Find out more about new First Bus fares

First Bus are holding a number of roadshow events to explain their new fares to local people. This Friday 1st November they will be in the Willow Brook Shopping Centre in Bradley Stoke from 12pm until 8pm and in Bristol Bus Station from 9am until 6pm.

You will also be able to pick up a simple guide to what's changing on buses, at Travel Shops, at roadshows and in Bristol City Centre on 1st and 2nd November. A more comprehensive booklet will be available and you can find out more on their website. If you tweet First @FirstBSA using the hashtag #fairerfares they will try to answer your questions directly.

Could you help a young care leaver?

It's National Care Leavers' Week and South Glos Council has launched a recruitment drive to find people to support a young person when they leave care.

As part of the supported lodgings scheme, they are looking for families, single parents, couples or individuals from all backgrounds, cultures and identities to provide supported, temporary accommodation for care leavers aged 16 to 18. You would need to provide them with a room in your home and help mentor them to take the first steps towards independent living. Ideally you would also live near community facilities with good transport links.

You would receive full training from the council's supported lodgings coordinator, have the opportunity to meet other carers in similar roles and you would also be paid a weekly allowance of £155.

Contact Esther Clarke on 01454 863498 or email esther.clarke@southglos.gov.uk For more information visit www.southglos.gov.uk/supportedlodgings Further details on the national campaign are available at www.thecareleaversfoundation.org

Have your say on how South Glos Council buys goods and services

South Gloucestershire Council is asking your views on a new procurement and commissioning strategy. The council spends over £170m each year on goods, works and services provided by external organisations. It wants to make sure it gets the best possible value and supports local businesses. You can find out more and make comments on the council's website - the consultation runs until 3 January 2014.

Sainsbury's Local proposed in Badminton Arms car park

A property group is proposing to build a Sainsbury's Local store in part of the car park of the Badminton Arms in Coalpit Heath.

The pub would remain open, with the play facilities relocated to the area between the pub and Badminton Road. The store would go in the south western corner of the site and there would be a separate designated area for service vehicles and deliveries to the shop.

Box Property Group is holding a drop-in information evening from 5pm to 7.30pm at the Badminton Arms on Tuesday 5th November 2013. There will be display boards and people available to answer questions that residents and local traders may have.

When this was first rumoured in the summer, concern was expressed by existing local traders. Your Focus Team would be interested to hear your views.

Cycle path - the latest funding situation

There is currently some uncertainty over funding for the next phase of the cycle path. The southern side of the Westerleigh Road crossing is in place and it's hoped that there will be a further £75K in 2014/15 to complete the northern side. There may also be the possibility of further funding to complete the route from Westerleigh Road to Broad Lane.

Energy Loan Scheme launched

South Glos Council has recently launched an energy loan scheme to help homeowners carry out a range of projects, including installing solar panels, biomass boilers or upgrading their existing heating. For further details call the energy advice line for free on 0800 500 3076.

First Bus fare changes

First Bus are changing their fares from 3rd November:

• The old 3 zones will disappear to be replaced by 2, inner and outer.
• They have a new, simpler way of working out single ticket prices.
• An outer zone First Day Ticket, giving unlimited travel in the inner and outer zones for one day, will cost £6.

You can find out more on the First Bus website.