Issuu

bathvoice October 2019 No. 1

www.bathvoice.co.uk

FREE EVERY MONTH in Bear Flat, Oldfield Park and Widcombe

Woolly friends helping kids to read ... Page 19

INSIDE

Homes, dance and shop plan for ex-cinema Page 4 It’s a return home for chip shop family Page 9

We need to make road safe

Parking zone has given area ‘a new lease of life’ Read more, pages 6-7 START YOUR JOURNEY

A traffic survey is taking place early this month in a bid to address a “safety blackspot” in Widcombe. It comes after two men, aged 20 and 72, died after collisions on Widcombe Hill within the past 12 months. In a joint message, councillors Alison Born and Winston Duguid (Liberal Democrats, Widcombe and Lyncombe) said: “The council has agreed to carry out a survey of the speed and volume of vehicles on the length of the Turn to Page 5

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bathvoice Contacts

HOW DO I GET IN TOUCH WITH ...

Sam Petherick News Editor 07402 441485 news@bathvoice.co.uk Erica Benson Publisher and sales 07402 441485 erica@bathvoice.co.uk

on Twitter @bathvoice

Rich Coulter Sub Editor 07775 550607 George Benson Deliveries 07970 767606 george@bathvoice.co.uk

October 2019

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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 . Bath Voice News & Media Ltd | Co. no. 12138398 | VAT no. 331 0807 42

Next month’s deadline for editorial and advertising is October 23

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

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

Welcome to your Voice...

elcome to Bath Voice, the 19th newspaper to join the ‘Voice’ series serving communities across Bristol, Somerset, B&NES, South Gloucestershire and Worcester. It follows well-loved titles such as Keynsham Voice, Hanham & Longwell Green Voice, Downend Voice and many others where the mixture of news, views and features

has proved popular with residents and local businesses wanting to reach the community. Bath Voice will be delivered free every month to 5,500 homes in Bear Flat, Oldfield Park, Widcombe and 500 copies will be available at various pick-up-points in the city. Publisher Erica Benson said: “The news that matters to us is the issues and events happening in our community, involving the people we

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

know and the places we spend most of our time. “Our aim is to provide a means for the community to talk about the issues affecting them, publicise events, celebrate successes and share views. “We look forward to sharing your news and supporting local businesses. We hope you will join the conversation!” news@bathvoice.co.uk

October 2019

bathvoice

n NEWS

Charity creating level playing field for youngsters A delighted group of 150 youngsters watched Bath Rugby take on Worcester Warriors, thanks to a city charity. Bath Rugby Foundation works with around 3,000 youngsters who’ve had the toughest start in life - children and young people who have not been given an equal opportunity of success. Many of the young people it brought to the round two Premiership Rugby Cup match on Saturday, September 28, were experiencing a matchday at The Rec for the first time. Bath Rugby donated the tickets to the foundation, which works with youngsters who are born into poverty, have a special educational need or disability, or are excluded because of their race or gender. Foundation chief executive Lynne Fernquest said: “We always receive great support from Bath Rugby’s staff, players and, of course, supporters.

“Our coaches work with children and young people who have not been given an equal chance of success and are certainly not able to regularly attend Bath Rugby matches. “Many are loyal Bath Rugby supporters but have never been to The Rec. “This a wonderful gift to a young person who, through no fault of their own, has had a difficult start to life.” The 150 youngsters attending the Worcester Warriors match weredrawn from the three programme areas Bath Rugby Foundation works in – Education, Employability and Inclusion. Bath Rugby Foundation is Bath Rugby’s charity and empowers vulnerable children and young people in Bath and North East Somerset to succeed. The foundation uses the values of rugby to inspire young people to create a healthier, positive future for themselves.

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

October 2019

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n NEWS

Supermarket revamp, homes, student accommodation and improved dance studio could be the sequel for former cinema

An ambitious plan to redevelop a historic site with a supermarket and dance studio in Oldfield Park has been announced to the public. The Scala building in Shaftsbury Avenue is “not being used to its maximum potential” according to the developers behind the proposal Rengen. They plan to create 12 homes, a new Co-op ground floor store and purpose-built accommodation for Norland College students, plus office and teaching accommodation. The building is currently occupied by the Co-op and Freedom Through Dance and there are car parking facilities. Rengen says they will both

be “improved significantly” to upgrade the quality of the whole site. It also proposes to create a temporary convenience store while work takes place. A third of the homes will be classified as “affordable”. Most of the work will involve redeveloping the 1960s extension which is at the back of the building. The proposal is of interest to the local community, with a reported 150 people attending a public exhibition held at nearby Hayesfield Girls’ School across September 13-14. A planning application will be submitted to Bath and North East Somerset Council this autumn.

If approval is granted, works will begin next spring and aim to be completed in the winter of 2021. Norland College principal Dr Janet Rose said the worldfamous nanny training school would benefit hugely from the project. She said: “With the Scala site being situated in such close proximity to Norland College, it will allow our students to have better access to the campus and its facilities during their studies.” Rengen chief executive Iestyn Lewis said: “We couldn’t be more pleased to announce our partnership with the Co-op and Norland College for the redevelopment of Scala.

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

“We very much look forward to welcoming Norland College students to the community as well as providing a new anchor Co-op store, dance studio and a hub of much-needed open market and affordable accommodation. “Our plans will ensure the historic core of the building is carefully renovated while the 1960s rear extension will be redeveloped to create modern, fit-for-purpose living space.” The Scala building was originally a cinema before being closed after it was bombed in the Second World War. It took a year to repair and reopen. In 1962 it became a supermarket.

October 2019

bathvoice

n NEWS

Road has been a danger for too long - councillors

From Page 1 hill including the MacAulay Buildings bend, pictured right. “This should provide the evidence we need to support our case with the council, police authorities and other stakeholders. “This will be carried out in early October and we expect preliminary results to be shared with us by early November. “Council officers can then design a scheme and they can apply for funds to both consult and implement in the 2020/1 financial year. “This is our quickest route to addressing a safety blackspot that has gone on for far too long.” A petition was started at the beginning of 2019 by concerned residents who said there had been eight collisions on the hill last year. It has gained more than 800 signatures. The author of the petition,

Catriona Harris, said there has been a “lack of speed restrictions on this hill for many years”. “Local residents feel that this has now gone too far and that these accidents could have been prevented should measures have been taken,” she said. “The aim of this petition is to raise the necessary awareness for immediate, urgent measures to be implemented to prevent further fatalities.” The councillors said speeding

motorists and the volume of traffic are potential problem issues and that while parked cars can act as a speed deterrent, they can also “create more conflict situations”. “Some progress has been made in getting 20mph limits at the top and bottom of the hill,” they said, “but with depleted police budgets and enforcement resources, these limits are often ignored. “There is also a real danger to

pedestrians who walk down the Skyline path and find themselves coming out on a busy, fast road. We believe that the first focus must be around MacAulay Buildings, as that is where the greatest safety concern is and where the speed limit remains at 30mph. “Putting in a 20mph limit at the bend is, we are told by the safety experts and police, unlikely to achieve much without an engineering solution that forces cars and cyclists to slow down.” The councillors said they “want to keep the pressure up by organising a community speed watch in November and early December” which they will take part in. They urged anyone to report accidents and near misses to the police at www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/accidents and copy in Alison_born@bathnes.gov.uk and Winston_duguid@bathnes. gov.uk.

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October 2019

bathvoice

n NEWS Don’t miss out on school place

Residents’ parking zone gives Bear A residents’ parking zone is helping rejuvenate Bear Flat as a destination for shoppers, locals say. The zone was introduced to a mixed reception in April, bringing limited-time parking, bays for permit holders and restrictions on a number of roads. Bear Flat Association welcomed the changes and has created a new information leaflet to draw more shoppers and visitors to the area. Ward councillor Winston Duguid (Liberal Democrats) said: “It’s true, Bear Flat has become a lot easier for visitors by car. “And with the view from Alexandra Park only a short walk away and a choice of three refreshment outlets, Bear Flat is again becoming a place to shop and meet and avoid the congestion and cost of the city centre.” The residents’ association chairman Gareth Somerset said:

The deadline to apply for a secondary school place for September 2020 is fast approaching. Parents and carers of children in Bath who are currently in Year 6 have been urged to list five preferences available to them. This is to avoid their child being offered a place at a school some distance away. Applications can be made on Bath and North East Somerset Council’s website at http://www.bathnes.gov.uk/ admissions and the deadline is October 31. The highest preference school is always given first consideration. Offers of places will be made on March 2 2020. The council said this year 88% of children across B&NES obtained their first preference school, with 97.2% offered one of their first five preferences.

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October 2019

bathvoice

n NEWS

Flat a new lease of life

“Bear Flat is again becoming a place to shop and meet and avoid the congestion and cost of the city centre” - Ward councillor Winston Duguid “We have excellent independent shops and cafés as well as popular chains like the Co-op, Majestic Wine and Carphone Warehouse. “Some seem to imagine that the new residents’ parking zone has made parking difficult – not so, it is now easier. “As well as parking, we offer 13 bus routes, including the park and ride so you can park at Odd Down and get off at Bear Flat.” Copies of the free leaflet have been given to all shops, supermarkets, pubs, restaurants, cafes, B&Bs, salons and other businesses in the area. Julia Davey who runs an eponymous gift shop on Wellsway said: “We run crafts courses that are several hours long.

“The inclusion of the leaflet when we send out confirmation helps people find good spots for parking, like the segments on Shakespeare Avenue and Holloway where it’s free for three hours.”

What do you think? Email us at news@bathvoice. co.uk Opposite page, receiving the leaflet L-R Timothy Cantell of Bear Flat Association, Matt Swanson of The Floral Touch and councillor Winston Duguid. Right, L-R Nino’s Barber Shop owner gets his free leaflet from councillor Winston Duguid and Bear Flat Association’s Timothy Cantell

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

October 2019

n NEWS

bathvoice

Return home for family behind new chip shop A family is returning even closer to home this month when it opens a new fish and chip shop – its second in Bath. The Oyster Shell is opening in early October in Oldfield Park’s Moorland Road. It will be run by the family behind Bath city centre’s awardwinning restaurant The Scallop Shell. Owner Garry Rosser said: “Moorland Road was a massive part of where we shopped when [my wife] Lisa and I were bringing up our children Dan and Becky. “There’s a lot of history there and it still feels like a traditional, local community where people love to go. “When we took the tough decision to close the takeaway side of the business at The Scallop Shell in July 2017 to focus on the restaurant, we really upset people. “But I try and look at negatives as positive and I always said if the right opportunity came up that we would do it. “Luckily the business had time to recover, the restaurant is doing very well, and one of the sites that we’d love to take on became available earlier this year.” Lisa and Dan Rosser are taking on the day-to-day running of the new chippie. Dan has spent the past four years pursuing his dream of becoming a chef, honing his skills with Mitch Tonks in Devon, Nieves Barragan Mohacho at London’s hottest new opening of last year, Sabor, and at Marco Pierre White’s first Asian venture, The English House in Singapore. He said: “For me it was always about going away and then coming back. “You can work at the best restaurants in the world, but everyone has that dream of doing something for themselves. “I’ve always loved fish and

chips and always wanted to come back and work for the family business. “I think with my upbringing as well, you never lose who you are, and that should be a reflection of the chippy.” He added simplicity is key to a great fish and chips. “The Oyster Shell will stick to the same three principles: using the best potatoes, best batter and best fish you can buy,” he said. “If you can get those three elements right, then hopefully the rest will follow.” Garry said: “I see the takeaway as being an extension of the restaurant, so it’s about putting restaurant-quality food into a takeaway for people to

take home. I want to help Dan as much as I can, but he’s got masses of drive and ambition and some fantastic ideas. “He’s learnt so much about classical cookery that we’re bringing some English classics into this takeaway as well, so we’re going to be doing a little bit more than what we did before.

“It’s very exciting to have an opportunity to open another business in Bath. I think Dan’s going to create something really special there.”

Pictured above, Lisa and Dan Rosser. Below, Moorland Road

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bathvoice

n NEWS

AIR POLLUTION October 2019

Meet Bath’s local heroes

Community clean-up month The Big B&NES Community Clean Up takes place this month. Across Bath and North East Somerset, individuals, businesses, families, schools and community groups are set to join a week of community litter picking activities from October 19 to 27. The council’s sustainability and waste teams, supported by community group No Place for Litter, are running the campaign and offering groups support and guidance to run their own events. A calendar of activities will be produced so everyone in B&NES can find out where to join an event near them. Cabinet member for neighbourhood services Councillor Dave Wood said: “Litter causes damage to our environment, particularly plastic, which can be blown or washed far away and pollutes not just our local environment but also our countryside. “We all have the power to help tackle litter by taking it home to recycle or placing it in a bin. “We know there are lots

of dedicated and active litter picking groups across the district and having a dedicated litter picking week in October means we can capture and support their great work and give more people the opportunity to get involved in making our shared places litter-free. “I would also like to thank the businesses who have taken part in organised litter picks to help make Bath cleaner. “We want to hear from people who set up events so that our calendar will help residents find their nearest place to get

involved. Even two minutes of litter picking helps.” Residents unable to take part in a planned event are encouraged to carry out a twominute litter pick during the week of action. It was chosen to coincide with the national Plastic Free Communities Autumn beach cleaning week, run by Surfers Against Sewage, which also aims to tackle plastic pollution. To have details of your event added to the clean-up calendar, email sustainability@bathnes. gov.uk

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

A six-year old with a passion for keeping his community looking great was one of two Bath residents crowned Curo’s 2019 Community Heroes at the housing association’s annual Residents’ Conference. Joint winners of the inaugural award were Bath residents Oliver Brooke and Lily Johnson, with the Tintagel Close residents’ association in Keynsham picking up the Community Award. All were nominated by fellow Curo residents for the positive difference they have made in their neighbourhoods. Oliver, 6, first became involved during one of Curo’s action days at Rosewell Court in Bath city centre where he lives. The youngster loved helping out so much that when the residents’ association asked for litter pickers to keep the estate tidy, he was among the first to volunteer. Oliver is now a regular litter-picker and is out every week helping to keep his neighbourhood tidy. The Curo Community Hero Award was shared with Lily Johnson of St John’s Court, a Curo sheltered housing scheme in Bathwick. Lily was nominated for the care she shows for her elderly neighbours, and for the endless energy she brings in helping to organise numerous events, from coffee mornings and quizzes to fundraising activities. Residents of Tintagel Close were the winners of the Curo Community Award, receiving a cheque for £500 to spend on further neighbourhood initiatives.

Top picture, L-R Curo chief executive Victor da Cunha, Oliver Brooke, Liz Potter (Chair of Curo) and Lily Johnson. Above left, Liz Potter and Sharon Tucker (Chair of Tintagel Residents’ Association)

October 2019

bathvoice

n ADVERTISING ADVERTISING FEATURE FEATURE n

How new locks can unlock a new you A HAIR salon in Kingswood is leading the fight against female hair loss, transforming the lives of clients. Charisma, on the Kingsway, set up a hair loss clinic 12 months ago. Following the fitting of their integrated hair mesh systems, clients are leaving with a newfound confidence, delighted with their dramatic make-over. The hair loss clinic is based on the first floor of the salon allowing customers who may feel embarrassed or upset by their hair loss complete privacy. The intricate work is carried out by Emily Gil, who originally honed her skills at Charisma as a Saturday girl under the leadership of salon owner Becky Rendell. After qualifying as a stylist, Emily wanted to explore aspects of the business so went to work for a national hair loss clinic. She missed the staff and after several years decided she wanted to return to Charisma. Emily said: “I just wanted to come back as I loved the salon and loved working with Becky but I wanted to continue to work with clients with hair loss. I just wanted to make it more affordable for people. “Becky and I met up a few times and we started planning the clinic. It took about a year and a half to plan but now we’re up and running and it’s going really well.” Emily, 27, has seen clients of all ages with very different conditions causing hair loss or thinning. Her eldest client was in her late eighties but her youngest client was just nine years old. She had hair loss due to treatment for leukaemia. “It was very emotional,” says Emily, who lives in St George. “I had a lady who came in before having chemotherapy and I was with her through her whole treatment journey. I’ve seen alopecia, female pattern baldness and trichotillomania, which is where someone pulls their own hair out. “There are a lot of women suffering and I can understand they might feel embarrassed but we are

Emily Gil here to offer support. People are putting their trust in me so I make sure I listen to what they want and take care of them. I want to help every client who walks through my door.” Potential clients are given a one-to-one consultation where Emily talks them through her integrated mesh system which is attached to your scalp, with bonds made with your own hair in order to individually attach 100 per cent human hair extensions. “We have a chat and find out about their condition which is causing the hair loss and how long they’ve had it for. I do tests on the hair and see if it’s growing back. We also discuss what they would like to achieve in terms of thickness and length. I encourage clients to bring in photos of the sort of hair and style they would like to achieve. “If they are happy to proceed we match up hair colours and make a first appointment.” The system means clients can have their hair any thickness, length or colour they desire, with the added bonus that their scalp can breathe under the mesh, enabling their own hair to grow back, should their condition allow it to. Clients can treat the hair as their own and can wash, blow-dry,

straighten and curl it. Emily said: “It’s life-changing. You can tell that because you see how much confidence a person gains after having the system. They can be very timid and worried when they first come in but by the end of it you can see them glowing with confidence. We recently had a lady who came in with general thinning. She was very shy and apprehensive about what was going to happen but by the end, she was crying with joy - she just loved how she looked. She called me that evening and told me I had literally changed her life.” One of her clients is Kingswood resident, 55-year-old Debbie Bush. She had been going to Charisma for years for cuts but, with ever thinning locks, was intrigued by the salon’s integrated mesh system. “I have really thin hair which runs in my family. I’ve done loads of things to it - I’ve dyed it, bleached it and have gone through stress and the menopause so it all took its toll on my hair. I’ve always wanted long, thick hair but have never been able to grow it past a certain length. “I was nervous but excited and I couldn’t believe the result - it looked so natural! It’s given me a lot more confidence. I now bother with myself more and wear make up because I’ve got nice hair to

show off. “I wasn’t embarrassed by my thin hair but it was hard work. I had to wash and blow-dry it every morning just for it to look ok, but now it’s just once a week. “It was a considered purchase but I would say it’s well worth it as it makes me feel so good.” Clients need to return every six to eight weeks to have the system tightened as it becomes slightly looser once their own hair starts growing underneath. Once every six months the system is completely taken off, their hair and scalp washed and any repairs are carried out before the hair is connected back to the mesh. The system should last between two and two and a half years, depending on how it is looked after. Emily said she loves her work and is delighted to be back. “I always wanted to end up back at Charisma but I didn’t know what I wanted to specialise in. It was only when I got into hair loss solutions that I knew what I wanted to do. “You build friendships and personal relationships with clients as you go on a journey with them. “The best feeling in the world is watching their emotion at the end. It’s priceless and it’s what makes my job worthwhile.”

Debbie has always wanted long, thick hair

3 Kingsway, Kingswood, Bristol, BS15 8BF Tel: 0117 967 4040 Email: charismahairlosslinic@gmail.com Got a story for Bath Voice? Email Sam on news@bathvoice.co.uk

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October 2019

n ADVERTISING FEATURE ... PROPERTY FOCUS

Cottage is transformed after years of being derelict

Cherry Tree Cottage is a beautiful listed building in an idyllic village location just outside of Bath. It had been lying unloved and derelict for many years, slipping ever more into a state of disrepair before being brought back to Life by its owners Richard and Tessa Campbell, together with Mobius Home. Working within the framework of listed building consent Mobius Home was appointed to complete the entire renovation and extension project. Works included: • Complete refurbishment

• New roof • Single story extension • New drainage, gas and water utilities • Structural improvements • New kitchen and bathrooms • Flooring, joinery, doors and skirting • Bi-fold doors and hand-made front door • Garden landscaping • Electrical & Plumbing installation The results speak for themselves. Cherry Tree Cottage is now an absolutely stunning period property that strikes the right

balance of old and new. It retains all the beautiful quirks and original features that are so integral to the character of a period home whilst sympathetically incorporating the luxury and technological elements today’s discerning homeowner expects. Commenting on his experience of working with Mobius to renovate this characterful home, Mr Campbell said: “Working with listed properties is never straightforward and this project was no exception. “The team at Mobius Home were a pleasure to work with. “They communicated effectively

throughout and delivered an outstanding finish that was achieved on time and on budget” “There is something rather special about having been able to bring it back to life!” If you’re thinking about a new project, Mobius Home would love to hear from you. Get in touch today for a no obligation consultation. CONTACT Mobius Home Tel: 0117 403 8560 Email: hello@mobiushome.co.uk Advert, back page

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October 2019

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Outstanding Ofsted, March 2017

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October 2019

n NEWS

Clean air zone ‘just the start’ as green efforts are ramped up

Bath residents have been urged to take part in a final consultation on a clean air zone for the city. The zone is just the beginning of aspirations to make the city an “exemplar for sustainable transport”, Bath and North East Somerset Council’s new cabinet has said. Councillors said the zone would not address congestion but are hopeful it will bring nitrogen dioxide levels within the legal limit by 2021. Final proposals went out to a public consultation – the last attracted a record 8,400

responses – that runs until October 20. Postcards with the clean air zone plans have been sent to all homes and businesses in the Bath area. Material, including an updated website, leaflet and questionnaire, has been made available to the public and weekly events are being held across October where staff will be on hand to answer any questions. Residents will be able to see detailed maps of the zone, including the placement of cameras and signage, and those affected by charges will be able to

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find out more about the financial and practical support available. The class C zone will charge all higher emission vehicles, except private cars and motorbikes, to drive in Bath’s city centre by the end of 2020. Higher emission buses, coaches and HGVs will pay £100 a day; and vans, taxis, private hire vehicles and minibuses £9 to drive in the city centre. Councillor Sarah Warren (Liberal Democrats, Bathavon North) said the council has declared a climate emergency, aiming to be zero-carbon by 2030, and the clean air zone is “just the start of our aspirations”. She said: “Our ambition is to turn Bath into an exemplar of sustainable transport and travel in a heritage setting, by providing better facilities for walking, cycling and public transport.” The consultation highlights further extensions to the zone’s boundary and proposals to restrict the flow of traffic into Queen Square – a measure that enables private cars to be exempt from charges. After the consultation, a full business case will go before cabinet members on December 5, before being submitted for final approval by Government. The clean air zone will be launched at the end of 2020.

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

B&NES Council has so far secured up to £10 million to invest in measures to mitigate the impact of a clean air zone on local people and businesses. The funding will provide support to help retrofit and upgrade business vehicles, electric charge points, and enforcement of anti-idling and weight restrictions. The authority will submit further bids for last mile delivery and additional electric charging points. Are you part of a local community organisation that wants to shrink its carbon footprint or address the real issues of fuel poverty and climate change? The Bath and West Community Energy Fund is offering grants of up to £5,000 to eligible groups. Last year 11 projects received more than £30,000 in funding to lower carbon emissions and address fuel poverty. These included: •M onksdale Allotments, pictured, received £522 to buy trees, hedges and materials to plant a community orchard •M arksbury Village hall received £5,000 towards installing new insulation and low energy lighting • Time Bank Plus got a £3,660 boost to their ‘library of things/ borrow it’ scheme. • The Bath Repair Café, which runs out of Southdown, Larkhall, Weston and Peasedown St John, was supported by a £950 grant to increase capacity You can apply until November 25 on the community-owned energy company’s website at http:// www.quartetcf.org.uk/applyfor-a-grant

October October,2019 2019

bathvoice yate&sodburyvoice

15 33

n MESSAGE FROM AVON & SOMERSET PCC

Understanding hate crime

AST month, along with Avon Fire & Rescue, we opened our doors to your emergency services for our annual open day. Thankfully, the weather was kind to us and local people enjoyed displays from Avon and Somerset’s Police Dog, Mounted, Firearms section as well as car cutting and search and rescue demonstrations from Avon Fire and Rescue. It was wonderful to see families getting an insight into all aspects of our emergency services and the people who work so hard to keep our communities safe. This month, I will be working alongside Avon and Somerset Police and partners to increase local people’s understanding of hate crime to mark National Hate Crime Awareness Week (October 12-19). Hate crime can be defined as ‘any criminal offence that is perceived by the victim or any other person to be motivated by hostility or prejudice towards

someone based on personal characteristics’. Although hate crime is being spoken about more and more in the media and on social media, there is still confusion about the offence and when to report it and, as a result, underreporting continues to be an issue for victims of hate crime, particularly those related to religion, disability and sexual orientation. Our homes and our streets should be a place free from discrimination, intolerance and prejudice and that’s why it’s important we are firm in our message that hate has no home in our communities. If you’ve been a victim of hate crime you are not alone and please remember that there are people who can help. Only by working together can we show that hate crime will not be tolerated and offenders will be brought to justice. Finally, I wanted to let you

know about the reduction in the number of serious injury collisions on our roads across the area of more than 21 per cent. In 2018, there were 393 incidents where people were killed or seriously injured in collisions on the road compared to 478 in 2014, making Avon and Somerset Police the 9th most improved force for reducing the number of people involved in such collisions. Although one life lost in a collision is one too many, thanks to the dedication of the Roads Policing Unit, our roads are becoming increasingly safer for all road users. The Constabulary help organise and deliver voluntary speeding education courses to approximately 140,000 drivers each year and the unit is also supported by local people through the brilliant 131 Community Speedwatch schemes across the area. Since 2014, I have also ensured that the unit has been

With Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens better equipped to keep our roads safer by purchasing three enforcement motorcycles to support the nine speed enforcement vans as well as acquiring speed cameras from local authorities. We will continue to work with our local partners to keep our roads safe and educate local people on the dangers of driving unsafely.

School’s drive for £15k to Party Packages from £449* buy new people carrier We also cater for weddings, wakes,

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A special needs school in Bath is Three Ways School offers a christenings and conferences. fundraising to buy a new people stimulating learning environment carrier. to 220 pupils with learning Three Ways Special School’s difficulties and disabilities who previous vehicle stopped working are aged 4-19. over the summer. The spokeswoman said: The carrier is used several “We’re making a difference to Are you sick of damp in your property? times a day to take the young young people with learning people on visits, horse riding difficulties and disabilities Speak to the experts at Coping Covers.com. sessions to support physiotherapy and need the support of our We can stop damp at source at a fraction of the cost of targets, work experience, outdoor community to continue to other damp treatments. learning, sports fixtures and for develop these opportunities. various enrichment experiences. “Our students receive The Odd Down school, in personalised care and support Coping Covers for Frome Road, now needs to raise but it can sometimes be all your damp £15,000 to buy a new people challenging for them to access carrier with seven or nine seats community facilities, resources and roofing Speak to the experts at Coping Covers and said “anything people and activities. The students needs can donate to help would be need a higher level of specialist amazing”. support and this means the A school spokeswoman said: school’s budget in stretched o Visit us at *Based onhas a shown 6 piece “Recent research that provide high level staffing. Visit us at copingcovers.com www.Copingcovers.com buffet forchildren 100 people disadvantaged are three “We receive government times more likely to be missing funding for core curriculum Easily accessible, stunning location with a large free car park out on out-of-school activities teaching, but that doesn’t cover 2 Miles from Westerleigh along the Codrington road and extra-curricular activities, ambitious extra projects.” particularly music and sport. prices, Thatchers To donate please go to£3.50 Competitive drink Gold “At Three Ways we ensure donatemyschool.com/threeinfo have on access our website www.theplayersgolfclub.com thatMore all children to ways-school, email lucy.beattie@ Email info@copingcovers.com EMAIL: copingcovers@gmail.com a huge range ofour activities in theco-ordinator threeways.co.uk or callon her 01454 on Contact events Hayley 313029 Opt 4 Call 01172872192 - Mob 07974242989 local wider Hayley@theplayersgolfclub.com community.” 01225 838070. CALL: 0117 2872192 - MOB: 07974 242989 orand email

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Got story for Bath Voice? Email Sam on news@bathvoice.co.uk For a Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120

Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

n TAKE A BREAK

R A

S W D E A 2

TXT PERT

The first of a new wave of council houses in Bath and North East Somerset could be built by 2021. Another 70 homes could be constructed on land owned by the local authority within the next five years, a report suggests. It says there is also an “unquantified potential to access further land” from future sites which could be re-purposed or released for redevelopment, assets which could be sold off, and projects backed by grant funding. Papers for the first meeting

I N B

Council seeks to build up to 70 new homes by 2021

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Can you count how many ice creams there are of each shape?

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THE FIEND

PUZZLES FOR EVERYONE

For serious sudoku fans For younger HOW MANY ICEreaders CREAMS?

THE FIEND

)

October 2019

bathvoice

of Bath and North East Somerset Council’s new climate emergency and sustainability policy development and scrutiny panel say: “Cabinet have informally expressed a clear ambition to deliver a council house building programme to support and complement the existing affordable housing programme.” B&NES Council transferred its affordable housing stock to what is now Curo in 1999 because, at the time, the housing association was more able to borrow money.

Since then, affordable homes have typically been secured through deals with developers, schemes by registered providers and other projects. The report says over the past eight years the council has delivered 1,582 affordable homes – 73 per cent for rent and the others for intermediate/ affordable home ownership. It says: “Cabinet want to build upon and enhance this success with a council house building programme. It is important to note that this would support

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

and complement the current affordable housing programme, rather than replace it.” Officers say 35 to 70 houses could be built on land owned by the council in the next five years. They urged caution, however: “It is also important to note that whilst affordable housing will usually generate a revenue stream this is unlikely to be sufficient to fully cover the costs associated with the development and construction of the homes, voids, management, maintenance and bad debt.”

October 2019

bathvoice

n NEWS

Don’t miss your chance to meet mascot Big Ted The loveable mascot Big Ted is having another day out in Bath this month – and here’s how you can meet him. Schools, nurseries and youth groups have been invited to take part in Ted’s Big Day Out to help raise funds for children’s therapies at the city’s Royal United Hospital. The fundraising day will take place on Friday, October 18 and Big Ted will be making a special guest appearance on the day to join in with the fundraising activities. Senior community fundraiser Lauren Noble of organisers the Forever Friends Appeal said: “The aim is to raise money to fund specialist children’s equipment, such as educational and therapy toys for the hospital’s children’s therapies department and children’s centre. “We have had a number of schools and nurseries sign up which is great and we would like to extend our invitation to brownies, guides, scouts and other youth groups to sign up and take part. “This year’s theme is ‘Celebrate your Way’ – so it’s up to you whether you organise a fancy dress day, wear a silly hat, have a teddy bears picnic or do something else in exchange for a suggested £1 donation per pupil, whilst having fun along the way.” Patients like Henry Latchem, 6, who is treated at the RUH will be one of the patients to benefit from the funds raised. Henry, below, has cerebral palsy which affects the coordination and his muscles,

King Edward’s School takes part in Ted’s Big Day Out particularly in his lower body and legs. The RUH’s head of children’s therapies Emily Graham said: “Henry’s a bubbly little boy and tries very hard in his physiotherapy sessions, which he’s been having at the RUH since he was 11 months old. “Henry needs to use specialist seating, standing and mobility equipment and has a walking frame so he can play with his friends and move at school. “The hospital is currently looking at different styles of walking frames to best suit Henry to promote improvement in his mobility skills and balance. “This is why donations from Ted’s Big Day Out are so important as we will be able to purchase an extended range of toys and equipment to make children’s’ experience of therapy sessions more enjoyable. “They will also enhance our assessments so we can ensure children like Henry have the right equipment to help them play and move around.” To sign up your school or youth group please visit www. tedsbigdayout.com or call 01225 824013. You will receive a free fundraising pack and the first 10 groups to sign up will receive a visit from Big Ted himself.

Learn to Dance

Jive • Waltz • Cha Cha Cha etc Commencing:

Wednesday 2nd October 7.00-8.00pm. £7.50 per person

La Scala, Shaftesbury Road, Bath BA2 3LH Contact:

The Bath Dancentre

TEL: 01225 312851 or 07860 839560 Email: paulagoodyear@btinternet.com www.thebathdancentre.co.uk

CLARKSON’S INDEPENDENT F UNERAL DIRECTORS LTD 7 Windsor Place, BA1 3DF 01225 426822

“A truly personal and caring service”

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

contact@clarksonsfuneraldirectors.com www.clarksonsfuneraldirectors.co.uk Saltford branch: 01225 873535 Frome branch: 01373 463888

n WHAT’S ON Mondays Walking Football on Mondays 10am - 11am at Odd Down Sports Ground (Chelwood Drive, Bloomfield, Bath). £4 Pay-as-youplay (no membership) active@ ageukbanes.co.uk or 01225 484510. Sing & Play. Fun and lively music and instrumental games for babies and preschoolers. Come and join us for a free trial. Refreshments included. Bruton Hall, Bear Flat, Bath, BA2 42J. To book contact Janette 07752 880116 Yogalates is a fusion of Yoga moves and Pilates, a dynamic energising class to build strength improve flexibility, mobility and core. Suitable for all levels, ages and abilities. Monday 9.30am at The Hub Mulberry Park Combe Down, Children welcome. Barty’s Parents and toddlers. Every Monday of term time 9.3011am at St Bart’s Church, King Edwards Road, BA2 3PB

Tuesdays Bumps and Babies every Tuesday (term time). For ages 0-18 mths, come along and meet other parents/carers and enjoy a range of activities. 10am-12pm at Twerton Village Hall, Landseer Rd, BA2 1DX. Call Becky 07703883995 Bath: Art Group, Tuesdays 10am 12pm at St Michael’s Centre. £3 inc refreshments. Some of the Tuesday group also choose to stay on for Lunch Club. Some resources are available, but students also provide their own materials. To book your place, contact active@ageukbanes. co.uk or 01225 484510. Roots & Shoots Toddler group at Bath City Farm. Tuesday 10am-1pm. No need to book just turn up with your little one and enjoy the farm. The National Autistic Society runs two weekly out of school sessions on Tuesday in Central Bath. The session for children and young people aged 8-14, 6.30pm until 8pm & 8pm to 9.30pm for those aged 15-21. For further information email OOSC@nas.org.uk

Wednesdays AGE UK Book Club Second

October 2019

bathvoice

GOT A LISTING YOU WANT INCLUDED? Email sales@bathvoice.co.uk

Advertise your event in our What's On section ONLY

£15 + VAT FOR A 5cm X 1 COLUMN DISPLAY ADVERT

class. No need to book, just show up. All ages and abilities welcome. Bag-Fit Thursday evenings at Twerton village hall, 7-8PM this class is suitable for all levels and abilities it’s easy to follow and great fun working the whole body, learn to kick and punch to our unique blend of music on free standing punch bags. For more info call 07850954863

Fridays Exercise Movement and Dance class for ladies

P EXAM

Low impact classes offer dance, exercise and core strengthening. Strengthen muscles, raise energy levels, improve balance and mobilise joints. 6.25-7.30pm at Fairlawn Primary School, Fairlawn Road, Montpelier, Bristol, BS6 5JL. Tel: Rachael at FL Exercise on 07966 418 714 / rachaelwilliams@talktalk.net . Classes run on 5-7 week basis - charged as a block booking (£8 per class -1st Class Free)

Wednesday of the month at 10.30am - 12pm. Bath Central Library. £3 suggested donation. The groups are open to everyone of 55+ and those attending will decide what books they would like to read for future sessions. For more information contact active@ ageukbanes.co.uk or 01225 484510. Gadget Buster sessions offer support with using laptops, tablets and phones. People your own ‘gadget’ along and ask our volunteers questions and learn how to get the most out of your technology. St Michael’s Centre. Every Wednesday, 10am - 12pm. Cost: £3 Bath WI meet on the first Wednesday of each month at St Mary’s Church in Bathwick, a short walk from the centre of the city. Doors open at 7pm for a drink and a chat, with the meeting starting at 7.30pm.For more info please email thebathwi@gmail.com.

Thursdays Community Tea Party first Thursday of the month at 3.30pm at Beechen Cliff Hall. Zumba every Thursday evening in La Scala in Moorland Road (above the Co-op) 7.00-7.45pm, £5 per

Articulate Craft Club. Hillside Hall, 6-9pm. Twice monthly meetings on a Friday evening, 11th & 25th October. New members pay £5 on their first night which includes membership & entry fee. After that, each club night costs £3 for entry. Open to everyone 18+. www. articulatebath.com Wellbeing Café for anyone under 25, 4-6pm at Open House Centre Café, Manvers Street, Baptist Church, BA1 1JW Golden Club. Social club for older people living in the Beechen Cliff area. The group meet for companionship, cup of tea, scrabble or cards. Beechen Cliff Church, 1 Heather Drive, Sullis Meadows, BA2 2BW. Call 01225 832022

Saturdays The Bear Flat Community Market is on the third Saturday of every month from 9.30am – 12.30pm, in the Methodist Church hall in Bruton Avenue. Our aim is to promote local food and to provide space where the community can get together.

Events Sunday 6th October Bath Flea Market at Green Park Station Tuesday 8th October Beat Surgery. Local PCSO’s from the Beat, come along and meet your local neighbourhood Policing Team. At the Grumpy Baker, Moorland Rd on Tuesday 8th October 10-11:30am. Sunday 20th October Zumbathon at Bath Pavilions on Sunday 20th October. 2 hour zumbathon neon glow theme

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

in aid of Cancer Research UK. Doors open at 1.30pm everyone is welcome. Starts 2-4pm. All we ask is a minimum £5 donation pp to help us raise vital funds. 26th Oct -3rd November. Museums Week celebrates our local museums’ unique collections and activities in Bath and North East Somerset. Enjoy 9 days of events and activities. For more information www.bathmuseumsweek. co.uk October 29 Halloween Pumpkin Party at Bath City Farm on Tuesday 29th October 12– 3pm. All ages welcome. Free event, no need to book. For more information www.bathcity.farm. org.uk

Theatre The Egg Theatre 11-13 October. The Day I Fell Into a Book 18-20th October. Touch 22-25th October. Youthquake 23-24th October. Dragonbird The Ladybird Detective Agency. 27-18th October. Same Same… But Different Theatre Royal 8-12th October Shrek the Musical www.theatreroyal.org.uk

Local Firework Shows Light up Lansdown at Bath Racecourse, 2nd November 2019. Bath Racecourse will be hosting an evening of bonfire fun, including fireworks to a blockbuster Disney soundtrack, funfair rides and more. Gates open at 5pm, bonfire 7pm & fireworks start 7:45pm. www. bath-racecourse.co.uk Bath Rotary Club Fireworks Display, 2nd November 2019. Get ready for a spectacular show which will light up the whole of Bath. Gates open 5:30pm, fireworks 7-7:30pm at The Recreation Ground, Bath, BA2 4DE. Tickets available from Bath Box Office from 2nd October. wwwbathboxoffoce. org.uk Bonfire night at Bath City Farm, Saturday 2nd November, 6.30pm – 9.00pm. Experience the dark night come to life as fireworks illuminate the city’s sky. Join us for a delicious BBQ and snuggle around our bonfire with a warm drink. Free event, no need to book just show up. www.bathcity.farm.org.uk

October 2019

n NEWS Reading is one of the most important and vital things our children need to learn. In a bid to encourage and enhance this experience for the pupils attending Twerton Infants’ School, ward councillor Sarah Moore used her hobby of knitting to provide every child that started in reception this year with their own reading buddy. Ms Moore (Twerton, Lib Dems), pictured, has knitted 38 owls, one for each child to keep and use each time they are reading. She said: “Often you see children playing and talking with their toys, so in providing each of them with a reading buddy I am hoping this will enable them to feel they can pick up a book at any time and read with their owl. “ The school is hosting open days for parents and their children who are looking for a place in a reception class in September 2020. The dates are: November 5, 7, 13 and 14. On these days there will be tours of the school at 9:30am and at 11:00am. Call the school on 01225 423526 to book a place on a tour.

bathvoice

‘W-owlly’ reading buddies proving inspiration for young readers

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

October 2019

bathvoice

n THE DRAGONFLY JAR ... personal discoveries on my travels Jeanne Fairs: Mid-life musings There is a risk that if I chronicle another holiday foray, you will think I haven’t found the stamina to return to the rat race. I have returned, but as we start shutting down daylight hours for the autumn run-up to Christmas, I will file my personal headlines of holiday self-discovery: • It is OK to be a motorway service station snob: if you have a preference for a barista-made flat white then nothing tops a service station disguised as a farm shop. After all, a grated carrot and hummus sour dough baguette (who knew) could make your ongoing journey bearable. • UK beaches just cannot be beaten. I have been known to eulogise about loch-side and coastal Scottish shores and am more than willing to add shingled promenades to this coastline of delights. • A hotel breakfast is a holiday highlight. Seaside air increases your appetite ten-fold and as we have not yet Brexited, it would be rude not to work through a whole Smorgasbord of cheese and pastries before tackling a full cooked English breakfast. (If you are camping, all the same applies, you will just need to appoint a Head Chef and source your own pastries/pasties)). • If the weather is kind, it is absolutely acceptable to sleep all day on the beach - perhaps surfacing for lunch - before sleeping another 8-10 hours at night. It is also perfectly acceptable to spend the next day remarking how tired you feel. 'It must be the change of air’. This consolidation of holiday findings comes after an intense summer run of travel (teachers and holidays, eh?), from hardcore foreign camping (mosquitos) through self-catered Scottish island-hopping (midges) to a last minute (almost) ready to return to work mini break of hotel/deckchair living (wasps). Back in the classroom, I find myself strangely excited by post-holiday routine. If I do need a mini break before Christmas, I’ll just pop up the M5 to a little rustic service station I found on Trip Advisor. www.thedragonfyjar.com

Students hope buses will be more reliable Students have returned to Bath for a new year of studies – and steps are being taken to ensure their transport runs smoothly. The start of the 2018/19 academic year was marred by huge waits for bus services including the U1 which was rerouted to avoid the city centre. These changes were reversed in January with the usual pick-up point outside Bath Abbey reinstated. University of Bath’s vicepresident Steve Egan said the institution has “intensified discussions with First Bus over the summer months with the aim of ensuring a smoother start to the year for both students and staff”. He said there is now increased capacity on the U1 and U2, an all-day U3 service (previously U1X) and a “more reliable” evening operation. The university is based in a large campus in Combe Down.

DISTRIBUTORS Required to deliver our monthly newspaper in the following areas: Get your copy of the heartfelt account of life with adopted children by Elena Holmes. AdoptyMum and Co look like a normal family. So why is she getting uptight when someone offers her son a biscuit? Why is that angelic little girl suddenly shouting at the bus driver? This is the story of what happens when you can’t give birth to children of your own, and you take on kids whose start in life has been.. difficult. Join AdoptyMum for a bumpy, scary, life-changing and rewarding ride. “AdoptyMum is a really well written book. It is honest, heartfelt, painful, and funny. I started reading and couldn’t put it down. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in adoption” Sue Topalian MA / Creative Attachment Therapist

Quote LEAFLET for free postage. Available to buy from www.elenaholmes.com

Bear Flat, Oldfield Park and Widcombe. If you are reliable and fit then this a role suitable for all age groups (min age 13). The newspapers will be delivered to your home ready for distributing. Routes range from 300-500 newspapers Tel: 07970 767606

george@bathvoice.co.uk Along with your address and contact

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telephone number.

October 2019

bathvoice

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

We need top-class carers who can support people to remain in their own homes

utstanding-rated Home Instead Senior Care (Bath and West Wiltshire) are looking to expand their workforce due to an unprecedented demand for their services. Formed in 2011 by married couple Nick and Alison Yeatman, their business has gained an excellent reputation across Bath and West Wiltshire. One of a small number of Care Providers to be rated ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission, they provide companionship and care services to help people remain

independent in their own homes. What makes Home Instead so special is their recruitment and matching process. CAREGivers are matched to their clients based on their personalities, hobbies and interests. CAREGivers are carefully recruited, placing an emphasis on outstanding people skills and a caring nature above just experience alone. All visits to clients are at least one hour long and, in many cases, much longer. Home Instead encourages friendships to develop between their CAREGivers and

Help make a world of difference Become a CAREGiver Being a CAREGiver at Home Instead Senior Care, everything I give I get so much in return. I love hearing Stanley’s stories about everything he has learned.

Join the family of Home Instead Senior Care CAREGivers and help make a world of difference. http://www.homeinstead.co.uk/bath Email: recruiter@homeinsteadbath.co.uk Tel: 01225 808273

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

clients resulting in meaningful and trusting relationships to build. CAREGivers love their work and really do make a difference to the lives of their clients. Look out for Home Instead Senior Care’s ‘Third Stair’ national TV adverts, starring CAREGiver Christine and her client Stanley. Home Instead Senior Care are looking to hire at least 25 CAREGivers in Bath. Please see their advert on this page for contact details.

SALTFORD MOTORS SERVICES LTD

THE EXTR

FOR G O

THANK YOU RS

ILE

n Norm

Stephe

R CUS

Group Managing Director Vauxhall Motors Limited

Saltford Motor Services Ltd

491 Bath Road, Saltford BS31 3HQ

www.saltfordmotors.co.uk

01225 873172

October 2019

n NEWS

18 flats could be the next arrival at site of former railway line Plans for 18 flats on a former depot in Lower Weston have been drawn up for the local authority construction company. Aequus was set up to boost housing delivery and Bath and North East Somerset Council’s coffers. Its latest proposals, drafted by The Prince’s Foundation, will be “highly energy efficient and use local, low impact materials wherever possible, for a truly holistic environmental approach”. If approved, 18 one- and two-bedroom flats will be built in two three-storey blocks on a narrow strip of land in Station Road that once formed part of the Mangotsfield and Bath branch train line. The line was closed in 1966 and the site has most recently been used for open storage, including storage of vehicles, but is currently vacant. A 2003 bid to build two three-storey apartment blocks was refused due to plans for a mass transit system. Aequus’ plans say: “One of the most vital aspects of a sustainable development is its location. “The application site’s proximity to jobs, amenities, and transport links make it an inherently sustainable place for people to live. In addition, it is an urban brownfield site. Development here would – rather than compromising virgin land or contributing to suburban sprawl – remediate contaminated urban land, and make a derelict site useful to the community again.” Adding to the development’s eco credentials, solar panels will provide at least a tenth of the buildings’ energy, and recycled whiskey barrels will be provided to store rainwater to irrigate the gardens. There will be 18 parking spaces, a dozen of which would have electric vehicle charging points, plus 36 secure spaces for bikes. Seven of the flats will be affordable, a rate of 39 per cent. Previous projects by Aequus included the construction of nine homes in place of a redundant church in Sladebrook Road and the redevelopment of a Keynsham office block to provide 95 apartments. The company, which is wholly owned by B&NES Council, uses the income to fund frontline services. The authority will decide the fate of the application.

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