n NEWS

RPZ Genesis: A difficult issue blew up last month and was diffused after the charity Genesis Trust went public with its complaint over a Residents’ Parking Zone (RPZ).

In an open letter to the media the charity’s CEO Nick Mayo wrote: “Genesis Trust’s operations in Bath are under threat from the impact of the parking restrictions planned to start in the summer in two areas of the city where the charity has premises.”

He went on to say that despite working constructively with the council ‘nothing sensible or practicable has been forthcoming’ and their work was under threat.

The open letter worked as shortly afterwards they had a meeting with council leader Councillor Kevin Guy, and cabinet member for Transport Councillor Manda Rigby.

The result was a kiss and make-up agreement which will allow the charity’s staff to access additional parking spaces in the areas affected.

It means the charity’s work with the homeless and the vulnerable in the city can continue unhindered. Safe Bus: A special bus parked in the city centre on some nights will be a refuge for those in danger or feel vulnerable.

The Safe Bus will provide first aid, psychological support, and a safe place for anyone in the city centre on Friday and Saturday nights.

It will be staffed by a combination of medical specialists, volunteers, and security staff, helping anyone needing emotional support.

Bath Business Improvement District (BID) has developed the project and will launch on 31st March, with a Friday and Saturday night service, between 10.30pm and 4.30am. Additional dates such as Bank Holidays, Party in the City, Freshers Week, Bath Rugby matches and other big events in the city will be added.

Name calling: There’s an old rebuke that parents give to their children of: “If you can’t say anything nice then don’t say anything at all.” Wise words which adults should also note as two local councillors fell fowl of this advice recently.

In the council Chamber during a debate on Entry Hill’s green space the leader of the council Kevin Guy made a disparaging comment to a member of the public caught on his microphone about suggesting flippantly the park could be an abattoir. He later apologised.

The prospective Conservative candidate Mark Stricklin for Newbridge, posted a comment on the social media website nextdoor, which was later deleted, referencing a claim that the average gay marriage only lasted two and a half years - possibly aimed at Cllr Guy. Mr Stricklin has since apologised and is no long the Conservative candidate having stepped down due to the upset caused by the comments. Perhaps less said the better over both comments since apologies were made.

Bath Spa Toastmasters: After three years of online meetings they are again having public meetings so members and guest can speak in front of an audience. They meet on the 2nd and 4th Thursday each month at 7.15pm (13th and 27th April) at The Salvation Army, Bath Citadel, Green Park Road, Bath, BA1 1XE so. Free for guests to attend and new members welcome. See Facebook, Meetup or at https:// toastmasterclub.org/portal. php?page=2989