Nigel Roberts

Dog control consultation

2012-01-26T19:14:00.001Z

Dog Control Orders can give powers to local authorities under the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 to deal with the following offences: Fouling of land by dogs or failing to remove dog faeces;Not keeping a dog on a lead;Not putting, and keeping a dog on a lead when directed to do so by an authorised officer;Permitting a dog to enter a designated space from which dogs are excluded;Taking more than a specified number of dogs in designated areaThe proposed Dog Control Orders will replace all existing byelaws relating to dog control introduced in various locations across Bath and North East Somerset. The new Orders if introduced will also allow Council Officers to issue fixed penalty notices of £75 for breaches. children's play areas and areas for which the primary use is sporting recreation for the orders relating to dogs on leads and exclusion.You can view all details at the public website with links to relevant maps at http://www.bathnes.gov.uk/environmentandplanning/animalwelfare/Dogs/Pages/ConsultationonDogContralOrders.aspxThe consultation period will take place from 26th January 2012 to 20th February 2012 to enable Bath & North East Somerset Council to receive representation on the proposed Dog Control Orders from both dog owners and non-dog owners.There will be three advice sessions to provide further information on the proposed Dog Control Orders taking place at: The Guildhall (Council Connect reception), Bath on 8th February 2012 between 11.30 and 1.30.The Hollies, Midsomer Norton on 1st February between 10am and 12pm.Riverside, Keynsham on 27th January 3pm and 4.30pmCopies of the proposed orders and plans are also available for inspection free of charge throughout the consultation period during normal opening hours at the following locations:Bath Street office, 9 – 10 Bath St, Bath.Guildhall. High Street, Bath. The Hollies, Midsomer Norton.Riverside, Keynsham.Representations on the proposed Dog Control Orders should be made to Bath and North East Somerset Council by 12 midnight on the 23/02/2012 either by writing to:Dog Control Order ConsultationBath and North East Somerset Council9 – 10 Bath St,BathBA1 1SNor by email to DogControlOrders@BATHNES.GOV.UKRepresentations received after 12 midnight on the 23/02/2012 cannot be accepted.

Bus services - what cost ?

2012-01-03T16:19:00.003Z

Got a small shock on the bus today finding out the bus fare had gone up, expected, around 20%, size not expected.

There are two questions, why and what effect will it have ?

Why is easy, I suspect increased fuel costs being passed on, and with some many users having free bus passes, it won't alienate much of their clientèle. A quick check of the profits of First Group http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-business-15654551 shows them to be healthy, not surprising as it is an monopoly.

What effect ? As I have already suggest I suspect not much amongst the current clientèle, but amongst those possible converts from the car ? You can already see the outcry, How much ! It only costs me ... to drive, fill in as appropriate. That is not going to help us who believe in a greener future.

It makes me interested with peak oil coming shortly, for an explanation see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peak_oil, what can the council do ? Well actually nothing, we have no powers, that horrible woman Thatcher again. Not quite true, actually a little. We have powers to do what we want for the economic and social well-being of the area. So in theory we could set up a bus company if we wanted, and make it cheaper, but could we as a council make it work ? Sadly the answer is probably no. as with running the Spa, being run by an excellent company. First is good at what it does, it does cut corners, still get lots of complaints about the early 14, but the council doesn't have that expertise. The council would run a worse service. We are stuck with what we have got, a good company, but high prices, no carrot to turn away from the motor car.

It is sad that yet again the environment is subject to the whim of shareholders who want the maximum return.

Cycle Infrastructure

2011-10-24T19:18:00.000+01:00

There was an interesting discussion on twitter about what is required to do to improve the lot of cyclists.

Sometimes 140 characters is not enough to express an opinion, so here goes with nearly unlimited characters !!

The problem is lack of infrastructure, a car culture that makes cycling scary, and police that don't appear to think cyclists are a priority. No cautions, for parking in cycle lanes, no cautions for stopping in advanced stop areas, no interest when difficult junctions are pointed out, just my experiences.

As a councillor I have never been asked about cycling provision. I was elected in 1992. I have been asked about car congestion, about speeding traffic, cars parking on the pavement, lack of parking spaces, untaxed cars, all familiar issues for a local councillor.

As I try and get my colleagues to look at, and a number of other green issues, they look blankly. No mentioning it to them, what is the problem, just pandering a crazy minority. We need to generate a critical mass, a number of people that can't be ignored. In someways I am not helpful, I already cycle, I have learnt to use lots of lights not to cycling in gutter to give myself space to keep away from the potholes, what about new cyclists, what makes them safe and not give up after one day ? Do we provide things for cyclists like me or do we provide for non cyclists, is that more car free zones ?

The vision is to link up all the urban areas in Bath and North east Somerset with car free paths, can it be done. Why not? I just need a little help.

Why long lorries are not good

2011-10-20T19:29:00.001+01:00

Sometimes it appears that the government, of what ever complexion is influenced too much by interest groups. This is one case in point. Maybe a small voice maybe heard, below is my attempt to be heard via Bath and North east Somerset coouncilThe council expresses concern that the Department for Transport is pressing ahead with a ten-year trial of longer lorries, despite acknowledging the potential danger to vulnerable road users and the impact on road infrastructure, in heritage cities such as Bath. During its first year, the trial could see 1,800 of the larger vehicles on the roads of the UK. The Council asks The leader of the council to write to the secretary of state for transport expressing this councils concerns. Asks the council's officers to look at the effect of these lorries on the roads through Bath, with a view to mitigating any risks, such as lorries getting stranded, and damage to Bath's vaults.

Cycling

2011-09-04T20:20:00.001+01:00

Went Cycling with my son, out on a relaxed ride 63.286 miles and out for 5 hours 37 minutes and 6 seconds !!

Lots of nice places visited. Lots of jelly babies eaten. Not too many issues with car drivers either

Philosophical Question

2011-08-29T17:25:00.000+01:00

If dog owners have to pick up their dog mess why don't horse owners ?

Targets

2011-08-13T15:08:00.001+01:00

Sometimes the problem with targets are when you make them, now can cycle from Home to Bitton and back at an Average of 18 mph (18.1 mph in fact)

Should you treat teenagers as adults ?

2011-08-03T18:38:00.000+01:00

I had an interesting experience today, going along the cycle path, quite quickly, I came across 3 teenagers on bikes. One pulled out unexpected, but something I had anticipated (this is an occupational hazard along the path), my fault as I hadn't rung the bell. I slowed down and they move away to let me pass, and as they had been kind I said "Thank You" and sprinted off.

Upon seeing them again later on I got a lot of abuse, I suspect because they had interpreted my comments as being sarcastic. I felt I had been genuine, as they had moved out of the way. This got me thinking for the rest of the ride, what would I do in a similar situation ?

With hind sight I will treat the next set of teenagers as adults, as this is I believe the right way. Maybe next time don't wear sunglasses, as I am told eye contact is always best !

Sunday ramblings

2011-07-31T15:34:00.000+01:00

Had a good cycle ride Saturday, got well into South Gloucs, hope to go over the bridge to Chepstow shortly. Problem was I got lost several times, and to get between A and B had to use A and B roads. However, what a difference between S. Gloucs and Bath and North East Somerset, there was often stretches of cycle lane along the main road segregated off by white lines, so even though traffic was thundering past I felt relatively safe. It got me thinking where in Bath and North East Somerset does this sort of segregation exist ? Along the A4 you can cycle along the pavement between Saltford and Keynsham, but after that I am stuck, maybe anyone else has a view.

It can be quite boring going on about cycling, but I believe that we have a big issue with peak oil coming up, and the level of obesity that exists. Working in a hospital laboratory, we don't need any more tests, especially for self inflicted diseases such as diabetes. There is a link, and yes I was wearing a helmet !

Promoting Cycling little things matter.

2011-07-24T09:10:00.001+01:00

I had posted earlier the question and answer I put to the cabinet about grit bins, and frankly I am really disappointed. There is nothing done for cyclists in the winter, the result of this course of action is cyclists will be forced to use roads that are narrowed due to ice or snow, making it more dangerous for them and more inconvenient for motorists. Of course the other alternative is that use their cars !

The answer about path wardens is irrelevant there are few houses near the path for anyone to be a warden.

Why worry about this ? The Bristol Bath cycle path is the super highway into Bath. Cycling in the winter along the path there are difficult patches, the worst being the run down to the gate. If we are ever going to see a modal shift then encouraging alternative routes, especially those that are car free, matter. There is an over reliance on the car, its contribution to of car travel to global warming is problematic.

We need a few carrots to help the change, what would have been the cost of the grit bin, plus grit ? less than £1000 ? sometimes it is not about the big things, a lot of little things add up.

Grit for cycling

2011-07-24T08:58:00.000+01:00

Last winter the cycle path Between Bath and Bristol was impassable due to the ice at the end of the path into Bath. The cycle path is a well used commuter link into Bath. Major transport routes into Bath are gritted, this route has nothing. The steepness of the path means it becomes impassable.

Would the executive member arrange for a grit bin to be installed before the winter at the entrance to the path?

Answer from: Councillor Roger Symonds
The Bristol - Bath Railway Path is recognised as a valuable route for commuters and leisure users. Under the current arrangements grit bins are only provided on the public highway. The Bristol Bath Railway path is not an adopted highway and also fails to meet the gradient criteria to qualify for a grit bin.
During the coming winter Path Wardens will be provided with a small quantity of salt in a bagged form. This will enable the path to be salted during severe weather. Criteria for grit bins is included in the Winter Maintenance Plan previously considered by the Overview and Scrutiny Panel for Safer and Stronger Communities. This Plan will be the subject to further consideration and a decision by the Cabinet before the onset of winter.
03

Cycling statement to council July 2011

2011-07-17T13:58:00.000+01:00

I appreciate that a number of members of the council may not feel that cycling is an important subject. Why do I feel that this is wrong ? It is about Exercise, about global warming , enjoying the countryside, it isn't just about lycra

The council has been Doing things well; two tunnels, 5 Arches, Bristol Bath cycle way

However there aspects of Safety - such as non compliance with advanced stop at junctions, parking in the cycle lanes. Asking the police about prosecutions, shows this isn't a high priority. There were none in Avon and Somerset. 

There needs to be a change of attitude, amongst all of the public bodies. 

Speaking with officers directly involved they are committed, but is the corporate council ? We need to deliver, there are small things we do quickly.  Grit bins on the cycle path, linking the Bristol/Bath cycle path to the two tunnels and to the tow path to Bradford upon Avon, cutting back vegetation that narrows the paths. 

There many routes in North East Somerset, need to link the two tunnels to Radstock, links down the A4 to Keynsham, works at Farringdon Gurney.

There are longer term issues, What do we need to do to encourage cycling is to create separate space, safety and worries about car drivers being a major obstacle to cyclists. 

It is difficult to mention cycling without mentioning Pedestrians, there are inconsiderate cyclists, but they are the minority. Proving safe spaces for cyclists means less excuses for those that don't look out for pedestrians.

When we as a council deliver then we can say that Bath and North East Somerset is a better place to live.

Is it just footfall that drive economic activity

2011-07-17T11:09:00.001+01:00

Having heard a usual speech by the business community that the only thing important is getting more people into Bath, doesn't matter how they they stay or alternative have they anything to do here when they arrive, just get lots of people in. It is interesting to look at what drive economic activity ?

There are interesting questions ?

Is Bath different to other cities, are there more independent shops ?
Can you find them as a tourist ? For that matter can you find them as a resident ?
What is the footfall in Bath now and what was it in the past ?
What is the rate of return for tourists ?

Interesting looking at www.visitbath.co.uk, the council owned web site, cycling is one option.

Bath Adventure Tours provides tailor made activity days with a difference. The activities you choose are entirely up to you, whether you want an action packed climbing trip or an afternoon canoeing our team will go that extra mil

Not sure I can take my bike on either of these !

Walking doesn't mention the Cotswold way

Might be interesting to come back to this topic later, meanwhile going to try and get some of these questions answered.

Cycling - Bristol to Bath

2011-07-10T08:12:00.001+01:00

Trying to increase stamina. Was pleased to break my own record on the urban bike from Bristol to Bath 46 minutes 21 seconds. 17 mph average. Trying to move on to 100 miles per week.

Cycling - back to practice

2011-05-24T07:33:00.000+01:00

With a bit of time off for the elections, back to the routine runs, managed 16.9 mile a hour average on cycle path feeling happy

New post

2011-03-25T16:38:00.001Z

been wondering what to do with the blog for a while. Thinking is I will use it to record random thoughts.

Started in earnest on the bike again, now have the panniers, so LEJOG is a reality, maybe next may is a possibility.

record of cycling

2010-10-01T10:03:00.000+01:00

Not been feeling well, there appears to be a virus going round - well had a go at setting a time for "Bitton and back "

16.5 mph average top speed 20

Exams looming

2010-09-20T20:49:00.000+01:00

A bit of adrenaline running due to pending exam

Cycling day

2010-09-20T20:48:00.001+01:00

Knee hurts, still 15 miles more. Need to look at panniers and other requirements more cruising around wiggle !

More cycling

2010-09-18T18:26:00.000+01:00

Cycled to Bristol on the white bike, thighs and back hurt badly on the way back. Although that makes 27 miles on the day 71 in the week.

Friday training run

2010-09-17T19:57:00.000+01:00

Using the white bike so no stats, 15 miles run, felt really bad on the way out. Felt really good on way back, really not sure where that should be.

45 miles so far on the week

Culverhay people

2010-09-16T20:15:00.001+01:00

Just been to the open evening, there are so many genuine people, it sad that they have been involved in a political decision.

Having gone around the school so much energy and excitement, clearly is a good school that needs to be kept open, it is sad that a few disagree

Cycling again today

2010-09-16T20:13:00.000+01:00

Difficult in getting up, too cold and tired too dark

Anyway black bike, felt quite good

Stats maximum 22.1 mph, average 16.3 mph felt good and only 0.2 mph faster !!! total 15 miles

Tuesday cycling

2010-09-14T07:42:00.000+01:00

Was very tired yesterday so postponed cycling until today. Very wet so went on black bike, think I am coming down with a cold, wasn't great.

The stats Maximum speed 21mph Average 16 mph distance 15 miles

Cycling things to buy

2010-09-12T22:01:00.000+01:00

Need some panniers, and probably a top or two, suspect more time at wiggle !

Cycling this week

2010-09-12T21:58:00.000+01:00

Managed 70 miles 4 times to Walmesly and once to Bitton

Just got to work out how to get to 100 !

Weight going down, trying to work out how to cope with the cold

Cycling - on the blog

2010-09-12T15:59:00.000+01:00

I have decided to re-activate the blog with various ramblings, especially as I plan to cycle LEJOG

Dyson Academy - what does it say ?

2007-09-09T13:08:00.000+01:00

So it has been announced that the Dyson Academy is not going to be built. Consider how people that want to invest in Bath are treated. First off there is a big complaint there is too much glass then then the building is listed, and now there is no site.

Look at the comments, (Bath Chronicle site) no suggestion that "we would like to work with Mr Dyson to find a new site"

What does this say to the next investor, if looking to spend money in Bath ?

Roundabouts

2007-08-30T19:13:00.000+01:00

Common sense has prevailed the planning committee, but only just has passed the sponsorship of roundabouts, now for the other roundabout in Odd Down.

A beginning ............

2007-07-11T19:27:00.000+01:00

For many years there has been a suggestion that roundabouts can be improved by allowing sponsorship, this has been turned down by planning committees, there is now a new opportunity.

How often as you enter this city, you are not sure that you are entering a world heritage site, putting flowers on roundabouts is a start.