The Council has made the decision to close Culverhay School in a public meeting held at the Guildhall on 25th November. Councillor Chris Watt emphasised that the money saved by closing Culverhay could be reinvested in other Bath schools. But the meeting was again attended by a large turnout of people who want Culverhay to remain open.

Supporters of Culverhay said that the school is a key part of the community and that it performs a valuable role in helping local pupils fulfil their potential. A young man named Vince indicated that Culverhay is seen as a symbol of hope in the neighbourhood.

Southdown resident Vince: "Culverhay is a symbol of hope."

Bath Liberal Democrats will now call in the decision and will be trying to delay its implementation as much as possible, until the May election when people will have the chance to vote out the Conservative Council Cabinet who made the decision.

Meanwhile concerns are being raised over the safety of roads outside St Michael's Junior School and Twerton Infant School. A petition requesting a pedestrian crossing by the junior school has already been presented to a Full Council Meeting. The petition is still being collected and you can add your name to it in Boots the Chemist at Twerton High Street.

Representatives from Twerton Infant School attended the recent Twerton PACT meeting to make recommendations for improving safety at the school entrance. Among the suggestions was the idea of emblazening the word "School" across the road. Twerton Councillors Tim Ball and Gerry Curran have now made a 7 point plan for improving safety, which you can see here.

Joe, 29/11/10

A united service for people of Oldfield Park, Southdown and Twerton will be held in St Alphege's Church, Oldfield Lane, Oldfield Park on 28th November at 4.30pm.

In the Christian faith, Advent is the time of preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas.

Poster from Colin and Sue Ellis, 25/11/10

Door-to-door loan companies operate in South West Bath. Sometimes they call on residents and offer loans of money which have to be repaid at very high interest rates. These loans might seem tempting but can lead to further hardship. For this reason a poster has been made to tell residents ways that they can get alternative financial help from the Citizens Advice Bureau, the Credit Union and Christians against Poverty (CAP).

The Citizens Advice Bureau gives financial advice at First Steps Children's Centre in Twerton on most Tuesdays. Telephone 01225 444791 to book an appointment. The Credit Union lends with far lower interest rates and also has an agent at Southdown Methodist Centre, The Hollow, on Thursdays between 6pm and 7pm. Call 0117 9247309.

Christians against Poverty (CAP) offers a free service for those in debt. An account is set up for you to pay off bills and debts by making one weekly or monthly payment to CAP which is distributed to your creditors. Call 0800 3280006.

To download the poster click here. Feel free to print off and pass on as many copies as you like.

Joe, 21/11/10

The Christmas Fair at the Carrswood Centre in Twerton attracted a good number of people again this year, and looks set to become a familiar annual event. The centre has plenty of space to house the stalls, craft-making, tombola and all the other attractions. It was nice to meet some people there that I know but haven't seen for a long while.

Father Christmas drawing raffle tickets at the fair

A lot of effort was put in by the Carrswood Association which is made up of friends and family of the centre's service users. Members of the Carrswood Association donated a range of lovely prizes for the raffle and also baked some tempting home made cakes to be sold. Funds raised will go towards the care of service users.

Joe, 21/11/10