Agenda item

The Democratic Services Manager will announce any submissions received. The Council will be invited to decide what action it wishes to take, if any, on the matters raised in these submissions. As the questions received and the answers given will be circulated in written form there is no requirement for them to be read out at the meeting. The questions and answers will be published with the draft minutes.

Statements were made by the following members of the public;

Chad Allen made a statement calling on the Council to take action to remove English ivy from the trees in its area, as it was harmful to the tree population and affected the tree’s ability to filter clean air.  He explained it was not a native species, having been introduced into the country in the 18^th century.

Adam Reynolds made a statement calling for the pace of activity in delivering public realm improvements to be accelerated.  The statement is attached in full.  Councillor Saskia Heijltjes asked Mr Reynolds if he was clear about the guidance for liveable neighbourhoods, and what they could deliver.  Mr Reynolds responded that he understood hard measures needed to be in place before softer measures could be introduced.

Mrs Harrington presented a petition of nearly 500 signatures with the following request, and spoke in support;

“We, the undersigned residents of Bath and North East Somerset, and/or regular users of the supported bus services from neighbouring villages in Somerset, petition the authority to reconsider its decision to withdraw the subsidy for the 82 Tyning, Radstock-Paulton via Westfield and Paulton Hospital services and find means of funding it, and to restore the 42 Odd Down to the RUH.

Because

·  The elderly, disabled and those on low incomes are disproportionately affected, and have no alternatives so will be condemned to loneliness and isolation.

·  School children will not be able to travel independently to Midsomer Norton secondary schools.

·  Waiting for the no 4 (RUH) often means ill people standing for 20-30 minutes due to jams in Weston.

·  NE Somerset residents are being discriminated against.

·  There is a climate emergency.  Using public transport reduce B&NES carbon footprint.”

Councillor Kevin Guy asked if Mrs Harrington was aware that the WECA Mayor was responsible for bus transport, not the Council.  Mrs Harrington responded that the WECA Mayor had said that it was the Council, not WECA, who were responsible.  Councillor Sam Ross asked Mrs Harrington if she was aware that WECA had asked all its constituent councils to increase their bus subsidy budgets.  Mrs Harrington responded that locals would not mind paying towards this.

David Redgewell made a statement about various transport issues, including suggestions for addressing rural bus issues, and urged all parties to address this quickly by working together to find solutions.  A copy of the statement has been placed on the Minute book.  Councillor Kevin Guy asked if Mr Redgewell considered that, if BSIP money for these services is not provided, B&NES should advocate that it comes directly to the Council, as in North Somerset.  Mr Redgewell responded that it was necessary to check the regulations and go through the proper processes.  Councillor Saskia Heijltjes asked if Mr Redgewell was aware of an article regarding demand responsive transport likely failing if supported bus services were removed.  Mr Redgewell replied that he was aware, and made the wider point that it was about connecting people, places and communities and that he was worried about parts of the region.

Alexander Robinson, SU President for the University of Bath, made a statement about further developing the civic relationship between the Council, students and education providers and gave the example of Nottingham who had developed a Student Living Strategy.  The statement is attached.  Councillor Kevin Guy asked if Mr Robinson would be happy to meet up, to which he replied that he would.  Councillor Saskia Heijltjes asked how the Council could better support students to which he replied that active engagement was good.  The campaign to encourage students to vote had been good, and this needed to continue with possible surgeries and events at the University.

Robbie Bentley made a statement highlighting the mental health aspects which needed consideration with regard to the public transport issues raised by earlier speakers.  He urged collaboration with WECA and the Leaders of other Councils to provide solutions.

The Chair thanked all the speakers for their statements, which were referred to the relevant Cabinet Members.