Council leaders discuss joint approach for a ‘better region’
The leaders of two unitary authorities met last week to focus on working together.
The two Liberal Democrats who run Bath and North East Somerset Council and Somerset Council, Kevin Guy and Bill Revans, committed to working together in the best interests of the region.
Councillor Revans became leader of Somerset Council in May, when the Lib Dems won 61 out of 110 seats. In May 2023, Somerset County Council will become a unitary authority, like B&NES.
The two Libdem council leaders discussed the issues that their regions face and how both councils can work together in areas including rural bus routes, over-development, and rural internet connectivity.
One particular issue discussed was the state of the region’s bus routes.
The D2 bus which runs between Frome and Bath is at risk of being cut, with the service not running on Sundays or public holidays from October.
Somerset councillor Sara Dyke has kick-started a campaign to save the bus route, criticising the impact that this will have on people in their communities.
In the meantime, several routes in Bath are at risk of being scrapped altogether.
“It was great to meet with Bill to talk about our region and our plans,” said Councillor Guy.
“We discussed some key issues that impact our residents and I look forward to working with Bill towards a better region. The election results in Somerset earlier this year were astounding.
“The threat to bus services is a big issue in both our communities. Our region’s buses are clearly in turmoil.
“The D2 bus between Frome and Bath is at risk. Again and again local people are being hit because of the Conservative government’s incompetence.”
Councillor Revans added: “As Somerset transitions to a unitary authority, it’s very useful to further enhance our relationships with our neighbours and learn from their experience.
“There are many issues, such as bus service routes, which we need to look at across council boundaries; co-operation between councils is more important than ever.”