Residents invited to join the discussion at Somer Valley Area Forum

Residents in the Somer Valley will be able to find out more about a major local project to improve access to green spaces and habitat diversity at their next Area Forum.

The meeting, which is being held via Zoom on Thursday 3 March at 6pm, will receive an update on the Somer Valley Rediscovered Project which aims to:

• Re-connect people to their local greenspaces
• Improve Biodiversity and build Climate Change resilience
• Improve the Health and Wellbeing of all sectors of the community
• Promote the area as a visitor destination for walking and cycling

The meeting will also hear from Laura Wigg-Bailey who is supporting work to restore the Somersetshire Coal Canal.

Lynda Robertson, Chair of the Forum said: “The last two years has really emphasised the importance for communities re-connecting to their local greenspaces. We are delighted to be hosting the discussion at our next Forum meeting.  We are also very keen to hear from residents about what our priorities should be during 2022 and we welcome any feedback and suggestions that local people may have”.

Councillor Kevin Guy, leader of the council said: “The council’s purpose is to improve the lives of residents and if we are to deliver on this it is essential communities share information and feedback. Understanding people’s needs and aspirations helps to inform and shape the activities of our Area Forums and I’d urge residents to try to attend and let us hear their views.”

Area Forums are open to all and bring together public services, local organisations and residents to improve local engagement, encourage people to talk to each other and share their skills and ideas.  There are five Forums in Bath and North East Somerset which are supported by the council.

Somer Valley Area Forum comprises the parished areas of: Farmborough; Farrington Gurney; High Littleton; Midsomer Norton; Paulton; Peasedown St John; Radstock; Timsbury and Westfield.

The other Area Forums are: Bath Area, Bathavon, Chew Valley, and Keynsham.

You can find more information and meeting dates on the council website.

To join the Zoom meeting on 3 March, you will need to enter the Meeting ID: 950 1074 8672 and Password: T3BPVfS3HY

You can watch the Area Forum live, or at a later time, on the council’s YouTube channel.