n LETTERS

Blue Badge headline

I think I need to take issue with the headline of last month’s edition. It probably wasn’t necessary to lead your front page with the heading ‘Free Blue Badge Parking To End’. Of course your publication should keep residents informed of whatever BANES council is doing, particularly as (in this instance) actual information from the council hasn’t exactly been presented with clarity.

My partner is a disabled driver and would not find the sudden removal of Blue Badge ‘privileges’ at all helpful, and while the article does state that private cars aren’t affected, two things are I find slightly troubling.

Firstly, your article ought to make reference as to why private cars aren’t affected, in that Bath has a C type CAZ. Neither your writer or the quoted council official refers to this.

Secondly, your headline seems designed to sensationalise the matter, more in the way of a red top daily paper than of a community based freesheet. After all, you needn’t use those kind of tactics to increase your readership when your publication is provided without cost.

I am also unhappy that I only heard of this decision through your publication, although I should take that up with the council. Happily, my partners vehicle is exempt from any CAZ charges and likely to remain so.

J M Gordon

Please see page 2 for an apology.

Volunteers in Schools

Because of the Covid pandemic our programme Retired & Senior Volunteer Programme (RSVP-West) Schools Programme of help in schools was halted in early 2020. Many schools are now asking us for volunteers to help children catch up with some of the learning they lost over the last few years, but sadly we have lost many of our volunteers and need to recruit again.

If you love reading and books and the company of children, we would love to hear from you! Many children in schools in BANES benefit hugely by having individual time with our vetted and trained volunteers.

A limited but regular commitment of time can bring you pleasure and satisfaction as you see your support helping children to develop confidence and skill and an enjoyment of reading.

We are a completely volunteerled organisation and we do not charge any schools for our help.

If you want to know more please contact us - either by E mail at schools@rsvp-west.org.uk or telephone 0117 922 4392

Joan Whitehead

Runners wanted Mentoring plus is a Bath based charity who work across BATHNES supporting young people facing significant challenges in their lives. For many young people, difficulties in school, at home or with peers are a daily reality.

Children and teens struggling with anxiety, unmet needs or lack of family resources are missing out on education and opportunities. They feel alone and don’t know where to turn.

We’ve been helping children facing these tough challenges for 25 years, our practitioners and volunteer mentors engage with over 250 local young people each year in mentoring programmes, youth clubs and activities designed to help inspire, increase confidence, self-esteem and improve mental health and wellbeing.

The cost of delivering these services is shooting up, with demand for them at an all-time high, meanwhile our charitable income has been hit by both covid restrictions and the rising cost of living.

Run for us in the Bath Half and help us keep providing these vital services for children in our community. You will be making a direct contribution towards helping a youngster achieve their full potential. We have a number of charity places left to fill so if you’d like to be part of the team, please contact us for further info at community@ mentoringplus.net. Places cost £47.40p but we do have some concession places available so let us know if you need help with your entry fee. The Bath Half takes place on Sunday October the 15th this year. Mentoring Plus appeal for runners

Becki Fox