Bath Voice February 2022

bathvoice February 2022 No. 24

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Wet, wet, wet: young footballers make a splash

Letters Page 14-15 What’s On Page 16

Oldfield Junior School, took on Saltford Primary School in a soggy game last month.

Dave Goucher, the head teacher said: “A great footy game this evening against @ SaltfordPrimary. In rather wintry weather that’s for sure!

Love the pond in the goalmouth which is what school footy is all about!

Thanks for hosting and congrats @SaltfordPrimary All the best for the next round guys.”

Sports News Page 6 Roman Bath unearthed Page 20

Puzzles Page 21 Books Page 22

Jubilee Centre’s green light for 120 student homes on the A36

By Stephen Sumner, Local Democracy Reporter. A charity’s Bath HQ is set to be rebuilt with 120 students living above it after revised plans got the go-ahead.

Developers Toplocation 4 Ltd and Longacre said it would cost more than £1.75million to bring the Jubilee Centre up to a modern

lettable standard so they needed to find a new viable use.

They said the £10million scheme could be built out within 18 months.

It was approved just before Christmas after its previous proposals were branded a “monstrosity” and unanimously

rejected by planning chiefs.

The developers said: “The finalised application scheme offers a creative design solution that not only provides purpose-built replacement employment space of higher quality with greater flood resilience, but also includes PBSA Continued on page 3

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February 2022

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My MP? Wera Hobhouse MP 26 Charles Street, Bath, BA1 1HU 01225 307024 office@werahobhouse.co.uk Jacob Rees-Mogg House of Commons Westminster London SW1A 0AA jacob.reesmogg.mp@parliament.uk My councillor?

Oldfield Park: Shaun Stephenson-McGall 07483 299240 Shaun_Mcgall@bathnes.gov.uk Widcombe & Lyncombe: Alison Born 01225 319188 Alison_born@bathnes.gov.uk Winston Duguid 07899 066440 Winston_Duguid@bathnes.gov.uk Moorlands: Jess David 07977 500804 Jess_david@bathnes.gov.uk Southdown: Paul Crossley 07718 632959 paul_crossley@bathnes.gov.uk Dine Romero 01225 477496 dine_romero@bathnes.gov.uk

Combe Down: Gerry Curan 01225 330349 / 07900684562 Gerry_curran@bathnes.go.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 Objectors lose battle over redevelopment of the Jubilee Centre Continued from page 1 (purpose-built student accommodation) – a use that does not require off-street car parking and can generate sufficient value to fund the comprehensive redevelopment of the site.”

They said the scheme would provide student housing to help Bath’s universities meet their accommodation needs and a central depot and administrative centre for Mercy in Action, which will be granted a long-term lease.

Dozens opposed the original scheme for the Jubilee Centre but only the Bath Preservation Trust maintained its objection.

It said the six-storey building proposed would be excessive and visually dominating and the developers had failed to justify putting more PBSA on Lower Bristol Road.

Bath and North East Somerset Council planning officers judged that the use was acceptable.

An artist’s impression of the development which lies on Lower Bristol Road next to Rackfield House

Approving the application, they said: “The applicant considers that the provision of student accommodation to address the future shortfall is a significant benefit of the scheme.

“Over the [Local Plan] period a shortfall of 640 student beds has been identified which, if not addressed, would lead to increased pressure in the private rented sector.

“Dick Lovett will provide 335

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PBSA beds within the plan period and the Scala could provide around 72. This leaves a shortfall of 233 beds.

“This application at the Jubilee Centre will provide 120 further beds which would therefore go some way to addressing the remaining shortfall.”

The officers said the planning inspector gave significant weight to the shortfall when proposals

for 80 student flats at the Plumb Center were allowed on appeal last year, but said there was little evidence for the claim it would free up family homes.

The council is currently updating its Local Plan to allocate student housing at the University of Bath’s Claverton Down campus to address future shortfalls.

The officers added: “The previous application was refused in part on design grounds. This application represents a significant evolution in terms of design by the applicant.

“The proposal by reason of its design, siting, scale, massing, layout and materials is acceptable and contributes and responds to the local context and maintains the character and appearance of the surrounding area.”

They said it was acceptable for student accommodation not to offer any parking and the four spaces for Mercy in Action will avoid transferring unmet parking demand onto residential streets.

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February 2022

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n NEWS

Second Liberal Democrat councillor leaves ruling party

By Stephen Sumner, Local Democracy Reporter: An outspoken Bath councillor has become the second to quit the Liberal Democrats this term amid allegations of bullying – but the party say he is the perpetrator, not the victim.

Dr Yukteshwar Kumar claimed he had been the subject of lies and discrimination and at one point was on the brink of taking his own life.

The party has denied the allegations and hit back, accusing the now independent councillor for Bathwick of bullying and harassing a female colleague in a “vendetta” over the last three years – accusations he has denied.

The Lib Dems shared an email about the woman in which Dr Kumar said he felt “thankful to the God too that perhaps, he has chosen me to eradicate an evil person”, which one recipient interpreted it as a threat.

Dr Kumar said he did not mean anything threatening and had only

hoped to remove the colleague from the party, adding: “Because of cultural differences between east and west some of the words I choose aren’t appropriate in the western culture.”

The Lib Dems said Dr Kumar’s claims had been independently investigated several times and none of his complaints were upheld but he had refused to accept the outcomes.

His departure follows that of former transport cabinet member Joanna Wright, who left the party in June to become a Green, after unrelated claims her efforts were a victim of “slow-motion sabotage”.

The administration rejected her allegations and her departure was unrelated to the dispute between the party and Dr Kumar.

Dr Kumar – Bath and North East Somerset Council’s member advocate for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic issues and the first person of Asian heritage to take the role of deputy mayor of Bath – said in an email to colleagues: “With a heavy heart but a sigh of relief, I shall

be leaving the LD group and becoming an independent councillor from immediate effect.

“This decision is solely because of the bullying, discrimination, and so much of lies and canards spread about me by just one member of the party and the council for more than three years now.

“I had faced so much trauma in my life that at one point, that I was on the brink of taking my own life.”

He claimed he had been asked not to speak to residents, he had not had equal representation on campaign leaflets and he was asked to leave a tree planting ceremony because it would embarrass another councillor.

The Lib Dems dispute the allegations.

Dr Kumar said in a post to Bathwick residents: “I originally joined the Liberal Democrat party because I believed them when they said they were the party of fairness, justice, and equality.

“But, unfortunately, my personal experience has shown me that – at

least locally – they are none of the above. There is no liberty, there is no democracy within the party.”

He claimed his experience was not an isolated incident and there was a culture of bullying and micro-aggression within the local party, which the Lib Dems have denied.

A Lib Dem spokesperson said: “We firmly reject all prejudice and discrimination of any kind and take seriously any complaint.

“Dr Kumar’s allegations have been thoroughly investigated three times – by a barrister on behalf of B&NES Council, by Avon and Somerset Police and by our own independent complaints process under a panel from outside the area.

“All three investigations found nothing to support Dr Kumar’s assertions, but he refused to accept their verdicts and has continued to repeat his discredited accusations. Endlessly repeating false claims does not make them true.” See page 5 for more.

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n NEWS IN BRIEF

Lib Dem Councillor - continued from page 4: The story of Dr Kumor leaving the LibDems included his alleged attacks on a female councillor.

The LibDems said instead of accepting the outcomes of the investigations Dr Kumar had spent three years “attacking the party in general, and one female councillor in particular, such that the police have taken action to protect her from him”.

Avon and Somerset Police confirmed it had received a report of harassment from a female against a male and said she was given advice about personal safety.

Dr Kumar is also taking the Lib Dems to an employment tribunal after he was deselected ahead of next year’s elections, however the party said it has never employed him.

It said Dr Kumar was deselected because of the legal action against colleagues and his refusal to acknowledge the outcomes of the investigations.

Spending: The council’s draft detailed spending plans for 2022/23 were published in a report to the council’s Corporate Policy

Development and Scrutiny Panel last month. They were put out for public consultation and include: £11.7m for new social housing £23.4m additional investment into waste modernisation £5m to provide affordable housing £750k to replace Keynsham’s Memorial Bridge £754k for green investment into the council’s vehicles £500k to develop a business case and secure funding for a Collection Study Centre to safeguard Bath’s Fashion Museum collection After various scrutiny meetings and debates the final decisions will be made at the Budget and Council Tax meeting on Tuesday 15 February. Information about these meetings can be found on the council’s calendar web page. The meetings will also be live streamed on the council’s YouTube channel.

Tennis News: The opening M25 and W25 competitions of the enhanced 2022 LTA Performance Calendar culminated last month with a number of Brits in action in semi-finals and finals.

Bath University held the first of

15 performance competitions scheduled in Britain for both men and women. These competitions are in addition to the grass court season playing opportunities already in place.

Daniel Cox edged a close all-British final against Charles Broom to secure a straight sets win.

Charles Broom and his doubles partner Alastair Gray did secure the doubles title with a 6-2, 6-2 win against the top seeded pairing of Luke Johnson and Guy Den Ouden.

In the ladies draw Eliz Maloney enjoyed her best week on the Pro-Series circuit, reaching her first W25 final. The 21-year-old, who defeated number eight seed Elena Malygina from Estonia on her way through to the final, won her semi-final against Gabriela Andrea Knutson in straight sets, before losing to the number six seed Caijsa Wilda Hennemann from Sweden in the final.

Transport plans: The Local Democracy Reporter Stephen Sumner has written about a radical transport rethink from the Council.

He writes: “Central Bath will be divided into four “cells” under plans to remove through-traffic and make the city carbon neutral by 2030.

5 There will only be one or two access points on each of the outer boundaries for vehicles and they will be prevented from passing from quadrant to another, although movement for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport will be unrestricted.

Traffic will be directed onto key arterial routes that prioritise bikes that where possible will be kept separate from vehicles.

Bath and North East Somerset North East Somerset Council is drawing inspiration from Ghent, a largely flat World Heritage City in Belgium that in 2017 stopped traffic from crossing its centre.”

Transport currently accounts for 29 per cent of emissions and deputy council leader Sarah Warren said a “fundamental rethink” was needed for how people move around Bath to reach carbon neutrality.

And it proposes moving freight by bike, train and even buses to cut the number of HGVs and says the city’s park and rides will be upgraded into transport interchanges, an idea that has already been floated. The Council is keen to hear your views but you can also email the editor your thoughts at harryfmottram@gmail.com

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n SPORTS NEWS Bath Rugby Club: The club play in the Gallagher English Premiership - but for how much longer - as if things continue to slide then relegation to the Championship is a looming possibility. However hope springs eternal as they take on the Tigers from Leicester at home on February 15th, although they have some travelling to do when they travel to Newcastle on the 26th, with more away games with Saracens on the 5th and Wasps on the 12th. Blue, black and whites forever - pride of Somerset!

Bath Rugby Ladies: The women have three 15s with the first team at home against Richmond on the 6th, and Hove on the 27th while they travel to Henley on the 20th to play the Hawkes in the Championship South League. The Ladies are well placed in the league and could still make a bid for promotion to the Premiership if results fall in their favour. The first team usually play at the Rec and train at Lambridge.

Bath City FC: The Romans play in the Vanarama National League Division South with a series of games this month that could define their season. First up is an away fixture with Maidstone United on the 5th, before a home game against Dorking Wanderers on the

12th. They take on the players of that other Roman city - St Albans - on the 26th - and welcome Ebbsfleet United on March 5th to Twerton Park.

Bath City Youth Women FC: The women take on Swindon Supermarine Womens First on the 13th away and also travel to play Salisbury FC Women on the 20th.

They play Durrington FC Ladies in Bath on pitch 1 at Odd Down Sports Ground on the 27th. Women’s football is often more free flowing than the male equivalent - so pop along and cheer on the team in their Wiltshire County Womens & Girls League fixtures.

Bear Flat FC: The Bears look to consolidate their position in the third division of the Bath and District Sunday League once they’ve overcome two tricky away fixtures against Two Weir Town and Heritage United at the end of January.

Netball: Team Bath face up to Surrey Storm a the Team Bath Arena on February 18th as the new 2022 Vitality Superleague gets underway.

The competition is reverting to a home and away format for the new campaign and season and individual match-day tickets are now on sale. See https://netball.

Roman women play football: Bath City FC Community Sports Foundation were awarded £8,000 to develop the female game as part of the FA’s development strategy in 2019

teambath.com/2021/11/03/ vitality-netball-superleague-tickets/ Hockey 1: City of Bath Hockey Club were formed from a merger between Bath & Phillipians Hockey Club’s at the turn on the millennium. The club field 4 Men’s & 2 Ladies’ teams and have a thriving junior section. See http://www. cobhc.org.uk/# Hockey 2: Team Bath Buccaneers Hockey Club are based at The University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY. See https://www. teambathbuccaneers.co.uk/

about-the-club/ Bath Lacrosse: The club enters one Men’s squad at senior level into the South of England Men’s Lacrosse Association competitions and one Women’s squad into the South West Women’s Lacrosse Association Competitions. Their home games are at Odd Down Playing fields, Chelwood Drive, Off Bloomfield Road, Bath, BA2 2 PR. The club has a strong links to the University of Bath. There’s a home game on the 26th at 2pm so pop along and see if Bath can beat Bristol Bombers.

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February 2022

bathvoice

n NEWS IN BRIEF Tram petition: A petition to request a feasibility study into bringing a tram system to Bath has gathered hundreds of signatures since it was launched last month.

The 38 Degrees online petition created by Dave Andrews argues that trams would help solve the transport issues in the city. They say that trams in places like Edinburgh and Manchester have been a success and Bath should follow. For more on the issue visit: https://bathtrams.uk/ Lyncombe air: Lyncombe Vale, Perrymead and Greenway Lane in Bath had a Residents’ Parking Zone put in place last month. The Council said the aim is to reduce carbon emissions from vehicles circling while looking for a parking space and to give residents more opportunity to find spaces nearer to their homes. Access for larger vehicles such as refuse and emergency vehicles will also be improved. Residents can purchase their permits by the MiPermit System online. Councillor Manda Rigby, cabinet member for Transport, said: “People in Lyncombe have been asking for a Residents’ Parking Zone for a long time, so I’m delighted that it will soon come into effect. These

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improvements to on-street parking arrangements will mean residents have more chance of parking near their homes and there will be less through-traffic from commuters, which in turn will improve air quality. It will also create a safer space for walking and cycling.”

Bus appeal: Bath MP Wera Hobhouse, West of England Combined authority Mayor Dan Norris, and B&NES Cabinet Member Cllr Sarah Warren have committed to redoubling their efforts to stop the cuts to buses in Bath imposed by the Government, following urgent discussions held last month.

The meeting came after some of the planned cuts to bus services were mitigated - the number 8 and the number 178. Whilst this is good news, a warning was issued that the situation is dire they said.

Cafe damage: Bloomfield Green’s cafe known as Arty Bakes was repeatedly targeted by a person or persons unknown in December forcing it to close.

Emma Trenchard had converted a small shed and with the help of locals established a thriving business selling hot drinks and home made cakes.

She wrote on her Facebook site: “My little shed cafe which many of

Volunteers at the Cleveland Pools restoration have been recognised when they attended the final of the Marsh Volunteer Awards at the British Museum – an annual celebration of the work done by heritage volunteers across the UK. The team bagged not just the South West Region Award but also the main national prize. To see how work is progressing at the pools - including a time lapse video - visit https://www.clevelandpools.org.uk/

you know and love, was broken into the evening before yesterday, the security camera was stolen, the window was smashed and the shutter hanging off.

“I managed to clear up all the glass and fix the shutter back on just before I left Bath for Christmas but my lovely neighbour has just told me the same thing has

happened again last night except this time the shutter has been totally wrenched off and was found in the park.” Emma set up the cafe last year and became something of a local celebrity with her scooter and pet dog - along with her stories of an adventure in India and Mongolia.

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February 2022

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n MESSAGE FROM AVON & SOMERSET PCC

New plan sets out priorities for police I AM delighted to announce that I have recently published my new Police and Crime Plan, which will set the strategic direction for how policing and crime services should be delivered in Avon and Somerset.

As I mentioned during the consultation process last autumn, I have a legal duty to produce a plan that sets out my police and crime priorities for the force area, as well as how I will hold the Chief Constable to account.

After consulting with local people, working with my team and Avon and Somerset Police, my four police and crime priorities are: • preventing and fighting crime; • engaging, supporting and working with communities, victims and partner organisations; • leading the police to be efficient and effective; • increasing the legitimacy of, and public confidence in, the police and criminal justice system.

I am determined that local

Monday am Hillside Hall, Oldfield Park Sarah - 07881 758292 Tuesday pm St Mark’s School, Larkhall Emma - 07886 629496.

people will have the most efficient, effective and legitimate police service that meets the needs of communities while delivering the best value for money. I will be working with my office to monitor and scrutinise the performance of Avon and Somerset Police, in a transparent way, to help ensure delivery of the plan.

I want the force to reassure our communities by putting an emphasis on preventing crime. My plan will support this through focusing on strengthening partnership working, greater visibility, better engagement within communities, early intervention, reducing reoffending and, most importantly, improving the outcomes and support for victims and witnesses of crime.

Preventing and fighting crime cannot be done by the police alone: only by working together with partners and local people will we find solutions. I promise that, as your PCC, I will

Tuesday pm St Michael’s School, Twerton Sarah - 07881 758292

Wednesday pm Percy Community Centre Bath City Centre Jane - 07857 147093

Wednesday am Leafy Lane, Corsham Jane - 07857 147093

Wednesday pm Saltford Hall, Saltford Cher - 07824 336925

do everything in my power to engage with you and bring these partners together to work hard and deliver safe communities for all.

Finally, I want to urge family members of online daters to help protect their relatives from becoming a victim of romance fraud, as new figures show almost £92 million has been lost nationally through dating scams over the past year.

Across Avon and Somerset, losses of £2.4m were reported in the 12-month period up to and including October 2021.

Romance fraud is an awful, heart-breaking crime; victims invest time into someone and think they have a genuine connection when, in fact, it has been a cruel lie to commit fraud.

Criminals often use a range of stories to get victims to transfer money without raising suspicion.

The stories are often believable, to a certain extent, and something the victim would find hard to say no to, especially because of the

Thursday pm The Parish Hall, Weston Sarah - 07881 758292 Thursday pm Methodist Church, Southdown Jane - 07857 147093

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

With Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Shelford emotional attachment.

I know many victims feel ashamed when they realise they have been scammed by romance fraudsters, but please know support is available from the police and Action Fraud. If you think a family member or friend is a victim of this terrible crime, please make them aware of the signs and help them access help.

Friday am The Methodist Church, Southdown Jane - 07857 147093 Friday am Rugby Club, Combe Down Cher - 07824 336925

Saturday am Odd Down Sports Ground Emma - 07886 629496.

February 2022

bathvoice

n NEWS IN BRIEF Death crash: Housing developer Theodore Backhouse, of Bath, died on December 9, when his car left the B390 at Chitterne in Wiltshire and burst into flames after hitting a tree. Mr Backhouse, 41, founded Backhouse Housing in 2017. No one else was involved and police say they continue their investigations.

GBH in Bath: Police want to speak to the man pictured in the CCTV footage as part of their inquiry into a GBH assault in Bath. He’s described as white, with dark hair, wearing jeans, a black t-shirt with a white fish motif and a black puffer jacket with a fur trimmed hood. The victim, a man in his 20s, was assaulted with a glass bottle by 2-3 unknown male suspects after leaving Zero Zero in Bartlett Street on Saturday 23 October 2021 at around 3.30am. He required hospital treatment for multiple cuts to his face and head and is now recovering. If you recognise the man pictured or have any information that could assist police with their investigation, please call 101 and quote reference 5221248512.

Statue case: The toppling of

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the Colston statue in Bristol has produced a huge amount of comment and divided opinions.

Four people were cleared at Bristol Crown Court today (Wednesday, 5 January) of causing criminal damage to a statue June 2020.

Chief Superintendent Liz Hughes, said: “This was an incident which attracted worldwide attention and which polarised public opinion.

“Ultimately, we had a duty to investigate as the custodians of the statue – Bristol City Council – had not granted anyone permission to damage it.

“Following a thorough investigation we submitted a file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service who then made the decision to charge the four defendants with criminal damage.

“Having been presented with the evidence, a jury has now determined their actions were not criminal and we respect its decision.”

PCC awarded: The area’s former police and crime commissioner has been made an OBE in the New Year Honours list. Sue Mountstevens has been recognised for her services to

Wanted: If you recognise the man pictured or have any information that could assist police with their investigation, please call 101 and quote reference 5221248512.

the community in Bristol, Somerset and South Gloucestershire in her role as the first Avon & Somerset PCC, which she held for eight and a half years. Elected as an independent, Ms Mountstevens oversaw the force during the first year of the coronavirus pandemic, with her term of office extended for a year after elections scheduled for May 2020 were postponed because of the first lockdown. A magistrate and police authority member before her election, she was also previously a director of the Mountstevens Bakeries chain.

Saw close mugging: A man was robbed of personal items by three young men on December 27 in Saw

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

Close. Police said he was pushed against a car at midnight outside Schwartz Bros. One robber was wore a white shirt, one was wearing a black jacket and a black cap and the third was wearing a beige jacket.

If you can help police call 101 and give the reference 5221302558.

August deaths: A 29-year-old woman was found dead in her Brunswick Place flat last August. An inquest held on January 5, reported

by Bath Live, said Ariana Birondo Cukurs had taken heroine the night before. The American had planned to marry in the USA last November to fiance Archie White. In another August death reported by the news site they reported that the coroner in Long Ashton heard about Alistair William Henden, a part-time school caretaker, 56, who collapsed and died unexpectedly at his home on Bellotts Road. Avon coroner Dr Peter Harrowing read a statement from Mr Henden’s wife, Caroline, who said that he was a “very active” man with no known allergies - reported Imogen McGuckin. In a funeral notice in the Bath Chronicle newspaper, Alistair was described as a “very much loved husband to Caroline and loving father to Nicholas and Lydia”.

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Terms and conditions apply to our 16-25 Regular Saver Account. All account holders must be between 16 and 25 years old and live, work or study in Bath. A payment between £10 and £50 must be made into the account each month. Only two withdrawals are allowed per calendar year, without interest penalty.

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

February 2022

bathvoice

n HEALTH NEWS

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Health leaders appeal to public to help overcome crisis Health leaders have issued an urgent appeal for people in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire to play their part and support their local hospitals during what has been described as an “extraordinarily difficult” start to 2022.

As local health services do all they can to help people requiring treatment for Covid-19 and other illnesses, while dealing with soaring rates of Covid-related staff absence, those in charge of running our hospitals and other health services have said local people can really make a difference by: Helping loved ones who are well enough to leave hospital to recover at home or in another suitable care setting, meaning that hospital beds are freed up for those who really need them.

Only visiting Accident and Emergency departments or calling 999 in the case of a genuine life-threatening emergency.

Cara Charles Barks, Chief Executive of the Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust said: “A&E departments in all of our hospitals are experiencing a significant level of demand and those who attend our emergency departments without very good reason are making it much harder for our teams to care for those patients who really do need emergency medical treatment. issues such as hangovers or an “If you need medical help, upset tummy please use your local please remember the NHS 111 pharmacy. online service can give advice, “Using the right service for you including to those who think that will mean that our A&E they might need to visit a minor departments can respond rapidly Willow injury unit to Gardeners treat issues suchOct as 20.qxp_Layout 1 11/09/2020 for those people who need broken bones and burns, while emergency treatment.” pharmacists can help with minor Dr Jon Westbrook, Medical complaints including coughs, colds, Director at Great Western Hospitals ear ache and rashes.

NHS Foundation Trust, said: “If you can access the internet “Our hospitals and other health then the online option will be best and care services are facing an suited for you by visiting www.111. extraordinarily difficult start to the nhs.uk, otherwise please call the new year with Omicron cases rising service on 111 and a trained advisor at an alarming rate and will help you. For more routine unprecedented numbers of staff

unable to come into work to help because of Covid-related illness and isolation.

“While we are still able to provide care for patients and are doing all we can to address this situation, we desperately need the public to do all they can to support us.

“Only very ill people should be in our hospitals at the moment and families can help free up beds for those who really need them by promptly collecting and supporting loved ones who are well enough to leave hospital and continue their recovery at home.”

Earlier this week both Great 08:58 Page 1NHS Foundation Western Hospitals Trust in Swindon and the Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust declared internal critical incidents because of rising numbers of Covid patients, high levels of demand for beds and rising levels of sickness among staff. For more information visit https://bswccg.nhs.uk/yourhealth/hospital-care

01225 413 414

n NEWS Police bill: The Green Party of Bath and NE Somerset has been involved in opposing the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill currently being discussed in parliament.

The Party’s view is: “The Policing Bill has been condemned by a wide range of civil rights organisations, including Amnesty International and Liberty. It clearly contradicts Article 11 of the Human Rights Act, which protects people’s right to protest by holding meetings and demonstrations.”

Summer is coming: Bear Flat Cricket Club are keeping the dream of the summer game alive during these frosty months of winter. At Beechen Cliff School nets are back from this month until 12 April, from 5-7pm, in the sports barn. The first net for new players is free. Come and show us what you can do! Any queries call Andy Ebdon on 07968 697098. And it should be mentioned that England needs you. Meanwhile indoor cricket practice has also begun at Beechen Cliff School in the mornings for pupils - reports the assistant headteacher Mr K Mann in the school’s January newsletter although it is less clear how much if any batting practice will take place this month in Iceland - the destination of a school trip for some students at Beechen Cliff School.

01225 413 414 www. will ow-gard ener s.co.uk

Good work: The Friends of Lyncombe Hill Fields have continued with their work in their ‘Wild Hilltop Paradise’ clearing brambles, laying hardcore for the paths (pictured), putting in benches, installing bird boxes and creating habitats for stag beetles.

They have also been using a little known word for hedge laying: pleaching. It is the delicate technique of interweaving living and dead branches to create a hedge come fence. Their efforts are beginning to pay off as blue tits have been seen investigating the bird boxes although so far the illusive white tailed eagle has yet to be seen - one was spotted in Somerset last year.

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

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21/01/2022

11:35

February 2022

bathvoice

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

February 2022

bathvoice

n LETTERS

Benefits of a 20mph speed limit This led Regarding January’s Letters on the “20mph speed limit”, I recommend reading the Road Safety Factsheet November 2017, produced by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA). ROSPA has been collecting data on road accidents, and monitoring safety on our roads for many years. Its data on the risk of fatal injury to pedestrians show lower death rates in 20mph zones/ highways than 30mph ones. Where 20mph limits have been introduced, not only is road safety better, but air pollution has reduced, as well as noise levels. The perception of a safer road network has been found to encourage more walking and cycling, arguably providing for a healthier environment.

Concerning “Unnecessary car journeys”, another issue in the January Letters, it is disappointing to see so many cars on Bath’s main roads. It may be that the pandemic has only temporarily discouraged use of public transport, particularly bus services, as people have concerns about a lack of social distancing. Promoting sustainable transport has been a keynote of

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national planning policy for many years, as set out in the Government’s National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), first published in 2012 and updated in 2018 & 2019. The Bath and North-East Somerset Local Plan 2011-29 includes Policy ST1: Promoting sustainable travel. Its first aim is to “reduce the growth and the overall level of traffic and congestion by measures which encourage movement by public transport, bicycle and on foot, including traffic management and assisting the integration of all forms of transport”.

As a town planner, I have been aware for many years of the need for more sustainable travel – to reduce road accidents, improve human health, and protect the planet from air pollution. Those of us living in Bear Flat have great accessibility on foot or by public transport to most community facilities and services. I recognise that those living in rural areas or on the edge of the city will be more car-dependent. However, wherever they live, not many people spend time considering which mode of travel to choose, or how they might best protect the environment and

social wellbeing by limiting their use of the private car. The Liveable Neighbourhoods scheme, to reduce the dominance of vehicles in selected neighbourhoods across B&NES, is commendable. However, a stronger message from our politicians and leaders at national and local level is needed, to reinforce the case for Liveable Neighbourhoods, and persuade people in all neighbourhoods to think more carefully about mode of travel decisions.

The introduction of travel plans is happening in some of Bath’s Schools. These should encourage students and staff to walk, cycle or take the bus to school instead of travelling by car. The plans must not be simple wish-lists; they need to be properly implemented and monitored. Then, hopefully students will be able to educate their parents and grand-parents about the need for behaviour change, to secure the benefits of sustainable travel choice.

Jill Kingaby, Bath Parking rules Changes to parking rules in Bath came into effect earlier this month.

Personally, I think it makes good

sense to have a sliding scale for parking permits linked to vehicle emissions.

Bath has terrible if not illegal levels of transport pollution all across the city and that pollution causes real and actual harm to many people.

We need to address it.

There is no silver bullet that will solve this problem, it will take a combination of measures. This is one of those measures and possibly the simplest and most straight forward of them. Small though it is, this measure will benefit everybody because we all have to breathe the same air.

Dr John Leach, Bathwick Virgin Care You reported in January on the takeover by the private equity firm Twenty20 of Virgin Care’s contract for health and care services locally.

This move was concealed from the Council and the NHS until it was completed, which does not augur well; and, though the contract was about to be renewed, the Council was told by officers that an alternative contractor would be difficult and costly to find. continued on page 14

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

February 2022

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14

n LETTERS continued from page 13

The contracting-out of public services has been growing for many years, and although it can lead to efficiency improvements it can also go badly wrong, resulting in price-gouging and serious waste of public money. A common mistake is for the public agency to privatise the service wholesale, failing to retain the “informed customer” staff and expertise which are necessary to monitor delivery and to deal with new tenders at contract expiry.

Services should never be contracted out save in a competitive environment and while retaining the resources needed properly to manage the contract and in due course its renewal.

Mark O’Sullivan Bath Gardening Club issues The Widcombe Association Garden Club has been run for many years for the benefit of our members and beyond and has a loyal following.

Speakers, including the odd VIP, and garden visits have been immensely enjoyed - as have the afternoon teas!

Recently, because of the pandemic, it has been impossible to hold many of these events in person,

but with the availability of Zoom we have managed to continue in a different format.

Unfortunately, January and February’s speakers have been postponed. Both Gill Hazel and Christine Walkden weren’t happy to meet us in the present crisis and they don’t want to host a talk via ZOOM. I am trying to arrange another Zoom speaker for February.

All businesses are struggling so it wasn’t a surprise to hear that the Widcombe Social Club is increasing its room hire fees. This unfortunately means that the Garden Club would be running at a constant loss at current prices and attendance. I have discussed the various options with the Events Committee, and it seems sensible to continue with the Zoom presentations especially in the darker months. I also intend to increase the number of garden tours and only host a couple of speakers a season when permitted and Covid safe from the Widcombe Social Club.

These are my thoughts, but I would appreciate any feedback from you. It’s important to listen to our members and continue to provide quality events.

Beverley Wallis Widcombe Garden Club

Entry Hill RPZ As Councillor for Combe Down, I recently contacted residents in Hansford Square to alert them to the nearby liveable neighbourhoods consultation for Entry Hill.

Liveable neighbourhoods are intended to be resident-led schemes aiming to create connected, healthy, vibrant communities where cars are less dominant.

The Council’s liveable neighbourhoods strategy states that Residents’ Parking Zones are one of the possible interventions that residents can ask for to address parking and traffic issues in their area.

The consultation process is currently at an early stage. I wanted to make sure that residents were aware that one of the outcomes in nearby Entry Hill could be a proposal for an RPZ. The map used was indicative and any proposed scheme would be subject to street by street consultation in the normal way.

I feel it is better to communicate, engage and find out what the local residents’ concerns are and what we can do for them.

Dr Bharat Pankhania Cllr for Combe Down

Colston Statue The history of Bath, as is that of Bristol, is closely linked to the financial benefits of slavery, colonialism and empire, which were achieved through the exploitation of other countries and their peoples. The toppling of the statue of Edward Colston was a milestone in coming to terms with that history.

Grappling with the historic practice of honouring slavers must also take place in a way that makes those impacted by slavery, past and present, the focus of activities.

We must promote inclusive, open and measured ways to address our city and our region’s efforts to acknowledge its past.

We are committed to ensuring that the history of Bath and Bath & North East Somerset will be told and we are committed to taking all members of the wider B&NES community with us on this journey.

Bath & North East Somerset Race Panel We welcome letters - please keep them to the point and in brief. Email to harryfmottram@gmail.com or the email below

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

24/08/2021 10:46

February 2022

bathvoice

n NEWS IN BRIEF

Clean Air Zone, parking scheme and the PM

By Stephen Sumner, Local Democracy Reporter: Bath’s council chief has said there is “zero chance” of local car drivers being charged to enter the city’s clean air zone. Some areas are still showing illegal levels of nitrogen dioxide, prompting speculation about the steps Bath and North East Somerset Council will take to tackle it, but Kevin Guy said the disruption caused by the pandemic meant it was too early to draw conclusions from the data.

He said pressure from government could force a change to the charging regime – but he chose his words carefully in saying Bath and North East Somerset residents would definitely not be charged.

The zone launched in March with daily fees for the worst polluting buses, coaches, taxis, vans and lorries, with plans to extend charges to all HGVs over 12 tonnes.

Councillor Guy told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “Because of Covid, people’s transport changed. This year’s data can’t really be an accurate interpretation of how well the clean air zone is working.

“We will have to wait at least another year to see what the new normal is before we make any decisions.”

Bath and numerous other cities across the country were given until the end of 2021 to bring nitrogen dioxide levels within the legal limit following a court case against the government. With that deadline missed, there has been speculation that changes to the charging regime will be needed.

Councillor Guy said: “Because we were the first outside of London to introduce a clean air zone, it’s a trial for central government as well as us.

We’re working very closely with central government.

“We’re going to go off what the data tells us. As per our 2019 commitment, we don’t have any single intention of charging cars for Bath and North East Somerset residents, however if the government forces us because of the data, we will have to act accordingly.”

He reiterated: “Categorically, there is zero chance of us charging cars from Bath and North East Somerset to enter the clean air zone.”

The clean air zone currently charges high-emission vans, private hire vehicles and taxis £9 a day to enter, while drivers of non-compliant

buses, coaches and HGVs have to pay £100. Private cars are not charged. Another way to reduce nitrogen dioxide levels could be a congestion charge – one of a raft of radical ideas to cut carbon emissions floated in the council’s “journey to net zero” consultation. It has committed to a 25 per cent reduction in road miles driven by 2030..

Parking scheme: Commuter traffic and carbon emissions are set to reduce in Lyncombe Vale, Perrymead and Greenway Lane in Bath when a new Residents’ Parking Zone came about last month.

The Council’s aim is to reduce carbon emissions from vehicles circling while looking for a parking space and to give residents more opportunity to find spaces nearer to their homes.

Access for larger vehicles such as refuse and emergency vehicles will also be improved said the council.

Conservative critic: Cllr Vic Pritchard has accused Liberal Democrat council leader Kevin Guy of trying to score political points after he was asked if he thought Boris Johnson had the country’s best interests at heart wrote Local Democracy Reporter Stephen Sumner.

In an open letter to Conservative group leader Councillor Pritchard, Councillor Guy said: “I am being contacted by many people throughout Bath and North East Somerset, who are aghast at the behaviour of the Prime Minister and the Conservative government, holding parties at Number 10 Downing Street while the rest of the country was in lockdown.

“You will also no doubt have seen stories shared online of immeasurable sacrifice, of abiding by the rules, of loved ones left alone in their last hours. Reading these stories, no one can fail to be saddened and angered.”” he went on to ask if the Conservatives could support the PM. “ Councillor Pritchard refused to answer, saying he was accountable to his constituents, not Councillor Guy, who he said was “looking to score cheap political points”.

School Holidays: Half term holidays are from February 21 to the 25th and Easter holidays begin on the 11th April.

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

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February 2022

n WHAT’S ON We can’t be sure there won’t be another Covid-19 crisis this month so do check with the venue before buying tickets Tue 1-Mon 28 Feb. Bath Holburne Musem. Mick Peter: Old Ghosts.

(Jan 14-May 15). Exhibition of new work by the Glasgow-based artist.

Tue 1 - Sun 6 Feb. Bath Egg Theatre. Snow Mouse. Drama for the very young. Continues from 12 Jan. Winter has arrived and the woods are covered in white. A child hurries to put on their winter clothes so they can run outside and play in a sparkly new world. Just when they are starting to feel a little bit lonely, they find a sleeping mouse buried under the soft white flakes.

Tue 1 - Sat 5 Feb. Bath Theatre Royal. The Da Vinci Code. Dan Brown’s novel comes to the stage.

Adapted by Rachel Wagstaff and Duncan Abel, directed by Luke Sheppard and with Nigel Harman, Danny John-Jules, Hannah Rose Caton in the cast. Continues from January.

Fri 4 Feb. Bath Rondo Theatre.

Sam Lake and Shelf. DA double bill of comedy with stand-up Sam

Lake and musical comedy double act Shelf.

Fri 4 Feb. Bath Komedia. Jamil Maddix: King Crud. Stand-up Jamali will be tackling more home truths and universal issues.

Fri 4 Feb. Bath Komedia. Easy Peelers. The Easy Peelers are a Bath-based indie pop band full of chorus guitars, jangly riffs and catchy melody lines. With influences from Fleetwood Mac and The Smiths, The Peelers produce feel-good tunes with a great vibe.

Fri 4 Feb. Bath Ustinov Studio.

Lady Nade: Willing Tour. Bristol based singer, Lady Nade’s album includes the single releases Ain’t One Thing and Willing promoting messages of acceptance.

Friday 4th - Saturday 5th Feb. Bath Mission Theatre. Alive and Brel. Alive and Brel features the finest songs from the iconic master of the modern chanson, Jacques Brel.

Sat 5 Feb. Bath Rondo Theatre.

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Pebble on the Beach plays at the Egg Theatre this month John William Richard: Song for a Ghost. With the release of his debut album, Song for a Ghost, he returns to the Neo Classical world with flashes of contemporary electronica, creating something that is both intimate and breathtakingly cinematic.

Tue 8-Wed 9 Feb. Bath Mission Theatre. My Soulmate’s Husband’s Soulmate by Gina Thorley. Mudlarks Theatre’s production of a new play by Gina Thorley. An upbeat, but bittersweet, black comedy about fate, romance, empathy and the ways we’re taught to think about love.

Tue 8-Sat 12 Feb. Bath Theatre Royal. Fatal Attraction. Based on the motion picture, James Dearden’s new stage play of Fatal Attraction features Kym Marsh as Alex Forrest, and Oliver Farnworth as Dan Gallagher and Susie Amy, as Beth Gallagher.

Wed 9 Feb. Bath Komedia. Kiri Pritchard-McLean: Home Truths.

Stand-up comedy from the Have I Got News For You star.

Wed 9 Feb. Rondo Theatre. Be. Written by Gabrielle Finnegan and directed by Lex Kaby, Be. is the most recent in Greedy Pig Theatre Company’s endeavour to unite people’s experience within a world that feels more disconnected than ever.

Thu 10-Fri 11 Feb. Bath Mission Theatre. The Man Who Thought He Knew Too Much. Chaplin meets Hitchcock meets Spaghetti Western in this fast-paced whodunnit.

Fri 11 & Sat 12 Feb. Bath Rondo theatre. Josh Berry and Rafe Hubris. Double bill of stand-up comedy.

Sun 13 Feb. Bath Komedia. Daliso Chaponda. Stand-up who is full of sharp one-liners and well crafted gags

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

Wednesdays Essentrics low-impact, therapeutic fitness class for men & women.

Kingswood Sports Pavilion BA1 9BJ, 8.45-9.45am.

Contact Catherine 07980 595440 Facebook: essentricswithcatherine Wed 16 – Sat 19 Feb. Bath Rondo Theatre. The Interview. An absurdist comedy of wordplay, concealed identity, sexual politics and power, with 2 actors playing 6 roles. You’ll laugh, you’ll groan, and you’ll update your CV. Wed 16-Sun 22 Feb. Bath Theatre Royal. An Hour and a Half Late.

A play by Gerald Sibleyras. Griff Rhys Jones and Janie Dee star in this devastatingly funny portrait of a couple whose five minutes of candid conversation launches an outpouring of emotions, home truths, wine, nibbles and anarchy.

Fri 18-Tue 22 Feb. Bath Egg Theatre. Pebble on the Beach.

Featuring a lively mix of dancing, singing and puppetry, Pebble on the Beach will magically transport you to a day at the seaside – a beach hut filled with treasures, sandcastles, seagulls and the waves lapping on the shore – to tell a heart-warming tale that helps us all feel safe in the world and know that we matter.

Sat 19-Sun 20 Feb. Bath Mission Theatre. Around the World in 80 Days by Jules Verne. At the same time, Phileas Fogg is attempting to go Around the World in 80 Days in order to win a bet of £20,000.

But is that just a cover story to hide the dastardly escape of The Nightingale?

Tue 22 Feb. Bath Komedia. Henry Rollins. Eccentric entertainer described as Punk Rock icon.

Spoken word poet.

February 2022

bathvoice

17

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

February 2022

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18

n NEWS IN BRIEF Good Review Pub: The Newbridge Inn on the edge of Bath has been given rave reviews on TripAdvisor recently - reported on the news website Bath Live. Pubs have had a hard time in recent years - Bath has seen 21 hostelries close since 2003 including the Burnt House in Odd Down, The Englishcombe Inn and the First In Last Out. The message from CAMRA - the real ale campaign group - is to pop into your local and help keep the Great British pub alive.

Bigger Raven Pub: One of Bath’s oldest pubs in Queen Street is to expand next door into a former estate agent in Quiet Street reversing recent national trends.

The pub was the scene of an unfortunate incident last spring when the leader of the Labour Party was refused entry something that one of the co-owners regretted afterwards due to the rudeness of the landlord.

It began as a wine vault in 1864.

Bear Necessities Pub: Bear Flat’s pub The Bear is undergoing a huge refurbishment and will be closed until later this month. Snowy will retain his/her’s place on the side of the hostelry say the owners. Bath

Voice understands the name of Bear Flat originally derived from the Middle English meaning Berewick or barley field - Barrack Farm was apparently cleared away in the 19th century.

Ghost in pub: The Devonshire Arms on Wellsway (pictured) has been linked to ghostly goings on in the past - and not just at closing time. Previously there have been reports of a ghost of a 19th century young girl haunting the establishment - the restlessness of her spirit is not however linked to Bear Flat cricketers who frequent the popular inn. By the way it’s not long to the start of the cricket season on April 23.

More ghosts in pubs: The Garrick’s Head by the Theatre Royal is supposed to be haunted by The Grey Lady. No, she’s not one of the theatre’s actors nipping in for a after performance gin - but the tragic spirit of an 18th lass who died of a broken heart. The Francis Hotel on Queen Square is haunted by the ghost of housekeeper who took her own life in 1858 - or so the story goes. The editor is convinced he saw a ghost after a few drinks in The Ring O Bells and The Ram in

The are some characters who believe this building is the centre of the drinking world. Pic: Google Maps Widcombe - although that’s another story.

Beer in pubs: Bath has a surprising number of breweries creating some of the area’s most popular ales.

There’s Abbey Ales of Camden Row, the Electric Bear Brewing Company at Barassmill Lane and the Bath Brew House on James Street. The list keeps growing -so keep us up to date with your brewery so we can inform our readers.

Tim’s law: Councillor Tim Ball who represents Twerton has brought in a change to the local plan with regards Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs)and planning rules.

The changes, approved by the councillor and cabinet member for Planning and Licensing in a single member decision, include

simplifying the tests the council uses to assess applications for new HMOs and providing additional guidance on the so-called ‘sandwich test’.

Applications will not be permitted where it would result in any residential property being ‘sandwiched’ between two HMOs, or where the application tips the concentration to 10% or more HMO properties within a 100m radius of the application property, or where there is already a concentration of 10% or more.

One of the hottest topics among residents is about HMOs and they are often occupied by students.

Councillor Ball said: “HMOs have an important role to play in the local housing offer, providing accommodation for a wide range of people from young professionals to students, immigrants, asylum seekers, those on housing benefit and contract workers.

“However, over recent years we have seen HMOs become concentrated in certain areas.

“These changes will ensure our communities remain sustainable with a wide variety and balance of accommodation.”

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info@deepconnexions.co.uk www.deepconnexions.co.uK To advertise, contact Erica on erica@bathvoice.co.uk or call 07402 441485 www.homeinstead.co.uk/bath 01225 808273

February 2022

bathvoice

19

n REVIEW

Five Children and It is an Edwardian hit all over again at the Egg Theatre Review: Five Children and It. Egg Theatre, Bath.

Be careful what you wish for is the theme at the core of Edwardian novelist E Nesbit’s cautionary tale: Five Children and It. Whatever wish the purple clad sand fairy grants to the children always has unexpected consequences.

The children wish to fly but become stuck on a church tower, they are granted gold coins which sees them accused of theft and the youngest child becomes a monstrous baby when they accidently ask for Lamb to grow up.

Bucket Club Theatre’s production of the classic children’s novel is a five star hit in the cosy confines of the Egg Theatre in Bath. Director Nel Crouch created a believable children’s world of wonderment as the five (well four really as baby Lamb is safely confined to a pram for much of the play) as they squabble and argue over what wishes they should ask for from the Psammead or sand fairy.

Set against a stage of sweeping white curtains, stable doors and a balcony complete with ladders, Rebecca Wood’s design allowed for maximum use of the space with a piano tucked in one corner.

Versatile Patrick Bridgman as Uncle

Paul made use of the piano to accompany several of the songs while Craig Edwards as the desperate-for-aholiday sand fairy made the most of his role as the instigator of dreams come true. His switch to the grumpy owner of a pony and trap as well as an irate chef were some of the highlights of the drama.

An excellent ensemble cast of Hanora Kamen as bookish sensible Jane, Hannah Bristow as naughty boy Robert and Doxah Dzidzor as dreamy Anthea were added to by understudy Peta Maurice as Cyril who seamlessly filled the roll of the stiff upper lip Edwardian brother.

Strong production values including Jenni Jackson’s movement direction which added so much as well as lighting, sound and music made for a perfect show – and above all created a drama which engaged the very young as well as adults with its constant wit and humour.

The largely young audience seemed transfixed by the action that included song and dance, movement and mime and numerous delightful creative sequences.

The pony and trap journeys, the purple flight over the world and the

The play Five Children and It ran in December and January in Bath’s Egg Theatre - the image shows Hanora Kamen as bookish sensible Jane, and Doxah Dzidzor as dreamy Anthea interjections with Uncle Paul on the farm and the lost ferret running joke all added to a complete narrative with the theme of: be careful for what you wish

for. And underlying the story was the unseen subplot of the children’s absent mother who was battling the authorities for female suffrage – reflected in Edith

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February 2022

bathvoice

20

n LOCAL HISTORY

Using the Roman Roads to navigate Britain and a new book on Aqua Sulis reveals neolithic hunters were the first to embrace the waters

By Harry Mottram. My wife Linda joked that the Christmas present she gave me - the OS Map of Roman Britain - was only of use to me if I owned a charity and could be transported back in time.

One of my planned expeditions this summer is to cycle from Bath to Seaton - my childhood town - and despite the passing of time the Fosse Way that links the two settlements is almost entirely still in place.

The Romans probably had a different name for it - possible Via Harritus as I like to fancy - but even without a chariot after nearly 2,000 years the road runs straight up Holloway and with the odd diversion around a hill or two

is straight as an arrow to Ilchester and from thence to the sea in East Devon.

The Ordnance Survey Map of Roman Britain is essentially a two page reference book revealing where the Roman roads went, the names of the towns they visited and a wealth of information about religions, their armies, lifestyles and villas.

Printed in a dark green underlying the roads on the map are today’s roads and towns so it is quite feasible to travel from Bath to Hadrian’s Wall using mainly the routes trudged by many a weary centurion.

A recent archaeological dig

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The picture shows a still from Rom and Romola in the BBC’s time travel history programme

created by the construction of the HS2 project has revealed an entirely unknown Roman market town in Northamptonshire suggesting there is much more to be discovered when Britain was not only part of a European Empire but enjoyed the benefits of a single currency and more importantly wine.

The map shows many roads which appear to fizzle out in places - except in one place - Bath.

In a book published last year by author Peter Davenport brings us up to date with all the archaeological discoveries of the last few years.

His book Roman Bath goes into great detail in all aspects of life in the city and also speculates on what it was like before and after the Latin speakers upped leather sandals and left in around 410 CE (410 AD in old money).

Finds of unmarked flint knives and cutting tools suggest the original Bathonians revered the steam cloaked hot springs by leaving gifts for the Gods who were the guardians of the waters.

Whether they took a hot bath during those snowy post Ice Age times we’ll never know but it is tempting to think they were rather cleaner than some later generations.

These hunter gatherers gave way eventually to Bronze Age and Iron Age farmers who seemingly left the springs well alone as little archaeological remains of the pre-Roman era has been found.

Davenport’s book goes into great detail on all aspects of Roman Bath and also gives illustrations and photographs of where parts of it still exist. There is considerable regret that modern developers beginning in the 18th and 19th centuries swept away what little remained of the time.

Certainly the Victorians shovelled away huge amounts of material which historians would loved to have sifted

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

The OS Map of Roman Britain and Roman Bath by Peter Davenport

through today as they ‘transformed’ the Baths.

If only we could resurrect the original baths and temple complex and put a roof on the main bath so we could all don togas and take a dip in clear rather than greenish water.

In his forward Davenport writes: “When workmen, digging a sewer trench along Small Street in 1727, uncovered the gilded bronze head of Minerva it heralded the beginning of the long and exciting process leading to the discovery of the remarkable healing Roman shrine of Sulis Minerva, deep beneath modern Bath.”

Of course he was right - this was the start of the era that recreated Bath as an important spa resort - but it is also strange that from around the end of the fifth century to the 17th century the citizens failed to make the most of the waters.

The author speculates that for a time the baths were used after the Romans left. Later observers noted that the buildings had collapsed and had failed to be maintained.

Parts of the city walls were still used but much of the stone was re-used for new homes - but one part remained in use up until and past that find in 1727 - the Fosse way. Oh for a chariot.

February 2022

bathvoice

21

n PUZZLES FOR ALL

The FIEND

Each row, column and square (9 spaces each) needs to be filled out with the numbers 1-9, without repeating any numbers within the row, column or square.

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Theme: Countries

Easier sudoku Solution C

Txtpert

Use the phone keypad to decode the clues.

For example: 2 could be A, B or C ... and 5678 could be LOST

Word Scramble answers 1. The package will be here at midnight.

2. Look for the man in a top hat.

3. The ship sails tomorrow.

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

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22

February 2022

n BATH LIBRARY BOOK REVIEWS AND NEWS Adult Fiction

mother of two - Peter and Jane - trying to juggle work and home life balance.

Written like a diary, she sets up goals that she will never reach. It is so well written that you’ll recognize some of your own life experience in it.

The Rabbit Factor – Antti Tuomainen This became one of my favourite books of the last few month. Antti Tuomainen is a Finnish author and mixes thriller, romance and a pacey story that makes for a great read. We meet Henri Koskinen – an ordinary insurance mathematician.

In fact, his live is so regimented he calculates the exact time he has to get his train into work. However, this all suddenly changes with the death of his brother when he inherits an adventure park – with a host of problems, including some interesting members of staff.

She ends up creating a video game as an application for smartphone, where she mirrors her struggles as a mother, wife and woman. You just have to wait for the Cherubs to go to bed, settle yourself on the sofa with a glass of wine, relax, read and have a giggle.

Adult Non-Fiction Chinese Takeaway Cookbook – Kwoklyn Wan

He loses his job and becomes the CEO of the adventure park which he finds riddled with debt but still hugely popular but there are some very shady people looking for him.

The one person who seems he can rely on is Laura – a part time artist as well as working in the adventure park and the one thing Henri cannot compute is love. This is a real quirky story – one involving a very large plastic rabbit but at its heart is a very tender love story and the joy of the randomness of life.

To celebrate the Chinese New Year – Year of the Tiger, here is an easy cookbook filled with great Chinese meals. The author starts with a very interesting section on Chinese food etiquette and customs – one I did not know – when pouring tea never point the spout at others – this gesture is perceived as rude!

There is a handy section of wok craft and then chapters on starters; beef & pork; vegetarian and finally buns! Great recipes such as Cantonese style

Why Mummy drinks - Gill Sim, as reviewed by Emilie Bioud, Keynsham Library Assistant If you ‘re young mum looking for light reading and don’t mind a bit of swearing this book is for you.

sweet and sour pork and Chinese mixed vegetable chow mein are all included and look very appetising.

Children’s Fiction Have a look out for the Library Owl in Keynsham Library at the moment.

There are some very exciting Library activities happening linked to the BookTrust Storytime.

Come on, Tiger Tom – Cabriel Alborozo One day Tiger Tom went on an adventure with his Mum. He reached the river, tried to be quiet and tried to catch a fish but splash, splash the fish ran away.

He tried to play with the birds and bump he landed on the ground.

He tried to pounce on a butterfly but then realised he had walked into the dark forest alone.

Oh no – he had lost his Mum. He climbed a tree and saw the river – so he made his way to the water, heard a noise and crouched low like he had been told – well who do you think came bounding round the corner !

Little People, Big Dreams, Vivienne Westwood – Ma Isabel Vegara There is a whole series of great children’s books about inspirational people, especially women such as Ada Lovelace and Anne Frank.

This book is about the fashion designer and climate change activist Vivienne Westwood. These books

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By Stephen Sumner, Democracy Reporter. Local A charity’s Bath HQ is set to be 120 students living rebuilt with above it after revised plans got the go-ahead.

Developers Toplocation 4 Ltd and Longacre said it would cost more than £1.75million to bring the Jubilee Centre up to a modern

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Down, Oldfield Park and Widcombe Wet, wet, wet: young footballers make a splash

Oldfield Juniour School, took on Saltford Primary School in a soggy game last month.

Dave Goucher, the head teacher said: “A great footy game this evening against @ SaltfordPrimary. In rather wintry weather that’s for sure!

Love the pond in the goalmouth which is what school footy is all about!

Thanks for hosting and congrats @SaltfordPr imary All the best for the next round guys.”

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are wonderfully illustrated and starts with Vivienne’s early life and her curiosity about fashion and jewellery. Of course there are the Punk years and her great influence on the fashion of the time and her shop in the Kings Road in London with the safety pin t shirts and ripped clothes. Then moves onto her 1980’s period and finishes with facts and photos section.

Library News Always remember the two super free apps: RB Digital and BorrowBox where you can download newspapers, magazines and audio books all with the use of your library card.

The Bath and North East Somerset ‘Virtual Library’ is still offering something for everyone. We are sharing facts, Baby Bounce and Rhyme, competitions, Storytime and crafts for children in the mornings and information, support, news and recommended reads for adults in the afternoon.

Never miss a thing by following us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ bathneslibraries1, Instagram www. instagram.com/bathnes_libraries , and Twitter www.twitter.com/ Bathnesl

Moorland Road Community Library

Tues 10-4pm, Thurs & Fri 10-1pm and Sat 10-1pm Email us for more info at Moorlandroadcommunitylibrary@ gmail.com

February 2022

n NEWS

bathvoice

23

Bath Rugby’s 2026 plans for stadium expansion

By Amanda Cameron Local Democracy Reporter: Bath Rugby’s temporary stands could be in place until 2026.

The club says it hopes work on its Stadium for Bath proposals will resume “imminently” after delays caused by court cases and the Covid-19 pandemic.

Before its new vision can be realised it has applied for another extension to keep the stands at the Rec in place for four more years.

The club said in its latest trio of applications for the four stands,

A view of the rugby ground at Bath Recreational Ground. Pic: Google Maps

which are currently scheduled to be removed at the end of May: “At the beginning of 2018 the Stadium for Bath project launched.

“There was significant work undertaken on the project in the subsequent two years, but as a consequence of the global pandemic, on May 14, 2020, it was announced that the project was paused, and remains so. It is hoped that it will recommence imminently.”

The club is also trying to remove a covenant so it can proceed with the stadium development and is currently awaiting the outcome of an appeal.

It added: “These applications, if approved, will allow the club to continue to operate at the Rec as it does presently for another four years.

“This will allow time for Stadium for Bath to submit their full planning application in due course and for it to go through the formal planning process.”

The temporary stands have been in place for 16 years, with the east stand meant to come down each summer – although last year Bath Rugby said “circumstances beyond our control” meant it could not comply with the planning condition.

In 2016 Bath and North East Somerset Council said the temporary structures could stay up for four more years while the club drew up plans for a permanent stadium.

Granting a two-year extension in 2020, planning officers said that while there was “no guarantee that a permanent solution will be found, it seems likely that a planning application will be submitted and considered within the next two years”.

Citing the widespread uncertainty caused by the pandemic, they said Bath Rugby would suffer considerable disruption if planning permission was not granted, and it would

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create uncertainty about the future use of the site.

Objectors claimed that allowing the temporary arrangement to stay in place even longer was “tantamount to making it permanent”.

Bath Rugby said in its plans: “These applications are submitted in the spirit of the overall strategy to redevelop the rugby stadium as the permanent long-term home of Bath Rugby Club.

“It seeks consent for a period of four further years whilst the above matters are hopefully clarified and the complicated planning application for a permanent solution can then progress.”

The club said the stands were still a necessity and its presence in the city benefited the local economy.

B&NES Council will consider the latest applications, reference numbers 21/05528/VAR, 21/05529/ VAR and 21/05530/VAR.

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