BBC license fee announcement is desperate deflection by Government on the ropes
“By undermining the BBC, the Government is undermining our region and our country” said Metro Mayor Dan Norris. Speaking after the Government outlined plans to freeze and then scrap the licence fee the Metro Mayor said:“The licence fee has stood the test of time for a century and now in a desperate attempt to deflectContinue reading “BBC license fee announcement is desperate deflection by Government on the ropes”
Metro Mayor steps in to avoid bump in road after government reduces pothole cash
This National Pothole Day West of England Mayor Dan Norris is pledging £125 million to tackle potholes and improve local roads. After the Government slashed road repair cash, the Metro Mayor stepped in with a £10 million top-up. The money will be handed over to Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol and South Gloucestershire councilsContinue reading “Metro Mayor steps in to avoid bump in road after government reduces pothole cash”
Metro Mayor meets Bristol flower pot man
Metro Mayor Dan Norris visited Ecotribe as a plant pot with a difference goes on sale in Bristol. The new pot which is made from 100% recycled fishing nets will mean that green-fingered gardeners can be environmentally green too. The product is the brain child of Tyrone Probert founder of Ecotribo, which makes a rangeContinue reading “Metro Mayor meets Bristol flower pot man”
Design a brilliant logo
The West of England is to get its own transport logo to be used across buses, trains, e-scooters and other public transport – and Metro Mayor Dan Norris is seeking local people’s artistic talent to help design it. “Everyone knows the iconic ’roundel’ design that appears right across the London transport network. Now I’m callingContinue reading “Design a brilliant logo”
Metro Mayor sees how goat is recycling used Christmas trees
Ever wondered what happens to your Christmas tree once it’s been taken away to be recycled? On Twelfth Night, the traditional day to take down your decorations Dan Norris, Metro Mayor of the West of England took a “behind the trees” look at exactly what South Gloucestershire charity Empowering Futures do with all those WestContinue reading “Metro Mayor sees how goat is recycling used Christmas trees”
Walkies! Metro Mayor and his dog celebrate National ‘Walk Your Dog’ month
West of England Metro Mayor Dan Norris is grabbing a lead, wrapping up warm, and putting his best foot forward, as he and his cocker spaniel Angel kick off National ‘Walk Your Dog’ month. National ‘Walk Your Dog’ month aims to promote all the benefits of walking your dog for owner and pooch alike. FiguresContinue reading “Walkies! Metro Mayor and his dog celebrate National ‘Walk Your Dog’ month”
Ban Trail Hunting says West of England Metro Mayor
West of England Metro Mayor Dan Norris is calling for outright ban on all hunting including trail hunting as the traditional Boxing Day hunts take place (on 27th December due to the bank holiday). Three hunts cover parts of the West of England area: Beaufort, Mendip Farmers and Berkeley hunts. As a stepping stone the MetroContinue reading “Ban Trail Hunting says West of England Metro Mayor”
Merry Christmas everyone
Column from Voice Newspaper It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, everywhere I go! My office has turned into a winter wonderland full of drawings of reindeer, holly and elves from talented local children entering my Christmas card competition. There is a definite chill in the air. In our local high streets like beautifulContinue reading “Merry Christmas everyone”
Winners announced in Metro Mayor Christmas Card Competition
The festive designs of budding young artists from across the West of England feature on Metro Mayor Dan Norris’ 2021 Christmas card. Youngsters from across the region have been busy with crayons, felt tips and paints to create some fantastic festive drawings. After carefully judging thousands of entries, 10-year-old Millie’s design of a reindeer lookingContinue reading “Winners announced in Metro Mayor Christmas Card Competition”
Metro Mayor slams ‘nightmare before Christmas’ as government announces 3.8% rise in rail fares.
West of England Metro Mayor Dan Norris has criticised the government’s announcement of a 3.8% rise in rail fares as a ‘nightmare before Christmas.’ Dan Norris said: “With inflation at a 10-year high, people are now being clobbered with yet another large rise in rail fares. This really is a nightmare before Christmas for manyContinue reading “Metro Mayor slams ‘nightmare before Christmas’ as government announces 3.8% rise in rail fares.”
Phantom lockdown causing irreparable damage to bus network warns Metro Mayor
“Irreparable damage” will be caused to the local bus service unless the government acts now said Metro Mayor Dan Norris at a meeting of the Combined Authority’s Joint Committee today. The meeting heard how 33 bus routes are under threat across the region. Emergency funding brought in at the start of the pandemic when passengerContinue reading “Phantom lockdown causing irreparable damage to bus network warns Metro Mayor”
Business booster break needed
West of England Metro Mayor Dan Norris has called on the government to step up and provide an urgent package of measures to support local businesses. The Mayor who has responsibility for jobs and skills say that the lockdown by stealth is crippling his local economy. Mayor Dan Norris said: “I fully support the campaignContinue reading “Business booster break needed”
Special delivery! Metro Mayor visits Patchway Delivery Office
Metro Mayor Dan Norris said a big thank you to hard working posties this at Patchway Delivery Office, as he heard first-hand about this year’s Christmas delivery operation and showed his gratitude to posties for all their hard work throughout the year. The last date for Christmas delivery for 2ndclass mail is Saturday 18 DecemberContinue reading “Special delivery! Metro Mayor visits Patchway Delivery Office”
Get Britain Boosted
Metro Mayor Dan Norris has put his full backing behind the national campaign to get all adults boosted by end of December. Dan Norris said: “Omicron is on the march far too rapidly and we need to slow the spread. The message is clear – please get boosted. We must protect our NHS and theContinue reading “Get Britain Boosted”
Metro Mayor enjoys outdoor festive fun at Dyrham Park
As schools break up for Christmas there is plenty of festive fun for all the family in the fresh air this year at Dyrham Park, near Bath. Metro Mayor Dan Norris had a chance tostretch his legs in the parkland before visiting the giant outdoor wreath bringing festive cheer and a great chance for a Christmas selfie.Continue reading “Metro Mayor enjoys outdoor festive fun at Dyrham Park”
Metro Mayor opens new treatment centre
West of England Metro Mayor Dan Norris saw the ‘incredible work’ a Bath-based charity does on a daily basis as he officially launched the new treatment centre for charity Developing Health and Independence. Founded in 1996 by now Chief Executive Rosie Phillips, DHI is a charity which offers a range of services; from giving confidentialContinue reading “Metro Mayor opens new treatment centre”
Bath gets k(n)itted out to mark Christmas Jumper Day
Save the Children’s Christmas Jumper Day returned to Bath this Friday 10 December as local people wore their favourite Yuletide woolly knits to raise vital funds for the charity. Everyone was encouraged to show off their best (and indeed worst) Christmas Jumpers at their school or workplace and donate £2 to the much-loved charity. MetroContinue reading “Bath gets k(n)itted out to mark Christmas Jumper Day”
PLAN B – METRO MAYOR DAN NORRIS COMMENTS
As Plan B measures were introduced by the Prime Minister while allegations swirled around about the Downing Street “Party – Non Party”, Metro Mayor Dan Norris said: “I urge people to follow the rules and to wear masks in public settings. Please also get your booster jab as soon as you are able to. “IContinue reading “PLAN B – METRO MAYOR DAN NORRIS COMMENTS”
Oh crumbs! Metro Mayor visits Keynsham cake shop for Small Business Saturday
Shopping bags in hand, West of England Metro Mayor Dan Norris hit the high street to back Small Business Saturday, the national campaign to give local shops a much-needed slice of fortune. The Metro Mayor visited Crumbs of Keynsham as part of the day. Now in its ninth year, Small Business Saturday is a grass-rootsContinue reading “Oh crumbs! Metro Mayor visits Keynsham cake shop for Small Business Saturday”
Metro Mayor hails ‘unsung heroes’ as he presents Keynsham Dial-a-ride awards
West of England Metro Mayor Dan Norris has praised the work during the pandemic of staff at Keynsham Dial-a-ride as he handed out medals at their Christmas Party. Keynsham Dial-a-Ride was set up to help enable travel for those who are unable to access public transport, or who don’t have a bus stop within 400Continue reading “Metro Mayor hails ‘unsung heroes’ as he presents Keynsham Dial-a-ride awards”
National Tree Week
West of England Metro Mayor Dan Norris branched out as he planted a tree in Twerton to show his support for National Tree Week. Mr. Norris met Jon Clark and Alex Stone from the Forest of Avon Trust National Tree week is the UK’s largest annual tree celebration, running this year from November 27th to December 5th. ItContinue reading “National Tree Week”
Green Recovery Plan voted through
Metro Mayor Dan Norris has reacted with delight after the £50 million Green Recovery Fund that he pledged in his manifesto was voted through unanimously in a meeting of the West of England Combined Authority in Keynsham. The £50 million fund is vital to help the region meet its ambitious 2030 net zero target, notContinue reading “Green Recovery Plan voted through”
Solidarity to UCU strikers
Staff at the University of Bristol walked out today in a dispute over pension cuts and pay and working conditions. The University and Colleges Union is calling for:– a £2,500 pay increase for members– an end to “pay injustice” and zero-hours contracts– action to tackle “unmanageable workloads” The union representing staff say that pay hasContinue reading “Solidarity to UCU strikers”
‘Cutting edge 5G tech puts West of England on the map’
The Bristol-based National Composites Centre today opens its doors for the first time to organisations and companies that want to test out new ways to use 5G in the manufacturing sector. Giving the keynote speech at an event attended by 60 industry leaders, West of England Metro Mayor Dan Norris hailed the launch ofContinue reading “‘Cutting edge 5G tech puts West of England on the map’”
Metro Mayor warns of “irreparable damage” to local bus networks.
Metro Mayor Dan Norris has warned that plans to boost buses will be left in tatters unless the government wake up to the reality on the ground. This April will see the end of the emergency funding brought in at the start of the pandemic when passenger numbers collapsed. The Bus Recovery Grant allowed busesContinue reading “Metro Mayor warns of “irreparable damage” to local bus networks.”
Ho ho ho – it’s go, go, go for Farrington’s Christmas tree shop.
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in North East Somerset. Metro Mayor Dan Norris has cut the tinsel to officially open Farrington’s hanging Christmas tree forest. Tish and Andy Jeffery and their daughter Erin from Farrington’s promise a huge selection of trees this year including Nordmann Fir, Norway Spruce, Noble Fir and FraserContinue reading “Ho ho ho – it’s go, go, go for Farrington’s Christmas tree shop.”
Mask rules update
Commenting on the Prime Minister’s announcement that mask wearing will once again become mandatory in shops and on public transport Metro Mayor Dan Norris said: “Mask wearing is a sensible measure that helps keep us all safe. “The new Omicron variant is a major concern. I urge everyone in the West of England to keepContinue reading “Mask rules update”
Lighting up Midsomer Norton
Metro Mayor Dan Norris was in Midsomer Norton to flick the switch to turn on the Christmas lights. The Town Council had done a fantastic job inviting Santa and handing out tasty mince pies. Dan Norris said: “It was a pleasure to listen to the musicians, and I loved the snow machine! Now let’s supportContinue reading “Lighting up Midsomer Norton”
Award-winning independent coffee business gets espresso visit from Metro Mayor
A Bristol-based independent coffee business perked up the Metro Mayor this week as he payed them an espresso visit. Truestart Coffee, based in Bristol and Warmley, have been trading for 5 years and was founded by couple Helena and Simon Hills. As keen triathlon competitors, Truestart was initially founded as a sports drink company. HoweverContinue reading “Award-winning independent coffee business gets espresso visit from Metro Mayor”
Mayor signs up West of England Combined Authority to Dying to Work Charter
If you get the worse possible news from the doctor that you have a terminal illness the last thing you want to be worrying about is job security and paying the bills. Shockingly there are no laws in place to stop a company from sacking a worker with a terminal disease. That is why WestContinue reading “Mayor signs up West of England Combined Authority to Dying to Work Charter”
Has society gone to pot over shellfish?
If a shop or restaurant was proudly displaying in its window a lamb or a hen that was shivering, bound and gagged, to lure you in to watch it being executed in pain they would be rightly reported to the RSPCA and there would be public outcry. Yet lobsters are treated in exactly this wayContinue reading “Has society gone to pot over shellfish?”
Thank you for wearing mask says Metro Mayor as global study shows effectiveness
A new study published in the British Medical Journal says that mask wearing cuts Covid by a half. Metro Mayor Dan Norris says this is more proof that the government should re-introduce mandatory mask wearing on public transport, in shops and other enclosed spaces. Researchers looked systematically at a variety of infection control measures includingContinue reading “Thank you for wearing mask says Metro Mayor as global study shows effectiveness”
Back to school for Metro Mayor
A primary school in Winterbourne welcomed back their former pupil and current Metro Mayor Dan Norris to officially cut the ribbon to open a brand-new play area. St. Michael’s Primary School pupils will now be able to enjoy sitting in a tree house, scaling a climbing wall, cooking up a storm in the mud kitchen,Continue reading “Back to school for Metro Mayor”
Give shopworkers the respect they deserve, urges Metro Mayor
Every minute of the working day a shopworker is verbally abused, threatened with violence or physically attacked. “Enough is enough”, said West of England Metro Mayor Dan Norris, as he backed a special week of action. Shopworkers told Metro Mayor Dan Norris their shocking stories this “Respect for Shopworkers Week”. The week is designed toContinue reading “Give shopworkers the respect they deserve, urges Metro Mayor”
Bath’s NHS waiting list tops 30,000 as tough Winter looms
The Government is yet to publish its plan to address the vast NHS waiting list despite a shocking 1 in 10 people across England now being on a waiting list. Here in the West of England latest figures show that at the end of September, there were 31357 people on the waiting list at Bath’sContinue reading “Bath’s NHS waiting list tops 30,000 as tough Winter looms”
Metro mayor helps physiotherapy business move on up
A Bristol-based physiotherapy business showed off their new refitted studio to West of England Metro Mayor Dan Norris. The Metro Mayor visited Rise Performance and Wellbeing in Bristol. Rise specialises in physiotherapy for sports injuries and run group pilates and other exercise classes. They received a grant of nearly £6,000 from the West of EnglandContinue reading “Metro mayor helps physiotherapy business move on up”
Green Gillingstool pupils design brilliant posters
Environmentally concerned pupils from across South Gloucestershire told local politicians their ideas to tackle the climate emergency at Gillingstool Primary School. Gillingstool Primary School organised a special Schools Summit to coincide with COP 26. They were joined online by youngsters from Crossways Primary, Oldbury Primary and Olveston Primary. The pupils have been busy getting creativeContinue reading “Green Gillingstool pupils design brilliant posters”
Metro Mayor sees into the future
An innovative Bath-based software company showed West of England Metro Mayor Dan Norris a glimpse of the future. TekTowr has purchased two holographic pairs of glasses thanks to a grant of £5,500 from the West of England Combined Authority, led by Metro Mayor Dan Norris. Mayor Norris tried out the special holograph-glasses as he seesContinue reading “Metro Mayor sees into the future”
CHEERS! METRO MAYOR TOASTS NEW BOTTLES FOR BRISTOL BEER FANS
A Bristol-based brewery received a crafty visit from West of England Metro Mayor Dan Norris Dan Norris met brewer Bruce Gray in Left Handed Giant’s taproom. Here the Metro Mayor saw for himself how a cash injection from the West of England Combined Authority, which he leads, has helped the community owned brewery invest inContinue reading “CHEERS! METRO MAYOR TOASTS NEW BOTTLES FOR BRISTOL BEER FANS”
Remember, remember your pets on 5th November
Angel, the mayor’s dog and metro mayor Dan Norris are urging people to have a pet friendly Bonfire Night. This follows advice published by the Dogs Trust and the RSPCA on how people can keep their pets safe and calm. Their figures show that almost 2/3rds of dogs become stressed when there are fireworks, asContinue reading “Remember, remember your pets on 5th November”
MAYOR BACKS POPPY APPEAL
Following the national launch of this year’s Royal British Legion’s poppy appeal, the Metro Mayor pledged his support and urged people to back the campaign. Dan Norris joined veteran Chris and Royal British Legion Midsomer Norton and Radstock vice chair Andrea to lend a hand selling poppies. The pair explained to the Metro Mayor howContinue reading “MAYOR BACKS POPPY APPEAL”
Bridgerton putting region on the map
Bridgerton, the David Attenborough series Our Planet and upcoming Aardman animation Robin Robin, have helped contribute more than £132m to the South West’s economy, Netflix has said at a special reception in Bath. Speaking at the event, Metro Mayor Dan Norris said: “It is good to see Netflix and other production companies investing in ourContinue reading “Bridgerton putting region on the map”
Putting a dent in carbon emissions
A family-owned car body shop repair business in Bath that is going green was visited by Metro Mayor Dan Norris. Bodywork have received a grant from the West of England Combined Authority to help them put a dent (rather than fixing one!) in their carbon emissions. The new equipment is helping to reduce the amountContinue reading “Putting a dent in carbon emissions”
Metro Mayor’s delight at anti hunting vote
Metro Mayor for the West of England Dan Norris has expressed his delight as National Trust members voted to ban ‘trail’ hunting on its land. In a decisive victory 76,816 National Trust members voted for the motion, while 38,184 voted against. Earlier this year the Metro Mayor joined anti hunting campaigners from the League AgainstContinue reading “Metro Mayor’s delight at anti hunting vote”
Bristol bakery rises to the occasion with new bread prover
An award-winning artisan Bristol Bakery is the proud owner of a brand new computerised baking machine thanks to a grant from the West of England Combined Authority led by Metro Mayor Dan Norris The Mayor visited The Assembly Bakery, to see the “prover–retarder” machine in action. Head baker Matthew Rimmer showed the Mayor the state-of-the-artContinue reading “Bristol bakery rises to the occasion with new bread prover”
Optimism won’t pay the bills
Following the Chancellor’s Budget today West of England Metro Mayor Dan Norris said: “I welcome the formal announcement of half a billion pounds for local transport. This is money only available to Metro Mayors and was secured because of our strategic bid. We will spend it predominantly on buses as the quickest way to beginContinue reading “Optimism won’t pay the bills”
Emergency timetable for Bath buses
Commenting on the news that First are introducing an emergency timetable in Bath from 31 October 2021 Metro Mayor Dan Norris said: “This problem has been brewing for some time. But as the industry warned about driver shortages this increasingly incompetent and inept government failed to plan. Then in a panic about empty supermarket shelvesContinue reading “Emergency timetable for Bath buses”
Wear a mask warns Metro Mayor
Wear a mask in shops and on public transport – that is the urgent call issued by Metro Mayor Dan Norris to all West of England residents. Metro Mayor Norris is writing to 10,000+ public facing businesses across the region with a poster to display in their windows urging customers to wear a face covering.Continue reading “Wear a mask warns Metro Mayor”
Metro Mayor secures best transport settlement in UK
Metro Mayor Dan Norris has welcomed the news that the West of England will receive a bumper injection of cash to improve local transport. The Chancellor is set to announce in next week’s budget that just over half a billion pounds will be invested in the region’s transport infrastructure – around £560 per person. ThisContinue reading “Metro Mayor secures best transport settlement in UK”
Metro Mayor blasts unambitious climate goals
“Government plans to change the way we heat our homes barely scratch the surface,” said Metro Mayor Dan Norris. His comments came after the Prime Minister announced a plan to subsidise low-carbon heat pumps to replace gas boilers for homeowners. “These government plans fall far short,” said Dan Norris. “They don’t recognise the urgency orContinue reading “Metro Mayor blasts unambitious climate goals”
We’re all going on a winter holiday – thanks to a Keynsham company
As Winter approaches and temperatures fall, Metro Mayor Dan Norris found out how workers at a Keynsham campervan conversion firm are meeting rising demand to install heaters in campervans. Family-run Keynsham’s Apple County Customs report increased demand for products to make campervans warmer and cosier for weekend breaks. Thanks to a grant from the WestContinue reading “We’re all going on a winter holiday – thanks to a Keynsham company”
Protecting the West’s best ideas
The brilliant ideas of West of England inventors, artists and designers need to be protected, says Metro Mayor Dan Norris, and now he is launching a brand new scheme to help do just that. Creative West of England people will be able to access expert support to protect their trade secrets and stop theirContinue reading “Protecting the West’s best ideas”
Death of David Amess MP
Following the news that David Amess MP has passed away having been stabbed at a constituency surgery, Dan Norris, Metro Mayor for the West of England said “This is utterly awful and tragic news. My thoughts are with David Amess’s family. I first met David when I was an MP and he was a thoroughlyContinue reading “Death of David Amess MP”
Mayor Gives Guide To Disrupting Status Quo
Metro Mayor Dan Norris has spoken out at Bristol’s first ever Blue Earth Summit. The summit is a prestigious event jam packed with adventurers, pioneers and athletes. Amongst the line up is Sir Tim Smit, from The Eden Project, Rosie Stancer, a Polar Explorer and Melissa Reid a Paralympic Triathlon medallist. Metro Mayor Dan NorrisContinue reading “Mayor Gives Guide To Disrupting Status Quo”
Young people ahead of politicians at Climate Summit
Metro Mayor Dan Norris heard the views of young people at a special climate emergency summit in Bristol. 16-18 year-olds from across the West of England were be joined by engineers and environmentalists from across the region at The Youth Engineering for Environmental Sustainability (YEESS) Summit. During the event they will discuss ways in whichContinue reading “Young people ahead of politicians at Climate Summit”
Santa Special! Back on track in time for a seasonal visitor at Avon Valley Railway
Metro Mayor Dan Norris helped Bitton-based Avon Valley Railway launch its upcoming season of ‘Santa Special’ train rides. Volunteers at the charity explained to Mr Norris how they’re getting back on track after the pandemic’s impact, with Trustee Chair Roger Eynon and the Mayor donning Santa hats to promote the festive family steamContinue reading “Santa Special! Back on track in time for a seasonal visitor at Avon Valley Railway”
New report says ‘green skills needed’: Metro Mayor in talks at South Gloucestershire braking firm
Fewer than half of UK manufacturers are confident that current training on offer will help them reach net-zero targets, according to a new report published today. ‘Unlocking The Skills Needed For A Digital And Green Future’ is written by Make UK, the group championing British manufacturers. They will brief Metro Mayor Dan Norris on theContinue reading “New report says ‘green skills needed’: Metro Mayor in talks at South Gloucestershire braking firm”
End of an era
As Marks and Spencer announced the closure of its Broadmead store Metro Mayor Dan Norris said “For most of us, Marks and Spencer in Broadmead has been a Bristol fixture all of our lives. This is a real blow to a shopping centre that is at the heart of the community, and many people acrossContinue reading “End of an era”
Mayor is flying high
Metro Mayor Dan Norris dropped in to meet emergency doctors and paramedics when he visited Great Western Air Ambulance Charity, to launch its status as one of the West of England Combined Authority’s charities of the year. Great Western Air Ambulance Charity provides an air ambulance and critical care car service for people across theContinue reading “Mayor is flying high”
Mayor strolls down Staple Hill High Street
People in Staple Hill met Metro Mayor Dan Norris as he checked out the views of traders looking to boost business after the pandemic’s severe impact. The Metro Mayor was invited by Cllr Ian Boulton, who chairs The Staple Hill Partnership, to hear thoughts about how more people can be encouraged to use the localContinue reading “Mayor strolls down Staple Hill High Street”
Metro Mayor calls into Body Shop and calls on government for plan to phase out animal experiments
West of England Metro Mayor Dan Norris called in to Bath’s branch of The Body Shop – pioneers in championing cruelty-free products – to join calls on the government for a clear action plan to phase-out UK animal experiments. The Labour Metro Mayor is asking West of England people who oppose animal cruelty to sign aContinue reading “Metro Mayor calls into Body Shop and calls on government for plan to phase out animal experiments”
Support for people working in adult social care
People who work in adult social care will be able to get more professional support with the launch of a new scheme funded by The West of England Combined Authority led by Metro Mayor Dan Norris. The focus of the Adult Social Care Workforce Resilience Programme will include:• ensuring excellent training opportunities• providing mental healthContinue reading “Support for people working in adult social care”
Bus passengers face disruption due to driver shortage
A driver shortage means local passengers are being left bus-less. There are cancellations and reduced services again today including on the Number 10 serving Stoke Gifford and Thornbury, the 462 in Emersons Green, and 12 and 3X in Bristol. Metro Mayor Dan Norris said: “A lack of strategic planning over the last decade means weContinue reading “Bus passengers face disruption due to driver shortage”
Clumsy government end to furlough increases worker uncertainty
The blanket ending of government furlough support from 1 October shows a ‘clumsy one-size-fits-all’ approach that doesn’t match the needs of workers across the West of England, says Metro Mayor Dan Norris. “The pandemic has not ended,” says Dan Norris. “People are still getting ill with Covid-19. With winter approaching, a clear end is definitelyContinue reading “Clumsy government end to furlough increases worker uncertainty”
Sir Keir Starmer looks to the future
Speaking from Labour Party Conference following Sir Keir Starmer’s Leader’s Speech, West of England Metro Mayor Dan Norris said: “Today we heard a deeply personal speech from Keir, setting out his values. His decency, honesty and sense of service shone through. “But the speech was much more than this, it set out a serious future-focusedContinue reading “Sir Keir Starmer looks to the future”
Tonic for Bedminster shop as new mobile bar caters for growing social event demand
A South Bristol craft beer shop and bar will be lifting spirits as it goes on the road with a mobile bar thanks to a grant from the West of England Combined Authority led by Metro Mayor Dan Norris. The Metro Mayor visited Alpha Bottle Shop & Tap, where owners Emily Penney and Mike FenlonContinue reading “Tonic for Bedminster shop as new mobile bar caters for growing social event demand”
Building a better future – literally! Metro Mayor opens new Advanced Construction Skills Centre
The foundations were laid for a brighter future for thousands of young people from south Bristol and beyond when Metro Mayor Dan Norris formally opened the new City of Bristol College Advanced Construction Skills Centre in Hengrove. Students at the Hengrove Centre will be able to learn trades such as bricklaying, carpentry and construction, andContinue reading “Building a better future – literally! Metro Mayor opens new Advanced Construction Skills Centre”
Government ‘cloth ears’ risks impact on local businesses
As fuel runs dry at the pumps across the region Metro Mayor Dan Norris, who is responsible for jobs, business investment and skills said: “We could see this coming a mile off. The alarm bells have been ringing for months. But this government has cloth ears and seems to be incapable of horizon scanning. “OverContinue reading “Government ‘cloth ears’ risks impact on local businesses”
Top Dog! Angel opens new pet store – joined by Metro Mayor owner
A new pet store in Warmley, South Gloucestershire welcomed a special guest when Angel – ‘the First Dog of the West of England’ – performed its official opening. Angel’s owner, West of England Metro Mayor Dan Norris, joined her for the ceremony at Jollyes. The store wrote to Angel inviting her to do the honours,Continue reading “Top Dog! Angel opens new pet store – joined by Metro Mayor owner”
‘A paw-some achievement!’ Metro Mayor visits Bristol Animal Rescue Centre
Cats, rats, dogs, ferrets, rabbits, snakes and other small animals greeted dog-owner and Metro Mayor Dan Norris when he visited a Bristol animal welfare charity to learn about its work. The Metro Mayor was invited to meet staff and volunteers as he toured the centre to find out about some of the 10,000 vulnerable animalsContinue reading “‘A paw-some achievement!’ Metro Mayor visits Bristol Animal Rescue Centre”
Living standards of over 66,000 West of England families hit by Universal Credit cut, as energy prices soar
Over 66,000 West of England families will see their household income fall next month, as government cuts to Universal Credit come into effect, according to new figures obtained by Metro Mayor Dan Norris. A £20-a-week universal credit uplift, introduced during the pandemic to assist households on low-incomes will be phased out in October. “This cutContinue reading “Living standards of over 66,000 West of England families hit by Universal Credit cut, as energy prices soar”
National accolade for local social enterprise
Metro Mayor Dan Norris presented a national award to a Bristol-based organisation that helps people turn their lives around, when he called in to its Horfield offices. The Restore Trust has been named ‘UK Social Enterprise of the Year Award 2021’ for its work supporting adults and young people across the West of England. The Trust’s CEO,Continue reading “National accolade for local social enterprise”
It’s official: West of England Combined Authority backs Metro Mayor to oppose Bristol Airport expansion
The West of England Combined Authority’s Joint Committee has today voted to officially “oppose the latest plans to expand Bristol Airport”. The move has been roundly welcomed by environmental groups including Friends of the Earth South West and Bristol Airport Action Network. The motion brought by Metro Mayor Dan Norris makes good on his manifestoContinue reading “It’s official: West of England Combined Authority backs Metro Mayor to oppose Bristol Airport expansion”
Floating film studio in Bristol welcomes Metro Mayor to launch new service
Metro Mayor Dan Norris visited MB Tempora, home of Floating Harbour Films, to find out how a grant from the West of England Combined Authority which he leads is allowing them to launch a brand new service so more people can experience live events from their own homes. Floating Harbour Films, which is marking its tenthContinue reading “Floating film studio in Bristol welcomes Metro Mayor to launch new service”
A beacon for the future
Metro Mayor Dan Norris has followed in the footsteps of The Beatles, David Bowie, Bob Marley and Ella Fitzgerald by visiting an iconic Bristol concert venue. He took a tour of the Bristol Beacon to check out the progress being made with the major redevelopment underway there. The once-in-a-generation transformation is being supported by £11.85mContinue reading “A beacon for the future”
West of England Zero Carbon event attracts largest audience on national tour
The West of England has attracted a record audience when it welcomed the national #ZeroCarbonTour on its way to the UN’s Climate Change Conference in Glasgow. Nearly 200 people including students, campaigners, entrepreneurs and business leaders and gathered at the University of the West of England (in person and on live stream) to hear fromContinue reading “West of England Zero Carbon event attracts largest audience on national tour”
An eye-opener!
World-class optometry equipment was the focus of a visit to UWE Bristol’s Glenside Campus by Metro Mayor Dan Norris as he opened its new £2 million Bristol Eye Clinic. This summer saw the first group of UWE Bristol Optometry graduates complete their degrees, and the new clinic will offer future students placement opportunities so they can perfect their skillsContinue reading “An eye-opener!”
Metro Mayor opens new school in Warmley
Metro Mayor Dan Norris officially opened a brand new school catering for children with special needs when he cut a ribbon at Neptune School, Warmley. The 25-place school in Poplar Road is newly-built and will welcome learners aged seven to 14, helping address a shortage of places for children who have social, emotional and mentalContinue reading “Metro Mayor opens new school in Warmley”
Scrap Channel 4 privatisation plans, says Metro Mayor
The government’s failure to give assurances that the West of England’s creative industries will be protected from the privatisation of Channel 4 means the plans must be scrapped, according to Metro Mayor Dan Norris. In a response to the government’s consultation on looming privatisation plans, The West of England Combined Authority today set out itsContinue reading “Scrap Channel 4 privatisation plans, says Metro Mayor”
West of England Mayor calls on local council leaders to show moral leadership on climate emergency
Now is not the time to expand Bristol Airport, according to the West of England Metro Mayor Dan Norris – as he called on the leaders of the region’s four local councils to back his stance. The Labour Metro Mayor will propose a motion, seconded by BANES Lib Dem leader Cllr Kevin Guy, at aContinue reading “West of England Mayor calls on local council leaders to show moral leadership on climate emergency”
No to Airport expansion: Moral leadership needed
West of England Mayor calls on local council leaders to show moral leadership on climate emergency Now is not the time to expand Bristol airport, according to the West of England Metro Mayor Dan Norris – as he called on the leaders of the region’s four local councils to back his stance. The Labour MetroContinue reading “No to Airport expansion: Moral leadership needed”
Real aficiona-dough – Mayor Norris makes pizza in Bath
Metro Mayor Dan Norris ‘checked out’ the customer service skills of staff at Morrisons, Bath, this week and got a hands-on lesson in pizza-making. Mr Norris, whose West of England responsibilities include jobs and skills, met some of the apprentices who work at the Morrisons York Road store which employs a total of 175 staff.Continue reading “Real aficiona-dough – Mayor Norris makes pizza in Bath”
Cross-party West of England support for Metro Mayor’s government bus support call
The battle to improve the West of England’s bus services has been boosted by cross-party support for the Metro Mayor’s call for more government cash. A letter from Metro Mayor Dan Norris to Baroness Vere, the Government Minister in charge of buses, has received local Lib Dem and Tory MP backing. It explains that theContinue reading “Cross-party West of England support for Metro Mayor’s government bus support call”
Wheel-y good! Metro Mayor rolls into South Bristol skatepark setting sights on future Olympic winners
One of the West of England’s most eye-catching indoor venues – based in a former swimming pool – got a visit from Metro Mayor Dan Norris as his dog Angel l, as he learnt more about how Campus Pool skatepark is using a grant from the Combined Authority he leads. Skateboarding in the UKContinue reading “Wheel-y good! Metro Mayor rolls into South Bristol skatepark setting sights on future Olympic winners”
A complete mess’: Will alpaca owners be queuing for tests now, asks Metro Mayor
Following reports that Geronimo the alpaca did not have bovine tuberculosis, according to the preliminary findings of the post-mortem examination, Metro Mayor for the West of England Dan Norris, where Geronimo lived, said: “I’m heartbroken by this news and I know millions of people around the world will feel the same if Geronimo was needlesslyContinue reading “A complete mess’: Will alpaca owners be queuing for tests now, asks Metro Mayor”
Mayor serves up a slice of history
A slice of history was served up to nine residents of a Winterbourne Almshouse when Metro Mayor Dan Norris cut a cake to celebrate a remarkable 170th birthday. The Perry Almshouses in Winterbourne have been providing accommodation to local people since 1851 and so, 170 years on, staff there organised a birthday party, asking the MetroContinue reading “Mayor serves up a slice of history”
Let’s keep skills cash local
Around half a million pounds has been pledged to help people across the West of England develop new skills through apprenticeships. Now the Metro Mayor is urging more firms here to ‘keep it local’, by adding to the shared funding pot with their unused apprenticeship levy funds. To date some £485,000 has been pledged toContinue reading “Let’s keep skills cash local”
Metro Mayor tells Government to honour Afghanistan evacuation heroes
Service personnel who took part in the evacuation of Afghanistan should be honoured with medals according to Metro Mayor Dan Norris. More than 1,000 UK personnel took part in Operation Pitting, which airlifted 15,000 people fleeing oppression and persecution to safety as the country fell to the Taliban. The mission was the largestContinue reading “Metro Mayor tells Government to honour Afghanistan evacuation heroes”
Cutting edge: Metro Mayor opens Brunel Centre
West of England Metro Mayor Dan Norris cut the ribbon to formally open the brand new £7 million Brunel Centre on Saturday 4 September, ready for students to enrol and begin studying there two days later. The South Gloucestershire and Stroud College Centre in Stoke Gifford has sustainability and student wellbeing at the heart ofContinue reading “Cutting edge: Metro Mayor opens Brunel Centre”
Zero Carbon Tour Rolls in to Bristol
Metro Mayor Dan Norris will be urging businesses and local organisations to take immediate action and cut carbon emissions as the West of England Combined Authority and UWE host Planet Mark’s Zero Carbon Tour on Friday 10 September, 12-4pm. The Mayor will be visiting the #ZeroCarbonTour as it stops off at UWE’s Frenchay campus on its wayContinue reading “Zero Carbon Tour Rolls in to Bristol”
Expertise flows into the Chew Valley as Metro Mayor learns about healthier river project
West of England Metro Mayor and Chew Valley resident Dan Norris and his dog Angel took a walk along the bank of the River Chew as he learnt about measures to protect this famous West of England waterway. The Mayor, who lives near Pensford, saw first hand where a series of new measures will makeContinue reading “Expertise flows into the Chew Valley as Metro Mayor learns about healthier river project”
Curtain up!
Metro Mayor Dan Norris officially opened a brand new support programme on 1 September to help people working in the West of England’s thriving creative sector. The Mayor addressed the event at the Watershed in Bristol and met freelancers and people who work in 55 local businesses including music recording, web design, photography, theatre, illustration,Continue reading “Curtain up!”
Past, present, future
For decades it’s lain derelict, but Metro Mayor Dan Norris, alongside local Labour councillors, got a glimpse of the exciting future of Kingswood’s historic Whitfield Tabernacle, when he went to see renovation work, beginning to transform it into a community arts venue. The 18th century building, which has deteriorated for over 20 years after a devastatingContinue reading “Past, present, future”
Tory empty promises mean empty shelves
West of England supermarket shelves have been running empty but lacklustre Government steps to tackle a shortage of HGV drivers are simply “short term and dangerous”, according to Labour Metro Mayor Dan Norris. Responding to an open letter from Government Ministers to the road haulage industry, the Metro Mayor said the measures outlined are simplyContinue reading “Tory empty promises mean empty shelves”
Kingswood community farm café expands
Metro Mayor Dan Norris has been lending a hand in the kitchen at Kingswood Community Farm’s social enterprise café. The Barn Café at Grimsbury Farm is growing thanks to a grant from the West of England Combined Authority, which the Metro Mayor leads. The café is run by the Brandon Trust charity whose Chief Executive, SueContinue reading “Kingswood community farm café expands”
Regional TV reviews Mayor Norris’s first 100 days.
Regional News program Points West reviewed Dan Norris’s first hundred days as Metro Mayor for the West of England.
Responding to ‘Code Red’ – new chance for residents to save money and the planet
As the UN calls for ‘immediate, rapid and large-scale reductions in greenhouse gas emissions’, residents across the West of England will get their chance to save money on their energy bills, and play their part in cutting carbon emissions. It is all thanks to a new scheme being launched by the West of England CombinedContinue reading “Responding to ‘Code Red’ – new chance for residents to save money and the planet”
West of England Metro Mayor to appear on Any Questions
Metro Mayor Dan Norris will become the first West of England Metro Mayor to appear on Radio 4’s Any Questions this Friday 27 August. The Labour Mayor will appear on the long running show which has been a fixture in the schedules since 1948. The radio show is hosted by Chris Mason and will featureContinue reading “West of England Metro Mayor to appear on Any Questions”
Mayor Praise For Animal-Tastic Thornbury Family Fun
West of England Metro Mayor and animal lover Dan Norris popped into a Thornbury shop and cafe that is going the extra mile for local families during the summer holidays by holding a free animal themed activity day for children. The mayor met Tabi and Garry Marsh, the owners of Papilio, who introduced himContinue reading “Mayor Praise For Animal-Tastic Thornbury Family Fun”
Mayor makes bee-line to Bristol farm
West of England Metro Mayor Dan Norris sampled the first jar of honey to be produced by Bristol’s last working farm. The Metro Mayor, who has pledged to make the West of England the bee and pollinator capital of the UK, went to Yew Tree Farm, Bedminster Down, to meet farmer Catherine Withers. Her familyContinue reading “Mayor makes bee-line to Bristol farm”