Are you registered to vote in the general election?

The election is fast approaching so make sure you are registered to vote so you can have your say in who runs the country.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson called the snap general election for Thursday 12 December – the first December election since 1923.

Two long-awaited transport schemes move forward

Two long-awaited transport schemes in North Somerset are moving forward.

The next stage in the £116m MetroWest phase 1 scheme – which includes reopening Portishead rail line – was passed when an application was submitted to the Planning Inspectorate for a Development Consent Order (DCO).

And North Somerset Council has been successful in a £97m bid to Government to provide essential infrastructure for future housing, which includes a bypass around the village of Banwell.

Have your say on rewilding sites

More habitats are being created across North Somerset to help wildlife flourish and mitigate the effects of climate change – and you can have your say about the sites chosen.

North Somerset Council declared a climate emergency earlier this year and also agreed a rewilding programme, which would increase wildlife and biodiversity by planting trees and allowing grass to grow taller.

Tackling homelessness as the temperature drops

The temperature is dropping sharply and organisations across North Somerset are continuing to work together to co-ordinate action to reduce rough sleeping in the area.

This Street 2 Settled partnership includes North Somerset Council, Weston Town Council, the YMCA, Somewhere to Go, health professionals and police.

Free parking twice a week during festive season

Take a shopping trip into Weston-super-Mare this festive season and take advantage of free car parking twice a week.

Free parking is available at two council-owned car parks each Saturday afternoon until Christmas, starting from Saturday 23 November.

Check you’ve got the right bank sort code for council

If you pay council tax, business rates or any other bill to North Somerset Council by standing order, online or over-the-counter then you need to check the details are correct.

The council’s bank sort code was changed two years ago but up until now payments have been redirected automatically.

Follow the gritters on social media

Gritters have already been out and about this month to keep North Somerset’s roads safe during icy weather.

The fleet of six gritters was named following a public vote last year, so keep a look-out for Burrrrington, Bleadon-cold, Nailski, Portispread, Weston-scooper-Mare and Sleetholm.

Help speed up crews by sorting your recycling

Christmas is one of the busiest times for recycling crews so help speed up collections by sorting your boxes.

Last Christmas an additional 894 tonnes of recycling was collected by crews in North Somerset – the equivalent weight to six fully grown blue whales.

North Somerset cheese crowned best in Britain

Cheesemakers in North Somerset have proved they are the best in the country after scooping a handful of gongs at the World Cheese Awards.

Trethowan’s Dairy, based at Puxton Park in Hewish, took home some top prizes at the awards last month.

Christmas lights set to dazzle

Christmas lights will be dazzling across North Somerset soon so take a wander down your local high street for some festive fun.

 Here’s a round-up of the local lights switch-ons…