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Bath & North East Somerset Labour Group

@bneslabourgroup.bsky.social
53 followers 96 following 178 posts

Official Opposition on Bath & North East Somerset Council. We're here, & we used to be 'there'. We like live-posting from council/cabinet/scrutiny meetings when possible. We also live at www.facebook.com/BANESCllrs.

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Bath & North East Somerset Labour Group @bneslabourgroup.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
"Labour councillors say Bath’s UNESCO WHS status should not be a barrier to building homes..but despite the City of Bath accounting for around half of the district's population, it is only set to get around a quarter of the new homes [in the draft Local Plan]." www.somersetlive.co.uk/news/somerse...
somersetlive.co.uk
Bath's excuse not to build more homes is 'not reasonable'
"UNESCO is proud of other World Heritage Site cities where the locals aren’t priced out"
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Bath & North East Somerset Labour Group @bneslabourgroup.bsky.social · 18/05/2026
What's happening with this week's 3-day planned children's social worker strike at B&NES? At Scrutiny Panel from 9:30, Labour will be asking Lib Dem Cabinet & senior officers why the strike is still on, after they were given reassurances last week: democracy.bathnes.gov.uk/ieListDocume...
democracy.bathnes.gov.uk
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Bath & North East Somerset Labour Group @bneslabourgroup.bsky.social · 18/05/2026
Concerned about the #RUH (with Swindon + Salisbury hospitals) outsourcing NHS bank staff - without proper scrutiny? RUH leaders are expected at B&NES scrutiny panel from noon. Here's the agenda / webcast link: democracy.bathnes.gov.uk/ieListDocume...
democracy.bathnes.gov.uk
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Bath & North East Somerset Labour Group @bneslabourgroup.bsky.social · 24/02/2026
Tonight’s B&NES Budget council meeting: Labour’s zero‑cost amendment would raise new cash, improve resident & tourism services, protect public loos and save vital groups like DHI, Julian House, Mentoring Plus & Age UK BaNES. www.somersetlive.co.uk/news/local-n...
somersetlive.co.uk
Opposition plan to stop potential £10k cut to Bath's public loos
The council previously vowed action after it was warned that the city's lack of public loos was leaving elderly people in tears
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Bath & North East Somerset Labour Group @bneslabourgroup.bsky.social · 23/02/2026
An update on this morning’s call-in on the St Winifred’s Lane liveable neighbourhood is here- www.facebook.com/share/1JjFng...
facebook.com
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Bath & North East Somerset Labour Group @bneslabourgroup.bsky.social · 23/02/2026
When Labour councillor Chris Dando asked about Bath & NE Somerset council’s communications strategy resulting in just 59 responses to its budget plans (coming to Full Council tomorrow), this is what happened: www.somersetlive.co.uk/news/local-n...
somersetlive.co.uk
Just 59 people have their say on £193m council budget
It sparked a heated exchange
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Bath & North East Somerset Labour Group @bneslabourgroup.bsky.social · 23/02/2026
13 members of the public are listed to speak. It’s not expected that this process will stop the LN going ahead, as the LD council holds the majority on the scrutiny panel.
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Bath & North East Somerset Labour Group @bneslabourgroup.bsky.social · 23/02/2026
…. The papers and link to a live stream are here: democracy.bathnes.gov.uk/ieListDocume... ….
democracy.bathnes.gov.uk
Councillors and how the Council works | Bath and North East Somerset Council
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Bath & North East Somerset Labour Group @bneslabourgroup.bsky.social · 23/02/2026
The council chamber is full over at Bath & NE Somerset’s Guildhall this morning. It’s the scrutiny call-in, which Labour councillors supported, of a liveable neighbourhood at St Winifred’s Lane in Bath. ….
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Bath & North East Somerset Labour Group @bneslabourgroup.bsky.social · 13/02/2026
Remember when every councillor voted for better loos in Bath & NE Somerset? Last night, a local tour guide asked the Lib Dem Cabinet why they're cutting the public loo contract. You can see the exchange of views and the Cabinet's response here.... www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDJ0...
youtube.com
Cabinet 12.02.26
YouTube video by BathnesCouncil
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Bath & North East Somerset Labour Group @bneslabourgroup.bsky.social · 10/02/2026
B&NES LABOUR CHILDREN’S CHAMPIONS WELCOME GOVERNMENT CLEARING 90% OF COUNCILS’ SEND DEBT This morning, BNES Labour councillors welcomed the news. Robin Moss, Group Leader said "this is good news - Labour's picking up the pieces left behind by 14 years of Conservative government." shorturl.at/WIWDo
Secretary of State for local government, Rt Hon Steve Reed MP, with Paulton councillor Liz Hardman and Radstock's Lesley Mansell (all Labour). Steve is in a dark suit with a white shirt. Liz has red hair and a checked dress. Lesley has short blonde hair and a pink jacket. All three smile at the camera.
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Bath & North East Somerset Labour Group @bneslabourgroup.bsky.social · 21/01/2026
While B&NES' consultation on its budget just ended, the lack of affordable housing in Bath and North East Somerset continues to hit the headlines. Labour councillors' response to the Local Plan and Bath Movement Strategy won two front pages - here's the story: www.somersetlive.co.uk/news/local-n...
Front page of Western Daily Press 22 Dec - headline reads "UNESCO STATUS NEEDS REVIEW - Labour' claims city's heritage badge is blocking house-building"Front page of Bath Chronicle 25 Dec - headline reads "CALLS TO REVIEW HERITAGE STATUS: UNESCO listing prevents homes being built, say Labour"
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Bath & North East Somerset Labour Group @bneslabourgroup.bsky.social · 18/12/2025
Did you see Bath & North East Somerset's consultations on the Local Plan and a ten-year Movement Strategy for Bath? B&NES Labour councillors were deeply concerned. They will be following up in the months ahead... #AffordableHomes #Bath #NorthEastSomerset #HealthyCommunities #PublicTransportConnects
red and white poster that says: 

UNESCO, TOURISM AND STUDENTS FIRST? LABOUR COUNCILLORS RESPOND TO LIB DEM LOCAL PLAN AND BATH MOVEMENT STRATEGY 

In November, B&NES asked the public their views on 2 big issues - where to put homes and how to manage ‘movement’ in Bath. 
Labour councillors scrutinised the proposals and have called on B&NES to:

* Prioritise residents’ homes before student accommodation
* Assess the true economic benefits of UNESCO across B&NES, independently
* Promise Bath the homes - and affordable homes - it needs
* Respect North East Somerset’s distinct communities, and not flood them with new homes
* Include permitted but still unbuilt homes in the new housing targets 
* Work with WECA to develop reliable, frequent local bus services that connect communities
* Provide safe and appealing Park & Rides for north, east, south and west; multi-modal, open longer 
* Work better as part of WECA, making the most of it potential and new government policy
* Make sure night economy staff always have access to safe public transport
* Make sure B&NES’ deprived communities can access work, leisure, green spaces, social opportunities, and education without needing a car.

from Bath & North East Somerset Labour councillors: We're asking questions, making your voice heard - every single day
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Bath & North East Somerset Labour Group @bneslabourgroup.bsky.social · 15/12/2025
Bath & North East Labour councillors are challenging B&NES on their SEND support in the health & wellbeing scrutiny panel this morning. If you need SEND support or advice, here is where to find it; please pass it on: www.bathnes.gov.uk/inclusion-an...
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Bath & North East Somerset Labour Group @bneslabourgroup.bsky.social · 15/10/2025
Remember our campaign to get all eligible children automatically enrolled for free school meals in Bath & NE Somerset? We have numbers! 139 children have been brought into the system, who'd otherwise have fallen through the net - shorturl.at/gaji6
shorturl.at
Bath and North East Somerset Labour Councillors
MASSIVE FREE SCHOOL MEALS WIN FOR LOCAL CHILDREN, FAMILIES AND SCHOOLS - THANK YOU! Remember when we asked for your support, to get every eligible child auto-enrolled for free school meals last...
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Bath & North East Somerset Labour Group @bneslabourgroup.bsky.social · 27/08/2025
Buses buses buses... shorturl.at/cXoj9 - timetable updates, handy links, strike info...
shorturl.at
Bath and North East Somerset Labour Councillors
BUS CHANGE TIMES, HANDY LINKS & POSSIBLE FIRSTBUS STRIKE The bus timetables are updated twice a year (Apr/Sep) - here's what's ahead. There's also a potential First Bus strike in early Sept....
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Reposted by Bath & North East Somerset Labour Group
Bath Labour Party @bathlabour.bsky.social · 27/07/2025
🗞 The BBC reporting on our successful campaign for the "better provision of clean, accessible public toilets" in Bath. Great to see the work of local Labour Councillors from @bneslabourgroup.bsky.social recognised. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Bath public toilets are 'few and far between', council told
The lack of facilities across Bath is also driving customers away, one local business claims.
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Reposted by Bath & North East Somerset Labour Group
Helen Godwin @mayorhelengodwin.bsky.social · 12/08/2025
My first 100 days, in under 100 seconds. In this new chapter for the West, together we’re rolling out new green buses, have secured record transport funding, and launched a Youth Guarantee for jobs and training. We’ve turned the page, and we’re only just getting started!
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Bath & North East Somerset Labour Group @bneslabourgroup.bsky.social · 24/07/2025
"Lack of toilets leaving elderly people 'in tears'" - BNES Labour Group's success in getting a Lib Dem commitment to public loos last week has caught the eye of the BBC - www.bbc.co.uk/news/article... #Bath #NorthEastSomerset #tourism #disability #publicLoos
bbc.co.uk
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Bath & North East Somerset Labour Group @bneslabourgroup.bsky.social · 18/07/2025
🚽 FLUSHED WITH SUCCESS! Thank you! Labour proposals for a better public loo strategy passed unanimously at B&NES Council last night, seconded by Lib Dem Economic Development lead Paul Roper. Next? Solid action, so this motion doesn't just go down the pan... #BNES #Labour #PublicLoos
BNES council Labour group's public loo campaign poster with a banner across it saying, 'thank you! campaign win - council action next'. It adds, 'thanks to your support, all councillors votes yes on Thu 17 July.' 

In the background is their original campaign poster, which asked the public to contact their councillors to support the proposal, saying: 
'Let's all look at our public loos'
'56% drink less in case they'll need a wee'
'loo-worry limits trips out for 20% of us'
'6million visitors a year, half a billion pounds from tourism, but only 20 public toilet sites in B&NES, down from 27 n 2011, most closed by 6pm'
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Bath & North East Somerset Labour Group @bneslabourgroup.bsky.social · 17/07/2025
BNES full council vote tonight, after hearing from councillors and members of the public. Kick off is 6:30: papers and web streaming here- democracy.bathnes.gov.uk/ieListDocume...
Bath and North East Somerset Labour Group Campaign poster calling for a review of the Council’s public toilet strategy
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Bath & North East Somerset Labour Group @bneslabourgroup.bsky.social · 16/07/2025
Labour's call for BNES to have a better public loo strategy goes to Thu night's Council meeting - and asks for public involvement - www.somersetlive.co.uk/news/somerse...
somersetlive.co.uk
'Frankly ridiculous' and 'not enough' public toilets in Bath
"I find the lack of public toilets embarrassing and frankly ridiculous.”
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Reposted by Bath & North East Somerset Labour Group
Bath & North East Somerset Labour Group @bneslabourgroup.bsky.social · 10/07/2025
Only 20 public loo sites for the whole of Bath & NE Somerset. Local? Ask your councillor if they're voting to sort out the out of date public loo strategy on Thu 17th. Contact them here - democracy.bathnes.gov.uk/mgFindMember... and read the Labour Group motion here - shorturl.at/W6Gdi
A campaign poster, calling on residents of Bath & North East Somerset to contact their local councillor before the vote on a public loo strategy on 17 July.  It says there are 6 million visitors a year, that tourism brings in half a billion pounds, but loo-worry limits trips out for 1 in 5 and 56% drink less, in case they'll need the loo when they're out.  It has links to the 'find your councillor' pages on BNES' website and a link to the motion, which is from BNES Labour Group. The links are https://democracy.bathnes.gov.uk/mgFindMember.aspx and https://shorturl.at/W6Gdi
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Bath & North East Somerset Labour Group @bneslabourgroup.bsky.social · 10/07/2025
Only 20 public loo sites for the whole of Bath & NE Somerset. Local? Ask your councillor if they're voting to sort out the out of date public loo strategy on Thu 17th. Contact them here - democracy.bathnes.gov.uk/mgFindMember... and read the Labour Group motion here - shorturl.at/W6Gdi
A campaign poster, calling on residents of Bath & North East Somerset to contact their local councillor before the vote on a public loo strategy on 17 July.  It says there are 6 million visitors a year, that tourism brings in half a billion pounds, but loo-worry limits trips out for 1 in 5 and 56% drink less, in case they'll need the loo when they're out.  It has links to the 'find your councillor' pages on BNES' website and a link to the motion, which is from BNES Labour Group. The links are https://democracy.bathnes.gov.uk/mgFindMember.aspx and https://shorturl.at/W6Gdi
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Bath & North East Somerset Labour Group @bneslabourgroup.bsky.social · 01/07/2025
Real improvements for local children and their families are happening *now*, here in B&NES and across the WECA region. Here's the view from B&NES - tinyurl.com/5ahvpnhh - and, below, the bigger picture from WECA Mayor Helen Godwin:
facebook.com
Bath and North East Somerset Labour Councillors
It's fantastic to see real improvements for local children and their families happening *now*, in Twerton, Keynsham, Peasedown and beyond. This is just the start. And from this September, ALL B&NES....
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Reposted by Bath & North East Somerset Labour Group
Bath & North East Somerset Council @bathnes.bsky.social · 25/06/2025
💑A free wedding or vow renewal worthy of Austen awaits! ❤️We hope it won't take much persuasion for romantics to enter our competition for a Regency-style ceremony in Bath's stunning Parade Gardens on 13 Sept. 📧Tell us the name of your love story here: tinyurl.com/4meb8fjv
People stand in period costume by the bandstand in Bath's Parade Gardens
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Reposted by Bath & North East Somerset Labour Group
Bath & North East Somerset Council @bathnes.bsky.social · 26/06/2025
📌 Odd Down Sports Ground consultation closes 5pm today Let us know what you think about our plans for the extension and refurbishment of Odd Down Sports Ground. Take part online: www.bathnes.gov.uk/odd-down... More information on our newsroom: 👉 newsroom.bathnes.gov.uk/new...
a drone photo from overhead of the sports grounds including the running track, football pitch and playing fields
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Reposted by Bath & North East Somerset Labour Group
Bath & North East Somerset Council @bathnes.bsky.social · 26/06/2025
Want to unlock your team's full potential? Join Cool Ventures Leadership & Management Workshop and learn practical strategies to boost performance, motivation, and results. Wednesday 2nd July, 10am-1pm at The Studio in Bath. Reserve a free spot: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/lead...
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Bath & North East Somerset Labour Group @bneslabourgroup.bsky.social · 18/06/2025
If you get an invitation through the post, don't delay - have your say!
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Reposted by Bath & North East Somerset Labour Group
Bath & North East Somerset Labour Group @bneslabourgroup.bsky.social · 11/06/2025
Free bus travel for under 16s? Sounds right up everyone's street! #WestOfEngland #Buses
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Bath & North East Somerset Labour Group @bneslabourgroup.bsky.social · 11/06/2025
Free bus travel for under 16s? Sounds right up everyone's street! #WestOfEngland #Buses
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Reposted by Bath & North East Somerset Labour Group
Bath & North East Somerset Labour Group @bneslabourgroup.bsky.social · 05/06/2025
Big win for BNES families - from Sept 25, all eligible families will be auto-enrolled for #FreeSchoolMeals, thanks to @BNESLabour. From Sep '26, all families on Universal Credit qualify - almost 6,000 local families. Labour locally, working with Labour nationally. #LabourDelivers
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Reposted by Bath & North East Somerset Labour Group
Vic Ahtty @primenumberone.bsky.social · 10/06/2025
Brilliant from @teamlabouruk.bsky.social, Mayor Helen Godwin & the west of of England combined authority. Kids are free to explore their local countryside and towns over the holidays rather than festering, with nothing to do, over the summer holidays. Brilliant initiative! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽❤️
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Bath & North East Somerset Labour Group @bneslabourgroup.bsky.social · 05/06/2025
Big win for BNES families - from Sept 25, all eligible families will be auto-enrolled for #FreeSchoolMeals, thanks to @BNESLabour. From Sep '26, all families on Universal Credit qualify - almost 6,000 local families. Labour locally, working with Labour nationally. #LabourDelivers
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Bath & North East Somerset Labour Group @bneslabourgroup.bsky.social · 04/06/2025
🚆 Big news for the West of England! Labour Metro Mayor Helen Godwin is working with the new government to deliver £800m for better #transport—buses, trains, trams & more. “It’s time for a mass transit system people can rely on.” 🔗 www.somersetlive.co.uk/news/local-n...
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Reposted by Bath & North East Somerset Labour Group
Bath & North East Somerset Labour Group @bneslabourgroup.bsky.social · 22/05/2025
🚨 Historic day in #BATHNES! 👏 Cllr Liz Hardman - 1st ever Chair from Paulton, she'll focus on mental health. 🎉 Cllr Robin Moss 10y as leader + 2y of big impact as Official Opposition: free school meals auto-enrolment; night-worker safety; S106 clarity; plus..... 1/2 📸Cllr Liz Hardman
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Bath & North East Somerset Labour Group @bneslabourgroup.bsky.social · 22/05/2025
... PLUS.......safety for council staff & councillors AND... challenging council decisions on: Charlton House HCRG contracts Newton House respite care LTN decisions & more. >> Labour councillors delivering for our communities #CommunityImpact #LocalDemocracy 📸 Bath & NE Somerset Labour Group
Bath & NE Somerset Labour Group gathered together in the council chamber, Bath
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Bath & North East Somerset Labour Group @bneslabourgroup.bsky.social · 22/05/2025
🚨 Historic day in #BATHNES! 👏 Cllr Liz Hardman - 1st ever Chair from Paulton, she'll focus on mental health. 🎉 Cllr Robin Moss 10y as leader + 2y of big impact as Official Opposition: free school meals auto-enrolment; night-worker safety; S106 clarity; plus..... 1/2 📸Cllr Liz Hardman
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Bath & North East Somerset Labour Group @bneslabourgroup.bsky.social · 22/05/2025
The BNES report is included in the most recent Health & Wellbeing Scrutiny Panel but the council’s website is down and we can’t give you a link. Head to the Bathnes democracy pages for more. Here ends the meeting. Thanks!
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Bath & North East Somerset Labour Group @bneslabourgroup.bsky.social · 22/05/2025
Final item, a statement from Cllr Shaun Hughes on Fosse Way School’s weekday residential offer at Fosse Way House (mentioned earlier). He disagrees with BNES’ view that the education services can be provided in the school day (it’s not a CQC registered social/health cate setting).
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Bath & North East Somerset Labour Group @bneslabourgroup.bsky.social · 22/05/2025
LD Kevin Guy offers a meeting with rural connectivity LD councillor Fiona Gourley and it’s accepted.
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Bath & North East Somerset Labour Group @bneslabourgroup.bsky.social · 22/05/2025
The last speaker talks about bus services X91 X99 (Big Lemon) buses and thanks Chew Valley Community Transport team members. This service is WECA (‘BSIP’) funded as part of their WestLocal scheme but funding ends next spring - they want to know what’s going to happen after that.
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Bath & North East Somerset Labour Group @bneslabourgroup.bsky.social · 22/05/2025
The next speaker talks about the changes to the M4 to Dorset, which will stop heavy vehicles going through Bath. He lives near Pulteney Bridge and is directly affected, he says. He names some Lib Dem councillors and says he gets his updates through their newsletters.
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Bath & North East Somerset Labour Group @bneslabourgroup.bsky.social · 22/05/2025
Replying to a Q from the Greens, he says he hopes Keynsham Town Council will also support the call for a community hall. They’d be vital.
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Bath & North East Somerset Labour Group @bneslabourgroup.bsky.social · 22/05/2025
Labour’s Dave Biddleston (Keynsham South) says the consultation (link above) includes a community hall option & asks whether Mr Inker knew Broadlands School had had a community facility in its proposals 15y ago, but was cancelled? Indeed, says Mr Inker. It would have been magnificent for Keynsham.
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Bath & North East Somerset Labour Group @bneslabourgroup.bsky.social · 22/05/2025
LD leader Kevin Guy asks if the council can see a business plan. Mr Inker says without council support, that would be premature and costly. A good steer from the council needs to come first. Charities could be involved, he adds. But council support first.
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Bath & North East Somerset Labour Group @bneslabourgroup.bsky.social · 22/05/2025
A community hall could support many charities, and have many purposes. The local third sector is great, he says, Bringing them together under 1 roof would have many benefits, he adds.The need is great, he says.
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Bath & North East Somerset Labour Group @bneslabourgroup.bsky.social · 22/05/2025
The next speaker is Adrian Inker, and he also talks about the need in Keynsham for a community hall. While the town has grown, it’s been hard to see where BNES S106/CIL money is going, and Keynsham needs infrastructure to keep up with the town’s growth.
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Bath & North East Somerset Labour Group @bneslabourgroup.bsky.social · 22/05/2025
Labour’s Robin Moss reminds him it’s Bath & North East Somerset council and not Bath council…. Much ‘hear hear’ in the chamber.
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