Declared open! 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 “Declared open! 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”
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 indoor skatepark and sets 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 indoor skatepark and sets 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”
Season ticket costs for trains now doubled under the Tories
West of England commuters face an unwelcome price hike as season ticket fares are set to rocket by biggest increase in a decade, next year. Passengers on average were hit with a 2.6 per cent increase on the cost of train travel from March 1 2021. But new Retail Price Index (RPI) figures released todayContinue reading “Season ticket costs for trains now doubled under the Tories”
Minute’s Silence for Keyham victims
At 11am today (Monday) Metro Mayor Dan Norris and staff at the West of England Combined Authority which he leads will fall silent for a minute to remember the victims of the shootings in Keyham. The Mayor has also urged West of England people to stop and reflect at 11am wherever they are. Mr NorrisContinue reading “Minute’s Silence for Keyham victims”
Midsomer Norton firm goes green
A Midsomer Norton firm that supplies specialist “green walls” – where plants are grown up or cascaded down the side of buildings – has been awarded a grant so their HQ can go more environmentally friendly too. Metro Mayor Dan Norris who leads the West of England Combined Authority, visited MMA Architectural Systems to seeContinue reading “Midsomer Norton firm goes green”
Redevelopment of old Magistrate’s Court
Local charity Creative Youth Network welcomed West of England Mayor Dan Norris to the site of the derelict Magistrates Courts in central Bristol. The Courts will be developed into a creative enterprise hub for the region, offering diverse and disadvantaged young people the chance to gain the skills, contacts and experience they need to getContinue reading “Redevelopment of old Magistrate’s Court”
Labour’s rural review stops off on S Glos
The Shadow Environment Secretary Luke Pollard MP was in Gloucestershire to listen to local residents as part of Labour’s Rural England Policy Review. Alongside Metro Mayor Dan Norris, the MP met local people at Poplar Farm in Latteridge, Iron Acton. At the dairy farm, they discussed how rural communities have been impacted by the coronavirusContinue reading “Labour’s rural review stops off on S Glos”
Bee-ware the honey fraudsters
The Shadow Environment Secretary Luke Pollard swarmed to the defence of North East Somerset’s hardworking beekeepers on a visit to Radstock. Luke Pollard MP is the guest of West of England Metro Mayor (and bee fan) Dan Norris. The Labour duo met beekeeper Dave Roberts at his hives and sample some tasty Somerset honey. SadlyContinue reading “Bee-ware the honey fraudsters”
Demand growing for lab space for deep tech
Over half the lab space at a converted 30,000 sq. foot former stationary warehouse in Old Market due to open this Autumn has already been pre-let to ambitious deep tech start-up companies. Deep tech is the pivotal science at the cutting edge of engineering and science. The project is Science Creates’ second incubator,Continue reading “Demand growing for lab space for deep tech”
Metro Mayor hits the high street with “blooming” big spending boost
Metro Mayor Dan Norris visited Bath’s Milsom Street to check out plans to get more people shopping and eating out, thanks to over a million pounds of investment from the West of England Combined Authority, which he leads. Sitting in one of the colourful “parklets”, which provide outdoor seating areas planted with flowers and shrubs,Continue reading “Metro Mayor hits the high street with “blooming” big spending boost”
Mayor shines light on growing Bristol business
Metro Mayor Dan Norris visited the region’s largest independent holiday club provider, Shine Wraparound Care Ltd as the Bristol based business celebrates its 10th Birthday. Handing over a Birthday card the Mayor met co-founder Shaun Parker who will explain how in the last decade the company has expanded from a ‘two man band’ to overContinue reading “Mayor shines light on growing Bristol business”
Metro Mayor wins bumper Transport cash injection for region
Metro Mayor Dan Norris has secured a multi million transport fund for the West of England The Metro Mayor has been pledged between £540 million to £880 million over five years by the government to enable him to improve transport across the West of England. This is a significant increase in transport funding for theContinue reading “Metro Mayor wins bumper Transport cash injection for region”
Travelling between Bath and Bristol
How can we make travelling between Bristol and Bath better on foot, by bike or by bus? That’s the question residents who live near or travel along the A4 are being asked, to help shape transport improvements along the route. The West of England Combined Authority wants to hear about the issues people face asContinue reading “Travelling between Bath and Bristol”
UK Innovation Strategy needs to do more for West of England
Plans to turbo charge the UK’s most innovative businesses will fall flat if the Government keeps creating its plans in Whitehall, rather than the regions. That is the message from Metro Mayor Dan Norris as the Government unveiled itsNew Innovation Strategy. The Government laid out how it will specify ‘innovation missions’ to set the directionContinue reading “UK Innovation Strategy needs to do more for West of England”
Mayor’s laser focus on skills
Knowle West Media Centre’s The Factory has successfully been awarded nearly £10k of cash from the West of England Combined Authority, led by Metro Mayor Dan Norris, to create a new online learning portal to help more local creative people cut through skills barriers. The Mayor was shown The Factory’s state-of-the-art laser cutters that can be used to cut out intricate designs, while speakingContinue reading “Mayor’s laser focus on skills”
New grants for high tech future
Local businesses are being offered the chance to apply for grants of between £20,000 and £50,000 from the West of England Combined Authority led by Dan Norris. The Mayor announced the latest cash on offer to innovate and grow at NuNano, a Bristol company which takes very high-res images of tiny objects that are nanometresContinue reading “New grants for high tech future”
Red hot mayor has cool plan
As the West of England swelters, Metro Mayor Dan Norris has called for a maximum workplace temperature of 30C to be set by employers. He also wants local companies to put measures in place for workers who are at home, without access to things like air conditioning. When temperatures plunge, workers have a right toContinue reading “Red hot mayor has cool plan”
We don’t like to be beside the seaside
As the West of England swelters in the hot summer many residents minds might be turning to a trip to the beach. However those wishing to travel from Bristol to Weston Super Mare by train may be disappointed. Great Western Railways are making reductions to the regional train service, cutting the rail link to theContinue reading “We don’t like to be beside the seaside”
Full steam ahead to net zero for Bristol’s biggest visitor attraction
Bristol’s biggest visitor attraction, Brunel’s SS Great Britain, is sailing towards carbon neutral thanks to a cash injection from the West of England Combined Authority led by Metro Mayor Dan Norris. The mayor visited the ship to see how pioneering upgrades are being carried out to install a heat recovery device which circulates dehumidified air onto the fragileContinue reading “Full steam ahead to net zero for Bristol’s biggest visitor attraction”
Chipping away at carbon emissions
With Net Zero Week in full swing, Metro Mayor Dan Norris visited a Bristol kitchen cabinet company doing its bit to help the city reach our ambitious net zero targets. The Mayor tried his hand at some bespoke joinery at Made By Husk based in Montpelier Bristol. The company which transforms IKEA kitchen cabinets withContinue reading “Chipping away at carbon emissions”
Lights on at Wardrobe Theatre
During a tour of the Wardrobe Theatre in Old Market, Bristol, Metro Mayor Dan Norris got to grips with the theatre’s lighting rig and heard how, thanks to the cash injection from the West of England Combined Authority, the theatre has received business management support and funding to move performances online. After having to closeContinue reading “Lights on at Wardrobe Theatre”
A Deep tech future
Over half the lab space at a converted 30,000 sq. foot former stationary warehouse in Old Market due to open this Autumn has already been pre-let to ambitious deep tech start up companies. Deep tech is the pivotal science at the cutting edge of engineering and science. The project is “Science Creates” second incubator, asContinue reading “A Deep tech future”
Super Mario’s a cut above the rest
It is shear delight for a Hengrove barber who has been crowned the best in the UK in a nationwide competition. Metro Mayor Dan Norris popped in for a trim and to offer his congratulations. Mario Marotta has won the best barber competition run by the Barber Magazine and King C. Gillette and voted forContinue reading “Super Mario’s a cut above the rest”
Mayor wants to Electrify Skills
Metro Mayor Dan Norris has met apprentices learning how to service the electric vehicles of the future. They discussed how training was the solution to remove roadblocks to the plan to end the sale of petrol and diesel cars by 2030. This is a vital part of the West of England’s ambitious plan for netContinue reading “Mayor wants to Electrify Skills”
Metro mayor no dummy at Weston College
Metro Mayor Dan Norris met health and construction students at Weston College at the official national Launch of the UK’s twelve Institutes of Technologies. Weston College is the lead college for the West of England Institute of Technology in partnership with UWE, and local employers including Airbus, the NHS and the National Composites Centre. MayorContinue reading “Metro mayor no dummy at Weston College”
Bristol Pupil shows racism the red card
A talented Bristol student has won a prize in a national anti-racism football competition. In a week that saw England’s footballing heroes in a major final, but also shocking abuse of black players, Metro Mayor Dan Norris will visit Bristol Brunel Academy (this Thursday 15th of July at 10am) with the goal of presenting GeorgiaContinue reading “Bristol Pupil shows racism the red card”
From Tears for Fears to Roni Size – how musical history is helping drive business growth
Smart phone in hand and headphones at the ready, Metro Mayor Dan Norris will visit some of Bristol and Bath’s hidden music gems as part of an innovative project called ‘Everything is Music’. It’s like Pokemon Go – but for the local cultural scene explained Tom Frost Co-founder of the biggest independent free monthly culture magazine in Europe. Music loversContinue reading “From Tears for Fears to Roni Size – how musical history is helping drive business growth”
Mayor praises Weekin as bus service saved
The No 17 bus service which local people feared would be scrapped at the end of August has been saved. The bus route is operated partly by bus company First on a commercial basis and subsidised by the West of England Combined Authority, led since May by newly elected Labour Metro Mayor Dan Norris. MayorContinue reading “Mayor praises Weekin as bus service saved”
Joy of the Journey
Aardman Animations, Bath’s Royal United Hospital and Lost Horizon Coffee are helping to get more people walking and pedalling to work by sharing their experiences in a new guide launched by the West of England Combined Authority, led by Metro Mayor Dan Norris. The “Joy in the Journey” guide is jam packed with helpful advice for businessesContinue reading “Joy of the Journey”
The Show Must Go On
Metro Mayor Dan Norris is promising more help for creative freelancers with the launch of a new support program to help them recover from the impact of Covid-19. The Creative Sector Growth Programme aims to support recovery by working with creative businesses and freelancers to help them improve their business’s resilience. It will offer support including: – £3,000 of professional expertise (mentoring, coachingContinue reading “The Show Must Go On”
Jobs & Skills Summit to lead our recovery
West of England Metro Mayor, Dan Norris, will meet local residents whose jobs have been hit by Covid-19, as part of the region’s first Jobs & Skills Summit, July 5 – 9. During the week, he will be talking with apprentices in Bristol and Radstock; community learners in South Gloucestershire; Bath mums returning to work, and studentsContinue reading “Jobs & Skills Summit to lead our recovery”
Cheese-ey does it for Kelston
Metro Mayor Dan Norris donned his whites to learn the art of cheese making at Park Farm at Kelston. The Mayor was the guest of Hugh Padfield, founder of the award-winning organic cheese makers, The Bath Soft Cheese Company. When Covid struck, the local business decided they could not just ‘let it brie’ but insteadContinue reading “Cheese-ey does it for Kelston”
Welcoming back Keir Starmer
I was delighted to welcome leader of the opposition Keir Starmer back to West of England. I have a relentless focus on jobs and our recovery, to that end we visited the Bristol Port company to witness their investments in young people’s future through apprenticeships. Watch here: Keir Starmer on Instagram: “Dan Norris plans forContinue reading “Welcoming back Keir Starmer”
E-Bikes to get people cycling
More residents and employees across Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire will soon be able to reap the benefits of pedal power, thanks to additional funding secured by the West of England Combined Authority. Metro Mayor Dan Norris, has won £248,000 from the Government to buy e-bikes, expand e-bike loanContinue reading “E-Bikes to get people cycling”
Don’t silence communities on planning
Metro Mayor Dan Norris has warned local people risk being gagged from speaking out against inappropriate developments in the West of England as the House of Commons votes on the so-called Developers’ Charter (today Monday 21 June).The Metro Mayor has branded the Government plans “unacceptable and undemocratic.” The Government’s proposed reforms of the planning systemContinue reading “Don’t silence communities on planning”
Heating up the tourism recovery
West of England Mayor Dan Norris heated up the recovery of tourism in Bath as he tried his hand at glass blowing. Independent glass production company, Bath Aqua Glass, has received a cash injection from the West of England Combined Authority that Mayor Norris leads. The Metro Mayor tried his hand at blowing a glassContinue reading “Heating up the tourism recovery”
No to Channel 4 Privatisation
Metro Mayor Dan Norris has warned that the West of England’s creative sector could be at threat from government plans to privatise Channel 4. Mayor Dan Norris said: “This proposal threatens to rip out the heart of Channel 4 – a much-loved broadcaster which has only just set down roots in the West of England.Continue reading “No to Channel 4 Privatisation”
Mayor and bus boss in step for Clean Air Day
Newly elected West of England Metro Mayor Dan Norris and First West of England’s new Managing Director, Doug Claringbold, took the meeting room outdoors to celebrate Clean Air Day. The pair marked their first official discussion by walking and talking around Arnos Vale Cemetery, one of a number of circular and one way walks thatContinue reading “Mayor and bus boss in step for Clean Air Day”
Cargo-bike deliveries put business in espresso line
Bristolian coffee lovers are full of beans to receive their caffeine boost by e-bike after Lost Horizon Coffee received a grant for a cargo e-bike. Metro Mayor Dan Norris visited Kit Nisbet, founder of Lost Horizon Coffee and rode the cargo e-bike that is transforming the speciality coffee roastery. Kit will feature in aContinue reading “Cargo-bike deliveries put business in espresso line”
Slow Barbecue Food Takes The Brisket
Metro Mayor Dan Norris popped in on local Westfield business Nomads’ BBQ for the antithesis of ‘fast food’. Accompanied by local councillor Grant Johnson, the Metro Mayor will see how the family run firm uses locally sourced wood and charcoal to cook its meat for up to 12 hours and boasts ‘not an electric plugContinue reading “Slow Barbecue Food Takes The Brisket”
Mayor to paddle power the recovery
A growing Bath business is set to receive a cash injection from the West of England Combined Authority led by the Metro Mayor Dan Norris. The funding will help “Wild Swim Bike Run” to create more new jobs. Metro Mayor Dan Norris visited “Wild Swim Bike Run” to discover more about their guided tours withContinue reading “Mayor to paddle power the recovery”
Freedom day postponed
Commenting on the postponement of so called “Freedom Day” Metro Mayor Dan Norris said: “This news comes as a disappointment to many local people. Yes, there has to be a safety first approach, but where is the additional support from the Government for these most badly hit workers? “Locally, I have pledged to double theContinue reading “Freedom day postponed”
New Event Planners Guide Launched
Metro Mayor Dan Norris visited Bath’s Francis Hotel as a new guide for event planners was launched. The Mayor said: “I love the West of England. It is a vibrant and exciting region which is a great place to go on holiday or hold a business event. We’ve got wonderful places to visit and fabulousContinue reading “New Event Planners Guide Launched”
Tree-mendous plan launched
Metro Mayor Dan Norris gave his seal of approval at the official launch of the The launch of the “Forest Avon Plan: A Tree and Woodland Strategy for the West of England” alongside the West of England Nature Partnership, the Forest of Avon Trust and other local environmental groups. The plan has a target toContinue reading “Tree-mendous plan launched”
New minibuses for Community groups
Kingswood Community Transport, Green Community Travel in Yate and Four Towns and Vale Link Transport in Thornbury have received the keys to their brand new minibuses. West of England Mayor Dan Norris said: “I am so pleased to hand over the keys to three brilliant local groups who are at the heart of their communities:Continue reading “New minibuses for Community groups”
Mayor Norris paves the way for even better Keynsham high street
Mayor Norris donned his work boots and high viz jacket as he helped lay a paving slab in Keynsham High Street. The improvements to the high street are part of a £1.5 million investment by the West of England Combined Authority, led by Metro Mayor Dan Norris. Alongside footpath widening and resurfacing, better signage andContinue reading “Mayor Norris paves the way for even better Keynsham high street”
Charity Bike Biz Plans To Cash In On Bridgerton Boom
A Bath charity is launching a brand new e-bike scheme for tourists which will raise vital cash to reduce homelessness and tackle long-term unemployment. Thanks to a grant from the West of England Combined Authority, led by Metro Mayor Dan Norris, the Julian House Bike Workshop is investing in a fleet of e-bikes which theyContinue reading “Charity Bike Biz Plans To Cash In On Bridgerton Boom”
Mayor pledges to work with world-beating research centre
Newly-elected Metro Mayor Dan Norris took a tour of the National Composites Centre – the West of England’s world-beating research centre. This is where the West of England’s top designers, researchers and engineers come together to create composite materials which are stronger, lighter and less likely to corrode. The National Composite Centre hosts a £10Continue reading “Mayor pledges to work with world-beating research centre”
Saving cash and energy is child’s play
A Bradley Stoke children’s playground specialist was visited by Metro Mayor Dan Norris to see how the local company is benefiting from a Green Business Grant scheme. Pentagon Play has received a grant £3,000 from the West of England Combined Authority which is led by Metro Mayor Dan Norris. The cash injection means Pentagon PlayContinue reading “Saving cash and energy is child’s play”
Full steam ahead
Metro Mayor Dan Norris met GWR to discuss exciting plans for new stations and improved rail services across our region which is vital for creating jobs and encouraging local people to switch away from cars to more journeys by train.
Metro Mayor takes walk on the wild side
Metro Mayor Dan Norris visited the Wild Place Project ahead of the bank holiday weekend and half-term as he encouraged local residents to enjoy our local tourist attractions. Visitor numbers at Bristol Zoo Gardens and Wild Place Project plummeted last year due to covid closures and limits on visitor numbers. While there were 830,000 visitorsContinue reading “Metro Mayor takes walk on the wild side”
WISE up to local college success
Dan Norris, Metro Mayor for the West of England has welcomed Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer to Stoke Gifford. The Labour duo were talking jobs and skills as they visited SGS WISE (the West of England Institute of Specialist Education). They got a behind the scenes look at the state-of-the-art Brunel Centre opening later thisContinue reading “WISE up to local college success”
Metro Mayor Joins The Robot Revolution
Robot football players met newly elected Metro Mayor Dan Norris as they took part in a futuristic football tournament at We The Curious, the science centre on Bristol’s harbourside. Ahead of the bank holiday weekend and half term the Metro Mayor visited the educational tourism attraction and personalised his own robot ahead of the high-techContinue reading “Metro Mayor Joins The Robot Revolution”
Metro Mayor checks out skills Port-folio
Dan Norris, Metro Mayor for the West of England was pleased to be joined by Leader of the Opposition Keir Starmer for a visit to the port of Bristol. The Metro Mayor spent the day talking to apprentices and highly skilled workers. Dan Norris said “I’m determined to bring more good jobs to our region.Continue reading “Metro Mayor checks out skills Port-folio”
Driving forward Bristol’s skills
Bristolian youngsters showed off their skills to Metro Mayor Dan Norris as he visited the South Bristol Skills Academy alongside MP Karin Smyth and outlined his plans to motor forward to expand opportunities. The Metro Mayor got hands on as he joined the students learning how to service cars and vans in the Academy’s modernContinue reading “Driving forward Bristol’s skills”
Metro Mayor Dan Norris Is Buzzing For Bees
Newly-elected Metro Mayor (and bee fan) Dan Norris made a bee-line to a Chew Valley nature reserve today as part of World Bee Day celebrations. The Mayor took a walk in one of Folly Farm’s blooming wildflower meadows, which bees and other pollinators love. While Folly Farm is awash with colour with flowering bluebells andContinue reading “Metro Mayor Dan Norris Is Buzzing For Bees”
“Railway report raises more questions than it answers” says Mayor Norris
Following the report on the future of the railways launched today Metro Mayor Dan Norris said: “Nearly three years after it was commissioned, this report has finally seen the light of day but unfortunately it still raises more questions than it answers. There are lots of warm words here and a good new title ofContinue reading ““Railway report raises more questions than it answers” says Mayor Norris”
“Government targets on environment disappointing and unambitious” says Dan Norris
Responding to the Government’s plans set out in today’s (18 May) speech by the Environment Secretary, Metro Mayor Dan Norris said: “I’m disappointed by the government’s unambitious targets. But in the West of England we are up for a challenge and we will go further and faster leading the way getting to net zero byContinue reading ““Government targets on environment disappointing and unambitious” says Dan Norris”
Metro Mayor Dan Norris Full Of Beans As Recovery Begins
Newly-elected Metro Mayor Dan Norris popped into a local café in Bath today (17 May) as local businesses welcomed customers back for indoor dining for the first time in many months.
Mayor Norris comments on Queen’s Speech
Following the Queens Speech today, Metro Mayor for the West of England Dan Norris said: “As pandemic restrictions ease and the West of England opens up more, we need to learn the lessons from covid and build back better. “My top priority is jobs and skills. But I am concerned that for this out-of-touch governmentContinue reading “Mayor Norris comments on Queen’s Speech”
Let’s get back on track
Mayor Dan Norris has demanded answers and urgent action from GWR over the cracked Hitachi high-speed trains chaos. Mayor Norris has written an open letter to the operator’s boss wanting to know how it will help passengers left stranded in the region. In a letter to GWR managing director Mark Hopwood the newly Labour electedContinue reading “Let’s get back on track”
Mayor Dan Norris thanks Keir Starmer
Mayor Dan Norris thanks Keir Starmer for ‘unlocking’ West of England election Speaking on BBC Breakfast newly elected Mayor Dan Norris thanked Keir Starmer for ‘unlocking’ the election in the West of England, saying he had made it possible for people to listen to Labour’s message and that was why the result was so good.
Thank you. It is an honour to be elected as your Metro Mayor
Labour’s Dan Norris has been elected Metro Mayor of the West of England – a Labour gain. The results of the closely contested seat were announced aboard the SS Great Britain at 4.35pm. Speaking after the results were announced newly elected Mayor Dan Norris said: “It’s a huge honour to be elected as Metro MayorContinue reading “Thank you. It is an honour to be elected as your Metro Mayor”
Thank you
A big thank you to everyone for your support. Results will be announced on Saturday.
Take your mask, get set, vote!
Local residents will be heading to the polls to vote for a new Metro Mayor for the West of England on Thursday 6 May. The result was extremely close last time the election was held back in 2017 when the Conservatives won with Labour just three per cent behind. Despite it being an important roleContinue reading “Take your mask, get set, vote!”
Keir we go again!
Labour leader Keir Starmer made his final stop of the campaign in Keynsham supporting Dan Norris to be the next Metro Mayor of the West of England. After four years of an invisible Tory Metro Mayor Dan Norris is pledging new leadership. Vote Labour tomorrow (Thursday 6 May).
Dan goes back to school
A-level and GCSE students from Chipping Sodbury school quizzed the Shadow Secretary of State for Education Kate Green MP as she visited their school. Labour’s top education MP was the guest of Metro Mayor candidate and former Chipping Sodbury 6th former Dan Norris. Mr Norris who studied for Chemistry, Physics and Biology A-levels at the school heard from today’s youngsters aboutContinue reading “Dan goes back to school”
Revealed: How much Bristol schools will lose from Tory changes to pupil premium funding
Schools in Bristol stand to lose £1.5 million after the government’s decision to change the method of calculating pupil premium funding. Pupil premium is designed to allow schools to help more disadvantaged pupils by improving their progress and the exam results they achieve. Primary schools receive £1,345 per pupil and secondaries get £955. But inContinue reading “Revealed: How much Bristol schools will lose from Tory changes to pupil premium funding”
Shock at PM’s crass covid comments
Responding to reports that Boris Johnson said he would rather see ‘bodies pile high in their thousands’ than order a third lockdown, Dan Norris said: “If this report is true, then I have no doubt that West of England families will be as shocked and sickened at the Prime Minister’s comments as me. What aContinue reading “Shock at PM’s crass covid comments”
Conservatives ignored expert advice on bee killing pesticides
Only after a freedom of information request from Friends of the Earth did the government reveal hidden advice on bee killing pesticides from the Health and Safety Executive. They said no to neonic pesticide use but Ministers overruled the safety experts. Dan Norris who is a former Environment Minister and bee-fan has said he findsContinue reading “Conservatives ignored expert advice on bee killing pesticides”
Backing the tourism sector
West of England groups representing the tourism industry attended a roundtable organised by Dan Norris and co-hosted with Shadow Minister for Tourism and Heritage, Alex Sobel MP. The special meeting focused on the impact of the pandemic and what support measures are needed, the importance of addressing long-term regional challenges including delivering sustainable tourism, andContinue reading “Backing the tourism sector”
No to European Super League
A huge meeting attended by Metro Mayor Candidate Dan Norris and angry football fans including from both professional Bristol clubs was convened today by Sir Keir Starmer The football fans are angered at the announcement that top flight teams plan to establish a European football “Super League”. They believe that Football governance should be aboutContinue reading “No to European Super League”
Great answer for ‘Pointless’ but terrible for our region
The name of the local Conservative Metro Mayor had the PM stumped this week as he visited our part of the world. So not only is the Tory man invisible locally, he’s clearly also failed to make an impact in Westminster. Yet the role, up for election in May, has a big budget and powersContinue reading “Great answer for ‘Pointless’ but terrible for our region”
Keir we go!
Labour Leader Keir Starmer visited Bath today accompanied by Dan Norris. The pair talked to local residents and business owners in the busy city centre. Like many places with a big tourism and hospitality sector many Bath businesses have been hard hit by the pandemic. Dan Norris has been critical of the current Metro Mayor’sContinue reading “Keir we go!”
Shadow Chancellor visits Keynsham High Street
Labour’s Dan Norris welcomed Shadow Chancellor Anneliese Dodds to Keynsham High Street. The Labour duo discussed the re-opening of shops after the recent lockdown and the importance of supporting local businesses. Dan Norris has been scathing of the current Metro Mayor’s failure to invest half of his High Street fund at a time that businessesContinue reading “Shadow Chancellor visits Keynsham High Street”
Invisible West of England Metro Mayor is least well known in country
Just 7% of people in the West of England could name the metro mayor unprompted, the lowest score nationwide. Research by Centre for Cities shows that the Conservative Metro Mayor of the West of England has failed to make an impact during his four years in office. This contrasts to around six in ten peopleContinue reading “Invisible West of England Metro Mayor is least well known in country”
New West of England homes should be pet friendly
A lesson from the pandemic is that new homes built in the West of England should be pet friendly, says Metro Mayor candidate Dan Norris. Pet ownership has soared during the covid crisis and 74% of pet owners say having a pet has helped their mental health while they were coping with coronavirus curbs. HoweverContinue reading “New West of England homes should be pet friendly”
Duke of Edinburgh
I am very sorry to hear that the Duke of Edinburgh has died today. This is a sad day. He has been a fixture throughout our lives, serving as a loyal consort to the Queen for 73 years. I know the country will be in mourning today. I have paused all campaigning as a markContinue reading “Duke of Edinburgh”
No to super-sized anaerobic digester power plant
Dan Norris opposes the proposed 92,000 tonne anaerobic digester to the south of Keynsham. He has long shared residents’ concerns and hopes it will be third time unlucky for the controversial plans when they are discussed on 11 May. Dan Norris, who was previously an Environment Minister, says while he backs the principle of anaerobicContinue reading “No to super-sized anaerobic digester power plant”
Blooming Lovely
Dan Norris is urging local residents to bring a bit of Japanese culture to the West of England by indulging in “Hanami” the ancient tradition of viewing and celebrating blossom. With this spring likely to be the most anticipated ever as the UK slowly emerges from lockdown, the National Trust have launched its #BlossomWatch campaign.Continue reading “Blooming Lovely”