September 2011:

Market bid for eyesore site: Plans were unveiled to convert a former garage in Nailsea’s High Street into an indoor and outdoor market venue. The proposals for the old Royal Oak Garage, which is part of the town’s former glassworks, were submitted to North Somerset Council by Hobbs Properties. This would be created alongside the town council’s plans to revamp the neighbouring glassworks land.

Save council services – volunteer: As part of efforts to cut millions of pounds from its budget, North Somerset Council’s leader Nigel Ashton revealed that rather than cutting services, residents would be invited to volunteer to help run them. Examples given included helping to run libraries and volunteering for community transport projects. He said every council department would be scrutinised during the cost-cutting exercise.

Community shop offers exciting new chapter: A group of keen volunteers from Clevedon announced plans to create the town’s first community bookshop. People were invited to buy shares in the scheme, which needed about �20,000 to get up and running. The bookshop is to be opened in the former bookshop and neighbouring unit in Copse Road on December 31.

Solar dream scheme: An innovative project to install solar panels and energy-saving measures in community buildings around Pill and Portishead was unveiled by the environmental group Low Carbon Gordano. The group plans to raise thousands of pounds from the Government and community to fund the equipment, which could be installed on churches, town council buildings, schools and a doctors surgery.

Festival of fun: Clevedon’s seafront was packed with visitors for the annual Marine Lake Festival. Organised by the voluntary group MARLENS, the event included activities on the lake and Salthouse Fields.