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North Somerset Council’s public consultations are about a possible new approach to black bin collections, and proposed changes to parking charges.
Both consultations can be completed using the online questionnaires available at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/getinvolved. Paper copies can also be collected in local libraries for anyone not online.
In addition to the consultation questionnaires, the council are hosting in-person drop-in sessions for people to speak to council staff and members and find out more about the proposals. The remaining drop-in sessions will be held on the following dates and locations:
- Yatton – Thursday 25 April, 10am to 10.50am, 11am to 11.50am or 12pm to 1.30pm, Yatton Library
- Nailsea – Tuesday 30 April, 12-2pm or 6-8pm, Nailsea, Mizzymead Recreation Centre
- Weston-super-Mare – Wednesday 1 May, 12-2pm or 6-8pm, Royal Hotel
People are welcome to drop-in at any time during the sessions. Tickets for the drop-in sessions are limited to two per person and are available from www.n-somerset.gov.uk/getinvolved.
Councillor Annemieke Waite, North Somerset Council’s Executive Member for Climate, Waste and Sustainability, said: “We are an open, fair and green council, and it’s been incredibly useful to hear a wide range of views, helping us understand how these proposals could work and where there might be any concerns. We’ve already received thousands of responses to our questionnaires and I’d like to thank everyone who has taken part so far.
"Like councils across the country, North Somerset is facing unprecedented demand for services at a time of rising costs and we have to make savings to cover a £50 million gap in central government funding over the next four years.
“In response to these financial pressures many local authorities, including our neighbours in Somerset and Bath & North East Somerset, have introduced measures such as changes to waste collections and parking charges.”
Councillor Hannah Young, North Somerset Council’s Executive Member for Highways and Transport, added: “It’s been great to talk to people coming along to our consultation drop-in sessions about these proposals, and listen to their views. So far, attendees have given us really important information specific to their town, or even their street – such as when and why they use certain parking areas.
“At the end of the consultations, all feedback will be analysed and considered along with technical and expert advice. This will be reported back to the Executive who will balance the needs of different towns, residents, businesses and visitors, along with other key issues such as financial pressures facing councils.
“The Executive will then take a decision whether to progress these proposals. That’s why it’s so vital that we hear a range of views now, so that we can ensure a full variety of thoughts, ideas and concerns are captured and represented when taking a decision.”
Both the waste and parking consultations are open until noon on Tuesday 7 May. Visit www.n-somerset.gov.uk/getinvolved to find out more.