But concerns are growing over the reliance on volunteer stewards to enforce road closures. While some School Streets schemes across the UK have trialled this approach, evidence suggests it may not be a sustainable long-term solution.

Many councils are now moving away from volunteer-led enforcement. Keeping a School Street running with stewards and temporary barriers demands ongoing community effort, and ‘volunteer fatigue’ often sets in, making it harder to recruit enough people. Worse still, in some areas, volunteers have faced abuse from frustrated drivers, discouraging participation even further. 

There’s also a legal issue: volunteers don’t have the authority to stop traffic. They must rely on drivers respecting signs and barriers – and that’s not always a guarantee. The Department for Transport’s latest guidance on School Streets warns that this method may not be appropriate for permanent schemes due to these enforcement challenges.

Cllr Saskia Heijltjes said:
“School Streets that are based on volunteers will be relying on parents and carers to attend from around 8.15am until around 9am, and again at pick up time. This is difficult for parents who need to go to work, or who have caring responsibilities for younger siblings for example. Managing this pool of volunteers requires considerable effort, because the scheme would need to be run 5 days a week, all year round.”

If School Streets are to succeed and expand across Bath and North East Somerset, a more reliable enforcement strategy is needed. Other councils have successfully introduced measures such as Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras, which ensure compliance without depending on volunteers.

The Green Group, which has championed this initiative through budget amendments for the past three annual budget council meetings, welcomes the progress but urges the council to consider the long-term sustainability of the scheme. Safer school streets shouldn’t rely on goodwill alone – they need proper infrastructure and enforcement to ensure their success.

The post Bath’s £250k Boost for School Streets: Waiting at the Barrier for Lasting Change appeared first on South West Green Party.

FAO News Editors, Political Editors

Saturday 29th March 2025

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

[STARTS] Decline in Bus Services Across Bath and North East Somerset Exposed by Government Report

The UK government’s latest official bus statistics report has revealed a concerning decline in bus services across Bath and North East Somerset (B&NES). Despite claims of bus ridership growth, B&NES continues to fall behind national and regional averages for bus service frequency and passenger journeys.

The data shows a sharp drop in bus journeys per head across the South West during 2020-2021, with B&NES (represented by the red line) remaining below both national and regional averages. The region has struggled to recover to pre-pandemic ridership levels and continues to lag behind.

While public funding for buses increased post-2020, bus ridership in B&NES has not kept pace, raising concerns about the effectiveness of this funding. The reported increase in local bus journeys (from 8 million in 2021-2022 to 9 million in 2022-2023) contradicts the decline in service frequency, suggesting overcrowding or unmet demand. This trend is evident across the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) region, with South Gloucestershire and Bristol also facing funding shortfalls. This reflects the impact of the Best Value notice, which has hindered the growth and potential of public transport in recent years.

It’s important to note that large cities, including London, continue to heavily subsidise bus services, skewing national data. Rural areas like Wiltshire are also forced to subsidise routes to ensure they exist at all. This disparity further highlights the challenges faced by smaller areas like B&NES, where public transport remains underfunded.

A report from Friends of the Earth further underscores the severity of the issue, revealing a 48% decline in urban bus services and a 52% drop in rural services since 2008. In B&NES, bus service frequency has dropped by 61.4% since 2010, with similar reductions seen across the WECA region:

• B&NES: Down by 61.4% since 2010
• North Somerset: Down by 65.8%
• South Gloucestershire: Down by 47.9%
• Bristol: Down by 40.4%

These reductions have significantly impacted local communities, particularly in rural areas. The Green Group is calling for urgent action to restore and expand bus services across the region. With ridership still lagging, it’s crucial that both the government and local authorities prioritise investment in service frequency and reliability.

Without meaningful improvements in public transport, communities in B&NES will continue to face poor connectivity, undermining the local economy and climate goals.

The post Decline in Bus Services Across Bath and North East Somerset Exposed by Government Report appeared first on South West Green Party.

Widcombe Hill, one of the links for staff and students travelling to the University of Bath, has long been recognised as a hazardous road. Yet, instead of designing safer cycling infrastructure, the council is pressing ahead with measures that could actively make the route worse for people cycling.

The proposed speed cushions go against government guidance, which advises against using them on cycle routes. Local Transport Note 1/20 warns that speed cushions “constrain the ability of cyclists to choose their preferred position in the carriageway” and are particularly unsafe for those using non-standard cycles such as tricycles, handcycles, or child trailers.

Green councillors are calling for a rethink, arguing that better alternatives exist, such as raised tables, protected cycle lanes or measures to prevent through-traffic.

Cllr Saskia Heijltjes (Lambridge, Green), adds:

“It is very disappointing that current government guidance is not adhered to. Speed cushions are bad for cycling and the so-called “improvements” seem to have forgotten about people on cycles. And that’s very odd because we desperately need people who are able to, to stop using a car to get around. Cycling is a great way to get around, especially for journeys under 3 miles.”

Notably, the council’s recent announcement of these improvements mentions drivers and pedestrians but completely overlooks cyclists—even though Widcombe Hill is identified as a strategic cycle route in the Active Travel Masterplan.

With an 8% incline and a history of serious collisions, Widcombe Hill needs safety measures that protect all road users. The Green Group is urging the council to go back to the drawing board and deliver a design that aligns with its commitments to road safety and active travel.

The post Widcombe Hill Plans not Safe for All appeared first on South West Green Party.

Despite clear and overwhelming opposition from residents, the council pressed ahead with the scheme, showing their disregard for the community’s voices. After facing mounting criticism and pressure, the council has finally cancelled the proposal in an open letter. However, this last-minute change is little more than a reactive measure, reflecting the administration’s failure to engage with residents, meaningfully.

The Green Group has welcomed the council’s backtrack, with Councillor Joanna Wright, Leader of the Greens and representing Lambridge ward, adding: 

“The cancellation is a small victory for residents, but it highlights the incompetence of a council more focused on winning the votes of a few than actually listening to the concerns of the community. This is not the way to plan for a better Bath or create Liveable Neighbourhoods.”

Rather than relying on rushed, poorly thought-out schemes, the Greens are calling for a more thoughtful, evidence-based approach to traffic management in East Bath. They are proposing the creation of a community-led Liveable Neighbourhood for the east of Bath, which would address traffic, air quality, and congestion issues in a way that benefits the entire community, not just a select few.

In response to the council’s failure, Lambridge Councillors are urging the administration to work across political ward boundaries and engage with the community in a meaningful way to come up with a better plan for the East of Bath.

The Green Group is also demanding greater transparency and public consultation to ensure that the voices of all Bath residents are genuinely heard and considered in future decisions.

Lambridge Councillors are inviting the community to another public meeting at the New Oriel Hall on Wednesday 19 March, from 6-7.15 pm to hear their thoughts on a better plan for our community. Cllr Manda Rigby and the Liveable Neighbourhoods team have been invited to this meeting. 

The post East of Bath Deserves Better: A win for the community! appeared first on South West Green Party.

The projection, originally approved for York Street adjacent to the Abbey, was scheduled to run after the Bath Christmas Market. While the advert did not appear during the event, its approval has led to broader discussions about the future of advertising in Bath’s public spaces. Advocacy groups such as Adfree Cities have voiced concerns that heritage sites should not be used for corporate promotions, stating:

“We hear from residents around the country that they want their public spaces to be for local people and communities, not multinational corporations promoting products that are harmful to people and the planet. The creep of advertising into historic public spaces, such as in Bath, brings light and visual pollution and fundamentally changes the feel of an area. Councils must listen to residents’ concerns.”

Sainsbury’s has defended the advert, describing it as part of a festive campaign and pledging to consider local feedback for future initiatives. However, critics argue that without clear regulations, historic spaces may become more susceptible to commercial use.

Green Party representatives have urged the council to take stronger measures to safeguard Bath’s cultural identity. They emphasise the importance of keeping historic areas free from corporate influence, ensuring the city’s unique character is preserved. Green Councillor for Lambridge Ward, Councillor Saskia Heijltjes, commented:

“Since we are already surrounded by advertising in so many areas of our lives, visiting the heart of our historic city should be an escape from that. Bath’s heritage should be preserved for people to enjoy, not treated as a billboard for corporate gain.”

Ian Halsall, Chair of the B&NES Planning Committee, confirmed that any future advertising proposals would require a new application and public consultation, allowing residents to share their views.

The Green Party is calling for strengthened protections to prevent the commercial exploitation of Bath’s historic landmarks. Green Party candidate for Bath and North East Somerset, Dominic Tristram, added:

“While I support efforts to tackle food insecurity, projecting a corporate advert so near to a historic building like Bath Abbey is a step too far. Bath’s charm lies in its heritage, not in flashing advertisements. This sets a worrying precedent that risks damaging Bath’s UNESCO World Heritage status. The council must prioritise the city’s unique character over corporate interests.”

Notes to Editors:

Planning application Reference: 24/04311/AR

https://www.bathnes.gov.uk/webforms/planning/details.html?refval=24%2F04311%2FAR#details_Section

Background on Bath’s UNESCO World Heritage Status:
Bath was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 due to its outstanding Georgian architecture and natural hot springs, making it one of the UK’s most historically significant cities. Protection of its heritage is a priority for both local residents and national heritage bodies.

Green Party’s Position on Commercialisation:
The Green Party has long advocated for policies that preserve public spaces and limit corporate influence. This includes calls for stricter planning regulations to protect historic sites from commercial advertising.

About Adfree Cities:
Adfree Cities is a UK-based network of local groups campaigning to reduce outdoor advertising and reclaim public spaces for community benefit. The organisation promotes policies that limit commercial intrusion in cities and protect local heritage. Adfree Cities opposed the Sainsbury’s planning application, as noted in their statement: Adfree Cities Opposition.

Public Opposition:
Formal objections were submitted to Bath and North East Somerset Council during the planning process. Concerns included the impact on Bath’s character, the precedent it could set for future advertising, and potential effects on the city’s tourism and cultural heritage.

The post Bath is not a Billboard appeared first on South West Green Party.

Key Points of the Motion:

• Rent Controls: Call for government powers to introduce rent controls in B&NES to keep housing affordable.
• Capping Short-Term Lets: Propose limits on short-term holiday rentals in high-demand areas and stronger planning rules for properties rented over 90 days a year.
• End Right to Buy: Urge an end to the Right to Buy scheme to protect social housing stock and enable councils to build more homes.
• Reclaiming Empty Homes: Explore incentives for refurbishing empty properties and expand Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs) to bring unused homes back into use.

Councillor Joanna Wright, Leader of the Green Group, commented:

“Our city’s tourism generates nearly half a billion pounds each year, but local people are struggling with rising housing costs. House prices in B&NES have jumped over 72% in the last decade, and rents rose by 5.2% in the past year alone. Families are being pushed out of their own neighbourhoods. This must change.

“Affordable housing is important, but social housing is vital for those most in need. We need a balanced approach that supports everyone—from young families to older residents seeking security.”

Councillor Saskia Heijltjes added: 

“Short-term holiday lets are contributing to the housing squeeze, with over 1,000 properties listed in Bath alone. Rent controls and caps on these lets are essential to keep the city liveable for residents.

“We must also end Right to Buy, which has reduced social housing stock for too long. Empty homes shouldn’t sit unused while people need homes. Let’s take action now to ensure our community remains vibrant and inclusive.”

The Green Group’s motion seeks immediate steps to prioritise residents’ needs, balance the benefits of tourism, and make Bath and North East Somerset a place where people can thrive.

The motion received 40 votes against, 4 for and 4 abstentions.

[ENDS]

Anna Mounteney – Green Group Political Support Officer 

Telephone: 07539746656

Email: anna_mounteney@bathnes.gov.uk

The post B&NES Greens Demand Urgent Action to Tackle Housing Crisis appeared first on South West Green Party.

Despite expectations that Vision Zero would be on the agenda for last Thursday’s Climate Emergency and Sustainability Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel, it was instead subsumed within a Cabinet Member update – an approach the Green Group describes as inadequate for such an important issue. Without a dedicated agenda item, the public wasn’t properly informed and was denied the opportunity to contribute, obstructing meaningful scrutiny.

The situation worsened when Green Councillor Saskia Heijltjes, a Panel member, was requested to submit her statement in full in advance of the meeting. The BathNES Green Group challenged this request. This forced Saskia’s to submit the statement’s title to Democratic Services and speak as a member of the public.

Councillor Joanna Wright stepped in and substituted for Saskia. This highlights wider issues with how Policy Development and Scrutiny Panels are run at B&NES, including poor preparation, restricted time for questions, and weak scrutiny.

Green Councillor Saskia Heijltjes, who proposed the motion, said:
“We are disappointed by the lack of transparency and engagement around Vision Zero. The motion was passed a year ago, and it stated that the administration would be reporting back to the relevant scrutiny panel in 12 months. Public safety is at stake, and we need to be sure that real action is being taken.”

Recent serious incidents, including a teenager taken to hospital after being hit by a driver on Newbridge Road and a woman seriously injured in a collision on Mount Road, underscore the urgency of Vision Zero. These collisions highlight the need for up-to-date data to inform highway projects. The Green Group is calling for better access to up-to-date information on fatalities and serious injuries to guide future decisions.

The motion outlined several key steps to reduce casualties, including:

• Enforcing 20mph zones and safer driving practices in partnership with the police.
• Identifying the 10 most dangerous locations for targeted improvements.
• Expanding school streets and promoting cycling by council officers.

However, the Green Group has raised concerns about the removal of key cycling infrastructure in new projects and the lack of adherence to best practice guidelines, such as LTN 1/20, in recent consultations.

Councillor Heijltjes added:
“To achieve Vision Zero, we need to follow best practices and take bold, evidence-based action. We need clear, consistent policies that prioritise safety above all else.”

The Green Group is now calling for a dedicated Vision Zero update at the next meeting in January or March 2025, to ensure the issue receives the attention it deserves.

Green leader, Councillor Joanna Wright, concluded:
“Vision Zero is not just a bold goal, it’s a necessary one. Every day of delay puts more lives at risk. We need immediate, decisive action to make our streets safer for all.”

The post Greens Demand Action on Vision Zero to End Road Deaths in B&NES appeared first on South West Green Party.

WESTlink was introduced to bridge the gap where bus services have been lost, connecting rural residents with areas where regular timetabled services are still available. It was promoted as a means to provide bus services to isolated communities, to those unable to access services due to a lack of safe routes (such as no pavements), and to those with mobility issues.

However, many residents have never been able to book a WESTlink bus, with some forced to navigate unsafe routes to reach timetabled services. Those fortunate enough to book a slot often face delays and are left stranded by last-minute cancellations. This severely limits the service’s usefulness and undermines its original intent.

“The WESTlink scheme has not delivered on its promises. The service is unreliable, and both my inbox and local discussion groups are full of accounts from residents who arrange to use the service for important trips, such as hospital appointments, only to have them cancelled while they’re waiting at the bus stop. The funnelling of public money into piecemeal public transport arrangements fails to acknowledge the reality of rural living and leaves our most vulnerable residents without transport options, which is unacceptable,” said Sam Ross, Green Councillor for Clutton & Farmborough.

Buses must be better supported to become a realistic and sustainable transport option for rural residents, as the Clean Air Zone and increases in parking charges will not reduce car dependency alone. Currently, bus services are only considered economically viable in urban areas, but the lack of adequate transport options in rural communities exacerbates inequality in access and financial burden. Without serious systemic reforms, these disparities will only worsen.

Recent data reveals that each journey on the WESTlink scheme costs £35 per passenger, highlighting poor use of public funds. Consequently, the future of the service is uncertain, with speculation that it will cease in 2025, one year earlier than planned.

In addition to concerns about WESTlink’s future sustainability and financial inefficiencies, the Green Group is also alarmed by the lack of effective communication between the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) and B&NES Council. A Best Value Notice issued in March 2024 raised questions about cooperation between the two authorities, and a recent Freedom of Information (FoI) request for email correspondence revealed no records of discussions between B&NES Council and WECA regarding bus services.

“We urge WECA and B&NES Council to prioritise a transport structure that serves all communities, not just urban centres,” Councillor Ross continued. “Rural residents need a reliable, accessible, and effective bus system that connects them to essential local services and transport hubs.”

Any future strategy must address the practical realities faced by rural communities, ensuring that public transport is a viable option for all residents.

The post Greens push to get bath’s rural buses back on track appeared first on South West Green Party.