May:

New bank putting food on the table: A team of volunteers from Churches Together in Clevedon unveiled their efforts to set up a foodbank in the town. Created to help those in need, the foodbank at Hither Green Industrial Estate would operate through vouchers given to those who need help by front line care professionals, such as doctors and social workers. The vouchers can then be exchanged for a three-day food supply. The foodbank was created following an increase in the number of individuals and families struggling to feed themselves during a crisis.

School expansion to cope with pupils places shortage?: North Somerset Council unveiled proposals to create two new primary schools at the site of High Down infant and junior schools in Portishead. As part of efforts to cope with the growing population in the town, the authority was hoping to create an extra 210 school places. However, the plans caused uproar among nearby residents as well as families living in the Village Quarter area who believe the places are needed near them.

Youngsters backing new village club: Young people in Backwell voted with their feet in their support for a new youth club which opened in the village in April after North Somerset Council cut all funding for general youth work in the district. In its first month, the Backwell group saw record numbers of youngsters attending its sessions.

Thousands turn out to greet Olympic Torch: Streets in Flax Bourton, Backwell and Nailsea were lined with thousands of early risers as North Somerset welcomed the Olympic Torch during its relay around the UK. Spectators waved Union Flags as the torchbearers made their way along the route surrounded by a huge cavalcade of vehicles.