FEBRUARY is a month of red roses, chocolates, and declarations of love.
So, naturally, I thought I’d start by writing about potholes.
Yes, potholes. Stick with me, it’s a story of devotion. After all, nothing says love like smooth, safe journeys.
Just before Christmas, the West of England received a government love letter in the form of an extra £6.7 million to tackle potholes.
This record funding – nearly 50% higher than last year – will be music to motorists’ ears.
It’s not just the funding that will warm hearts: with stricter rules and penalties for companies dragging out roadworks, drivers can look forward to smoother roads and fewer delays.
Because when it comes to our roads, we’re committed to a long-term relationship – no break-ups or breakdowns in sight.
Another heartfelt gesture arrived in the form of £17.2 million to tackle rough sleeping.
This significant boost will help prevent homelessness, provide more warm beds and shelters, and support rough sleepers into longer-term accommodation.
It’s the biggest funding of its kind for our region and shows a shared commitment to caring for those most in need.
Tackling the housing crisis is no small challenge, but with this cash boost, we’re making progress – and proving that our love for the West of England is about leaving no one behind.
Of course, Valentine’s Day is also a time for giving thoughtful gifts, and I can’t think of a better one than Birthday Buses.
Back by popular demand, this unique initiative gives each resident in our amazing region free bus travel for the entire month of your birthday.
In December alone, more than 100,000 free journeys were taken, doubling last year’s numbers despite the disruption of Storm Darragh.
Since Birthday Buses relaunched, 45,000 people have signed up.
They will save up to £100 each, and almost 40% of them are under 21.
If you’re lucky enough to be that age, you can now get free bus travel for the whole of your birthday month, plus the following one, if you apply before your 21st birthday.
It’s fantastic to see the next generation of bus passengers getting on board, embracing more sustainable travel, and shaping a greener future for the region.
Over 8,000 people already had free passes for January. Those with March birthdays should sign up at BirthdayBus.co.uk by February 19 to ensure a whole month of free travel.
If your birthday is in February you can still apply, right up to the 15th.
At its heart, my job as Mayor is about connection, whether that’s connecting people to places via buses and better roads, or connecting people to opportunities, homes, and leisure.
It’s also about taking tough decisions, even when they’re not always easy or popular.
After all, we all know love means telling it like it is and being honest.
Although, top tip: your partner always looks amazing on Valentine’s Day, whatever you think!