Bath Voice January 2024

bathvoice January 2024 No. 47

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INSIDE Bus News Page 5 Mr Darcy revisted Page 6

What’s On: Pages 14-16 Rugby stadium News Page 12 Sports News Page 13

Wintery scene at Lyncombe Hill Fields The Friends of Lyncombe Hill Fields are seeking more volunteers in 2024 to help care for the ‘hill top paradise’ - this photo by Jackie Terrett reveals the changing seasons on the hill - a wonderful place for a walk. More on the wildlife and green haven on page 11.

Nightime workers face danger

By John Wimperis, Local Democracy Reporter: Labour councillors won unanimous support for their campaign to get the Council to improve night worker safety when they’re travelling home. The latest ONS data shows that a very large number - 42% - of Bath and

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North East Somerset’s workers work at night (20% of B&NES’ whole population) - a figure that’s been steady for the last ten years.

At the 30 Nov meeting of full Council, Labour’s Lesley Mansell (Radstock) called on the Lib Dem administration to consider staff’s safe

travel home when they’re looking at licensing decisions, improve street lighting and bus stop safety, and improve the night-time frequency and range of public transport.

Another of her proposals – to call on the area’s MPs, Wera Hobhouse Continued on page 3

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January 2024

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Bath Voice are members of:

MPs Wera Hobhouse MP - Bath 31 James Street West, Bath, BA1 2BT. Tel 01225 307024 office@werahobhouse.co.uk www.werahobhouse.co.uk Jacob Rees-Mogg - NE Somerset House of Commons Westminster London SW1A 0AA jacob.reesmogg.mp@parliament.uk BANES Councillors Oldfield Park: Ian Halsall 07575 922200 ian_halsall@bathnes.gov.uk Widcombe & Lyncombe: Alison Born 01225 319188 Alison_born@bathnes.gov.uk Deborah Joan Collins Deborah_Collins@bathnes.gov.uk 01225 395954 Moorlands: Jess David 07977 500804 Jess_david@bathnes.gov.uk Southdown: Paul Crossley 07718 632959 paul_crossley@bathnes.gov.uk

Dine Romero 07900 276613 dine_romero@bathnes.gov.uk Combe Down: Onkar Saini 07429 149782 Onkar_Saini@bathnes.gov.uk Bharat Ramji Nathoo Pankhania Bharat_pankhania@bathnes.gov.uk 07464 867554 Odd Down: Joel Hirst 07792 869044 joel_hirst@bathnes.gov.uk Steve Hedges 07971270879 steve_hedges@bathnes.gov.uk Twerton: Sarah Moore 07807013635 Sarah_moore@bathnes.gov.uk Tim Ball 01225 400834 / 07970461674 Tim_ball@bathnes.gov.uk Westmoreland: June Player 07967 920064 June_Player@bathnes.gov.uk Colin Blackburn 07796 807157 Colin_Blackburn@bathnes.gov.uk

USEFUL NUMBERS Bath & North East Somerset Council Guildhall, High Street, Bath, BA1 5AW Bath One Stop Shop 3-4 Manvers Street, Bath, BA1 1JQ Council Connect 01225 39 40 41 Email: council_connect@bathnes. gov.uk Bath & North East Somerset Citizens Advice Bureau 2 Edgar Buildings, George Street, Bath, BA1 2EE 0344 848 7919 NHS Urgent: 111 / Emergency: 999

Police www.avonandsomersetpolice.co.uk General inquiries: 101 Emergency 999 Fire www.avonfire.co.uk Inquiries: 0117 926 2061 Emergency: 999 Anti-social behaviour team asb@bathnes.gov.uk 01225 842462 Well Aware Health and social care information www.wellaware.org.uk (Freephone) 0808 808 5252

COMPLAINTS Despite our best efforts, we sometimes get things wrong. We always try to resolve issues informally at first but we also have a formal complaints procedure. If you have a complaint about anything in the Bath Voice, contact the News Editor using the details below. We aspire to follow the the Code of Conduct of the NUJ (National Union of Journalists), nuj.org.uk/about/ nuj-code.

Further details of the complaints process can be found on our website or can be obtained by contacting the Editor by email: news@bathvoice.co.uk or by post: 1 Camerton Close, Saltford, Bristol, BS31 3BT or by phone: 07402 441485 All stories and pictures are © Bath Voice (unless otherwise stated) and may not be reproduced without permission.

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n NEWS

Continued from page 1

and Jacob Rees-Mogg, to work in Parliament for minimum private hire and taxi standards – was also supported by all parties without any disagreement.

Speaking in the Guildhall’s chamber, Cllr Mansell said how proud she was to bring this Unite union campaign to Bath and North East Somerset. She stressed that a vast number of people - women in particular - work late at night, not only in hospitality but in healthcare, local government, transport and other sectors.

These workers are also, she said, often society’s lowest paid. They frequently suffer sexual and verbal harassment as well as physical attacks when they’re going to and from work at night.

“Women and girls feel particularly vulnerable,” she said, “waiting at bus stops in the dark, walking home at night or parking in isolated spots. A recent Government survey said 57% of women don’t feel safe on public transport and 84% feel unsafe waiting for a bus.” She said, “the night-time economy often does not feel like a safe place to be,” and drew attention to B&NES’s 31% increase in recorded violent crimes and sexual assaults last year (ONS, Jan 2023).

If the Lib Dem administration delivers on what the motion asks it to do, B&NES will join local authorities like Edinburgh and Manchester in making significant changes that protect often-female, often low-paid, night-time workers.

Labour’s Leader Robin Moss (Westfield) said the Lib Dem council will have to make a concerted effort to do what it agreed to at the meeting, but that the motion had been checked both for legal compliance, and that it was achievable. He said, “politics is the art of the possible – just like community leadership,” acknowledging that protecting night workers will require the council to demonstrate its community leadership and commitment to residents’ safety.

“At a time when news about local government is all financial doom and gloom, it’s positive that we can emphasise what can be done, and how local councils can provide positive leadership. This initiative will not be easy, needing the council to work with a wide range of agencies and businesses, but it is vitally important that nighttime workers are safe getting home from work.

“Many people who work in Bath live outside it, in North East Somerset, and getting back home

A sanctuary at night in Bath Bath Safe Bus is part of The Bath BID’s Safe and Secure activities to provide a safe space for vulnerable people late at night. They may not require emergency care, but may benefit from a safe space to talk and be listened to, get support or advice or seek first aid. The project helps reduce anti-social behaviour, violence against women and girls, and other criminal behaviour in the city centre, whilst also supporting the emergency services to reduce calls on A&E and the demand on the Police. It’s in the city centre every Friday and Saturday night from 22:30pm to 04:30am and is there on other busy nights. Staffed by medical, security and volunteer teams, it also needs more volunteers to keep it operating. Volunteers will work alongside and support medical and security staff. To apply visit https://www.bathbid.co.uk/safe-and-secure/bath-safe-bus/

isn’t easy. Even if you have a car, you often have to park a long distance away from your work, and of course public transport often stops midevening. To get B&NES Council to commit to this initiative is only the important first step; next will be revisiting the council’s progress, in a few months’ time.

“This Labour Opposition has no intention of spending the next few years just spreading warm words, and sitting back when everyone agrees with us. We intend to do all we can to help this administration deliver on what B&NES councillors vote for it to do.”

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January 2024

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n NEWS

advisor to other leaders from across the county.

Volunteers received 20 and 10 year service awards, plus county awards recognising the contribution that leaders make every week.

From “campfires burning” to “go well and safely”, there was some great singing, with volunteers enjoying s’mores* hot dogs and

hot chocolates to keep them warm.

Even the rain didn’t dampen their spirits!

Girlguiding Bath is entirely volunteer run and they welcome new people to help in Bath.

Contact via Facebook or register on the Girlguiding website at https:// www.girlguiding.org.uk/ Founded in 1910 by the Baden-Powells the UK membership

is around half a million - it is an international set of associations giving girls and young women new experiences from public speaking to hiking and above all a sense of achievement, new friends and self confidence. * A s’more is a confection consisting of toasted marshmallow and chocolate sandwiched between two pieces of cracker.

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Girlguiding volunteers gathered in Bath last November to celebrate the work of those who give their time to empowering girls and young women

Guide News: Girlguiding volunteers from across Bath gathered round a campfire for an evening of toasting marshmallows, singing favourite songs and celebrating achievements of 2023.

They celebrated the 50 years service of Ines Laidler, whose time in Girlguiding has included being a Brownie and Ranger leader, a mentor to new leaders and an

January 2024

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Bus News: Age UK has called for “indispensable” local bus routes which have been cut after losing local government support to be brought back writes Local Democracy Reporter, John Wimperis.

The charity, which campaigns on issues such as poverty and loneliness among older people, called for West of England Metro Mayor Dan Norris to work with it on creating a bus service that worked for older people. It warned: “The current system is at risk of further isolating vulnerable groups.”

In a letter to Mr Norris, the chief executives of the Bath and North East Somerset, North Somerset, Bristol, and South Gloucestershire branches of Age UK expressed their “collective concern” and called for “a more balanced approach to the provision of public transport within our region.”

Bus routes which are vital for communities but are not profitable for bus companies to run have long been financially supported by local authorities, with the arrangement in the West of England being that the constituent councils pay a transport levy to the Metro Mayor who uses it to pay for the routes.

But after a funding row between the Metro Mayor and the councils over who should fund the buses, the combined authority announced at the start of the year that 42 buses would be cut across the West of England.

In rural North East Somerset, one of the hardest hit areas, many villages have been left without buses. The Chew Valley was left with just one bus — the 672 into Bristol — until this was also cut.

The situation has left people in rural communities, and particularly the older generation, isolated.

Marion Harrington, 90, lives in Paulton and, after her bus into Midsomer Norton was cut, said: “We haven’t got the freedom we want.”

In their letter to Mr Norris, the Age UK bosses warned: “Supported bus routes are indispensable, providing reliable access to healthcare, social engagements, and essential services for our older residents and those facing the greatest inequalities in our communities. They extend beyond mere transport services, acting as lifelines that foster inclusivity and enable fuller participation in community life.”

The cuts came as the West of England received £57m of Bus

Service Improvement Plan funding from the government, which was used to fund the birthday bus pass scheme and the WESTlink demandresponsive bus service.

In their letter, Age UK said: “The birthday bus pass scheme by the West of England Combined Authority, alongside the recent introduction of the WESTlink service, represents innovative steps toward boosting passenger numbers and enhancing connectivity in rural and remote areas. However, the initial challenges faced by the WESTlink service, particularly the reported unavailability of minibuses and accessibility of the app, highlight the essential role that supported bus routes and community transport play in our public transportation ecosystem.”

The letter added: “The birthday bus scheme, while catchy, may not adequately address the core transportation needs of many of our residents, especially when compared to the benefits derived from supported bus routes and community transport initiatives. The essence of public transportation is to provide reliable, accessible, and inclusive services to all, particularly those facing the greatest barriers.

“We urge the West of England Combined Authority to prioritise and re-allocate adequate funding to supported bus routes and community transport, alongside further exploration and refinement of innovative schemes like the WESTlink service.

“A balanced, well-funded public transportation system comprising these elements is pivotal for fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and accessible community.”

Bath and North East Somerset Council — who Mr Norris accused of being “deceptive” and “meansspirited” — had called on Mr Norris to use some of the Bus Service Improvement Plan funding from the government to pay for the routes, but Mr Norris insisted it was the council’s responsibility to pay for the buses and he was only allowed to spend funding “new and innovative schemes.”

Got a story for Bath Voice? Email Harry on news@bathvoice.co.uk

The government has since indicated that some of the money can be used for supported buses.

At a West of England Combined Authority committee meeting in October, Mr Norris set out a plan to spend £1.1m of the funding on supported services but vetoed a plan by council leaders to restore buses using £7m of leftover funding from the birthday bus scheme.

Sisters Margaret Dando, 80, and Janet Stevens, 88, live in Paulton, and were at a protest outside the meeting. Ms Dando said she relied on the 82, which came to the estate she lives on, to visit her disabled son in Midsomer Norton and now she has to walk further to the next bus.

Speaking at the October protest, before the weather got colder, she said: “We are lucky at the moment. Janet’s 88. We can just about manage to walk down the bus stop at the moment. But it takes us about 15-20 minutes to do so. We won’t be able to do that in the winter.”

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A book featuring Mr Darcie and treating cancer at the RUH Pictured, Zita Muranyi is a Hungarian writer and poet and has previously won the Sandor Bródy Prize for her debut novel, Tükörpalota.

There’s plenty about the writer on the internet and on her website at https:// zita-muranyi-authorpage. mozellosite.com/

By Harry Mottram: Hungarian author Zita Muranyi has published a new novel which may be of interest to fans of Jane Austen and in particular Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy. On Mr. Darcy’s Sofa is in her own words a book that: “combines humour with poignant moments, creating a compelling narrative...”

A Hungarian take on one of Jane Austen’s most memorable characters - well why not? The publicity reads: “Throughout the book, the references and comparisons to Jane Austen and Mr Darcy are skilfully interwoven, adding a layer of depth and resonance to the story.”

On Mr. Darcy’s Sofa, is set in Hungary and draws on the author’s own experiences, offering a unique perspective that transports readers to a “captivating world of love, loss,

and second chances.”

She explains that in the novel, readers are introduced to Presser: “Mr. Darcy’s 21st-century alter ego, who finds himself grappling with the challenges of real life.

Struggling in the job market and facing the complexities of marriage and co-parenting, Presser’s journey is a heartfelt exploration of the human experience.”

From the blurb it sounds like a universal story of everyman, rather than the luxurious life of the owner of Pemberley. It’s not the first novel to be inspired by Pride and Prejudice. Bridget Jones’ Diary famously brought the story up to date in the 1990s but there’s also been Abigail Reynolds’ Pride and Prejudice series - most notably The Price of Pride, also Lara S Ormiston’s Unequal Affections: A Pride and

Pictured is the team of Professor Hashim Ahmed, of Imperial College London; Lucy Simmons, Consultant Urologist at RUH; Karen Cornett, VP Clinical Operations, Sonoblate; Paul Sayer, Founder of Prost8

Prejudice Retelling, and The Other Bennet Sister by Janice Hadlow that follows the fortune of Mary - the nerdy sister put down by everyone for her piano playing.

On Mr. Darcy’s Sofa is available for purchase on Amazon or on her website.

Prostate Cancer News: Surgeons at the RUH have successfully treated two prostate cancer patients with a high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) treatment - the first time this therapy has been carried out in the region.

RUH Consultant Urologist Miss Lucy Simmons, mentored

by Professor Hashim Ahmed and teamed up with cancer charity Prost8 and The UK Ultrasound Foundation.

The new HIFU unit integrates advanced image-guided capabilities and ultrasound energy

to precisely target the prostate without any incisions or radiation, therefore sparing nearby healthy structures.

RUH Consultant Urologist Miss Lucy Simmons said: “Receiving a diagnosis of prostate cancer can be a challenging time for men and their loved ones. There are many options for treatment available and not all are suitable for everyone. It’s important to note that HIFU will be the right route for some men, but not all.

“Men with newly diagnosed prostate cancer in the region who feel they may be eligible for and interested in pursuing HIFU treatment should speak to their treating clinician and discuss referral for eligibility assessment to Bath.”

More details at https://www. prost8.org.uk/ - as the charity will help guide them in

Petition launched to save Moles after it closed last month

By John Wimperis, Local Democracy Reporter: A petition to save a legendary grassroots music venue in Bath has been gaining about a thousand signatures a day.

Moles — which hosted early gigs from bands such as Pulp and the Smiths — announced it was filing for insolvency and closing its doors with immediate effect on December 5. Co-owner Tom Maddicott said: “Making the decision to close Moles was horrendous, but the cost-of-living crisis has crippled us.”

But in the days since then a petition calling on the local authority to save the venue has attracted — as of Friday December 8 — over 2,900 signatures.

Petition organiser Jasmine Ritchie called Moles an

“irreplaceable part of Bath’s cultural landscape.” The petition states: “We must act now to ensure that Moles continues to be a beacon for music lovers in Bath and beyond.

120 grassroots music venues have closed their doors since this year alone- 15% of the industry.

“We are calling on the local authority and stakeholders to recognize the cultural significance of Moles and take necessary steps towards its preservation. By doing so, we can ensure that future generations will also get the chance to enjoy this iconic venue.”

More than a hundred people left comments on the petition with memories of the venue. Anita Craig wrote: “I was born in Bath and spent many happy nights enjoying the live music scene at Moles.

Small venues like Moles are the birthplace of new talent and make an important contribution to the local economy. It’s tragic that they are being priced out.”

Tamara Hanson commented: “Moles is a historical venue which helped launch the musical careers of many. These types of venues are a dying breed and need to continue.

“Music brings people together.

I went to Moles on a few visits to Bath with people I met because of a band who played there a long long time ago — Tears For Fears.”

The iconic band was formed in Bath in 1981 and co-frontman of the group Curt Smith is among those who have backed the call to save the venue. He shared the petition link on social media site X (formerly Twitter) telling followers: “You know

To advertise, contact Erica on erica@bathvoice.co.uk or call 07402 441485

what to do.”

Bath and North East Somerset Council has not yet said what they could do to save the venue. But Paul Roper, the council cabinet member for economic and cultural sustainable development, said: “Moles has a special place in the heart for so many of us, Bathonians and visitors to the city alike.

“Bath has a thriving night-time economy with something for everyone but there’s no doubt that this has come as a real blow to live and grassroots music.”

Moles opened on George Street, Bath, on New Year’s Eve in 1977 reported the BBC. Founder Philip Andrews signed a lease for just £2,000 - then had to renovate the entire venue, which had been derelict for five years.

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Letter from Save Combe Down Allotments Association as fears for its future mount as their lease ends The B&NES Allotments Association (AA) represents the interests of over 600 allotment users in the city of Bath. There are 24 Council run allotments sites, with over 1,000 plot holders (more counting families and friends). There is an ever-growing waiting list for plots – now running at around 600 people. This reflects the national resurgence of interest in local food growing and local food security, as well as in the many social and well-being benefits of outdoor horticulture. Notably more young people and women are joining the movement. Parish councils run the sites in rural areas, and there are also some privately run sites in the city.

Unusually, by an accident of history, the large allotment site at Combe Down has been held in leasehold since 1894. The site extends from Church Road in the west, to Shaft Road in the east, although the eastern area (known as the Paddock) has been laid to grass since the 1990s. The site, along with the adjacent quarry and the Monkton School playing fields, is owned by a distant relative of the original landowner, who is not a resident of Bath.

The site was procured in 1894 by the Monkton Combe Parish Council to serve the workers in the Bath stone mines, for which the area is famous and is included within the World Heritage Site. In 1967 the city boundaries were changed and the site became the responsibility of Bath City Council.

The Council has held rolling leases since that time. In 2019 the owner reduced the period of the lease to 5 years.

This lease had a break clause of 3 months notice, although the Council failed to advise the tenants about this. Moreover, the shortness of the lease prevents the Council from using Section 106 or Community Infrastructure Levy funds ( funds secured through legal agreements on planning permissions) to reinstate the now urgently needed plots on the Paddock. Officers were negotiating a lease of at least 15 years, but on the 8 November the owner instead gave the Council advance notice of his intention to end the lease in

2025. No explanation about this turn of events has been given.

64 plots will be lost, along with the well established links to the wider community of family, friends and charities. The Combe Down Site has close ties with the Three Ways School to which it supplies surplus food through the Crop Drop charity. 58 people are on the waiting list in that area. They will no longer be able to get a plot in the foreseeable future, as the only other site in Combe Down has just 10 plots. Other sites are much further away, requiring a drive, and have waiting lists of 2 – 3 years. Despite concerted efforts

by Officers, no new site has been been identified. The Mulberry Park housing development went ahead without any allotment provision being secured, either on or off the site, and the Section 106 money taken for this purpose remains unspent. The significant increase in population in the Combe Down area will make the situation even worse.

A scheme to layout the Paddock to provide 22 more plots was promoted by the Allotments Association in 2021. Plans were drawn up by us and we were informed that funding (from the Section 106 funds) had been approved.

However, this project was put on ice in the pre-election period, as it became the subject of a concerted campaign by local residents in St Winifred’s Drive, which overlooks the Paddock area, to prevent the plots being installed.

Negotiations to extend the lease also stalled. In the interests of transparency, the Council resolved to make a planning application for the 22 plots on the Paddock. In fact planning permission is not needed and the AA is of the opinion that local consultations could have been carried out without the need for a formal application, which would have caused considerable delays.

As the current lease falls due in April 2024, in effect people will be forced to abandon their plots by the end of the summer 2024 growing season. Many of these folk have been quietly growing

sustainably and supporting community food banks for decades. Several newcomers have only recently been given plots and have in effect wasted time and money on erecting sheds and bringing their plots into productivity without any warning from the Council about the uncertainty of the lease. In fact one year leases have only recently been given issued to tenants, which go beyond the end of the site lease!

This is an historic site – Baths oldest – with a fascinating history which has been documented by a local historian. There are 64 plots and 58 people on the waiting list.

There is no other site in the area that can be found to replace such a large number of plots, let alone cope with the increasing demand.

The site has been blighted by the expansion of the adjacent stone quarry, with many plots lost to the quarry. It has also been under pressure recently from a Public Right of Way diversion promoted by the Monkton School, which failed to succeed due to a large number of objections from the wider village community who use the public path.

The Council has declared a climate emergency and a biodiversity emergency, but there is a lack of a corporate recognition of the need to support local food growing communities.

The AA is perplexed by the actions of the Council and by the lack of actions. The Council must have realised how fragile the future of this site was and should have worked with the community to protect it. Instead the plot holders and the AA, despite asking numerous times, have been given little information.

The AA is doing all it can to save this site. It has already nominated the whole site for designation as a Local Green Space (LGS). This is powerful planning tool.

A nomination for LGS can only be made through the preparation of a Local Plan. This is not the first time we have tried – in 2015 an earlier nomination was summarily

Got a story for Bath Voice? Email Harry on news@bathvoice.co.uk

removed by officers from the plan without consultation. At our second attempt, when the Council made its Local Plan Partial Update in 2022, our nominations for LGS were also turned away, as not being a relevant issue, despite the declared Climate emergency.

The AA does not want the nomination for LGS designation of the Combe Down to be rejected yet again. This site is now the only Council or Parish run allotment site in the whole District that remains undesignated and unprotected.

Even the two other private sites in Bath enjoy full protection in the Local Plan, so ownership is not a barrier.

LGS status could potentially support a future bid to have the site designated as an Asset of Community Value. We will also be publishing a further document on the ways in which the Council could use its Compulsory Purchase Powers under the Town and Country Planning Act, 1990.

Action is now needed from the local community. A public meeting is being organised, and we have arranged meetings with local Councillors and Cabinet members.

The AA and the wider allotment community is asking for: 1. political support for a Local Food Growing Strategy, backed up by stronger Local Plan policies to ensure developers to provide adequate Green Infrastructure (as set out in the Green Infrastructure Strategy) either on their sites or on identified and deliverable alternative sites.

2.

B&NES local Councillors to support the adequate provision of allotments in their area and to resource officers to bring the Allotments Service up to a visionary standard, befitting the need for urgent local action to combat climate change. Allotment tenants pay rents, so this does not mean putting pressure on other budgets.

3.

The full support of the Council in investigating options to secure the site and to support future community actions to save this important and historic allotment site.

Jacky Wilkinson Bath Allotments Association.

January 2024

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Planning News by Local Democracy Reporter John Wimperis: A Bath primary school is hoping to get planning permission to build a “log cabin” to house its school library.

About 400 children attend Combe Down Primary School from reception to Year Six. While some classrooms and facilities are based in buildings around the lower playground, much of the school is based in the large log cabin by the top playground.

Currently, the school library is located in a corridor in the cabin.

A design and access statement submitted with the planning application to Bath and North East Somerset Council warned: “This means that access is restricted to a limited number of students at a time and can not be used as a quiet reading or learning space.”

Now the school hopes to remove two storage sheds from their forest school area and build a new log cabin to host the school library under the trees.

You can view and comment on the application here: https://

www.bathnes.gov.uk/webforms/ planning/details.

Gaza War News: Campaigners have urged Bath and North East Somerset Council to call for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza — but an attempt to table a cross-party motion on the issue fell apart.

Protests have been happening repeatedly in Bath — as in many cities — since the current conflict between Israel and Hamas began in October, calling for a permanent ceasefire. Campaigners have also called on the council to speak out on the issue.

Delivering a statement at a full meeting of Bath and North East Somerset Council on November 30 as a member of the public, Nicola James urged the council to “act on its moral responsibility to speak out.”

Speaking on behalf of Bath Campaigns Network and a host of other local organisations, she told councillors: “We would like to start by saying that we unequivocally condemn all violence, express deep mourning for all victims, and call for the safe return of those illegally

held on both sides in the Israel/ Gaza conflict.”

Other organisations supporting the statement included Bath Trades Union Council, Bath Friends of Palestine, Bath Stop War, and Rethinking Security BANES. In the attack on October 7

by Hamas, the group, which runs Gaza and is proscribed as a terrorist organisation by the UK, crossed into Israel and killed 1,200 people and took about 240 others hostage. More than 14,800 people have since been killed in Israel’s campaign against Hamas in Gaza according to figures from Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry.

Councils going bust: The leader of Bath and North East Somerset Cllr Kevin Guy has warned the council could run out of money in two years if the cuts in funding from central Government continue - coupled with interest rate hikes and inflation, writes Harry Mottram.

It’s a problem facing authorities across the country as finances are stretched - with social services most under scrutiny.

One in 10 county councils

n NEWS in England is facing effective bankruptcy - including Lib Dem-run Somerset that has a black hole in its budget despite being turned into a single unitary authority in order to save cash.

Labour-run Birmingham City Council was forced to slash spending after declaring itself effectively bankrupt last September. The government said it had already made £5.1bn extra available to local authorities for 2022/23 - and was ready to talk to any council concerned about its financial position.

Jonathan Carr-West, CEO of the Local Government Information Unit think tank, said: “There have been some well-publicised failures in places like Birmingham, Thurrock, Slough and Woking, but our research shows even if councils haven’t got to the point where they’re issuing Section 114 notices saying they can’t balance the books, even the councils that aren’t there yet are very anxious that they’re on that pathway.

“We’re seeing more and more well-run councils telling us they’re moving much closer to the edge.”

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January 2024

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9

Englishcombe Lane: Garages behind the little Tesco on Englishcombe Lane in Southdown, Bath could be turned into three homes writes Local Democracy Reporter John Wimperis.

BHR Properties Limited submitted a planning application to Bath and North East Somerset Council for the garages behind the Tesco shop, turning mechanics’ Hill Rise Garage into an office and replacing the 11 lock up garages with a terrace of three homes.

A planning application for the houses was turned down by Bath and North East Somerset Council in 2016, but was later approved on appeal. But the planning permission they granted has since elapsed and now developers are hoping to secure it again.

In a planning statement, developers said that the new homes would be better for the neighbours than the current use. The statement said: “The neighbours currently abut the unrestricted commercial garage site. The actual area of land in question is used for the keeping of numerous vehicles

and it is inevitable that vehicles have been left to run or are revved vigorously while in this area, obviously impacting on the reasonable residential amenity of the neighbours. The application proposal will significantly improve the prevailing residential environment.”

You can view and comment on the application here: https:// www.bathnes.gov.uk/webforms/ planning/details.

Bloomfield News: St Luke’s Classic Film Club features a number of dates in the new year with screenings of The Lady Vanishes and Singing in the Rain amongst the titles planned.

The Classic Film Club at St Lukes Church just off Wellsway starts the new programme on Friday January 19th 2024 at 7.30pm and is a free event with light refreshments available although donations are gratefully received.

Rebalance Bath: the wellbeing festival returns on 25th January and runs to the 18th of February.

Events include workshops, spa days, therapy sessions, laughter

yoga, fragrance profiling and glass blowing amongst a host of diary dates.

You can find out more at https://www.welcometobath. co.uk/rebalance-bath-festival-ofwellbeing/ Lunar New Year: The Museum of East Asian Art celebrates the Lunar New Year from 21st January with various activities at the Bennett Street athenaeum along with the Chinese the Year of the Rabbit that ends on Februray 9th when The Year of the Dragon takes over for the rest of 2024.

Farm News: Bath City Farm has received a third of a million pounds from the National Lottery Community Fund to be awarded over three years.

The cash is for the farm’s Roots to Work programme that gives adults over 18 years old who are long term unemployed, have a mental health concern or a learning disability a programme of work experience and training to give them a chance of gaining a job.

It began as a pilot programme in July 2022 and grew in popularity,

reaching out to people who had been socially isolated by the pandemic. The programme aims to develop people’s skills and confidence in catering, hospitality, retail, ground maintenance, wildlife conservation or horticulture.

Trainees work alongside staff once a week for up to 6 months in either the cafe, community kitchen, Farm gardens or grounds. During the placement, trainees gain real on the job experience, learn new skills and earn AQA Awards to prove their abilities.

During the first 9 months pilot period Bath City Farm saw 54 people through the Roots to Work programme, 24% of those successfully gained employment, 33% progressed onto a volunteering role, 15% went on to education and 28% continued on the programme until a suitable progression was found. Since then a total of 81 trainees will have entered the programme with several new enquiries each week.

For more information contact Amy Nelson on amy@bathcityfarm. org.uk

n MESSAGE FROM AVON & SOMERSET PCC

Have a say on your policing bill I HOPE you have been having a wonderful festive period.

I would like to start the New Year by thanking all the officers and emergency services staff who have worked tirelessly to keep our communities safe over this time.

The Police Funding Survey is now live online.

I encourage every resident to give their thoughts on my proposal to increase the policing part of the council tax, known as the precept, by £10 a year (that’s the equivalent of 83p per month) for the average Band D household. The survey will close on January 22.

Local policing is funded by a combination of people’s council tax (the precept), Home Office funding, and other grants.

The precept makes up 41% of police funding and I, as your PCC, am responsible for setting

the amount of money residents contribute to local policing through the precept.

You can access the link to the precept survey on the OPCC website, www.avonandsomersetpcc.gov.uk.

Last month, my office launched a new volunteer recruitment campaign, looking for members of the public from all backgrounds and walks of life to visit people in one of three custody centres we have in Avon and Somerset, in Keynsham, Patchway and Bridgwater.

These volunteer roles are called independent custody visitors, and they perform a vital role in ensuring people who are detained in custody following arrest are aware of their rights and are receiving what they are entitled to.

If you can spare two hours per month, at a time to suit you,

to partner with another custody volunteer and undertake a visit, please apply before 18 January.

No experience is necessary, just a commitment to seeing fair, efficient and effective policing in our communities.

Visit our website and go to the ‘Get Involved’ section to sign up.

I urge people to be extra careful when shopping online at any time, but particularly this time of year, as we see online shopping increase in the annual January sales. Many people are looking for bargains after the Christmas period and I warn shoppers: if it looks too good to be true, it probably is.

To protect yourself from fraud and cyber crime, I advise everyone to follow advice of the Take Five to Stop Fraud campaign: Stop: Taking a moment to stop and think before parting with your

Got a story for Bath Voice? Email Harry on news@bathvoice.co.uk

With Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Shelford money or information could keep you safe.

Challenge: Could it be fake? It’s okay to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.

Protect: If you think you’ve been a victim of fraud, contact your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud online, at actionfraud.police. uk, or by calling 0300 123 2040.

January 2024

bathvoice

10

n Book Review

One of the period prints in the book shows a view of Church Street in 1789, while right is Widcombe Manor with the Mummers in 2023

A Walk Down Church Street, by John Chambers. Book Review.

People have been walking the five minutes it takes to go from one end of Church Street in Widcombe to the other since 1086 suggests John Chambers in his book on one of Widcombe’s and Bath’s oldest streets.

His book covers the history, the buildings, some of the residents and the industries that have made this street as he puts it, “the very essence of every ancient English village distilled there.”

The author places the street and its most famous church in historical context explaining the area was originally a rural backdrop to Roman Bath where farms supplied the city with produce before the Anglo Saxons took on the task of farming the area. By then it seems the street may have been a track linking the farms before the Domesday Book records the thoroughfare.

The book charts the growth of the street as a country lane to a place of residence with its new residents of ‘clergy, the military,

West Indian Plantation owners and from the colonial services.”

His notes on the oldest building, that of St Thomas the Becket Church includes the likelihood it was preceded by a wooden church pushing its likely date and that of the surrounding houses to Saxon England and who knows before that? Other notable buildings are covered including Widcombe Manor, 11 and 12 Church Street, the former pub The Hare and Hounds at number 5 and the New Inn - another pub that as the author

notes was ‘the equivalent of the Widcombe Social Club’ which stood at the corner of Widcombe Hill and Church Street.

John Chambers lives in Widcombe Terrace, Church Street and is a Emeritus Professor of Clinical Cardiology at Guy’s and St Thomas’s Hospitals and King’s College London.

The publication of the book by John Chambers in collaboration with the Widcombe Association, follows a highly successful series of guided walks along the street, isbased on his research.

A Walk Down Church Street, priced at £12, can be bought through the Widcombe Association’s website.

Harry Mottram

January 2024

bathvoice

n NEWS

Pictured last January is part of the Lyncombe Hill Fields photographed by Jackie Terrett

Lyncombe Hill Fields: Regular readers will be aware of the progress made by Friends of Lyncombe Hill Fields to enhance the bio-diversity of the fields and woodland they have managed over the last three years writes Maurice Tennenhaus.

The directors are determined to consolidate the progress of the project by becoming more financially independent through sales of their 2024 calendar.

The print run of 100 was sold

out well ahead of schedule and plans for the 2025 edition are already in hand.

Work parties are now organized by seven Site Leaders (including the two Directors) who plan and manage the volunteers each week.

The directors and site leaders are determined to build on the 5,000 hours of volunteer time to date by expanding the range of volunteers and look forward to welcoming students from Bath University and Bath Spa University along with

local residents and school students involved in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme over the next few months.

January 2024 might be the time to make good on that resolution to spend more time outside and meet new people.

If you would like to know more, go to the website: friendsoflyncombehillfields.co.uk or email them at lyncombehillfields@ gmail.com Harry Mottram writes: The Friends of Lyncombe Hill Fields is a Comunity Interest Company and has two directors in Chris KinchinSmith and Maurice Tennehaus and was was incorporated in 2020.

It was awarded a license to take on the fields by the Council that year and have since transformed the land from rough grazing pasture into a community green space with newly planted trees, benches, hardcore paths, information boards and numerous interventions to increase the flora and fauna of the ‘wild hilltop paradise.’

Lyncombe Hill Fields History: The area of the fields off Greenway Lane and above Widcombe were owned

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11

by Bath Priory in Saxon times and were linked to the owners of Lyncombe Hall in the Domesday Book of 1086.

In 1539 the Priory was dissolved

by Henry VIII and the land passed to the ownership of the Crown.

Hugh Sexey bought the manor and fields and after his death in 1610 it was sold on to various estates when in the 19th century the fields were rented to the tenant farmer Henry Dagger who lived in Lyncombe Hill Farm until 1901.

He was succeeded by Sarah Dagger and her son Edward Millwater after his death who ran the farm until 1906. The next farmer was Henry Brooke who took on the tenancy until 1919 when the Lyncombe Farm Estate was put up for auction. Various owners ran the farm and the fields until in a failed bid to build houses the Council bought the land.

During the Second World War some of the land was used as allotments in the ‘Dig for Victory’ campaign. Some of the land remained as allotments after the war while the fields were rented as pasture until the lease came up for review in 2020.

bathvoice

12

January 2024

n NEWS

Bath Rugby Stadium News: The planners are currently studying the proposals for the new stadium at the Recreation Ground which will see if agreed major changes including a permanent East Stand, new hospitality options, revamped stands and improved facilities for the fans, club and also the community.

However there have been numerous objections to the plans including one correspondent who raised a topical question: what happens to the stadium if the club goes bust or decides to move to a larger ground in the future?

Topical, as several top flight rugby clubs have gone bust in the last few months including Wasps and London Irish leaving question marks over their grounds and facilities.

There are several objections from major organisations. The Environment Agency have concerns over flooding from the River Avon, while one correspondent is concerned about the lighting with its potential impacts wildlife on the River Avon, a designated Site of Nature Conservation Interest (SNCI) and another concern raised is the disturbing of part of the site that was formerly a land fill area.

The Friends of the Recreation Ground have listed a number of objections including disputing the legal situation and history of the negotiations over the status of the Rec specifically disagreeing that ‘all legal obstacles (to development of the Rec) have been overcome’.

Heritage England, the Georgian Society, the Avon Gardens Trust, and the International Council on Monuments and Sites UK (ICOMOS) have submitted objections.

ICOMOS wrote: “For the reasons set out in detail below, it is the view of ICOMOS-UK that the proposed Rugby Club development in its current form would result in a significant level of harm to the

behind. We need to know now how the Government intends to tackle pavement parking across England.

“Pavement parking is dangerous and affects us all, whether you’re in a rural village like Timsbury or in suburban Bath.

“It makes streets inaccessible for older people, those with visual and physical disabilities, wheelchair users and those who use mobility aids, and forces families with pushchairs and young children into the road.

“Clear pavements need clear laws. We need a nationwide default ban, with the option to allow pavement parking in certain circumstances, as is currently available in London.

This would be much easier for everyone to understand.”

Another advocate is the Green Party’s Cllr Saskia who said: “Currently, obstruction of a pavement is a police matter,

bathvoice

n SPORTS INFORMATION Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) of the City of Bath World Heritage Site and to the OUV of the Great Spa Towns of Europe serial transnational World Heritage Site, recently inscribed in 2021.”

The Bath Preservation Trust (BPT) and Historic England urged the planners to await the Icomos review, before making a decision.

The BPT make it plain they don’t support the plans and urged the planners to take note of the guidance of the World Heritage Committee, UNESCO. Comments from locals and residents also criticised the plans which would have a knock on effect with an added 4,000 spectators on match days with increased traffic and noise and disruption in the surrounding streets.

However the club believes the plans will: “...include the regeneration of the riverside in the heart of the city, the creation of significant sporting and community benefits...”

And the plans have received a favourable reception from many fans and residents of the club.

You can read the plans put

forward on the club’s website and also the comments on the Council’s website at Planning Application Reference: 23/01618/SCOPE New Councillor News: This is a repeat of the article on the councillor Halsall published in the November issue as Bath Voice spelled his surname incorrectly - to which we apologise.

It was a university course on town planning at UWE that brought Ian Halsall to Bath from Burnley. We met up for a brief chat – he’s the councillor for Oldfield Park having won the local election in May. Initially he worked in Swindon for the council but after a break due to Covid he got involved in local politics and stood for election for the Lib Dems. One of his tasks is to champion the continued use of Student Community Wardens who help to educate students into not trashing the streets and as a member of the Council’s Planning Committee he keeps tabs on the ever contentious HMOs – basically houses that are turned into flats. He’d like to join Bath Rugby but with the planning application ongoing he sticks to supporting Burnley FC.

Pavement parking debate sparks call for it to be illegal

By Harry Mottram: If you have ever pushed a pushchair along a pavement with perhaps a small child in tow as well and found the way blocked by a vehicle then you will have discovered first hand the problem of pavement parking.

A blocked pavement or a partly blocked pavement by a van or a car can force you out into a busy main road something to be avoided.

Scotland and London both ban vehicles from parking on the pavement - even if only part of the vehicle is on the sidewalk.

In Bath Lib Dem Cllr Stephenson-McGall is in favour of a ban. He said:“Three years ago, the government consulted on options to tackle pavement parking in England, yet the DfT is still sitting on the results. This is taking far too long.

“In the meantime, Scotland has rolled out a nationwide ban and England is falling

January 2024

not a council one. With a pavement ban, council officers can fine people for parking on a pavement. Pavements are for people, not cars.”

Recent YouGov polling, commissioned by the charity Living Streets, found that 62% of adults over 65 in England were worried about obstructions on the pavement.

87% of parents have had to walk into the road because of pavement parking and that 80% would be more likely to walk their child to school if there wasn’t pavement parking.

Other organisations, including charities as diverse as Guide Dogs, RNIB, Disabled Motoring UK, Sustrans, Spinal Injuries Association, and the British Parking Association, are also backing the ban on pavement parking.

However with so many cars in the city and so little space to park many motorists do park on pavements to avoid damage

To advertise, contact Erica on erica@bathvoice.co.uk or call 07402 441485

to their vehicle from passing traffic.

And some will excuse the practice if only a small part of the pavement is affected or the pavement is very wide allowing full passage for pedestrians.

You can report pavement parking to the council at https://fix.bathnes.gov.uk/ report/1678448 if it is on double yellow lines; in a space for Blue Badge holders or in a residential parking bay; in a marked taxi bay, cycle lane, bus lane or on a red line; near a school entrance with mandatory School Keep Clear markings or a bus stop; or on single yellow lines depending on the times indicated.

Illegal parking can be reported to the police and they have plenty of details on what is considered on their website at https://www. avonandsomerset.police.uk/ report/parking-issues/

13

Bath City FC’s long history Bath City Football Club’s history is long and full of ups and downs.

Founded 1889 as Bath AFC with a change of name to Bath City in 1905 the club have played their home matches at Twerton Park since 1932.

Before that the team played at the North Parade Ground until 1900 when they switched to the Belvoir Castle Ground, Lambridge in 1919 and finally moving to Twerton Park by which time they were playing in the Southern League.

The club have seen some changes in fortunes enjoying their heyday of support after World War 2 as one the best supported nonleague teams with gates well over 1,000 and often much higher.

A decline in the 1970s and 1980s when gates regularly dropped below 1,000 saw the

ground shared with Bristol Rovers from 1986 to 1996.

Things came to a head when in 2015 the club put forward a plan to convert the club to a community owned set up championed by film director Ken Loach. By 2017 the finances and structure were in place and the club entered a new era although like many clubs it remained in debt.

In recent times the club has seen some stability with rising support and the creation of the Bath City FC Community Foundation that has been instrumental in reaching out to the community through a number of projects and special days and events.

And now there’s a woman’s team and junior teams as well.

This season playing in the National League South Bath has

January Fixtures: For results visit the website. Teams listed n Alphabetical Order. email results and fixtures to harryfmottram@ gmail.com American Football: Bath Killer Bees: The Bath Killer Bees are members of the British Universities American Football League (BUAFL)’s South Western Atlantic Conference.

28/01/24 - Bristol University Barracuda (H) 04/02/24 - Bournemouth University Bobcats (H) Athletics: Bath Half Marathon.

Sunday 17 March 2024 Visit https:// bathhalf.co.uk/ Football: Bath City FC. Bath play in the National League South, the sixth tier of the football pyramid.

• Mon 1 Jan. VNLS. Home V Chippenham.

• Sat 6 Jan. VNLS. Away V Yeovil.

• Tue 9 Jan. VNLS. Home V Slough.

• Sat 13 Jan. VNLS. Home V Braintree.

• Sat 20 Jan. VNLS. Home V Dartford.

• Tue 23 Jan. VNLS. Away V Westonsuper-Mare.

• Sat 27 Jan. VNLS. Away V Maidstone.

• Sat 3 Feb. VNLS. Home V Eastbourne Borough.

• Sat 10 Feb. VNLS. Away V Hampton and Richmond.

Football: Bath City Women The Bath City Women Development Team play in the Somerset County Women’s League in Division 2 North.

• Sun 7 Jan. Away V Shaftsbury.

• Sun 17 Jan. Away V Ridgeway.

• Sun 28 Jan. Away v Stockwood.

•Sun 18 Feb. Away V Frome.

Football: Larkhall Athletic FC. Founded in 1914 the Larks play in the Southern League Division One South (SLD1S) and are based at the Securitas Stadium, Plain Ham. With a development team, a youth team

also been boosted by a number of West Country derby games including arch rivals Yeovil, former league outfit Torquay, Somerset’s Weston-super-Mare and Taunton Town along with Wiltshire’s Chippenham which all help to increase attendance.

For those new to the city the

Romans play in a Black and White striped kit at one of the most atmospheric grounds outside of the football league.

A friendly and easily accessible ground in what may be described as an old school setting in the former village and now suburb of Bath in Twerton.

and a women’s team the Larks are one of the leading outfits in the city.

They are part of Larkhall Sports Club. Visit https://larkhallathletic. com/ • Mon 1 Jan. Home V Frome.

• Sat 6 Jan. Away V Bishops Cleeve.

• Sat 13 Jan. Home V Wimborne.

• Sat 20 Jan. Away V Bemerton H. • Sat 27 Jan. Away V Melksham.

• Sat 3 Feb. Home V Willand.

Football: Odd Down FC. They are currently members of the Western League Division One (WLD1) and play at the Lew Hill Memorial Ground.

• Sat 6 Jan 24. Away V Bishop Sutton • Wed 13 Jan. Cup. Away V Cribbs R • Sat 20 Jan. Home V Hengrove A. • Sat 3 Feb. Away V Cadbury Heath Netball: Team Bath Netball.

Team Bath Netball play in the Vitality Netball Super League which begins in March. Details at https:// netball.teambath.com/ Pre-season

competition 14 January, TriTournament at Team Bath Arena with London Pulse and Severn Stars from 2pm. Home games in 2024, 7.30pm unless stated: • Fri 1 Mar. Home V Severn Stars.

• Fri 8 Mar. Home V London Pulse.

• Fri 15 Mar. Home V Saracens Mavs • Fri 5 Apr. Home V Leeds Rhinos • Fri 12 Apr. Home V Cardiff Dragons • Sat 4 May. Home V S. Storm. 4pm.

• Fri 10 May. Home V Loughborough • Fri 24 May. Home V Manchester • Fri 31 May. Home V S. Sirens.

Rugby: Bath Rugby Union Club Men Details at https://www. bathrugby.com/ • Sun 7 Jan. Home V Gloucester (GP) • Sun 14 Jan. Home V Racing 92 (ICCup) • Sun 21 Jan. Away V Toulouse (ICCup) • Sat 27 Jan. Away V Bristol (GP) • The Six Nations start on February 2nd, 2024.

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Got a story for Bath Voice? Email Harry on news@bathvoice.co.uk

bathvoice

14

January 2024

n WHAT’S ON

New year with so much to look forward to in 2024

Theatre Picks In Bath Egg Theatre Fri 1 Dec-Sat 13 Jan. Wendy: A Peter Pan Story. James Baldwin’s adaptation of J.M. Barrie’s classic story. Various times including 10am, 2pm, 6pm. Age 6+.

Thu 7 Dec-Sun 7 Jan. Midnight Mole. A heart-warming, moondancing adventure from the creative team behind Snow Mouse- with a nod to Chekhov’s The Cherry Orchard- full of puppetry and music.

9.30am, 11.30am & 1.30pm (Not Mondays). Age: 6mths-4yrs.

Sun 7 Jan – Mon 5 Feb. Snow Mouse. A child finds a sleeping mouse buried under the soft white flakes.9.30am, 11.30am & 1.30pm (Not Mondays) Age: 6mths-4yrs.

Main House Theatre Royal Thu 7 Dec-Sun 7 Jan. Sleeping Beauty. Pantomime with song, dance and high comedy with Neil McDermott as the Prince, Jon Monie as Lester the Jester, Nick Wilton as the Dame, Jane Buckley as Fairy Snowfall and Maisie Sellwood as Princess Rose.

Various performance times. No show on Christmas Day or Jan 1.

old. 7.30pm.

Thu 25 Jan. Andrew Bird. Taken Seriously. Comedian. 8pm.

Fri 26 Jan. This is your (Improvised) Musical. Audience suggestions drive the show. 8pm.

Sat 27 Jan. Ania Magliano. I Can’t Believe You’ve Done this. Comedian.

7.30pm.

Ustinov Studio Mon 29 Jan-Sat 10 Feb. Metamorphoses. A new ballet by Kim Brandstrup in a double bill with Minotaur. Deborah Warner Season.

7.30pm.

Fri-Sat, 5-6 Jan. Sophie Bevan. One Tue 16 Jan. The Forum. Bath Philharmonia and Nicola Benedetti. The violinist performs Bruch’s of the great lyric sopranos of her romantic evocation of Scotland. generation. Deborah Warner Season.

Wed 10-Sat 20 Jan. The Circle.

Incident of the Dog in the Night7.30pm.

Somerset Maugham’s sparky comedy Time. Next Stage Theatre. Based on Theatre Picks Outside Bath of manners. 2.30pm, 7.30pm. the book by Mark Haddon, adapted by Bristol Old Vic: Thu 23 Nov–Sat 6 Simon Stephens Wed 24-Sat 27 Jan. HMS Pinafore.

Jan. Arabian Nights. Drama based Gilbert and Sullivan’s comic opera Rondo Theatre on the folk tales ideal for children and with Opera della Luna. 2.30pm, Wed 17-Sun 21 Jan. The Wind in families.

7.30pm. the Willows. Bath Drama production Bristol Tobacco Factory: Fri 1 Fri 2-Sat 10 Feb. Blue Beard. Emma f Kenneth Grahame’s classic story Dec- Sun 21 Jan. Oliver Twist. A reRice’s drama about a magician directed by Gill Morrell. Weekend imagining of Charles Dickens’ story set whose past is exposed by his bride. matinees 2pm, and 7pm. in Victorian England.

Mission Theatre Wed 24 Jan. Apricity Theatre Continued on page 15 Showcase. The company is 10 years Tue 23-Sat 27 Jan. The Curious

January 2024

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15

n WHAT’S ON Continued from page 14

Cheltenham Everyman Theatre: Fri 24th Nov - Sun 7th Jan. Mother Goose. Pantomime.

Salisbury Playhouse: Sat 25 Nov-Sun 7 Jan. Dick Wittington.

Pantomime production following Jack and his cat Cosmo in search of fame and fortune.

Taunton Brewhouse: Sun 7-Sat 13 Jan. Dick Wittington. Pantomime production following Jack and his cat Cosmo in search of fame and fortune.

Wyvern Swindon: Tue 9-Sat 13 Jan. The Woman in Black. Gothic horror drama.

Pick of Diary Events in Bath Fri 17 Nov-Wed 3 Jan. Royal Victoria Park. Bath on Ice. Ice skating outdoors – also Moguls Alpine Bar And Glow Golf.

Fri 5 Jan. Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institute. Gravitational Waves and Black Holes. Talk by Dr Isobel Romero-Shaw.

Fri 5-Sun 7 Jan. Widcombe Social Club. Jazz weekend. Large number of performers.

Fri 12 Jan. Komedia. Megaslam Wrestling. The ancient entertainment that mixes theatre, sport and spectacle is enjoyed by families and

fans of wrestling.

Tue 16 Jan. The Forum. Bath Philharmonia and Nicola Benedetti.

The violinist performs Bruch’s romantic evocation of Scotland.

Tue 16 Jan. Burdall’s Yard. Emerge and Friends. New theatre from actors in Bath.

Wed 17 Jan. Widcombe Association.

Garden Talk on Zoom. John Tucker talk.

Thu 18 Jan. Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institute. Aztecs Abroad.

By Dr Caroline Dodds Pennock.

Historical Association talk – for tickets mikeshort20@btinternet.com Fri 19 Jan. Chapel Arts. Littlemen in concert. American rock band based in Bath.

Fri 26 Jan. Holburne Museum.

Late opening as Re-Framed. Until 8.30pm. Volunteer gallery trails, talks and insights.

Sun 28 Jan. Widcombe Social Club. Film Bath EO. Veteran Jerzy Skolimovski’s heartwarming/breaking film about the life of a donkey.

Fri 2 Feb. Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institute. Talk on Johannes Kepler. By Nicolas Pallett.

Johannes Kepler (1571-1630) – astronomer, mathematician, visionary, dreamer, explorer, astrologer – is

best known for his laws of planetary motion, providing one of the foundations for Isaac Newton’s theory of universal gravitation. 7.30pm.

Wed 14 Feb. Widcombe Association.

Garden tour. Planted by Jenny Pym and later Norma Reid a garden where you can see camellias and hellebores.

Galanthus ‘Atkinsii’, Galanthus ‘Nivalis’ (common snowdrop).

Wed 14 Feb. Bath Forum. Bath Philharmonia and Lara Melda.

Includes: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Overture to The Marriage of Figaro; Florence Price, Adoration; Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Piano Concerto No.

21 (Elvira Madigan), Movement II; Gustav Mahler, Adagietto (Symphony No. 5, Movement IV); Guiseppe Verdi, Prelude Act 1 La Traviata; Frédéric Chopin, Piano Concerto No. 2.

Thu 15-Sat 17 Feb. Roper Theatre.

Bath Opera perform Handel’s Semele. With Hannah Drury in the title role.

Fri 16-Sat 17 Feb. Widcombe Social Club. Beer and Cider Festival.

See the club’s website for more information.

Tue 20 Feb. Burdall’s Yard. After mirth. 11am. Comedy Club for new parents.

Pick of Diary Events outside of Bath Severn Bore. The wave that powers up the River Severn arrives around 9am at the Severn Bore Inn, Minsterworth on the 13-15 January.

Park up and don’t get too close to the river’s edge.

Slimbridge. Meet the tide. 13-14 Jan. Arrive before 9am to see thousands of golden plovers gather as the Severn bore tide arrives.

Exhibition Picks in Bath American Museum, Bath. Claverton.

The Museum features collections from the United States where you can visit rooms that recreate periods of Continued on page 16

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January 2024

bathvoice

16

n WHAT’S ON Continued from page 15

its history.

Burdall’s Yard. Art exhibition.

Charlotte Moore - Panel Paintings.

A series of panel paintings, all with historical references. Formerly resident in Australia, Charlotte Moore has lived in and near Bath for the last 20 years, a member of Bath Society of Artists, over these years she has exhibited in Bath, London, and other open exhibitions. She studied at Chelsea School of Art and Falmouth College of Art. Free. Until February 3, 2024.

Herschel Museum of Astronomy.

It is located in a town house that was formerly the home of William Herschel and his sister Caroline.

Holburne Museum. The heart of the present day collection was formed by Sir Thomas William Holburne (17931874). It was eventually bequeathed to the people of Bath. Current shows include Lucie Rie pottery until Jan 7, the art of Sarah Biffin to Jan 14 and the art of Gwen John until 14 April.

Museum of Bath at Work. Julian Rd, Bath BA1 2RH. Enter the world of working Bath through a series of authentically reconstructed workplaces, workshops and display galleries. Exhibition: All Day Long: The Workers of Bath in Fifty Portrait

The American Museum in Claverton near Bath is not only a fascinating look at post Columbus American life but also a neat place for a picnic and a walk around the grounds

Photographs.

Museum of East Asian Art. MEAA’s collections consist of some 2,000 objects. The majority of these are of Chinese origin, spanning from 5,000 BC to the present.

Victoria Art Gallery. Exhibitions include Gail Mason: The Unseen Landscape to 7 Jan, 2024; When Dreams Confront Reality: Surrealism in Britain to 7 Jan; Catherine Ducker: Emotion in Colour. 9 Jan to 14 April. From Jan 19 to April 14: The Wonderful World of Ladybird Book Artists.

Exhibition Picks outside Bath Bristol Museum & Art Gallery.

Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2023. To 1 Apr 2024.

Taunton. Museum of Somerset.

Until March 9th Journeys in Art by Alexander Hollweg.

Weston-super-Mare Museum.

Adventures in Time & Space - 60 Years of Doctor Who Art Exhibition to 27 Jan 2024.

Attractions in Bath Assembly Rooms. The National Trust are working on the Georgian Experience, due to open in 2026. You can book a visit the once centre of Georgian social life – wearing period costume is optional.

Bath Abbey. Not just a place of worship with numerous events and services but also features a shop, tower tours, a discovery centre and a social history museum.

Bath City Farm. 37 acres overlooking the city on Kelston View.

A working farm with café, facilities, workshops and gardens.

Bath World Heritage Centre.

Interactive exhibits and displays designed to reveal the history of Bath and show visitors and residents free walking trails and guides to help you explore everything Bath has to offer.

Jane Austen Centre. Gay Street.

Everything you need to know about the author and her life.

Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein. Gay Street. Monsters and more.

No.1 Royal Crescent. Features an immersive experience, which will allow you to see life as it was lived in Georgian Bath during the late 1700s. Look beyond the Crescent’s famous Palladian façade and see what life was like for the wealthy and their servants in eighteenthcentury Bath Great views from the windows.

Prior Park Gardens. Ralph Allen Drive. Even in winter it’s an interesting walk around the woods, copses and palladian bridge.

The Roman Baths. The hot water that comes out of the ground is the reason Bath exists. A fascinating tour of the city’s history from the time of the Romans.

Domiciliary Care / Home Care / Supported Living: We are committed to providing 24 hours homecare support in the comfort of your own home.

Live-in Care: We provide full-time care in the comfort of your own home, a viable alternative to residential care, especially for individual and couples.

Respite Care / Night care: We step in when you need to make time for yourself from caring for your loved ones.

Community care / Support: We support you with all community activities such as shopping, attending medical appointment and all social activities within the community.

Extra care / support: We provide specialist care for people with special needs / complex care while at home.

Our staff include: Registered Nurses (RN) / Registered Mental Health Nurses (RMN) / Registered Learning Disabilities Nurses (RLDN) / Senior Support worker (Medication competent) / Support Worker.

bathvoice

Happy New Year from Bath and North-East Somerset Libraries!

Adult Fiction

An Astronomer in love – Antoine Laurain This book has a wonderful cover which first attracted me to the story, and it has proved a lovely read. Translated from the French, this is the story of two men looking for the plant Venus in the sky but in fact ending up finding something entirely different. In 1760, Guillaume Le Gentil, a real-life astronomer, has been instructed by King Louis V to set out into the Indian Ocean to document the transit of Venus – one of the rarest astronomical phenomena – occurring every 121 years with an eight year gap then occurring next in 105 years. The journey is full of adventure with new discoveries both on land and in the sky.

In parallel, 250 years later, Xavier Lemercier, a Parisian estate agent,

chances upon an old telescope in a property he has sold. He brings it home hoping it help him bond with his son and as he looks out across the rooftops of Paris, he discovers a fascinating woman with a zebra in her apartment!

Then she walks into his office, and everything changes.

Part adventure story, part modern-day love story, this is a lovely, enchanting book – witty and heart-warming.

The Fastest way to fall - Denise Williams, as reviewed by Emilie Bioud, Keynsham Library Assistant Britta Colby, works for a magazine, dreaming to be promoted.

She manages to convince her boss to let her try the new sport+ personal coach app online. She will ask advice to her coach, see how it is improving her lifestyle, and report to the magazine about the benefit of such app. She peppers her reports with body positive messages and jokes.

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n BATH LIBRARY BOOK REVIEWS AND NEWS

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Her coach, Wes Lawson, really enjoys his new customer, she sounds fun and very motivated. The use of the app stipulates, they wouldn’t meet in person, but if an accident in a staircase were to bring them face to face?

A light read that keeps you in a good mood.

Adult Non-Fiction

Good food for your table – Ian James, Nicholas Selby and Louisa ChapmanAndrews Start the new year with this entertaining book from the high street grocers Melrose and Morgan.

These wellestablished grocers have put together a handy guide for a wellstocked larder; expert information on good food and how to manage your kitchen cupboard so nothing goes to waste.

There are sections on bread and of course on how to make it; how to make butter; seasonal fruits and grains; pasta sauces and even a page on to make a cup of tea! The section on making jams and marmalade is my particular favourite.

Children’s Non-Fiction

Nature Spotter, plants and animals of Britain and Northern Europe - Derek Harvey, as reviewed by Emilie Bioud, Keynsham Library Assistant National Bird Day is the 5th of January, why not take your little ones in the garden to see how many different birds they can spot?

It might be winter, while some species are dormant, birds are still very active and will probably enjoy a bit of food and a drink left outside for them.

Nothing is more enjoyable than to see children excited to engage with wildlife and being able to observe the birds coming. It might be a great time also to go by a river and try to spot a beautiful Kingfisher, very shy, very quick and almost too difficult to spot when nature is in full bloom.

Some schools will be joining the RSPB program to spot birds around their school grounds. We have a range of information books about birds and wildlife, this DK book is a new

Got a story for Bath Voice? Email Harry on news@bathvoice.co.uk

edition, with bright pictures, full of explanations - you will find it helpful with your curious spotter. You never know you might nurture the next David Attenborough.

Wild Oak – C C Harrington A wonderful, atmospheric children’s book. Set in the big freeze of 1963, Maggie has been sent to stay with her grandfather in Cornwall - she has a stutter and so finds school a little bit overwhelming which can sometimes land her in trouble. She barely knows her grandfather but loves walking through WildOak Forest. There one day she discovers an abandoned snow leopard hiding in the forest.

He is called Rumpus and the pair form an understanding in secret but when he is spotted by the local villagers, danger strikes and threatens not just Rumpus but the forest as well. A great read for cold winter days.

Library News

Storytime: Thursday at 11am is Storytime at Keynsham Library – term time only and for 0-4 years. Come along, with a cushion and listen to some fantastic new stories.

As here’s always so much going on in all our libraries, and it’s all free, so drop in and see what’s on offer. For families with children, sing along at Baby Bounce and Rhyme, or get comfy whilst listening to stories at our everpopular Storytime.

For adults, we’ve got book clubs, writing classes, and much more throughout the year. Joining the library costs nothing, so pop in or visit www.librarieswest.org.uk to also access thousands of eBooks, eMagazines, Audiobooks, and a wealth of other resources! Our ‘Virtual Library’ has loads going on, including the latest library news, competitions, book reviews and, all our digital offers.

Search ‘Bath and North East Somerset Libraries’ on social media or visit bathneslibraries.wordpress.com

Moorland Road Community Library

Tues 10-4pm, Thurs & Fri 10-1pm and Sat 10-1pm. Email for more info at Moorlandroadcommunitylibrary@ gmail.com And visit https://www. moorlandroadcommunitylibrary. com/ to find out how to volunteer and much more. The library is seeking more volunteers to help keep it open for longer.

bathvoice

18

n NEWS

Charlton House News By John Wimperis, local democracy reporter: A council is planning to close down a council-run care home where a person was left sat in urine overnight — but councillors have warned there has been a “lack of transparency” over the proposal.

A CQC report into Chalton House in Keynsham published a year ago found one person had been left sitting in urine overnight, another had an “unexplained bruise” to their chest, and staff did not call for medical assistance for seven hours after one person had suffered a stroke.

Now Bath and North East Somerset Council, which runs the care home, is consulting on plans to shut it down. The care home’s 11 residents would be offered support to find new accommodation while staff would mostly move to other council-run care homes such as Cleeve Court and Combe Lea. The council is in discussion with the Royal United Hospital to use the Charlton House building as a “stepdown ward over winter.”

The consultation stated: “We would make every effort to minimise the disruption of any move. We recognise that we are talking about people’s homes, and we would work closely with the current staff, service users, families, and carers, together with external support agencies, such as health professionals, to ensure a smooth transition.”

The proposed move does not affect the extra care scheme at Hawthorn Court, which is on the same site as Charlton House.

In January, the council’s cabinet member for adult services Alison Born had delivered an apology for the state of the care home at a council scrutiny panel on children, adults, health and wellbeing, stating the council was “extremely sorry.” Now the same scrutiny panel is set to write to Ms Born to express its “disappointment” that it was not told of the plans to close the care home — despite Ms Born having been questioned by the scrutiny panel about the same care home just a month before the consultation on the plans to close it was launched.

Speaking at the latest meeting of the panel, chair Dine Romero said: “The answers we got were not as full as we later learnt that they ought to have been.”

Asked at a council cabinet

An inclusive play unit that has been specially designed for children who use wheelchairs has been installed in the centre of Royal Victoria Park in Bath. The unit has two generous ramps which enable children to access an exciting offground play platform, without having to negotiate stairs or be lifted out of their wheelchairs or buggies. Bath & North East Somerset Council’s parks play team designed the structure after consulting with families who use the park and with wheelchair users. It replaces a play unit which was not fully accessible, although popular features from the old unit have been incorporated into the new one, including the slide and steering consoles.

meeting in November by Labour council opposition leader Robin Moss about why the plan had not been mentioned at the meeting, Ms Born said: “I did make reference to the upcoming consultation in my last report to scrutiny and would have been happy to have discussed it further but it was not picked up or raised.”

In a Labour Party statement, the deputy chair of the scrutiny panel, councillor Liz Hardman said: “The council’s lack of transparency is no way to treat these families and residents, who reasonably thought Charlton House’s future was secure.

I urge people to take part in the consultation, so that Bath and North East Somerset Council fully understands local people’s care needs.”

Ms Born said in a statement: “The council is following a clear and transparent process to reach its decision on this. It is consulting until December 18 on proposals to reshape care for people being looked after in our three community resource centres, Cleeve Court, Combe Lea and Charlton House. These are difficult and sensitive issues as they concern people’s homes. We have held forums for staff, relatives, residents and the public, enabling them to respond to the proposed changes that affect all three homes and as cabinet member I have also responded to queries from individual councillors.

“Along with senior officers of

the council I attended a drop-in session at Charlton House last week to discuss the proposals with families and residents, and I am listening closely to what is being said in the consultation.

No decision has yet been made and we will consider carefully the views we receive before doing so.

“The council gave notice on October 3 that I as cabinet member was considering approving consultation on the future delivery model for the council’s three community resource centres. The Children, Adults Health and Wellbeing PDS Panel was also informed on October 9 that there were plans for consultation on the future use of the Community Resource Centres.”

An update was to be given to the PDS Panel last month before we went to press.

Bathampton Property News

by John Wimperis, Local Democracy Reporter: A home in Bathampton could be knocked down and replaced by two “chalet bungalow”-style houses.

A statement included with the planning application sent to Bath and North East Somerset Council said: “Having provided a comfortable family home since its construction in the mid 20th century, the bungalow at 82 Warminster Road has now fallen in to some disrepair and falls well short of current standards

To advertise, contact Erica on erica@bathvoice.co.uk or call 07402 441485

January 2024

in terms of architectural aesthetic, construction materials, energy efficiency, access, safety and futureproofing.”

It added that the house was still structurally sound and “provides functional living accommodation” but said that there was damp throughout the property, and it would need a complete upgrade to fixtures and fittings, electrics, heating and hot water systems, and its “decor.”

Replacing the house, Robert Grace Ltd proposes building two four-bedroom homes “in the style of a chalet bungalow.”

You can view and comment on the plans here: https://www. bathnes.gov.uk/webforms/ planning/details.

Westfield plans: Latest bid to build six homes in Westfield. Developers once again are trying to get planning permission for homes on a patch of land in Westfield in an eight-year planning battle writes John Wimperis, LDR. The land behind the evergreens next to the entrance to Westfield Industrial Estate has been the subject of multiple applications, but planning permission has only ever been granted for a single dwelling to be built there. Now developers Flower and Hayes — who recently had an appeal against Bath and North East Somerset Council’s refusal of their plans to build seven homes on the site dismissed — have submitted a new planning application to build six.

A planning statement submitted with the application said: “The design has now been reconsidered and the proposed development reduced in size, taking into consideration and addressing all comments received to date.”

The homes would be twostorey, with two homes being semidetached and the rest detached homes. But one local, K Ashman, warned it is “absurd to try to cram 6 houses into this tiny space” in a comment on the council’s planning portal.

In total three objections have been lodged, but two supporting comments have too. Stephen Killey said: “Houses need to be built in the area for local people. Also, gardens have been included which is great.”

You can view and comment on the application here: https:// www.bathnes.gov.uk/webforms/ planning/details

January 2024

bathvoice

n NEWS

Council Tax News By John Wimperis, local democracy reporter: Council tax could go up by 100% on second homes in Bath and North East Somerset.

A proposed move, set to be decided by Bath and North East Somerset Council next week, would double the council tax bills of second homes in the area. But the rise would not come into effect until April 1, 2025.

Councillors are also set to decide whether to charge extra council tax on “long-term empty” homes and on whether to approve a change to council tax support with the aim of “increasing fairness.”

The Levelling-Up and Regeneration Act 2023, which became law in October, gives councils the ability to increase council tax by 100% on homes which are kept substantially furnished but are only occupied periodically with no-one resident for council tax purposes.

There are 858 second homes in Bath and North East Somerset which would be hit by council tax hike — enough to rake in an estimated £1.84m more in council tax in a year.

After the sections of council tax which go to the police force, fire service,

19

and parish councils, this would leave £1.48m as extra income for Bath and North East Somerset Council.

A report going before the council stated that an increased number of second homes in the area had a “negative impact,” in terms of fewer homes available to meet local needs and “local residents being pushed out of the housing market.”

The report stated: “The recommendations in the report will either incentivise owners of second homes to sell them, thus returning them to local housing stock or increase contributions to the council and help fund vital services.”

The council is facing a £35m budget gap over the next five years and has warned it will need to make “extremely challenging” efficiencies.

The council is also facing a £6.5m overspend in the current financial year, largely driven by the council’s children’s services running £4.6m over budget due to an increasing number of looked after children and the increasing cost of home-to-school transport.

At a meeting on November 9, council leader Kevin Guy warned: “If the funding situation — particularly for adults and children’s services — is

not rectified by this government or the next government, it is only a matter of time before all local authorities in the United Kingdom go bankrupt.”

Another council tax change set to be considered next week affects “long-term empty” homes.

Residential properties which have been unoccupied for between two and five years currently pay a 100% council tax premium, with an even higher premium for homes empty even longer. Under another proposed change permitted under the Levelling-Up and Regeneration Act 2023, the council plans to charge the premium once a home has been empty for one year, rather than two.

162 empty properties currently pay the 100% premium. The proposed change — which would come into effect from April 1 2024 — would mean 340 other properties which have been empty for between one and two years would need to pay the premium. This would bring in an estimated £670,000 more in council tax, of which approximately £540,000 would go to Bath and North East Somerset Council.

Councillors will also be voting on an update to council tax support so

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PROTECT YOURSELF FROM FRAUD Fraud and cybercrime are the most common criminal offences in the UK. As the threat continues to grow and evolve, it’s important to remember one thing - most of it can be prevented.

By following just a few steps, you can make it harder for fraudsters to steal your money or personal information when online, on the phone or at your front door.

Got a story for Bath Voice? Email Harry on news@bathvoice.co.uk

that the housing costs and childcare elements of Universal Credit are no longer considered income. The change would lower council tax for 2,768 households but reduce the amount of support offered to 1,127 others. The changes would have an estimated cost to the council of £225,000.

Discussing the proposed changes to council tax support at a council meeting in September, council cabinet member for resources Mark Elliot said: “It is not a cost-cutting exercise. We are trying to improve fairness.”

Council tax — which currently brings in £113m for Bath and North East Somerset Council, just over a third of the council’s £300m operating costs — is paid based on the value of your home. Councils set the level of tax an average “band D” home will pay, and the value of your home determines whether you are in a band that pays a percentage above or below this amount. But a bizarre twist of the council tax system is that, because of the potential unpopularity of re-evaluating homes for council tax, households still pay council tax based on what their house would have been worth in 1991.

January 2024

bathvoice

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can fit within. Many UASCs speak little or no English, which makes integrating into a predominantly white English-speaking area difficult.”

But the report also warned: “When UASCs are placed out of county in large cities, the vulnerability to them increases, especially around modern slavery and further trafficking.”

Speaking at the meeting, Mr May said: “If that child lives in London, then we have to send social workers up to London or we employ a social worker in London.

It’s a real issue because the cost is the government’s interpretation of the cost, it isn’t the real cost. Which is one of the reasons why we are overspending.”

He added: “The simple fact is, some local authorities are not taking their allocation, which is why we are now saying let’s just stand back and think about how we deal with this most effectively.”

• The Government have published their policy on unaccomapanied children at https://www.gov.uk/ government/publications/illegalmigration-bill-factsheets/illegalmigration-bill-children-factsheet

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get to 18, they then come into our requirements around 18-25s and there is no funding actually given for that so it is a real cost issue.”

Most of the 32 unaccompanied asylum seeker and refugee children who were put in the council’s care in the last year were between 15 and 18, as well as one 14-yearold and one 13-year-old. Not all unaccompanied children in the council’s care are placed within the area itself.

A report that went before the meeting by the independent reviewing service, which monitors the care provided to children, stated: “The majority of UASCs [unaccompanied child asylum seekers] are not placed locally or are already residing in larger cities across the country, often a placement they have been in before Bath and North East Somerset became the corporate parent.

“A number of children who have a placement within the local area say they would like to move to larger cities where they can maintain contact with friends they already know or be part of the community they feel they

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to request suspension of referrals though the remainder of the financial year.”

On November 13, he had told a meeting of the council’s children, adults, health, and wellbeing policy development and scrutiny panel: “There is a regional meeting of lead members and we have raised the issue there with them about unaccompanied asylum seeking children, because it appears as though across the South West the numbers that some authorities have got — like us — are high, relative to the 0.1% that they set the target. Others don’t appear to have taken their children.

“So at the moment we have just notified them that we are going to be putting a hold on taking any more.”

The council recently warned that it is facing a £6.5m overspend in the current financial year — with a major area where the council is overspending being children’s services, which is running £4.6m over budget.

Mr May added: “We should care for them, that is not the issue. But if their case is not dealt with by the home office by the time they

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Asylum News: Bath and North East Somerset Council will stop looking after any more unaccompanied children who come to the UK seeking asylum writes Local Democracy Reporter John Wimperis.

Children who arrive in the UK as asylum seekers without a parent or caregiver are placed into the care of local authorities, with 32 put into the care of Bath and North East Somerset Council in 2022-23.

But, amid budget pressures at the council, a top councillor has said the local authority will be “putting a holdon taking any more.”

Paul ay, the council’s cabinet member for children’s services, said in a statement: “Bath and North East Somerset Council has worked diligently to meet the Home Office allocation for unaccompanied asylum seeking children.

“This has required the local authority to place many unaccompanied asylum seeking children out of area due to sufficiency challenges. This has added significant financial pressure to an already pressured Children’s Services budget. The local authority has written to the Home Office

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n NEWS Police News: Two drivers who caused a fatal collision by racing on the A367 near Bath have been jailed for a combined total of 16 years.

The men were in separate cars racing side-by-side into a sharp bend on Dunkerton Hill at about 10.45am on Wednesday 3 March 2021. One of the vehicles collided head-on with a VW Polo car coming in the opposite direction being driven by 64-year-old Heather Church. Heather suffered significant head injuries and sadly died at the scene.

At Bristol Crown Court today (Friday 24 November), two men were sentenced for an offence of causing death by dangerous driving. Daniel Leonard, 29, of no fixed address, (pictured above left), was given a 15-year sentence, made up of 11 years in prison and an additional four years on licence, while 32-yearold Mark Howell, of Bloomfield in Bath, (pictured above right), was sentenced to five-and-a-half years in prison.

In addition, Leonard will be banned from driving for 10 years following his release from prison, and Howell will be banned for five years on release. Both will have to take an extended re-test.

The court heard how Leonard was driving an orange Ford ST, while Howell was driving a BMW M5.

Both vehicles overtook a bus before racing side-by-side into the bend.

A forensic collision investigator estimated Leonard was driving at 79mph in the moments before he struck the VW Polo, causing it to rotate and propel backwards into hedging. The legal limit was 50pmh.

The engine and gearbox of the Ford ST were detached from the vehicle due to the impact of the collision. The BMW did not stop at the scene, but officers stopped the car the same evening in Downside Road, near Bristol Airport, and arrested Howell.

Crime News: A teenager has been jailed for the murder of 18-year-old Ben Moncrieff in Bath last year.

The 16-year-old, from south London, stabbed Ben once during the early hours of Saturday 6 May. Tragically Ben died of his injuries at the scene in the Southgate area of the city, despite the efforts of medics and passers-by trying to help.

The teenage offender – who as a juvenile cannot legally be publicly identified – was found guilty of murder after a trial in October and was remanded ahead of sentencing today (Wednesday 6 December).

January 2024

bathvoice

He was handed a life sentence with a minimum 15 year term at Bristol Crown Court. His Honour Judge Peter Blair KC said that given the devastating impact on Ben’s family and friends and the communities of Bath no sentence could be considered long enough. He stressed that the defendant had gone out with a knife, while Ben’s hands were empty.

Retail News: The fashion store Zara has opened a store in Southgate.

It joins a number of new stores opening in the shopping area including Oliver Bonas, Breitling and Tag Heuer.

Retail spaces in the Old Post Office building on New Bond Street in Bath are now available for local businesses to rent while the redevelopment of the Fashion Museum progresses.

Bath & North East Somerset Council has brought three retail units on the ground floor of the building up to standard for independent traders to occupy, thanks to funding from the West of England Combined Authority. This is before the relocation of the Fashion Museum Bath and the council’s Milsom Quarter Masterplan, a 20-year vision to transform the area.

A new seafood restaurant Flute on George Street opened before Christmas which lies just s few yards from the former Loch Fyne Fish Restaurant that closed in 2020.

The Widcombe Deli that was force to close in December when its lease was not extended has a pop up store in the Ram pub next door on Widcombe Parade.

Exercise News: Little Gym has opened a new unit at the Kingsmead Leisure Complex. The business is a franchise operation that began in the USA in 1976 and offers classes in gymnastics, dance, karate, and Kinder music to children up to the age of 12.

Finn Russell news: The Scottish international rugby player who now plays for Bath has been speaking to the BBC. He said: ““I love it here at the Rec. They sell it out pretty much every week I think and the fans get right behind the team, it’s the first time playing for a team that the city is fully behind I think. In Glasgow there’s obviously football there and in Paris it’s such a big city - the Stade Francais and PSG - so there’s a lot of other things going on. Whereas here in Bath it’s a proper rugby town, it’s great fun to be playing for a team that’s got that.”

January 2024

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