The Keynsham Area Forum comprises the parished areas of Compton Dando, Corston, Keynsham, Marksbury, Saltford and Whitchurch (joint membership with Chew Valley Area Forum).  View the Forum area on a map.

It is one of five Connecting Communities Forums within Bath and North East Somerset (the others are Bath Area Forum; Bathavon Area ForumChew Valley Area Forum and Somer Valley Forum).  All the Forum meetings are open to the public and community group representatives as well Ward and Parish Councillors. 

Bath and North East Somerset is a diverse area with differing needs and priorities.  The Council and its partners recognise this and value the local information and feedback the Forums provide as these help to shape local services.   The items discussed at Forum meetings include those the Council and its partners need to share or would like feedback on; items the Forum members themselves wish to discuss and opportunities for local organisations to share information and best practice.

The 'Connecting Communities' approach has been built around five key principles:

  • listen
  • prioritise
  • join-up
  • work with you
  • share ideas

Next Meeting

Thursday 13 June 2024, 6-8pm - Location TBC

Future Meetings

Tuesday 10 September, 6-8pm - Location TBC

Recent Past Meetings (Click on the date to view online meetings on the Council's YouTube Channel)

Wednesday 22 February 2024, 6pm (Online)

The Forum received a verbal update on the A4 Bristol - Bath Corridor from the Chair.  A fuller written update on the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement was then made available.  There was an inspiring presentation from Saltford Sports Club who spoke about their improvements, how these were funded and their aspirations for the future.  There was an update on the Keynsham Recycling Hub Reuse Shop and from Farrans on the Social Value Plan linked to the development of the Keynsham Recycling Hub.  The main Agenda item was from Curo with information on their Tintagel Close and  Bath Road Developments in advance of a public consultation being launched in March.  Unfortunately, the Police and Fire Service were unable to join us due to operational demand - it was a particularly wet and windy evening and we thank them for the work they do in our communities.

Thursday 28 September, 6pm - Community Space, Keynsham

The main theme of the meeting was Green Projects.  Waterspace Project Manager, Siobhan Lamb, gave an overview of Green Infrastructure and Nature Recovery as well as the WaterSpace Connected Project.  Chew Valley Reconnected Project Manager, Victoria Prescott, explained more about this initiative which involves working with communities, landowners and organisations on nature recovery, sustainable water management and enhancing public access to the landscape.  The catchment area extends from the northern slopes of the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to Keynsham in the north east and Litton in the south east.  Unfortunately, the Forest of Avon representatives were unable to join us but this will be featured at the Parish Liaison meeting in October.

Alan Hale said that he and other Councillors from Keynsham had been speaking with senior representatives from the Police about the Anti-Social Behaviour being experienced in Keynsham.  PC James Evans was present to give an update and said that there should be fewer incidents of ASB as we move into the winter months.  His report can be found here.

The Community Showcase came from Ric Davison - Director of Keynsham Town Community Radio, KTCR FM.  They are currently seeking more volunteers and funding opportunities.  Ric's colleague, Peter Smith, attended the Chew Valley Area Forum and provided some follow up information with contact details.

It was the Forum's AGM and we are delighted that Alan Hale (representing Keynsham and Saltford Dementia Action Alliance) and Adrian Inker were voted in as Chair and Vice Chair respectively.  We look forward to continuing to work with them over the coming year.

Thursday 6 July 2023, 6pm - Community Space, Keynsham

The Forum met in person for the first time since February 2020.  It gave people a chance to reconnect or meet some new attendees, including recently elected Ward, Parish and Town Councillors.  The first presentation was from Cllr David Wood - Bath & North East Somerset Council's Deputy Leader (Council Priorities & Delivery) with an overview of the Cabinet Priorities.  This was followed by an update from Avon Fire and Rescue with opportunity to ask questions - they particularly highlighted their Home Safety visits.  The Community Showcase came from Matt Prosser of Somerdale Shed and Community Garden.  The Forum also received an update from Adrian Inker on a recent consultation by Community@67.  The Forum then received updates on the Local Plan from Richard Daone - Deputy Head of Planning Policy, B&NES along with an update on the Joint Health & Wellbeing Strategy from Becky Reynolds - Director of Public Health.  The final presentation was on the Somer Valley Links and Bristol - Bath Corridor Projects from  Nik Bowyer - Strategic Transport Projects Manager with B&NES.  These aim to make using buses an easier and more pleasant experience as well as changes to walking and cycling routes.  Somer Valley Link relates to the A367; A362 and A37 - major routes into Bath and Bristol.  The consultation launched on 26 June and runs until 6 August 2023.  The associated interactive map is useful for seeing the proposals by location.  The main consultation page can be found here.  The Bristol Bath Corridor consultation is due to launch on 14 August.

Key Positions

Chair:  Alan Hale

Vice Chair:  Adrian Inker

Lead Officers:  Sara Dixon and Alison Wells

 

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