Monday 17 August 2009

Don backs Live Music Bill

Bath MP Don Foster is backing the Live Music Bill put forward by Lib Dem Peer Lord Clement-Jones. Don has also signed a petition on the number 10 website, calling on the government to change laws which came into place as part of the 2003 Licensing Act.

The Live Music Bill aims to revive live music by:

Creating an exemption from licences for the performance of any live music in a pub or similar venue

Reintroducing the rule allowing up to two performers to play live music anywhere without the need for a licence

Enabling hospitals, schools and colleges to perform live music without the need for licences

Don said, “When the licensing laws were changed in 2003 we were promised an explosion of live music, but in reality many small scale events have been stifled by bureaucracy.

“This Bill will not only make it easier for local musicians to get a gig, but it will help small venues who cannot cope with the cost of applying for a license.

“It is time that common sense prevailed, and small venues, hospitals and schools were allowed to host live music without having to cope with an expensive, bureaucratic nightmare.”

Thursday 6 August 2009

Bath says last farewell to Harry Patch

Combe Down came to a standstill today as residents paid their final respects to First World War hero Harry Patch.

Hundreds of people, young and old, stood out in the rain to honour the Last Tommy, who was born and grew up in the village.

Residents, shop owners and workers were among the many who lined the streets to see his funeral cortege pass through The Avenue, up The Firs and onto North Road following the funeral service in Wells Cathedral.

to read the full story follow the link HERE

Tuesday 4 August 2009

Overflowing dog bin a disgrace


The bin behind the garages at the junction of Uphill Drive and Coxley Drive is overflowing yet again.Liberal Democrat campaigner Raine Harvey-Cantrel has reported this to the Council and asked for it to be emptied immediately as it poses a health hazzard.

Fly-tipping site reported


Liberal Democrat Campaigner Raine Harvey-Cantrell has reported this fly-tipping problem found at the end of the path between Uphill and Coxley Drive to the Council and asked for it to be cleaned up.

New B&NES Supplementary Planning Doc on Planning Obligations adopted

The Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document was adopted by Bath & North East Somerset Council on 8th July 2009, it will come into effect for all applications registered on or after 9th July 2009.

The aim of this Supplementary Planning Document is to provide clear guidance on the Council’s approach to Planning Obligations. Planning Obligations on developers are used to secure affordable housing and financial contributions to mitigate the impact of new development on social and other infrastructure such as roads and community facilities.

The SPD will provide the general public, landowners, developers and other stakeholders with clarity about the process by which planning obligations will be sought, when they will be sought and what they will be sought for.

To read the Document follow the link HERE

Monday 3 August 2009

Book of Condolence open for war hero

Bath & North East Somerset Council is opening a Book of Condolence which will give members of the public an opportunity to pay their respects to Harry Patch. It will be available for members of the public to sign from Monday August 3 – Friday August 14, on Mondays to Fridays from 8am – 6pm.

The book will be available in the Guildhall as of today and at the Councils other offices at Keynsham & Midsomer Norton from Thursday.

The Council will also be putting up a special commemorative brass plaque at The Guildhall to celebrate his life and dedication to his country. Harry was the last British soldier from the First World War. He was born in Combe Down, Bath, in 1898 and died on July 25 aged 111.
The plaque will be unveiled in October at a special ceremony. Further details will be announced closer to the date.