Town Council News

New Charges for St Margaret's Hall

2011-12-14T16:06:00.001Z

St Margaret’s Hall, Bradford on Avon - Revised Charges from 1st April 2012

The St Margaret’s Hall hire charges have been revised with effect from 1st April 2012.

The charges have been simplified into one hourly rate for all (except exercise classes as below) with no additional charges for use of bar, equipment, alcohol licence etc.

New Rates from 1st April 2012

Use of St Margaret’s Hall including facilities -£30 per hour

Day Rate (8hrs any time between 8.00am and 6.00pm)- £196 day rate (8 hour day-discount of £44) + £30 per additional hour

Local Town (Bradford on Avon precept payers) Discount and Local Non Profit Making, Non Fund-Raising Discount -20% discount

Exercise Classes -* £21 per hour

Bank Holiday Surcharge- 60% surcharge

* Exercise classes held during morning office hours when there is no requirement for the Hall staff to be present and at the discretion of Town Council officers.

Local Bradford on Avon council-tax payers and local, non-profit making, non fund-raising groups fitting the criteria, may apply for a discount.

Town Achievement Award 2011

2011-11-30T14:19:00.001Z

The Town Achievement Award was presented at Tuesday’s meeting of Bradford on Avon Town Council to Val Payne. The Mayor, Councillor Peter Leach presenting the award and certificate thanked Val for her contribution to a variety of organisations.

Val was nominated by Councillors as one of the unsung heroes who helped to make Bradford on Avon a great place to live. Cllr Landell Mills stated ‘ Val is always cheerful, always calm, always helpful and is a volunteer par excellence’. Formerly a teacher at Fitzmaurice School, Val is known to generations of young Bradfordians. Now she is to be found as a regular helper with the group of conservation volunteers clearing the Country Park, keeping the team going with her famous lemon drizzle and chocolate cakes. On Thursdays she helps with the Thursday Club where a group of elderly residents meet for lunch, conversation and various activities – a lifeline for those who cannot get out very much. Every Monday, she looks after the newborn babies of the young mums who come to the Post-Natal Group – essential support at a crucial time. Val also helps with the Saxon Group and in addition she is a Deputy Church Warden at Holy Trinity.

Olympic Torch will pass through Bradford on Avon

2011-11-11T14:21:00.001Z

The Olympic Torch will be carried by runners through Bradford on Avon on May 22nd 2012.

The annual Sports Festival achieved the Olympic Inspire Status which helped to put us on the route.

For more details of the route, please click here.

Bradford on Avon Community Sports Festival ---------------------------------- May 15th-22nd 2011

2011-04-08T10:22:00.004+01:00

Bradford on Avon Community Area Sports Festival - May 15th-22nd 2011This Sports Festival is designed to celebrate and extend the wide range of sports and physical activities within our community. It follows a similar but smaller event held in May 2010 and will lead to a larger Festival next year, as a pre-Olympic 2012 Event.
Following from the above, the Bradford on Avon Community Area Sports Festival has now been officially recognised as part of the national Inspire Mark Programme, linked to the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The Inspire programme is geared to increasing participation in sports and physical activity through the involvement of voluntary organisations. For the first time ever, the Olympic Committee has sanctioned the use of an Olympic Games logo, other than for actual Games, by those in this programme.
The Sports Festival is being organised jointly be members of the Town Council and Community Area Partnership, with funding gratefully received from the Town Council and from Wiltshire Council via the Community Area Board.
During the week, from Sunday 15th to Friday 20th May, there will be opportunities for various sports and organised activities to provide “come-and-try”, “open-door”, “special demonstration” or similar “tasters” for the general public, either as part of their normal club sessions or as a one-off for the Festival week.
On Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd May there will be spectacular events in the Barton Farm and Country Park area. On Saturday a 10-kilometre run in the morning and an Aquathon later in the day. On Sunday morning there is a Sprint Triathlon starting at 8 am., with the swimming leg in the River Avon.
These above events are being organised separately by DBMax (see their web site: www.dbmax.co.uk), and many of the competitors will be visiting Bradford on Avon from other parts of the country.
Also on the Saturday and Sunday, local groups will be showing off a wide range of sports and other activities associated with a healthy life style, mainly in the same part of town. Everybody will have a chance to find out more, try out, join in or take part, sample something new, or just watch.
There will be some very interesting - and sometimes rather unusual – competitions, and prizes to be won: hopefully something to amuse or involve everybody! Healthy refreshments will also be on hand.
In view of our ambitious future targets, for instance in reducing carbon footprint, promoted by Climate Friendly Bradford, we are using the occasion to encourage the principle of ‘Zero Waste’: the mantra being: “Reduce, Re-use, Recycle – in that order”.
Check the Bradford on Avon Area Community web site (www.bradfordonavon.com) for more details, especially nearer the time.

Dance and Exercise Classes in St Margaret's Hall

2011-02-09T14:58:00.003Z

For details of dance and exercise classes in St Margaret's Hall, try the following links:
Dee Dees Dance Club
Ceroc
Yoga
Modern Ballroom, Latin American and Western Line Dancing
Tai Chi

or call Bradford on Avon Town Council 01225 864240

Kingston Mills -Planning Award

2011-02-09T14:41:00.004Z

Kingston Mills,
Bradford on Avon
Nash Partnership won the Royal Town Planning Institute 2010 National Award for Local Regeneration and Renewal for the Kingston Mills scheme as detailed here.

Learn to Dance

2011-01-31T14:07:00.004Z

New dance classes starting in St Margaret's Hall on Thursday evening 24th February 2011. Classes will be in Modern Ballroom, Latin American and Western Line Dancing. Please see link

Smart Technology Lighting – Reducing Costs for Bradford on Avon

2010-11-10T09:27:00.002Z

Smart Technology Lighting – Reducing Costs for Bradford on Avon
Public Meeting: 17th November 2010 at 7pm at St Margaret’s Hall
The project has now moved on to the next stage. Residents and businesses across Bradford on Avon were asked to nominate lights to be included in the programme and a plan has been drawn up based on those nominations.
Those living in the vicinity of the selected lights have received a letter advising them of the plans.

For those who want to find out more about the plans or raise any questions, there will be a public meeting to discuss them on the 17th November 2010 at 7pm at St Margaret’s Hall. For those who are content for the proposed lights to be part of the scheme, no further action is necessary, though they are welcome to express their support for the scheme by email or letter or attending the public meeting.

To suggest that a particular light may not be suitable for the scheme, those receiving the letter referred to above may complete the section at the top of the map enclosed. The map should be marked to show to which light comments relate and returned to Bradford on Avon Smart Technology Light Team, c/o Bradford on Avon Town Council, St Margaret’s Hall, Bradford on Avon, BA15 1DE. Alternatively boasmarttechlight@gmail.com may be emailed with your comments.

It is important that you include your name and address for comments be duly considered. The closing date for comments is 26th November 2010.
The Town Council will be considering the plans for changes to street lighting in December 2010, before the proposals go forward to the Area Board in early 2011. If you have any questions on the consultation procedure, please email boasmarttechlight@gmail.com or call 01225 718450

Flower Show Sunday 12th September 2010

2010-11-09T12:07:00.014Z

Mayor's Speech Town Gathering 15th October 2010

2010-10-28T16:37:00.001+01:00

Mayors Speech 15/10/10 TOWN GATHERING

A very warm welcome to everyone.
So much of our recent news has centred on cut backs. Govt. cutbacks which in turn has led to Unitary Council cutbacks so I do hope you will not be too surprised to hear that I has tried to keep in line with this. So please forgive me if this year’s speech is somewhat shorter than last year. The good news is that this gives more time for mixing, talking and the refreshments.

The Town Gathering is a Celebration to thank all the Voluntary Groups and all that makes B on A such a vibrant town It is the people that make a successful Community. Bradford on Avon has riches in abundance in this respect. A huge range of clubs, covering a really wide range of interests and needs. It is because of the superb organisation of their meetings, events, activities and social occasions by all of the volunteers who are involved, that we as a town are such a strongly supported community. A Community pulling together makes for a strong Community, There are so many to thank for all the hard work, energy, time, expertise and enthusiasm that is so freely given to make all of this happen.

To all of you an enormous THANKYOU FOR ALL THAT YOU DO FOR THE PEOPLE OF B on A. and thankyou for coming here this evening to give us the opportunity of expressing our deep appreciation for all your efforts and input. I would also like at this point to welcome our new MP Duncan Hames. CONGRATULATIONS Duncan. And we wish you a very long and successful political career.

The TC will be facing new challenges over the next year and Cllrs will be looking at these challenges and how we can manage them; at our annual day Conference next weekend. In the BIG SOCIETY powers will be devolved to Communities and the Unitary Council will be seeking to devolve some services to town and Parish Councils. Already we have heard that the Swimming Pool is under threat in 2017. It is absolutely vital that the Pool remains open and that the whole Community gets behind future Community plans to make sure this happens.

The Plans for a New Bridge are in a Stakeholder Review Process as a result of a Town Poll asking for the bridge to be put on hold. An alternative design has been put forward and the information will be checked by the TC before further decisions can be made.
So far there has been agreement on the landing position on the Kingston Mills Site and therefore the Foundations on that site which are being paid for by Linden Homes as part of the legal agreement, CAN go ahead.
Kingston Mills is fast developing and the first occupancy is due at the beginning of December.

St Margaret’s Hall Improvements are on the table and will be subject to further discussions and to Consultation with the Public.

Due to Unitary and Local Elections not taking place until 2013 Your Cllrs originally elected for 2007 to 2011 will have 2 further years on the TC.
Being a Cllr YES is challenging but also a very interesting and positive role in the Community.

Every year there are new exciting events. A celebration of the Marcus Cars and Moulton bicycles. We also had the Romans are Coming a gloriously colourful and exuberant event.

We had A Fringe Festival alongside the Arts Festival which itself had yet another new Theme . THE BIG SPLASH. I continue to marvel at the wealth of creativity in the town.
There was a Family Sports Weekend in May which included a Sprint Triathlon with the swim in the River.

There was a Photo exhibition of working Bradford in the West Barn with 40 pictures. Along with others that have been taken it is hoped to produce a book of working Bradford photos. In the Comments book, a couple from London wrote, We knew B on A is a historic town but had not realised that it has such a diversity of work and vibrant activities. We are now hoping to retire to this very buzzy town.
2 St Laurence students with expert support made a Film in a day on the Festival Sunday and this was shown at the exhibition.and also at a Recent Film Society Evening, A Lions Trail throughout the Town was organised by the C of C . from June through to the beginning of October. This was an extension of the Bath Lions Trail and there were 3 Large plus 40 smaller lions all decorated by local artists. Another new attraction for residents and visitors.
In September the Town Vegetable and Flower Show was re-started. It was last held in 1989.A real fun Community Day. I am sure there will be fierce competition next year as much was learnt by new comers to this event.

The TC has put some energy improvements in place thus supporting the target to be a Carbon Neutral Town in 2050.There are many other town initiatives in process led by CFB and the Green Streets Award group.
Also WC are looking at ways to conserve street lighting energy output.
The Historic Core Zone Plans initiated by Priority for the People has had approval by WC but it could be a while before these plans become reality. Lets hope it is not too long. It is aiming for B on A to be a people friendly and safe Town .
At last we have a Zebra Crossing in Silver Street and this is already giving confidence to many who have previously felt so vulnerable when crossing to and from the Shambles. Twinning signs are also now in place. There has also been much needed road resurfacing.

There are so many other wonderful events that I could mention but I have promised a shorter speech.
Please know how much we all appreciate ,acknowledge and admire all of you who have been involved in all our town events and especially to those who support the more vulnerable in our Community.

The Year ahead will present new challenges to our TC and Community . Localisation is a forefront term and the continued support of the Voluntary Groups will be so important to both the success and appearance of our Town.
Bradford in Bloom has encouraged participation in how the town looks to both residents and visitors. It would be wonderful if more Community Groups were able take ownership responsibility for parts of the Town. There are some groups already doing this for example Attending to Various flower, plant borders and trees in and around town.and keeping some areas as litter free as possible Thankyou to those groups. It could be one of our future aims to enter Wiltshire in Bloom.

I would now like you to join with me in thanking the people who make this event possible. The Office staff, The Hall staff, The Flower club , and the Caterers. To all of you a really Big Thankyou

I would also personally like to thank all my fellow Cllrs for the time and preparation they put into meetings ,events and as representatives on outside groups. And for the often hard decisions we all have to make.

I have enjoyed the challenges of the past year. I have had the pleasure of meeting many new people, and of attending a wide variety of events as a representative of Bradford on Avon in fact many of your events. Being the Mayor and Chairman of the Council is a Big responsibility which requires total focus on decision situations and addressing Community Concerns but it is also a priviledge and it is coupled with a mix of fun and completely new experiences which is very stimulating.

In conclusion I quote from Porlock Church Magazine.
There will be a Supper on Sunday at 5 o clock

Prayer and Medication will follow.

We may need a few prayers to see us through the year ahead. Let us hope we do not need too much medication.
Enjoy the Rest of the Evening. (We now move on to the Presentations.)

Cllr Isabel Martindale

Road Works on B3109 at Westwood Crossroads from 18th October 2010

2010-10-15T14:32:00.003+01:00

As consultant representative for Wiltshire Council, I write to inform you of proposed major road works on the B3109 at Westwood crossroads, Bradford on Avon, from the national speed limit south for approximately 900m, including the Westwood crossroads. These works are programmed to start 18th October 2010 and last for approximately 3 weeks.

These proposed works include isolated areas of carriageway repairs, improvements to the existing drainage system, installation of new kerbing, resurfacing of the carriageway and installation of new road markings and highway signage.

Due to the nature of the works and the local environment, the works are to be carried out utilising a 2 week period of 24 hour road closure, however access will be maintained between Westwood and Trowle Common using 2 way traffic signals, and from Bradford to Westwood via the north lane past Elms Cross. This will be followed by 1 week of night closures. During the night closures gate men will be employed at either end of the closure to assist with any access requirements.

During the road closure the proposed diversion route for all ‘through’ traffic heading North to Bradford on Avon from Wingfield will be East on A366 Trowbridge Road, North East on C397 Brook Road, North West on A363 Bradford Road, West on C399 Moulton Drive and vice versa.

Please see plans attached indicating closure extents and diversion routes here

There are 3 different closures to enable the work to be carried out. Phase 1 will be utilised for the first 2 weeks under 24 hr closure. Phases 2 & 3 will be utilised during the night closures to enable the work to be undertaken whilst still allowing access in and out of Westwood.

I trust you will find the above useful and should you require any further information please do not hesitate to contact Jim Bailey of Wiltshire Council on 07771 721321 or my assistant Daniel Ward on 01225 756600.

Regards,

Neill Way

Mouchel Group

Derby Court, Epsom Square, Epsom Road,

White Horse Business Park,

Trowbridge, Wiltshire BA14 0XG

Tel: +44 (0)1225 756659

Fax: 01225 756611

neill.way@mouchel.com

www.mouchel.com

Smart Technology Lighting -Reducing Costs for Bradford on Avon

2010-10-07T09:41:00.001+01:00

SMART TECHNOLOGY LIGHTING - REDUCING COSTS FOR BRADFORD ON AVON
To reduce unnecessary costs, up to 10% of Bradford on Avon’s street lights could, in the early hours, be switched off using smart technology. From around midnight to 5:30 in the morning these street lights would be unlit.
The lights would still look the same - the smart technology is internal to the lamps - and would not be switched off permanently. They would come on at the usual times, but, in the middle of the night, would switch off, before coming on again for early morning travelers.
Installing the new lamps will help to reduce energy costs. In addition, the community’s carbon footprint will shrink and there will be less pollution of the night sky.
WHAT HAS MADE THIS POSSIBLE?
Wiltshire Council is making available £5,000 to each Area Board which is to be spent on installing the smart technology. The money relates to this budget year (2010 / 2011) and should be spent within that timeframe, which is why we progressing the project as quickly as possible. It is hoped that further funding will be available in future years.
WHAT ARE THE FACTORS BEING CONSIDERED?
Reducing energy costs and CO² emissions are key, but certain lights can not be switched off. Safety and security must be considered – we want to lower lighting levels, not create dark spots.
WHAT IS THE PROCESS?
Bradford on Avon Town Council is supporting this project and the associated consultation in which householders and local businesses are being asked to supply details of lights that should be converted to the smart technology. An initial list of suitable lights will then be prepared. A limited number of new units are available so not all selections may be implemented this time round. Furthermore, safety and security issues as well as differing views on the suitability of lights may impose limitations but hopefully as many suggestions as possible will be implemented.
Based on the initial list, there will be further consultation with those living near the lights. In addition, details of the proposed changes will be made available to the community as a whole.
After responses to the consultation have been received, a final list will be drawn up and put to the Bradford on Avon Town Council for their approval. Plans approved will then be reviewed by the Area Board and subject to their agreement, the list of lights will be passed on to Wiltshire’s technical team for final assessment and implementation in the early part of 2011.
HOW DO I HAVE MY SAY?
You can either write or email, giving details of suitable light(s). Include the name of the road on which the light is located and the light’s specific position, plus your name and contact details.
Write to: Bradford on Avon Smart Technology Light Team, c/o Bradford on Avon Town Council, St Margaret’s Hall, Bradford on Avon, BA15 1DE or
Email: boasmarttechlight@gmail.com
For example, your suggestion might be the street light on XYZ Street outside nos 51 and 53. Please include your contact details in case we need to clarify your suggestion.
Closing date for initial nominations 22nd October 2010 .
FURTHER QUESTIONS?
If you still have further questions, please email them to Bradford on Avon Smart Technology Light Team at boasmarttechlight@gmail.com or phone Wiltshire Council on 01225 718450

Bradford Blooms

2010-07-30T10:04:00.019+01:00

Bradford Blooms judging took place on 22nd and 23rd July 2010. There were many fabulous entries.

This year’s competition run by Bradford on Avon Town Council attracted over forty entries in the business and domestic sections.

The business section was judged by Paul Alexander, Head Gardener at The Courts in Holt, whilst the schools and residential section benefitted from the expertise of local flower arranger, Ann Narraway.

The Town Clerk, Diane Holmes said “it was good to see such an effort being made with gardeners having to cope with prolonged dry weather conditions. We were particularly pleased to see so many shop window entries.”

The presentation takes place in St Margaret’s Hall on Sunday 12th September 2010 at 3p.m.

It is not too late to put your entry in the Flower Show, which also takes place in the hall on the 12th September 2010. Details can be downloaded on the Town Council website here

Here are a few entries:

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Wiltshire Council Parking Policy-Draft Strategy

2010-07-16T16:42:00.005+01:00

The consultation on the Local Transport Plan draft Parking Strategy is now available for viewing here. Wiltshire Council would welcome your comments on this document - there is the opportunity to respond to specific questions and make general comments at a number of points in the document. The consultation will run from 9am on Monday 12 July until 5pm on Friday 3 September.

Footbridge Review

2010-07-16T16:38:00.003+01:00

The Town Council's Cable Stay footbridge has received planning permission from Wiltshire Council but the bridge is now being reviewed as a result of a public poll. The review is independent of the Town Council and includes all stakeholders.

In the mean time engineers have been instructed to proceed with foundations which would be suitable for a range of bridges. This decision has been made so that the chance of a bridge is not lost due to difficulties in installing foundations after building work by Linden Homes on the Kingston Mill site is complete.

Victory Field Solution

2010-07-09T14:46:00.004+01:00

A green container was delivered today to replace the two sheds which have been the subject of repeated vandalism over recent years. The container houses sports and grounds maintenance equipment for the Victory Field.

The sheds went to a good home as they were taken by volunteers to the community farm on Bath Road.

Historic Core Zone

2010-07-06T10:49:00.003+01:00

The draft report on the Bradford on Avon Historic Core Zone from Colin Buchanan has arrived and can be viewed here

If you would like to comment on this report please comment below.