5 July News Update
from Weston Central Ward Councillors Mike Bell and Robert Payne
Welcome to our latest email newsletter, with updates on changes to health and care in our area, events to get involved in local services and lots of events coming up over the summer.
If there is anything we can help with or you’d like to let us know about, please get in touch.
Best wishes
Mike and Robert
Local issues and action
What keeps you happy, healthy and well?
What keeps you happy, healthy and well? That’s the question being asked by the new Integrated Care System (ICS) for Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire, as it launches a wide-ranging public engagement exercise to shape priorities for health and care in the years ahead.
ICSs are being formally established across the country from 1 July with the aim of improving health and wellbeing, reducing inequalities and providing health and care services for local people. The ICS for Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire is marking this milestone by launching a nine-week public engagement exercise to guide development of its strategy.
Take part in the consultation here.
The ICS’s work will be delivered by a strategic partnership of councils, NHS and voluntary and community sector organisations – the Integrated Care Partnership – working alongside the new statutory NHS body, the Integrated Care Board. The ICB is responsible for the day-to-day running of NHS services and budgets.
Local councillor Mike Bell is the first chair of the Integrated Care Partnership. You can find out more about the new system here.
New tidal trail opens
A new section of a national footpath in North Somerset was officially opened recently. North Somerset Tidal Trail is part of the England Coast Path national trail a new route that will follow the entire coast of England.
The path is being opened in sections and will, when completed, be the longest coastal path in the world. The route along the west bank of the Axe is seasonal and will only be open 16 April – 15 July each year as waterbirds such as redshank feed and roost in this area during the overwintering period.
You can read the media release in full on the Government’s website.
Free drop-in advice event for landlords or would-be landlords
Landlords and owners of empty homes in North Somerset are being invited to a free event on Tuesday 12 July to find out more about help and incentives on offer to help local families to find a home.
The drop-in event, which is open to anyone including those thinking about becoming a landlord, takes place from 8.30am until 1.30pm at Stable Games Room, 129 High Street, Weston-super-Mare.
North Somerset Council’s lettings team will be on hand to discuss the free lettings service they provide to landlords, including information on the incentives on offer to help home a family in the area.
Facebook Live Q&A
Mike will be participating in another Facebook Live Q&A for councillors from the North Somerset Council Executive on Thursday 7 July at 6pm. Join us on the North Somerset Council Facebook page and ask any questions you'd like us to try to answer!
Could you be a taxi driver?
Have you ever thought about becoming a taxi driver? If so, an open day being held next month by North Somerset Council is for you.
The drop-in event on Friday 8 July, from 9am to 5pm in the New Council Chamber at the Town Hall in Weston, is a chance to find out exactly what is needed to become a taxi driver.
Staff from the council’s licensing team will be on hand to speak to potential recruits and tell them everything they need to know, alongside representatives from local taxi firms vehicle rental companies and a driving instructor.
Upcoming events
There are lots of great events coming up in spring and summer, including for the HM The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Here are some key dates for your diaries:
Weston Presents - a programme of STEAM themed activity (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics) activities throughout the summer.
Lions Real Ale and Cider Festival 29-31 July - come and join the Weston Lions for the 15th year of the much loved Real Ale & Cider Festival on Weston-super-Mare's beach lawns.
Tropicana WHAT’S NEXT? is a programme of events, showcased within the Tropicana’s indoor spaces with a focus on education, well-being, and the creative arts, the programme will showcase a full cultural offer in summer 2022, 31st July - 16th September.
SEE MONSTER is a world-first temporary installation that will be arriving in Weston this summer. A retired rig from the North Sea, reimagined in Weston-super-Mare to celebrate the great British weather as part of a UK-wide festival of creativity.
Weston Dairy Festival takes place 4th-7th August on the Beach Lawns.
Weston Beach Rugby Festival on 5th - 7th August - an open tournament of tag rugby on the beach.
The Weston Super Mare Sea Shanty Festival and Folk Festival returns from 5 to 7 August - lots of singing and entertainment at venues across the town.
Eat:Weston returns on Saturday 24th September in the Italian Gardens
The Weston Beach Race race is the weekend of 21st - 23rd October.
The Weston-super-Mare Carnival takes place on Friday 11th 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.
Contact Councillor Robert Payne on 07904 026 096 or email robert.payne@n-somerset.gov.uk or follow him on Facebook or Twitter.