3rd February news update
from Weston Central Ward Councillors Mike Bell, Robert Payne and Caroline Reynolds
Hello everyone - welcome to issue 84 of our regular local email newsletter
It’s been a busy few weeks since the last edition, with loads more good news locally. In this edition we’ve got updates on a new crossing for Ashcombe Road, work to improve Colonel Stephens Way, progress on Birnbeck Pier and the Banwell bypass and loads more.
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
New crossing for Ashcombe Road
Something like 10 years after we first campaigned for it, a zebra crossing in Ashcombe Road near the mini-roundabout is finally going in. This will help make the area more pedestrian-friendly and particularly help families get to and from Ashcombe Primary School. We have been pushing for this and are pleased installation is expected to take place in the next couple of weeks.
Have your say on Colonel Stephens Way improvements
Thanks to everyone who attended the drop-in event for residents to help shape proposals to improve Colonel Stephens Way, the cycling and walking route from Ashcombe Road to Milton Avenue. It was good to have lots of positive contributions and broad agreement that Colonel Stephens Way is an unloved area that needs attention.
Comments submitted online, together with those from the drop-in event, will hopefully help to shape the space so that it is better for everyone.
Further progress on Birnbeck
Work on the project to restore Birnbeck Pier is continuing and moving on to the next stage with some of the first construction contracts due to be awarded this week. This is not an easy project to drive forward, but we are working to deliver on our promise to save Birnbeck. North Somerset Council only took ownership of Birnbeck six months ago and we’re delighted by the progress made so far.
The contracts being delivered in the first phase include:
Specialist contracts for advanced phases of work that are needed to protect public safety and the integrity of the land, buildings and structures before the main restoration work (up to £575,000). This includes asbestos removal, repair of the sea walls, safety work to the rock face at the pier head. This also may include work to buildings on the island including the clocktower and the 1888 boathouse.
Restoration and renovation work funded by the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund (up to £3.9m). This includes restoration of the landside buildings and creating space for a café and other visitor facilities including toilets.
Restoration and renovation work funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund (around £4.5m). The following would only go ahead if a future grant of £4.2m is awarded: work to the pavilion and other structures on the island, restoration of turnstiles and further visitor improvements. The National Lottery Heritage Fund has already awarded an initial grant of £234,761 to be spent on the development phase of the project.
Marine Lake works
The next phase of improvement work at Weston-super-Mare’s Marine Lake will start this month. This is part of a programme of work made possible thanks to North Somerset Council’s successful bid for £20 million investment from the UK government’s Levelling Up Fund.
Further dredging work to remove built-up silt at the lake will kickstart the first phase of improvements. To enable specialist contractor Teignmouth Maritime Services to carry out this work, the tidal lake will close from Tuesday 6 February. It will reopen once work is complete, and the tide is high enough to overtop the lake. It is currently estimated to reopen to the public during the week starting Monday 25 March, before the Easter bank holiday weekend.
Following the dredging work, Levelling Up funding will be used to improve walkways, steps and ramps, and other enhancements to the area including upgrading the public toilets. This work is due to be completed by spring next year (2025).
The council continues to work closely with the Weston-super-Mare Marine Lake Mudlarks a group of volunteers who assist with the management of the lake.
Weston-super-Mare Town Council budget boost
Liberal Democrat town councillors were pleased to support the Weston-super-Mare Town Council budget for 2024/25 this week. The Town Council provides a range of “added value” services to the community to complement the work and statutory functions of North Somerset Council.
This year, new projects and investments by the Town Council include:
Doubling funding for Citizens Advice North Somerset to help them support more families with the cost of living crisis.
Extra investment in CCTV to improve community safety, part of a network of 425 cameras across North Somerset that are monitored 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
New grants to support volunteers helping to keep Weston and Worle clean and green, with funding to support equipment and organisation for groups that need it.
Securing the future of the Old Town Quarry as a community arts and culture space through a £700,000 grant and new operating model.
Progressing the project to restore and reopen the landmark former Weston Mercury building as the Town Council HQ and community hub.
Big milestone for the Banwell bypass
Another big milestone on the Banwell bypass project - we've had confirmation from the Department for Transport that compulsory purchase orders (CPOs) needed have been granted.
This means that early environmental works will be able to start within weeks and construction can start this year, as planned.
Not only will the Banwell bypass ease longstanding traffic issues in Banwell village, it will better connect communities by cutting journey times for those travelling between Weston-super-Mare and the A38.
Funding for grassroots sport
Good news that six North Somerset football clubs have benefited from a share of nearly £35,000 of investment in grassroots sport.
The clubs have secured the funding through a government scheme that is supporting over 900 projects in partnership with the Football Foundation, the English Football Association and the Premier League.
The successful awards in North Somerset are Clevedon United, Clevedon Town Walking FC, Sporting Weston FC, Banwell FC, Weston-super-Mare AFC and SW Mini’s FC. The grants support a range of projects for new equipment, goals and pitch improvements.
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.