NORTH Somerset Council is hosting various events so that residents can learn more about proposed changes to parking charges and a possible new approach to black bin collections.

Seven in-person events will be held across the region, which are as follows:

  • Weston-super-Mare - Wednesday, April 3, 11am to 1.30pm, The Campus;
  • Winscombe - Tuesday, April 9, 12pm to 2pm, location being finalised;
  • Long Ashton - Thursday, April 11, 12pm to 2pm, Community Centre;
  • Portishead - Thursday, April 18, 12pm to 2pm or 6pm to 8pm, Somerset Hall;
  • Clevedon - Tuesday, April 23, 2.30pm to 4.30pm or 6pm to 8pm, Clevedon Library;
  • Yatton - Thursday, April 25, 10am to 10.50am, 11am to 11.50am or 12pm to 1.30pm, Yatton Library;
  • Nailsea - Tuesday, April 30, 12-2pm or 6-8pm, Nailsea, location being finalised.

Councillor Annemieke Waite, executive member for Climate, Waste and Sustainability, said: “We are an open, fair and green council, and we want everyone to have their say on possible changes to black bin collections and parking in North Somerset.

“We understand that these proposals ask something extra of residents at a time when people are experiencing many other pressures themselves. 

"Like all 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. 

“It’s in response to these financial pressures that 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.

“The in-person events will be an opportunity for local people to speak to members and senior officers about the proposals and ask questions. The conversations we have at these events will help us understand how these proposed changes might work for people.”

Councillor Hannah Young, executive member for Highways and Transport, added: “The more consultation responses we get, the stronger the voice of local residents, businesses and partners as we try to reach the right decisions. 

“It’s really important that we hear a wide range of views and we’re ready to listen to how you feel these changes would affect you and how they could work.

"The events will give us an opportunity to answer your questions, helping you complete our consultation questionnaires."