• Get extra help and information

• Use the new plastic bags and soft plastics recycling service

• Download the councils’s new app to report issues and get reminders

Two quick clarifications in response to frequent questions:

- If you haven't had a new red bag for hard plastics and metal, you can report this here: https://n-somerset.gov.uk/.../three-weekly-waste-collections (keep using your boxes as normal in the meantime)

- From Monday 9 June, the council’s recycling vehicles will have a dedicated space to collect plastic bags and soft plastic wrapping such as crisp packets, film lids, plastic pouches and vegetable packaging. Plastic bags and soft plastic wrapping should be presented for recycling in the household’s glass recycling box, squashed into a bread bag or carrier bag and tied with a knot to squeeze all the air out.

Weekly market in Italian Gardens

Don’t forget, the new weekly market in Italian Gardens takes place every Wednesday from 9.30am to 2.30pm. There are lots of stalls and makers to browse, so do pop along and have a look if you can.

This was a key ask of us as councillors, more events in the town centre, so we are really pleased the market is proving so successful.

New bakery in High Street

North Somerset Council has signed an agreement to lease 57 High Street in Weston-super-Mare to Warrens Bakery, the Cornwall-based traditional Cornish Pasty retailer and baker.

57 High Street is one of several shops on Weston’s High Street to have been recently renovated and restored, ready to be brought back into use.

Cleaning up York Street

We’ve been working closely with council officers and businesses to clean up York Street in the town centre. It’s been great to see positive progress. We’re still talking to businesses about potentially gating the street so that flytipping is prevented in future.

Get in touch

• Contact Councillor Mike Bell on 07881 320 279 or email mike.bell@n-somerset.gov.uk or follow him on Facebook or Twitter. Mike serves on North Somerset Council and Weston Town Council.

• Contact Councillor Robert Payne on 07904 026 096 or email robert.payne@n-somerset.gov.uk or follow him on Facebook or Twitter. Robert serves on North Somerset Council and Weston Town Council.

• Contact Councillor Caroline Reynolds by emailing caroline.reynolds@wsm-tc.gov.uk. Caroline serves on Weston Town Council.

This time we’ve got news on changes to waste and recycling collections, action on crime and fly tipping and lots of good news with a new market starting in town and new businesses investing in Weston.

Please do get in touch if we can be of any help.

Best wishes

Mike Bell, Robert Payne and Caroline Reynolds
Your Liberal Democrat councillors for Weston-super-Mare Central Ward

Greening Alexandra Parade

We’re pleased to announce the installation of new signage at Alexandra Parade gardens, recognising the heritage of the area and showcasing continued improvement works on site.

The plinth has been updated with a sign containing content detailing the history of the Floral Clock and the significance of it in this valued green space.

In addition, circular signs have been added to the planters to highlight their role in the “Greening the High Street” initiative - a national project designed to support community growing in historic high street settings.

This work has been made possible through funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

Waste collection changes

Our recycling and waste collections are changing this year to make recycling easier.

New red recycling bags will be delivered soon to help sort items, and to enable a wider range of materials. There will also be a new app. And black bin collections will move from fortnightly to three-weekly later this year - for most residents.

As well as making recycling easier, these changes will significantly reduce the costs associated with waste disposal and instead generate annual savings of more than £1m to help fund vital local services.

- Red Bags

Reusable red bags for recycling household plastic and metal packaging will start to be delivered to households from the end of March. The bag provides extra space for more recycling, is weighted to stop it blowing away, bigger than recycling boxes, and secures with a Velcro strip across the top to prevent litter. These bags are already used successfully by lots of other councils across the country, and have been trialled in other parts of Weston.

- Soft plastics

Plastic bags and wrapping, such as crisp packets, film lids, pet food pouches and vegetable wrapping, will be collected from the kerbside later this year. We’ll be one of the first councils in the country to collect these items.

- App

A North Somerset Council app is launching soon to help make recycling even easier. You’ll be able to set up reminders for when to put your bins out, along with receiving real-time information about the service.

- Three-weekly black bin collections

The move to three-weekly black bin collections is in line with the council's Recycling and Waste strategy, which aims to reduce non-recycled waste and reach a recycling rate of 70 per cent by 2030. This has worked successfully for several other councils which have already made the switch to three-weekly collections, elsewhere in Somerset, and in Devon. The existing exceptions for some households right in the town centre will continue.

The changes will also necessitate a change of collection day for most people.

A team of waste minimisation officers are available to advise anyone who is looking for more support to recycle as much as they can. People who may struggle with a three-weekly black bin collection, because of medical needs, children in disposable nappies or being a larger household, may qualify for additional capacity for their rubbish.

Analysis of black bin waste has shown that almost half (45 per cent) of it could be recycled.

Of the total waste put in black bins, more than a quarter (27 per cent) was food waste, and almost half of this was unopened food still in its packaging.

Police team in Clarence Park this weekend

Join your neighbourhood Policing team at Clarence Park, Weston-super-Mare on Saturday 12th April between 14:30 and 16:30

Whether you want advice on how to protect your belongings, more information about the work we are doing in your area, or you want to raise a concern about an issue in your community, our Neighbourhood Policing team will be on-hand to help.

Clearing fly-tipping

Well done to the North Somerset Council and Glendale teams who helped clear some of the fly tipping we’ve reported recently including in Alfred Court and St James Street.

Fly-tipping is illegal. It can cause pollution to land and waterway. It also costs significant amounts of council tax payer’s money to clear up.

Where evidence can be found or recorded, the courts have various powers available to them to tackle fly-tipping including imprisonment and unlimited fines.

If you witness fly-tipping, please report it to the council here.

New market kicks off

Weston’s new regular weekly market in the Italian Gardens kicked off in the April sunshine with more than 40 stalls.

The market is a joint initiative from Weston-super-Mare Town Council and North Somerset and will be in the gardens every Wednesday from 9.30am to 2.30pm.

New businesses at Marine Lake

Two new businesses will be operating at Weston's Marine Lake from this summer - a new outdoor wood-fired sauna company and a new coffee and cake outlet.

The team from Embers Sauna aim to operate from April to September providing a bookable sauna experience at the lake. A really great new addition for the season.

Perrett Neads A Coffee will be offering drinks, cakes and more from a base at the lake plaza by the lifeboat station. They already operate successfully at Clevedon's Salthouse Fields.

Really good to see improvements to Weston Seafront - good luck to these new businesses.

Quarry work progressing well

We visited the Old Town Quarry recently to see how work is progressing. Weston Town Council plans to transform the site into a landmark arts, culture and heritage asset, a dynamic new hub for culture, creative and digital enterprise for Weston. It is also vital to protect the important biodiversity of the site.

After a successful funding application, the Town Council was awarded a grant of almost £700k from the UK government’s Community Ownership Fund, reflecting confidence in the vision for the Quarry’s future. This funding will support the extensive refurbishment required to reopen the site to the public and sustain its legacy for generations to come.

The Town Council have worked closely with local community experts and specialists to create an ambitious programme of redevelopment and rejuvenation of the Old Town Quarry. It is also currently seeking an operator to run the quarry’s café.

The works are progressing well and it is hoped that the facility will be open to the public later in the summer.

New electric buses hit the road

The new electric buses are now operating from Weston - a first for our region. And the Weston bus depot has now become the first electrified one in the West of England.

This is thanks to a £14.9 million investment from First Bus and the government's Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) project, delivered through the council.

24 new electric buses will operate the X1 service to and from Bristol, as well as the Portishead to Bristol X4 route. The buses may also be used on other services. Each bus saving about 75 tonnes of CO2 per year.

Get in touch

• Contact Councillor Mike Bell on 07881 320 279 or email mike.bell@n-somerset.gov.uk or follow him on Facebook or Twitter. Mike serves on North Somerset Council and Weston Town Council.

• Contact Councillor Robert Payne on 07904 026 096 or email robert.payne@n-somerset.gov.uk or follow him on Facebook or Twitter. Robert serves on North Somerset Council and Weston Town Council.

• Contact Councillor Caroline Reynolds by emailing caroline.reynolds@wsm-tc.gov.uk. Caroline serves on Weston Town Council.

This time we’ve got news on new council powers to try and get empty shops back in business, action on antisocial driving on the seafront, and a brilliant tidy up of Ellenborough Park West.

Please do get in touch if we can be of any help.

Best wishes

Mike Bell, Robert Payne and Caroline Reynolds
Your Liberal Democrat councillors for Weston-super-Mare Central Ward

New scheme to get empty shops open again

Big news for North Somerset! We're one of eight councils chosen to tackle empty shops with new 'High Street Rental Auction' powers.

Under the powers, targeted long-term vacant properties can be auctioned for short-term leases, giving small businesses and community groups a chance at prime locations.

Coming this spring: Have your say on designated zones in Clevedon, Nailsea, and Weston-super-Mare!

We’re determined to breathe new life into our town centres and high streets including tackling absentee landlords who either charge unrealistic rents or are happy to see their property sit empty for years on end. This brings down our town centres and affects the vitality of our communities. It has got to stop.

Read more here.

Ellenborough Park tidy up

The Weston-super-Mare Town Council Grounds Team have been hard at work over the past few weeks transforming Ellenborough Park West. They've cleared over 20 bags of hidden litter from the undergrowth and carefully trimmed back large amounts of foliage, whilst making sure to protect the specialised plants.

Ivy has been removed from the walls, leaving behind a cleaner, safer, and more welcoming park. Now, Ellenborough Park is ready to be enjoyed by everyone who visits, thank you to the Grounds Team for all your hard work!

Tackling antisocial driving on the seafront

There have been a few issues with antisocial driving and noise along the seafront, including vehicles accessing Marine Parade late in the evening by driving the wrong way up the Clifton link road.

North Somerset Neighbourhood Policing and the relevant council teams are actively monitoring the situation. If you witness anything or want to report this you can do so to the police on 101 and to the council CCTV team on 01934 634711.

Reporting incidents can help ensure that evidence and vehicle registration details are captured to support police action.

As part of action to tackle this, the access roads to Marine Parade via the Clifton link road gate will be locked from approximately 9pm each evening with Marine Parade Road closed to vehicles fully overnight. Council beach rangers will then re-open Marine Parade Road at approximately 7am each morning.

If you find the gates locked, there are nearby public car parks available as well as pay and display on-street parking along Beach Road. Pedestrian access is unaffected.

BBC Make A Difference Awards

If there’s someone who you think has really made a difference where you live, the BBC Radio Bristol Make a Difference Awards in September could be a chance for them to be recognised – but you’ve only got until 5pm Monday 31 March 2025 to make a nomination.

You can find more detail on all the categories here: https://bbc.in/3QgfQpT

Business energy grants

New grants are available from North Somerset Council to help local small businesses pay for energy saving improvements to cut their bills and help the environment.

Under the scheme, businesses can apply for a free survey which will make suggestions on improvements. Businesses can then seek grant funding to help pay for work that might include solar panels, air-source heat pumps, and other energy saving measures.

Applications open on 1 March 2025 and close on 31 May 2025 and there is limited funding available, so get involved early if you are interested.

More details and application process here.

Fire station rebuild agreed

The Fire Authority approved recently a £7 million refurbishment of Weston Fire Station. This has been on the cards for a while but has been on pause. It's now got the go-ahead. The station was built in 1960, and the building is well overdue for a modernisation and upgrade. The works are due to start next year and should be completed in 2027.

Having the fire station close to the town centre is very important for keeping our community safe, crewed 24 hours a day by an amazing team of wholetime and on-call firefighters. Weston Fire Station is also unique in southern England in that it is home to the Fire & Rescue Service's hovercraft - used in rescues from the Severn Estuary. Weston has two fire engines crewed by wholetime firefighters and one crewed by on-call firefighters. There is also a turntable ladder, and a Mass Decontamination Unit for incidents involving hazardous or chemical substances.

Garden waste subscriptions renewal time

It’s that time of year when you can renew your garden waste collection service if you are a customer.

Current subscriptions expire on Monday, 31 March 2025. To ensure uninterrupted kerbside collection until the end of March 2026, you need to renew before then.

• Online: The quickest and easiest way is through the North Somerset Council website here.

• Assistance: If you or someone you know needs help renewing, consider assisting them or visiting any of our local libraries, where computers are available for public use.

• New customers can join anytime between now and November.

Get in touch

• Contact Councillor Mike Bell on 07881 320 279 or email mike.bell@n-somerset.gov.uk or follow him on Facebook or Twitter. Mike serves on North Somerset Council and Weston Town Council.

• Contact Councillor Robert Payne on 07904 026 096 or email robert.payne@n-somerset.gov.uk or follow him on Facebook or Twitter. Robert serves on North Somerset Council and Weston Town Council.

• Contact Councillor Caroline Reynolds by emailing caroline.reynolds@wsm-tc.gov.uk. Caroline serves on Weston Town Council.

This time we’ve got important updates on a pilot residents’ parking scheme for part of the town centre, good news on the future of a long-running eyesore building and latest news on council tax rises from April - and shocking increases in water bills.

As always, please do get in touch if we can ever be of assistance. We’re happy to try to help.

Best wishes

Mike Bell, Robert Payne and Caroline Reynolds
Your Liberal Democrat councillors for Weston-super-Mare Central Ward

Residents’ parking scheme to launch this spring

North Somerset Council are launching a pilot Residents’ Parking Scheme in part of Weston-super-Mare in the coming months. The scheme will cover some roads to the East of Alfred Street in the town centre.

Roads can get particularly busy close to the centre of Weston-super-Mare, with vehicles parked nose to tail and people often driving around looking for a space.

It won’t be perfect or work for everyone, but it is important that we test this approach before considering rollout in other areas similarly affected by parking pressures.

The scheme would give priority to permit holders during hours of operation and has been designed to help residents, commuters and other vehicles share parking spaces more fairly.

Resident-only parking bays would be in operation from 8am to 7pm from Monday to Saturday, including bank holidays (except Christmas Day and Boxing Day). Vehicles without a permit would be able to use the spaces outside of these hours. Resident parking permits would be priced at £60 per year to help cover the cost of administration and enforcement.

Permit holders would be able to add visitor hours to their permits and an additional permit specifically for businesses would allow businesses to apply for five spaces that could be used by any vehicle.

The pilot is subject to a Traffic Regulation Order which gives people an opportunity to comment on the details of the proposals. The Traffic Regulation Order consultation will run from now until 5pm on Friday 21 February.

You can find a full list of impacted streets, detailed terms and conditions and read more about the scheme at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/WestonRPS

North Somerset council tax - where next?

North Somerset Council is in the process of finalising its budget for 2025/26 and setting council tax. A report to full council this month will propose a council tax increase of 4.99% (2.99% on council tax and 2% in social care precept). This will add £85.25 to the average Band D bill, or £1.64 per week. North Somerset Council’s share of council tax will remain the second lowest in the region.

Mike led consultation on the council's budget over the last few months as we have tried to set out the financial challenges we face as a council. North Somerset Council - contrary to what some people might have you believe - is a low taxing, low spending council. Our average council tax is nearly £400 a year less than neighbours like Bristol.

Every year we receive around £50 million less in income than the average council - this is due to low council tax and an unfair government funding system that means we get less than most councils.

That might sound positive, low taxes, low spending, great! But it has consequences. Less income means we spend less on roads and pavements, less on street cleaning, less on care, less on looking after the most vulnerable, less on homelessness and so on.

The council does not get everything right nor always spends your money as wisely as it could. Councillors and council staff try to make good, informed decisions and get the best outcomes for our residents and businesses. Most of the time the council continues to deliver good, responsive outcomes. But it is getting harder and harder to do that.

North Somerset is not unique - it is the same story across the country. Councils are struggling with rising costs (for care, for infrastructure, for education) and rising demand (more people, living longer and with more complex needs). We're here to try to rise to that challenge - and sometimes we succeed and sometimes we fall short.

But the system needs to change. North Somerset Council wants to see local government nationally get a better deal and greater support which is why they’ve launched a Fair Deal petition calling on the government to provide better for the people of North Somerset. Please sign the petition at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/fairdeal and show your support.

A new lease of life for the former Grand Central Hotel

We had an interesting visit to the former Grand Central Hotel building recently to meet with the new owner and discuss their plans for the future. The upper floors have been neglected for many years and the ground floor has seen varied fortunes, so it was great to hear about plans for a mixed residential and commercial scheme to bring the building fully back to life.

They are working on details in advance of a planning application, so we will all see the shape of things to come before too long. The new owner has already undertaken a huge amount of work stripping back the internal space and it will be exciting to see this project progress in one form or another.

Water bills to rise again

Water and sewage bills are forecast to rise by an average of £10 per month for 2025/26 - in some cases rise by more than 35%.

It is absolutely scandalous that customers will now have to pay through the nose for the shocking failings of water companies. The whole thing stinks.

The Labour government has gone nowhere near far enough in clamping down on these greedy firms and protecting people’s pockets from them.

Their Water Bill has a gaping hole in it after failing to back a Liberal Democrat amendment which would have ensured that creditors, not bill payers would front up the cost of bailing out these broken companies.

Ministers have to realise this endless cycle of failure and customers paying for it will continue until Ofwat is ripped up and replaced by a new regulator that will clamp down on these firms once and for all.

Bottle return scheme coming - but two year wait!

The Government has finally implemented legislation that will see a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) for plastic bottles and cans start by October 2027.

Once the scheme launches in October 2027, consumers will have a financial incentive to return empty containers to a collection point, such as at their local supermarket, so that the bottle or can will be recycled.

Used in more than 50 countries worldwide as a common-sense means of encouraging people to recycle more single-use bottles and cans, a DRS sees people being paid back for returning the container.

Similar schemes have operated for many years in other countries, boosting recycling rates and reducing the impact of single use goods on our environment. In Germany, their scheme sees 98% of cans and plastics recycled.

When many of us were kids you used to get a bottle of lemonade from the chippy and then could take it back to get 10p refunded. We do wonder why it's taken decades and 8 billion single use plastic bottles and cans in our environment every year for government to act. But better late than never.

Get in touch

• Contact Councillor Mike Bell on 07881 320 279 or email mike.bell@n-somerset.gov.uk or follow him on Facebook or Twitter. Mike serves on North Somerset Council and Weston Town Council.

• Contact Councillor Robert Payne on 07904 026 096 or email robert.payne@n-somerset.gov.uk or follow him on Facebook or Twitter. Robert serves on North Somerset Council and Weston Town Council.

• Contact Councillor Caroline Reynolds by emailing caroline.reynolds@wsm-tc.gov.uk. Caroline serves on Weston Town Council.

In this edition we’ve got updates on the future of the Tropicana, including a £2.7 million funding boost, news on the Blakehay, NHS and Marine Lake and an update on potholes.

As always, please do get in touch if we can ever be of assistance. We’re happy to try to help.

Best wishes

Mike Bell, Robert Payne and Caroline Reynolds
Your Liberal Democrat councillors for Weston-super-Mare Central Ward

Tropicana - the next steps

A planning application has been submitted on North Somerset Council’s behalf outlining proposals for the Tropicana in Weston-super-Mare.

The application has been made by Morgan Sindall Construction, North Somerset Council’s appointed pre-construction contractor for the Tropicana project.

More than 250 people attended two drop-in events held by architecture practice RCKa in September to discover more about proposals for the Tropicana. Following these events, Exeter-based KTA Architects, working with Morgan Sindall Construction, have collaborated with RCKa to evolve designs while taking on board people’s views.

The planning application outlines proposals including:

• repairing the main 1930s promenade building

• demolishing the existing 1980s internal building and replacing it with a brand-new structure to host indoor events for around 1,000 people

• increasing the total venue capacity to around 5,000 people

• installing sustainable and renewable energy sources, including heat pumps and solar panels, to improve energy efficiency.

The planning application reference is 24/P/2691/R3. People can find out more about the proposals, including detailed drawings, on the council’s website at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/planning

Subject to planning approval, work is due to complete by March 2026. Alongside the physical work, North Somerset Council is also working on the procurement of an experienced operator to run the venue for at least 20 years.

And funding boost for Trop too!

More good news as North Somerset Council has been successful in our bid for £2.7 million to help fund further improvements to the Tropicana!

The money is from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), delivered by Arts Council England, within the highly competitive Cultural Development Fund fourth round.

The funding will be used to:

• improve and fit out interior spaces for culture and entertainment, increasing accessibility, and enabling greater flexibility of use through the ability to hold events and activities of a greater range of sizes

• install equipment such as for lighting and sound to accelerate a future venue operator’s delivery

• deliver a cultural programme in a partnership between the council, the venue operator and local cultural organisations boomsatsuma and Super Culture.

Have your say on the NHS Plan

A new 10 year plan for the NHS is being developed and Bristol, North Somerset & South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board have organised two in-person sessions to hear ideas from local people in North Somerset.

They will be holding two sessions at 2-4pm and 6-8pm on Tuesday 28 January at The For All Healthy Living Centre, Lonsdale Avenue, Weston-super-Mare, BS23 3SJ

You can sign up for the events here.

If you are unable to join the conversation in person, and wish to join an online event, please contact bnssg.communications@nhs.net

Could you run the Blakehay?

Could your organisation be the next creative force working with the Weston-super-Mare Town Council on the historic Blakehay Theatre in Weston-super-Mare?

The Town Council are looking for a partner to take on the operational management of the theatre and help it go from strength to strength.

This is a unique opportunity to shape the cultural landscape of Weston-super-Mare while building on the theatre's rich heritage and community connections.

Interested parties should contact development@wsm-tc.gov.uk as soon as possible to complete an expression of interest form by 12 noon on the 14th February 2025.

Marine Lake sluice gate repairs

Marine Lake in Weston is closed from 8am on Friday (17 January) to enable draining of the lake for specialist work to be undertaken to the sluice gates. This is routine maintenance work to improve their operation and upgrade parts.

The lake is due to reopen on the morning of Thursday 30 January, allowing for expected high tides to overtop the causeway and refill the lake.

Potholes action - not enough being done!

The government has announced some more funding for road repairs - great news. North Somerset Council will get an extra £1.9 million for 2025/26 compared to this year, bringing the highways maintenance government funding for our area to £7.1 million.

North Somerset Council already spends more maintaining our roads than the total funding we will receive from the government in this announcement as we’ve been able to add to government funding with council tax revenue. So don’t expect miracles, this is a drop in the ocean compared to the scale of the problems.

England’s roads have a £16.3 billion repair backlog and the government’s £500 million represents just a 3% shift in the dial. What is needed is a long-term plan that enables councils and Highways England to invest in preventative treatments which keep surfaces in better condition for longer and prevent potholes.

This year’s Government long-term Spending Review needs to be an opportunity to give councils the funding certainty we need to really start to tackle the road.

If you know of any potholes in your area, please report them here.

Get in touch

• Contact Councillor Mike Bell on 07881 320 279 or email mike.bell@n-somerset.gov.uk or follow him on Facebook or Twitter. Mike serves on North Somerset Council and Weston Town Council.

• Contact Councillor Robert Payne on 07904 026 096 or email robert.payne@n-somerset.gov.uk or follow him on Facebook or Twitter. Robert serves on North Somerset Council and Weston Town Council.

• Contact Councillor Caroline Reynolds by emailing caroline.reynolds@wsm-tc.gov.uk. Caroline serves on Weston Town Council.

Firstly, can we take the opportunity to wish you all a joyous and happy festive season. We’ll be taking the chance to spend time with our families - but keep up the hard work supporting residents too.

In this edition we’ve got updates on the residents’ parking scheme pilot, Birnbeck Pier progress and great news on improvements to parks, highways - and plans for a brand new weekly market!

As always, get in touch if we can ever be of assistance.

Best wishes

Mike Bell, Robert Payne and Caroline Reynolds
Your Liberal Democrat councillors for Weston-super-Mare Central Ward

Residents’ parking pilot to start in the spring

It's been a long time coming, but North Somerset Council will be launching a pilot new residents’ parking scheme in part of Weston-super-Mare in early 2025.

As part of the scheme, the council we be trialling parking controls on certain streets. This is to give priority to resident permit holders during certain hours of operation.

You can find out more here.

The aim is to help residents, commuters and other vehicles share available parking spaces fairly. Most on-street bays in the zone will be designated for resident permit holders only, though business and visitor permits will be available. In Baker Street, due to the number of retail and commercial premises, only a small number of bays will be designated for resident permit holders and the remainder will stay as existing.

The council has written to residents and businesses in the zone with early information and there will be a short, formal Traffic Regulation Order consultation shortly. This will be an opportunity to feedback comments on any details before it is implemented.

The aim is to launch the scheme in 2025, probably by 1 April, and residents and businesses in the zone will be contacted again with more information about the scheme and how to apply for a permit nearer the time.

We will review the scheme after 12 months of operation.

This is something we have been campaigning for over many years. Residents have told us time and again that they want action to tackle parking and this is a chance to test whether a residents' parking scheme will help before we look to implement it in other areas. A residents' parking scheme does not solve everything and not everyone will welcome it, but we are keen to test this out and see if it does make life easier for people living in the town centre area.

The council carried out several consultations on this scheme, including in 2019 and 2022, and these showed support for the pilot approach, particularly from people living inside the proposed zone. We have made some changes to the proposed scheme as a result of the feedback received from residents, including removing some streets from the proposed area.

Christmas bin collections

Some recycling and waste collection days will change over the festive period to allow for the bank holidays. Crews will collect from some areas on Sunday 29 December.

Check your collection days here.

New weekly market starting in 2025

We’re super pleased that, starting in the spring of 2025, we're bringing a regular weekly market to the town square and Italian Gardens

Great joint working by Weston-super-Mare Town Council and North Somerset Council has led to agreement with 'By Invitation Events’ as the official market provider for the town. Follow Weston Independent Market on Facebook for more info!

‘By Invitation Events’ run a number of independent markets in Bridgwater and Taunton, as well as markets for the Bournemouth and Torbay Air Shows.

More information will be available in the new year. But a big well done to all those involved in landing this - which we are sure will be a welcome boost to the town centre.

Clarence Park play area improvements

We are pleased to say Clarence Park play area is looking sparkling! Thank you all for your patience while Weston Town Council’s team gave this park the attention and upgrade it needed. They have been hard at work cleaning and repairing existing equipment and have added some new pieces too.

Tesco junction action

Work has been carried out to improve safety at the Francis Fox roundabout in Weston by Tesco.

The improvements include:

• replacing signage

• installing a ‘keep clear’ zone at the exit of Tesco

• refreshing yellow lines

• improving crossing facilities for those who walk and wheel

• extending tactile paving, vital for helping those who are visually impaired to cross the road safely.

Birnbeck first phase nearing completion

The first stage of the Birnbeck Pier restoration project is nearing completion after a huge amount of work in the last six weeks!

This first phase has been #FundedbyUKGovernment as part of our work to improve Weston thanks to our successful bid for funding from the UK government (formerly known as the Levelling Up Fund).

TMS led on work to protect public safety and the integrity of the land, buildings and structures on Birnbeck Island, including:

• safely removing asbestos

• repairing sea walls

• stabilising the 1888 boathouse, including fitting a temporary roof

• installing security fencing and welfare facilities.

Get in touch

• Contact Councillor Mike Bell on 07881 320 279 or email mike.bell@n-somerset.gov.uk or follow him on Facebook or Twitter. Mike serves on North Somerset Council and Weston Town Council.

• Contact Councillor Robert Payne on 07904 026 096 or email robert.payne@n-somerset.gov.uk or follow him on Facebook or Twitter. Robert serves on North Somerset Council and Weston Town Council.

• Contact Councillor Caroline Reynolds by emailing caroline.reynolds@wsm-tc.gov.uk. Caroline serves on Weston Town Council.

In this edition we’ve got the info you need for carnival and Remembrance Sunday and news on some of the key happenings in town in the last month.

As always, we’re here to get things done and keep in touch with you all year round, so don’t hesitate to reach out if we can help.

Best wishes

Mike Bell, Robert Payne and Caroline Reynolds
Your Liberal Democrat councillors for Weston-super-Mare Central Ward

Weston Carnival - all you need to know

It's nearly time for the Weston-super-Mare Carnival, which comes to town this Friday, 8 November. Here’s the info you need:

• The procession starts at 7pm going from Locking Road car park. It heads down Alfred Street, turns left on to the Boulevard, runs through Waterloo Street and South Parade before turning left at the Cabot on to the seafront (Royal Parade). The procession ends at Bistrot Pierre. See the route at https://orlo.uk/Tjqxl It’ll finish by about 9.30pm.

• Various town centre roads will be closed from 5pm (Francis Fox Road will be closed from 3.30pm) – check the map at https://orlo.uk/YwGXR or see a list at https://orlo.uk/0pZo3

• Parking is available on a first come, first served basis in town centre car parks. Carnival organisers will be operating a car park on the Beach Lawns from 2pm. Charges are £10 all day per car.

• There are disabled parking spaces available at all car parks, and the first area of the beach lawns will be reserved for blue badge holders - also on a first come first served basis.

• The Sovereign is extending parking opening hours on carnival night and there are plenty of designated disabled parking spaces. Please park in there by 5pm, before the road closures come into effect.

• If you’re using any of the following town centre car parks or are parking on streets inside the road closures, you won’t be able to exit until the procession has finished: Walliscote Grove Road East and West, Walliscote Place, The Sovereign, NCP on the High Street and the Royal Hotel. (Tesco car park will not be open).

• Locking Road car park will be closed from Thursday (7 November) and reopen at around noon on Saturday (9 November).

• Please be mindful and considerate of where you park. Allow space on the streets for the emergency services to be able to get through and don’t block drives. Follow the local parking restrictions and please don't park on the yellow lines.

Remembrance Sunday

Weston-super-Mare will fall silent for two minutes on Remembrance Sunday 10th November as we pay respect to those who fell in two world wars and later conflicts. Once again Grove Park will be the centre of attention for the many hundreds who brave the November weather to watch and participate as serving and retired military, forces benevolent organisations, cadets, scouts, guides and other uniformed organisations march to the War Memorial for the Act of Remembrance.

The parade assembles in the Italian Gardens and, for the first time, will be joined this year by the Mayor, Lieutenancy, councillors and other dignitaries as they process from the Town Council's new headquarters in Waterloo Street. Led by a band the parade moves off at 10.25 for the short march into Grove Park.

The traditional Act of Remembrance led by the Chaplains involves music, readings, prayer, National Anthem and wreath laying. At 11 o'clock Last Post signals silence, then for Two Minutes nothing stirs until the buglers' Reveille.

Once the formal parade has ended members of the public are invited to plant memorial crosses or similar tokens of remembrance at the Field of Remembrance alongside the War Memorial.

£10m secured for Birnbeck restoration

North Somerset Council’s bid for an additional £10 million in funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for the restoration of Birnbeck Pier has been successful - marking another key milestone in the restoration of the pier.

The project, led by North Somerset Council in partnership with the RNLI, is being awarded £10m of National Lottery funding to help restore the Grade II* Listed pier structure, which is on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register, to make it safe and usable once again. This will enable further restoration work for the Listed buildings on the pier and island and the RNLI’s development of a new lifeboat station on the island to take place.

It is a significant milestone in North Somerset Council’s ambitions to re-open the pier, one of only six Grade II* Listed piers in England and the only pier in the UK to connect the mainland to an island, as a unique visitor destination to support the wider regeneration of Weston.

The announcement was made at an event held 160 years to the day since the pier’s foundation stone was laid on 28 October 1864. It also comes as the Heritage Fund celebrates the 30th anniversary of the National Lottery next month and as the RNLI celebrates its 200th anniversary year.

Council budget consultation

Urgent work is underway to enable North Somerset Council to balance its 2024/2025 budget and address growing pressures for future years. We need your views!

North Somerset residents and stakeholders are invited to participate in an online budget development survey from until the closing date of Friday 22 November, 5pm.

This year, we have also launched an innovative budget simulator where you can look at spending and consider how you would balance the books. You can check out the simulator here.

You can help us understand your priorities and your ideas for our finances by completing the survey and having a go at the simulator. Both will help inform our decisions.

You can read a detailed briefing on the budget challenge here.

Tackling antisocial behaviour in the town centre

Tackling antisocial behaviour is an ongoing battle, but it is really good to see the progress that has been made thanks to strong partnership working between our neighbourhood policing teams, North Somerset Council, and local businesses.

Mike was pleased to organise two roundtable sessions to thrash out ideas and an action plan earlier in the year to build on the great work that was already being undertaken.

In July, Alexandra Parade in Weston-super-Mare’s town centre became a hotspot for street drinking and disorder. We worked with the police to tackle these issues, leading to a 76% reduction in anti-social behaviour and a 60% reduction in crime recorded by police in the area from July to August.

New drinking fountain at Marine Lake

A new water fountain has been installed on The Cove building above Marine Lake and is now ready for use.

This is the result of a successful bid for funding from the Marine Lake Mudlarks to Sea-Changers, a UK marine conservation charity.

The dolphin-shaped fountain was sourced from Ouronlyworld, a small Cornwall-based charity who aims to help eliminate the use of single use plastic water bottles that can end up polluting our oceans.

Get in touch

• Contact Councillor Mike Bell on 07881 320 279 or email mike.bell@n-somerset.gov.uk or follow him on Facebook or Twitter. Mike serves on North Somerset Council and Weston Town Council.

• Contact Councillor Robert Payne on 07904 026 096 or email robert.payne@n-somerset.gov.uk or follow him on Facebook or Twitter. Robert serves on North Somerset Council and Weston Town Council.

• Contact Councillor Caroline Reynolds by emailing caroline.reynolds@wsm-tc.gov.uk. Caroline serves on Weston Town Council.

Lots of the latest news and action in this edition including progress on Birnbeck Pier, tidying up some town centre “grot spots” and some important planning applications for High Street buildings.

As always, we’re here to get things done and keep in touch with you all year round, so don’t hesitate to reach out if we can help.

Best wishes

Mike Bell, Robert Payne and Caroline Reynolds
Your Liberal Democrat councillors for Weston-super-Mare Central Ward

Wellness Day for young people

The gang at YMCA Dulverton Group, Weston-super-Mare Town Council and Weston-super-Mare Youth Council are organising a Wellness Day for teens on Saturday 12th October. Details on the poster

Birnbeck planning applications in

Studio Four Architects, the RNLI ’s appointed architects, has submitted Planning and Listed Building Consent Applications to North Somerset Council for the repair and restoration of the Grade II* Listed Birnbeck Pier.

If permission is granted, the resulting work will restore public access to the island and allow the RNLI to pursue its ambition to re-establish lifesaving operations from Birnbeck Island, which is the safest and most effective location from which to launch the lifeboats at all states of tide.

The applications can be accessed on the council’s website where you can find more information on the proposals, including detailed drawings.

The charity is in the process of submitting a separate but concurrent Planning and Listed Building Consent Application for a proposed new lifeboat station on Birnbeck Island. This should be made public soon.

Mini recycling centres removed in town centre

The mini recycling centres at the junction of Baker Street and Alfred Street and in North Street have now been removed and the areas cleaned up.

These sites were subject to repeated fly-tipping and abuse of the recycling bins. This led to an unsightly mess and nuisance to nearby residents.

All residents in the vicinity had a letter drop advising them these were being removed, an offer of support with waste management (if needed) and a reminder that kerbside recycling collections are available.

We’re sorry that this needed to happen, but after years of keeping at it, this site ended up more trouble than it was worth.

Bollards sorted!

Our thanks to Weston-super-Mare Town Council staff who cleaned up the bollards in Christchurch Path South recently following a request from Robert.

If you know of a “grot spot” in need of attention, let us know using the contact details below.

Labour MPs vote to scrap Winter Fuel Allowance for most pensioners

The House of Commons voted recently to go ahead with the cut to the Winter Fuel Allowance. It was disappointing that North Somerset's two Labour MPs both toed the party line and voted to force through the £300 cut for tens of thousands of local pensioners.

Thank you and well done to Tessa Munt, Lib Dem MP for Wells and the Mendip Hills - which covers part of North Somerset - for voting to stop the cut.

Need extra help and a pensioner on a low income? Please check out this weblink to find out about Pension Credit that could top up your basic pension : https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit/how-to-claim

High Street planning applications

Two planning applications have been submitted for buildings in the town centre in recent weeks that are likely to be of interest to residents. Before you read on, just a few points:

• Neither of these buildings are owned by the council

• The council doesn’t come up with these proposals, developers do

• We don’t get to decide who opens a business, buys a building or put forwards a plan

• The council has a role to determine the planning applications, but that has to be within the confines of the Local Plan and the National Planning Policy Framework

The first planning application is for the demolition of 110 - 114 High Street, this is the former ‘London’ pub etc and building fronting Waterloo Street. The applicant proposes to build a new five storey block of apartments with hospitality or retail at the ground floor.

You can comment on this proposal here: https://planning.n-somerset.gov.uk/.../applicationDetails... or by searching for planning application 24/P/1642/FUL.

The proposal will create a total of twenty-two flats, ranging from studios to three-bedroom units, in addition to the ground floor commercial areas. Cycle parking facilities are proposed, but no car parking. Bin storage would be to the rear accessed from Market Lane.

The second planning application is for the former M&S building in High Street and Regent Street. The proposal will build on planning permission that was previously granted to convert the space into a pub and gaming centre.

The new proposal sees two retail units – one fronting High Street and one fronting the Sovereign Centre. An adult gaming centre would be created in the right hand side of the unit facing the High Street. A family amusements complex will front Regent Street. This section will extend over two floors and potentially include coin operated amusements, video games, bowling, crazy golf, virtual reality attractions and food and drink uses.

You can comment on this proposal here: https://planning.n-somerset.gov.uk/.../applicationDetails... or by searching for planning application 24/P/1485/FUL.

The images show the ground floor plan for the former M&S building and the elevations from Waterloo Street of the new build proposal.

Save the date: Christmas Lights switch-on

It seems earlier every year … but save the date for the Christmas lights switch-on ceremony which is set for Saturday, 23rd November 2024 at 5:00 pm, marking the start of the festive season in Weston-Super-Mare.

Key Event Details:

Date: Saturday, 23rd November 2024

Time: 5:00 pm (Christmas Lights Switch-On event starts)

Location: Italian Gardens Weston-Super-Mare Town Centre

Festivities: Christmas songs, Father Christmas, eat Festivals (all day) and Weston Brass.

Get in touch

• Contact Councillor Mike Bell on 07881 320 279 or email mike.bell@n-somerset.gov.uk or follow him on Facebook or Twitter. Mike serves on North Somerset Council and Weston Town Council.

• Contact Councillor Robert Payne on 07904 026 096 or email robert.payne@n-somerset.gov.uk or follow him on Facebook or Twitter. Robert serves on North Somerset Council and Weston Town Council.

• Contact Councillor Caroline Reynolds by emailing caroline.reynolds@wsm-tc.gov.uk. Caroline serves on Weston Town Council.

Now we’ve got some sunshine at long last, its great that there are so many events coming up - with this weekend kicking off with Armed Forces and Emergency Services Day on the Beach Lawns on Saturday. Please do have a read through the newsletter for more news and events.

As always, we’re here to get things done and keep in touch with you all year round, so don’t hesitate to reach out if we can help.

Best wishes

Mike Bell, Robert Payne and Caroline Reynolds
Your Liberal Democrat councillors for Weston-super-Mare Central Ward

Armed Forces Day - this Saturday 22nd June

Weston-super-Mare's Armed Forces and Emergency Services Day will take place from 10am to 4pm on Saturday 22 June on the Beach Lawns. Lots to see and do on the day which, for the first time, will combine the Armed Forces Day celebrations with the Emergency Services Day, recognising our 999 services.

The day starts with a parade of veterans and participants from the Grand Pier, heading towards the Beach Lawns for the opening ceremony, followed by more music and events throughout the day. Local emergency services will be hosting demonstrations and fun events during the event, which is free of charge to attend.

Armed Forces Day takes place on the last Saturday each June, falling this year on 29 June. It is a chance to show your support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community: from currently serving personnel to Service families, veterans and cadets.

A370 resurfacing to start

Advance notice that work to prepare the A370 (Somerset Avenue/Winterstoke Road) in Weston for a new road surface will begin on Monday 24 June.

The work, which will be carried out between 8pm and 5am, will be completed in phases overnight across three days and will involve a road closure on the outbound (northerly) side of the road.

The new surface, known as surface dressing, is carried out on roads in order to prevent deterioration and potholes.

There is a small window of opportunity for this as it only takes a few years for water to enter the road surface and make it crack and degrade. Once this starts to happen the road will need full resurfacing.

Resurfacing is a very expensive and disruptive process, it also uses valuable resources with a high carbon footprint and the council tries to avoid this process with preventative measures.

One section of the A370 will be closed each evening during the work on the following dates.

• Monday 24 June - Morrisons roundabout to the traffic lights on the approach to M5 (Junction 21)

• Tuesday 25 June - Airport roundabout (Locking Moor Road) to Morrisons roundabout

• Wednesday 26 June - Drove road roundabout to the mini roundabout with Winterstoke Road.

A signed diversion route will be in place and drivers are asked to allow extra time for journeys.

Work to surface dress the route will begin on Monday 8 July and further information will be issued.

For more information visit www.n-somerset.gov.uk/roadworks

Help us create a greener, cleaner town centre

Join us next Wednesday, June 26th, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Alexandra Parade (near the Floral Clock) to help get involved in planting three new raised bed planters and learn about growing and gardening herbs and shrubs.

Weston Mela Festival - Saturday 29th June

Weston’s first ever Mela Festival is taking place in Grove Park on Saturday 29th June from noon to 6pm. Weston Mela is a free family event that will celebrate the rich ethnic diversity of our community. Originally from South Asia, a mela is a cultural gathering and celebration.

As the first Mela in North Somerset, Weston Mela aims to bring the community together through food, music and dance, to share and celebrate culture from South Asia and other cultures represented in North Somerset.

Birnbeck information hub

Don’t forget that The Birnbeck Regeneration Trust information hub is open 10am to 4pm every day (volunteer and weather dependent). Pop along and say hello to the fabulous volunteers there to find out more about the BirnbeckPier project or visit the Birnbeck Pier Project web page.

You can even stop for a drink and browse the shop!

Look out for the new information sign too. Installed last week, it’s designed to give people information about the project when the hub isn’t open

Action on the sewage crisis

Looking after our rivers, seas and oceans is one of our most important responsibilities as a human race. But we all too often fall short.

A new BBC report has uncovered as many 6,000 illegal raw sewage spills by water companies around the UK: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4nn46rjej6o

This Conservative Government has allowed water companies to pump sewage into our rivers, lakes, beaches, and seas, harming the environment, public health, and activities we love, like swimming and paddle-boarding.

Lib Dems are calling for:

• Abolish OFWAT and replace it with a new, stronger Clean Waters Authority

• Ban bonuses for water bosses

• Fine companies for dumping sewage

• New Blue Flag status for rivers to improve legal protections

• Reform water companies to put local environmental experts onto their boards

Since 2019, Conservative MPs have voted 1,621 times against tougher measures to tackle the sewage scandal. The votes included strengthening provisions against sewage dumping, making water company bosses criminally liable for sewage discharges and reducing the fines polluters are made to pay.

Join the Liberal Democrats campaign and let's work to stop this happening - https://libdems.org.uk/stop-sewage

Get in touch

• Contact Councillor Mike Bell on 07881 320 279 or email mike.bell@n-somerset.gov.uk or follow him on Facebook or Twitter. Mike serves on North Somerset Council and Weston Town Council.

• Contact Councillor Robert Payne on 07904 026 096 or email robert.payne@n-somerset.gov.uk or follow him on Facebook or Twitter. Robert serves on North Somerset Council and Weston Town Council.

• Contact Councillor Caroline Reynolds by emailing caroline.reynolds@wsm-tc.gov.uk. Caroline serves on Weston Town Council.

Published by R.Payne on behalf of M.Bell, R.Payne, C.Reynolds and P.Keating (Liberal Democrats), all at 18 Stafford Road, Weston-super-Mare. Published by Substack.

There is absolutely loads of good news in this edition including a new lease of life for the Victorian and Clarence Park cafes, an event this weekend to have your say on local Levelling Up projects, lots of activities in our parks and further work at the Floral Clock.

We have got a bit of politics too, this time, as there is a General Election on the horizon!

As always, we’re here to get things done and keep in touch with you all year round, so don’t hesitate to reach out if we can help.

Best wishes

Mike Bell, Robert Payne and Caroline Reynolds
Your Liberal Democrat councillors for Weston-super-Mare Central Ward

Have your say on Levelling Up projects

This Saturday 1 June between noon and 4pm, please pop along to the Grove Park Gathering and find out more about the exciting projects planned for Grove Park, Marine Lake and the town centre, funded by Levelling Up.

This is a free family-friendly public event with a variety of activities for people to take part in, including illustration, poetry, arts and crafts to help get creative ideas flowing in informal, fun and inclusive ways.

Sprout Café will serve up delicious Middle Eastern food with Global Kitchen, provided thanks to funding from Refugees Welcome North Somerset and Loves Cafe. Live music will be performed on the bandstand during the event.

General Election - 4th July 2024

A general election will take place on Thursday 4 July. Now's the time to make sure you’re registered to vote so you can have your say.

It’s quick and easy to do online. You’ll need your National Insurance number and to visit www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.

If you were registered to vote in the last election and your details haven’t changed, you don’t need to take any action. But if you’ve recently turned 18 or moved home, it’s important you make sure you’re registered to vote.

And, if you know you’ll need a postal vote for the general election, or any future elections, you can apply online now. Find out more at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/absentvoting

We’re backing the Liberal Democrat candidate, Patrick Keating, who is fighting for a fair deal for Weston, Worle and our villages. You can find out more about Patrick and his campaign here. His priorities are:

• For more GP and dental appointments and a bigger, better hospital.

• For action on the cost of living to cut energy bills and food prices.

• For sewage dumping in our rivers and seas to stop.

New concessions on the way for seafront

Great news that following a successful selection process, operators have been chosen for the former Victorian Cafe, Royal Sands Kiosk, Carlton Kiosk (currently called the Cove Kiosk) and Clifton Sands Kiosk on the seafront - plus the Clarence Park Cafe.

The Food Hub, who currently operate the Bay Café at the nearby Tropicana, have been chosen to operate the Victorian. The Food Hub has done a good job in running the Bay Café, and we’re sure that the Victorian Café will be in excellent hands.

They are preparing to start some refurbishment work at the café later this month and plan to open the café to the public ready for the summer season. Expect more information in the coming weeks.

Following a successful selection process, The Food Hub has also been confirmed as the new operator of Clarence Park Café in Weston-super-Mare. It’s hoped that the café will be open to the public in time for the summer season. As part of the lease agreement, The Food Hub will be investing in and improving the café as well as running it.

The following operators have been awarded the leases for other seafront kiosks:

• Royal Sands Kiosk will be reopening under a new operator, JRA & ML Cavaciuti

• Carlton Kiosk (currently called the Cove Kiosk) will be retained by its current operator, Starfish Catering Ltd

• Clifton Sands Kiosk will be retained by its current operator, K&P Seaside Sales

It will be great to see all of these open and trading in the coming years.

Floral clock improvements

Great to see that floral clock planting first phase is complete, with 2,000 plants in place. The finished design includes two circles, which will be filled with a different design using annual flowers each year. This year the circles will celebrate the 200th anniversary of the RNLI, and the flowers are expected to be planted later in the season.

If you’re interested in helping maintain the clock or help with planting you can contact our parks ranger team at parksranger@n-somerset.gov.uk

Free tennis coaching

Free tennis coaching sessions in Ashcombe Park this Saturday 1 June - opportunities for all ages and a chance to check out the tennis courts if you haven't played on them before.

Yoga in Ellenborough Park

Free park yoga sessions take place in Ellenborough Park West every Sunday morning throughout the summer, running up to 15th September. Why not join in?

Get in touch

• Contact Councillor Mike Bell on 07881 320 279 or email mike.bell@n-somerset.gov.uk or follow him on Facebook or Twitter. Mike serves on North Somerset Council and Weston Town Council.

• Contact Councillor Robert Payne on 07904 026 096 or email robert.payne@n-somerset.gov.uk or follow him on Facebook or Twitter. Robert serves on North Somerset Council and Weston Town Council.

• Contact Councillor Caroline Reynolds by emailing caroline.reynolds@wsm-tc.gov.uk. Caroline serves on Weston Town Council.

Published by R.Payne on behalf of M.Bell, R.Payne, C.Reynolds and P.Keating (Liberal Democrats), all at 18 Stafford Road, Weston-super-Mare. Published by Substack.

This time we have updates on Birnbeck Pier, work to improve the Playhouse and opportunities to have your say or get involved with local issues.

As always, please don’t hesitate to get in touch any time if we can help with any local issue or answer a question.

Best wishes

Mike Bell, Robert Payne and Caroline Reynolds
Your Liberal Democrat councillors for Weston-super-Mare Central Ward

Birnbeck planning phase one moves ahead

A planning application has been submitted outlining the first phase of work on the Birnbeck Pier project, which is focussed on the landside buildings and stabilisation work.

Subject to planning permission, work is proposed to start later this year on the landside buildings so that they could reopen to the public in 2025. It would also enable subsequent phases of the project to take place, including restoring the pier itself and re-establishing the RNLI’s lifeboat station on Birnbeck Island.

The work is being led by North Somerset Council – who under slightly strange planning laws, have to go through due process to decide whether to give permission (or not) to itself.

Permission is being sought by Haverstock, the council’s appointed architects, with plans that include:

• restoring Pier Master’s Cottage and reinstating the bell tower, extending the building to the north to create space for a café intended to open to the public all year round,

• creating other visitor facilities, including toilets,

• essential repairs to weatherproof the other landside buildings known as Pier View, the old shell shop, and the South Toll House,

• stabilising buildings on the island including The Pavillion, 1888 Boathouse and the Clocktower, and

• providing essential services and infrastructure to the whole site – the landside buildings, the island and the pier itself – including work underground on water and sewage pumps, and installation of a new fit-for-purpose electricity substation.

This element of restoration and renovation work is being funded from an allocation of £4.47m from the UK government’s Levelling Up Fund.

The whole project – to restore Birnbeck Pier and Island – has been made possible thanks to funding from the RNLI, UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund, National Heritage Memorial Fund, The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Historic England.

To find out more about the Birnbeck Pier project, visit the information hub next to the pier or the council’s website at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/birnbeckpierproject

North Somerset Live Q&A

Leading councillors from North Somerset Council (including Mike) will be running a North Somerset Live event from 6pm on Thursday 25 April.

The event will be streamed live to Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube and X. You can join live and comment with your questions, or watch the recording back later once the livestream has finished. To join just jump on any of these North Somerset Council channels on the night.

Police and Crime Commissioner election

This May we only have one local election in North Somerset - for a new Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC). Our view is that this is a position which should not exist as the police shouldn’t be politicised, but it is important to vote as whoever is elected will have a significant say on policing here in Weston as elsewhere in the Avon & Somerset Police area.

There is no doubt that crime and anti-social behaviour is a key concern, particularly in and around Weston town centre, and it is felt that it is not being effectively tackled. We need more action and resources targeted here than we have had under the existing Conservative PCC, who told us that he thinks Weston takes up too much of the force's resources. So we are supporting Benet Allen, the Liberal Democrat candidate, for a better and fairer approach to policing.

The Lib Dem plan for a fair deal on crime and policing includes:

• Restore proper community policing, where officers are visible, trusted and focused on preventing and solving crimes – especially rape and other violent crime. Work with the police to identify tasks that use a disproportionate amount of their time and help boost efficiency.

• Create a statutory guarantee that all burglaries will be attended by the police and properly investigated.

• Establish a national Online Crime Agency to combat online crime, allowing frontline police officers to focus on local crime instead.

• Replace Police and Crime Commissioners with Police Boards made up of community representatives, and invest the savings in frontline policing.

• Draw up a national recruitment, training and retention strategy to tackle detective shortages.

• Enforce youth diversion programmes as a statutory duty nationwide, offering pre-charge alternatives for young people up to age 25. Youth diversion addresses low-level crime without going through the formal justice system, improving outcomes for young people and reducing the strain on police resources.

Town Council Annual Town Meeting

Weston-super-Mare Town Council is hosting their “Annual Town Meeting” on 29th April 2024 at the Blakehay Theatre. Doors open at 6.00pm for a 6.30pm start.

What's on the Agenda?

Your Voice Matters: Share your bright ideas, burning questions, and Weston wishes.

Meet & Greet: Rub shoulders with Weston Town Council's officers and town councillors who are all ears when it comes to your thoughts.

A Dash of Laughter: Our chair for the evening, the Mayor of Weston-super-Mare, who teams up with comedian, Becky Walsh, to guide us through a lineup of local speakers sharing their stories and victories.

Mingle Time: Enjoy light nibbles and refreshing drinks in the Blakehay Theatres Bar from 6.00pm

Could you volunteer at the SEEMonster Garden?

Would you like to get involved in establishing a new volunteer group at SEEMonster Garden on the Beach Lawns? The group will meet monthly, starting on Wednesday 8 May from 1pm to 3pm. More details in the image below.

Looking after our beach

Mike recently joined Environment Agency officers Joe and Jeremy in a walkover along Weston beach.

They carry out weekly walks to monitor surface water outfalls, look for sewage related debris and any evidence of issues that need action. This is part of North Somerset Council’s work with the Environment Agency and other partners to protect the beach and try to improve bathing water quality.

There are no easy solutions or quick fixes but it was reassuring to know we have these expert eyes and ears on patrol. During their walks they test any water flowing onto the beach, highlight issues and suspect contaminants and work with businesses, landowners and the sewage company to resolve.

New Playhouse lift

Work is underway on a new disabled access lift at the Playhouse Theatre in Weston-super-Mare. We’re really pleased we’ve been able to make this happen after long-term problems with the previous setup.

This provides an enhanced, fit-for purpose, larger capacity lift which will resolve previous access issues in the building. This is a long-term solution that will ensure all guests and carers who require a lift can enjoy performances at the theatre.

Construction works will see the left-hand side of the stairwell temporarily closed off so that a purpose-built platform lift can be installed. When completed, the lift will provide increased capacity for wheelchair users and a carer if required.

Construction works are expected to take a number of weeks. This is due to complexity of the building. During the period of installation there will be more limited access for some users.

The Playhouse Theatre has been working to ensure anyone making a booking is aware of the reduced accessibility during the works, however if you feel this may impact a booking already made, please contact the Box Office.

Get in touch

• Contact Councillor Mike Bell on 07881 320 279 or email mike.bell@n-somerset.gov.uk or follow him on Facebook or Twitter. Mike serves on North Somerset Council and Weston Town Council.

• Contact Councillor Robert Payne on 07904 026 096 or email robert.payne@n-somerset.gov.uk or follow him on Facebook or Twitter. Robert serves on North Somerset Council and Weston Town Council.

• Contact Councillor Caroline Reynolds by emailing caroline.reynolds@wsm-tc.gov.uk. Caroline serves on Weston Town Council.

This time we’ve got an update on Marine Lake, news of an improved Bristol hospitals bus service, upgrades to the Plaza Cinema and a top award for Weston!

As always, please don’t hesitate to get in touch any time if we can help with any local issue or answer a question.

Best wishes

Mike Bell, Robert Payne and Caroline Reynolds
Your Liberal Democrat councillors for Weston-super-Mare Central Ward

Marine Lake update

As our readers will know, the lake has been closed recently for dredging work. While that’s been happening, North Somerset Council has taken the opportunity to make some other improvements, including:

• raking the beach

• power washing areas of the walkway

• relining areas around the steps into the lake

• updating and repairing safety information and signs

• general repairs

We’re still on track to reopen the lake again before the end of the month, in time for the Easter bank holiday weekend!

We’ve got plans for more work at Marine Lake, using the Levelling Up funding. These include improving walkways, steps and ramps, and other enhancement of the area including upgrading the public toilets.

RNLI granted freedom of Weston-super-Mare

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) Weston-super-Mare were granted Honorary Freedom of the Town recently by Weston-super-Mare Town Council.

As part of the celebration - in what is the RNLI’s 200th Anniversary, the RNLI Lifeboat volunteers and supporters paraded through the town before a ceremony on the Grand Pier.

Budget tax bombshell?

The Conservative Government chose to prioritise National Insurance tax cuts over investment in public services in the recent budget. But a report from the Office for Budget Responsibility has calculated that the typical worker on a £35,000 salary will be £383 worse off over this year and the next due to stealth tax rises – wiping out any potential gains from the national insurance announcement – with living standards set to remain below 2019 levels for the next two years.

Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Weston-super-Mare, Patrick Keating, said: “These figures show the reality of Jeremy Hunt’s unfair decisions which are set to clobber families for years to come. When people hear him talk about cutting taxes they know it’s an outrageous attempt to deceive the British public.

“Under this Conservative government families are facing soaring mortgage payments, sky-rocketing energy bills and now this endless stealth tax squeeze. Average household disposable income has fallen in this Parliament - the worse record in decades. We need a General Election now.”

Plaza Cinema refurbishment gets underway

Refurbishment of the Plaza Cinema Weston-super-Mare has started this month. The work, which is expected to complete by the end of March, includes:

• specialist cleaning of the cream and black tiled exterior,

• repairing the three former retail kiosks that sit either side of the entrance, and installing new glazed and timber shopfronts, and

• repairing some damage caused by Storm Eunice in February 2022.

This will be the seventh project to be delivered as part of Weston-super-Mare’s High Street Heritage Action Zone Shopfront Enhancement Scheme, managed by North Somerset Council.

This is being funded thanks to a partnership between Merlin Cinemas, Historic England and the UK government's Levelling Up Fund.

Weston wins top award

Weston-super-Mare has won best town for Business Environment in ‘Let’s Celebrate Towns’. This is a competition that shines a spotlight on towns across the UK helping their businesses and communities to thrive.

The eight winners were announced at a ceremony held on 13 March at the House of Lords.

This competition is run by Visa, and supported by the British Retail Consortium. Weston-super-Mare was named a winner for the Business Environment category, which recognises towns that are working hard to build vibrant business networks and support local businesses so they can grow and thrive.

Eight towns won in total (two per category). They will each receive a £15k prize to put towards a community project that will benefit the town, as well as access to help and support for local businesses.

Free hospital shuttle bus extended

The free shuttle buses to Weston General Hospital and Bristol hospitals are being extended in North Somerset!

The buses are provided by Bristol & Weston Hospitals Charity to make it easier to get to hospital. From today (Monday 18 March), the buses will be stopping at more locations in Weston and on the route to Bristol.

There's more information about the service on their website - the new timetable will be available on there soon. Go to https://www.bwhospitalscharity.org.uk/bristol-weston-free-hospital-bus

Making it easier to recycle

You can now recycle paper and cardboard together in the same recycling box! This means you've got less sorting to do, and also saves time for our hard-working crews, as paper and cardboard can go in the same compartment on the collection vehicle.

Waverley excursions back for the season

We’re really pleased that Waverley Excursions will be back in North Somerset with a number of sailings from Clevedon, Portishead and Weston this summer.

The World’s last seagoing paddle steamer is returning to cruise the Bristol Channel from Friday 31st May to Sunday 23rd June.

Bookings are open from today for all Bristol Channel sailings. Book online at waverleyexcursions.co.uk or by calling 0141 243 2224.

What’s that I SEE?

Well done to the Weston Seafront team for organising the move of one of the old SEEMonster containers from the Tropicana to its new home at the SEEMonster garden, on the beach lawns. The container is being re-purposed as a store for Weston-super-Mare Pilot Gig Club.

The big crane then headed to the Maltlands in Weston to move a second container to the We SEE Trees Community Tree Nursery. Really good to see these two community groups getting support to make a difference.

Get in touch

• Contact Councillor Mike Bell on 07881 320 279 or email mike.bell@n-somerset.gov.uk or follow him on Facebook or Twitter. Mike serves on North Somerset Council and Weston Town Council.

• Contact Councillor Robert Payne on 07904 026 096 or email robert.payne@n-somerset.gov.uk or follow him on Facebook or Twitter. Robert serves on North Somerset Council and Weston Town Council.

• Contact Councillor Caroline Reynolds by emailing caroline.reynolds@wsm-tc.gov.uk. Caroline serves on Weston Town Council.