Chew Valley residents are being encouraged to share their views on a range of issues affecting their community at their next Area Forum, which will be in-person in the library of Chew Valley Secondary School on Wednesday, 12th July.

The meeting will include an update on the council’s priorities following the recent elections by Councillor David Wood, deputy leader and cabinet member for Council Priorities and Delivery. Richard Daone, deputy head of planning policy at Bath & North East Somerset Council, will give an update on the development of the new Local Plan.

There will also be an update on the new the Health and Wellbeing Strategy and further information on how local communities can get more involved in the delivery of the strategy.

Nik Bowyer, strategic transport project manager Bath & North East Somerset Council will give a presentation on the Somer Valley Links project and associated consultation and Victoria Prescott, project manager on the Chew Valley Reconnected project, will give the forum more details about the project. She will be joined by Amy Wade, engagement and education officer from Bristol Avon Rivers Trust (BART), to discuss a related project.

Alex Easton will address the forum with an update on the Community First Responders and Phil Collins will give an update from the Chew Valley Area Forum Climate and Nature Emergency Working Group.

Sgt Rich Newman and PC Ross Cudd from Avon and Somerset Police will be attending and happy to answer any questions.

Councillor Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council, said: “This is the first Chew Valley Area Forum since the local elections in May, so we will be outlining our ambitious vision for communities across B&NES. It is the first face-to-face meeting of this area forum since lockdown began and I would encourage residents to come along on the evening so they can give us their feedback.”

Cllr Heather Clewett, chair of the Chew Valley Area Forum said: “I am pleased that the Forum will be meeting in person once again and look forward to welcoming everyone. This is your local Forum and an opportunity to find out more about projects and plans for the area and to ask questions. We will also have time at the end for socialising, giving you an opportunity to meet with others including some newly elected ward, town and parish councillors. Community organisations and residents are very welcome to join our discussions.”

The Forum regularly discusses topics such as climate emergency, transport and access to services as well as the opportunities these provide to increase the resilience of rural communities.  We warmly welcome anyone with an interest to join the event online and get involved.”

The Chew Valley Area Forum will be held in the library at Chew Valley Secondary School, Chew Magna, BS40 8QB on Wednesday, 12th July at 6pm.

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.

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