A couple of months ago I wrote encouraging our councillors to support a deal which would bring devolution to the West of England and allow Bath and North East Somerset to play a major part in it. This is such an important decision that I make no apology for returning to the topic since it has become clear there is real uncertainty about how the vote will go and a real risk that our district may be left on the outside. Whilst it is true that some of our members in the business community are opposed to signing up to devolution, the broad consensus believes it would be beneficial to economic development, helping generate jobs which will benefit the whole community. This time there is no referen
Attending a school prize giving always provides a tonic, to see raw, young, talented enthusiasm. A generation with their lives in front of them and almost limitless potential. That was very much the picture at Chew Valley School, and I expect the story is repeated right across our district, since the standard of our education is so high. However, what struck me on this occasion was the emphasis that was given to celebrating those who had not only succeeded in their academic studies but also contributed positively to the life of the school, whether that was by their involvement in organising sixth form representation, music, sport or entrepreneurial endeavour. This last prize was sponsored by