Weston Methodist Church Bath

a church for all the community

PACT meetings

"Partnerships and Communities Together" is a nationwide initiative to promote closer co-operation between community groups and residents, encouraging everyone to take responsibility for the quality of life in their community.

The first PACT meeting for Newbridge & Weston was held at Newbridge School on 9th October.  It was chaired by Mr. John Croker, Headteacher of Newbridge School, and attended and led by members of the Community Police Team for the area.  Also present on the panel were members of Bath & North East Somerset Council (BANES) and others representing different areas of community life.  Around 40 local residents attended.

Concerns were expressed about various topics, after which everyone was given a chance to vote for the three items on the list which most concerned them.  Top of the vote were:

a) Overspill parking from the Royal United Hospital, and rubbish from smokers being forced out of the now smoke-free RUH grounds

b) South Lea Road - youths playing football and entering people's gardens, harrassing residents.  Plus noise from youths on motorbikes

c) Footpath along the river at Pennybridge, and pedestrian routes in this area generally following recent assaults.  Nuisance from youths - general environment

Over the next three months these issues will be addressed by the relevant agencies, and a report given at the next meeting, during which further issues of concern will also be discussed.

It was stressed by the Police that most problems will only be solved over the long term, through co-operation and understanding and the willingness of everyone to play their part.  During discussion on b), a youth worker present at the meeting offered to go to South Lea Road and talk to the young people there - an offer which everyone present found most encouraging.