Bath Echo - Issue 005 - 01/10/2019

ECHO

Your free local newspaper for the city of Bath

Tuesday, 1st October 2019

Thousands of copies available across Bath every fortnight

Luxury bespoke made-to-measure kitchens and interior solutions 01225 337276 www.bathecho.co.uk | Issue No. 005 | FREE

Popular Broad Street car park becomes first in the city to go cashless P3

100,000 visitors a year expected at World Heritage Visitor Centre

Council leader pledges help for EU nationals living across B&NES P4

Development will transform dilapidated buildings and underground spaces Stephen Sumner

Local Democracy Reporter

DILAPIDATED Victorian buildings and underground spaces are to be given a new lease of life as a venue to celebrate Bath as a World Heritage City.

The World Heritage Centre will be free to enter when it opens late in 2020 and is expected to draw

100,000 visitors a year.

Plans have now been submitted detailing how it will take shape.

“The proposed development will radically improve access, understanding and enjoyment of the internationally significant Roman Baths and the City of Bath World Heritage Site,” the planning application from Bath and North East Somerset Council’s heritage services team says.

“The development will convert

three currently dilapidated and under-used Victorian Spa buildings adjacent to the Roman Baths into a Roman Baths Learning Centre and a World Heritage Centre.

“Until this development, these buildings were used by heritage services as a retail warehouse and maintenance workshop.

“The learning centre will be connected to the Roman Baths by an underground tunnel that

will inspire and excite everyone using it.

“The development will also increase public access to and engagement with Roman archaeology at Britain’s most stunning Roman monument.

“The new facilities will enable greater engagement of local communities and provide more accessible and appealing ways for a wider range of people to get involved ..." Continued on page 2

Bath's Christmas Market to return with bigger focus on local produce P6 Get the latest news for Bath 24/7 on our website www.bathecho.co.uk

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In this issue...

Top stories Education

P2-9 P10

Health P12 What's On

P14

Community

P16

Business P18 Politics

P20

Puzzles P22 In Other News

P23

Sport

P24

Useful Information The Bath Echo newspaper is produced fortnightly. Thousands of copies are distributed across the Bath area via our dedicated distribution points and at various cafes, venues, waiting rooms and local libraries.

How to get in touch with us...

For news items and press releases: news@bathecho.co.uk 01225 585484 For sport and match reports: sport@bathecho.co.uk 01225 585484 Want to have a letter published? letters@bathecho.co.uk Subscriptions/Distribution: subscribe.bathecho.co.uk 01225 585484 Advertising & Marketing: advertise@bathecho.co.uk 01225 589789 Contact the editor: Sebastian Hawker editor@bathecho.co.uk Published by Media Bath Limited

Bath Echo, PO Box 5395, Bath, BA1 0YA

Company Number: 09384496

Disclaimer Please note, the views expressed in this newspaper are not necessarily the views of the editor, or publisher.

No parts of this newspaper may be reproduced without prior written permission. Liability for advertising in this publication comes down to the individual advertiser, and not the publisher. © Media Bath Limited

ISSN 2632-7805 The Bath Echo is regulated by IMPRESS: The Independent Monitor for the Press CIC. We adhere to the Standards Code adopted by IMPRESS, and can only deal with complaints which relate to an alleged breach of the standards set out in this Code. You can find out more about the code on the IMPRESS website: www.impress.press/standards/.

If you believe we have breached this code, you can make a complaint to us regarding it. For more information, please visit: www.bathecho.co.uk/complaints/

Variety of special activities planned to keep families entertained this October half-term MUSEUMS across Bath & North East Somerset will host a programme of special events and activities over the October halfterm for Museums Week, Saturday 26th October – Sunday 3rd November 2019.

Organised by Bath & North East Somerset Council, Museums Week celebrates the unique collections and activities in our local museums.

All activities are free for residents with a Discovery Card.

Councillor Paul Crossley, cabinet member for Community Services at Bath & North East Somerset Council, said: “Museums Week is a great opportunity for local people to explore our fantastic museums and have a go at creative activities – from taking infrared photos, to making mosaics, searching for fossils, and watching vintage films.

“We hope that many residents will enjoy taking part in the events and activities for free with a Discovery Card.”

Highlights of the week include: • Visit the Mayor’s Parlour and see 800 years of history, including the city’s Royal Charters, gold and silver collection, ceremonial maces, sword and robes; • Create a mosaic using a mix of pictures and colours in ‘Mosaic Mix Up’ at the Roman Baths; • Listen to stories of East Asian monsters and use them as inspiration to create monstrous masks at the Museum of East Asian Art; • Make a bookmark or beaded necklace in the style of Jane Austen at No.1 Royal Crescent; • Use a special infrared camera to take a unique photograph of

Cllr Paul Crossley at the Roman Baths with costumed characters from the Natural Theatre Company | Photo: B&NES Council

yourself at the Herschel Museum of Astronomy; • Investigate objects found in Batheaston and beyond, make a miniature Iron Age roundhouse and handle objects from Victorian times; • Enjoy free entry to the garden at the American Museum and Gardens, one of the South West’s newest and most unique gardens with outstanding views; • Search for patterns from nature in the exhibits at the Fashion Museum; • Create Plasticine pictures, marvellous masks, or an abstract collage at the Victoria Art Gallery;

• Watch vintage films about travel and leisure in the 40s and 50s at the Museum of Bath at Work; • Meet outside Radstock Museum for a 15-minute walk to a nearby coal spoil heap to search for fossils. Bring a small hammer and a bag to collect your finds.

Discovery Cards are simple to get and allow local people to visit Council attractions for free and enjoy a range of discounts at other outlets, shops and cafés.

They are available to Bath & North East Somerset residents at no cost, from any of the following locations: • Bath One Stop Shop

• The Fashion Museum • The Roman Baths • Victoria Art Gallery • Keynsham Library & Information Service • Midsomer Norton Library & Information Service Applicants must bring proof of ID, such as a passport or photocard driving licence, and proof of residence such as a recent Council Tax or utility bill.

Advance booking is required for some Museums Week events.

For full event listings, visit www. bathmuseumsweek.co.uk.

Application submitted for new Bath visitor centre Continued from page 1 ... in our heritage.”

Roman Baths and Pump Room manager Stephen Clews said in the application the dilapidated buildings and underground spaces will be transformed to meet the needs and expectations of modern audiences.

He added: “In so doing, their heritage value can be protected and conserved and the way opened for providing better information and interpretation not just about these buildings themselves but also about the World Heritage City within which they are located and the Roman Baths to which they are adjacent and connected underground.

“The internal arrangements will not only meet and exceed standards for accessibility, but they will also have the capacity to be accessed by many thousands of visitors each year.

“Dedicated teaching space for the Roman Baths will increase dramatically and the new World Heritage Centre will attract 100,000 visitors each year.

“Users of the new facilities will have access to Victorian spa

buildings that have gained a new life and relevance and are designed to have low operating costs to secure their sustainable use for the future.”

The project, supported by £3.4million from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, will also open up new areas of the Roman Baths to visitors, including a Roman laconicum (similar to a sauna) and a possible Roman exercise yard.

Councillor Paul Crossley, cabinet member for community services, said: “Until now there has been nowhere in Bath for residents and visitors to find out why the City of Bath is a World Heritage Site.

“The centre will be free to enter and will have displays showing why Bath has World Heritage status, but most importantly it will encourage visitors to go out onto the streets and see it for themselves.

“The new spaces will be accompanied by exciting community events, activities and learning opportunities – from well-being courses for local community groups, to a dig pit where school children can

Images © Fielden Clegg Bradley Studios / B&NES Council

unearth replica Roman objects.

“The World Heritage Centre is expected to open to the public later in 2020, giving time to make

any final adjustments in the quieter winter months.” Bath and North East Somerset Council will decide the planning application.

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Broad Street car park first to go cashless due to damage caused by pay and display machines DAMAGE being caused by the pay and display machines at Broad Street car park in Bath will see the popular site become the first in the city to go cashless this week.

Bath & North East Somerset Council is removing the payment machines due to urgent maintenance problems affecting neighbouring properties, and there are no suitable places in the car park to relocate them.

People using the car park will be able to pay via the MiPermit app, which allows them to pay from their car when they pull into a space, avoiding having to queue at a meter.

MiPermit also enables drivers to top-up their parking to the maximum time available if they think they will not get back to their car in time. The 10p service charge per transaction will be removed and there is also a 10% discount scheme available for residents.

Councillor Joanna Wright, joint cabinet member for Transport Services, said: “Our pay and display machines at Broad Street car park need to be removed urgent-

News in Brief Space tech innovation award for Bath firm

Inset - The pay and display machine at Broad Street car park in Bath | Photos © Bath Echo

ly in order for us to address water leaks affecting neighbouring properties.

“As there are no safe alternative locations available, we are removing the machines completely and the car park will become cashless as part of our Digital by Choice programme. We are encouraging drivers to switch to the MiPermit

app ready for this change. Residents using an account linked to their address can take advantage of the 10% discount in daily charges via the Residents’ Parking Saver discount scheme.”

Staff will be on hand at the car park during the morning of Wednesday 2nd October to support customers with the change.

Nearby car parks will continue

using a cash pay and display system, the nearest location is Cattle Market car park in Walcot Street.

The council already has cashless on-street locations at both Grand Parade and Alexandra Park. More information for residents using a MiPermit account linked to the Residents’ Parking Saver scheme can be found at www.bathnes. gov.uk/residentsparkingsaver.

Blueskytec, headquartered on Barton Street in Bath, has won The Innovation Zone Award 2019 at this year’s UK Space Conference.

The cybersecurity company beat off competition from across the country to win the prestigious award, which recognises the latest developments in space technology.

The judges were impressed by Blueskytec’s innovative, low cost developments which are being evaluated by some of the world’s leading aerospace companies for use in their satellites and space programmes.

The UK Space Conference is a bi annual event, run in conjunction with the UK government.

Blueskytec founder Dr Chris Mobley said “We are absolutely delighted to win this award. We have spent the past five years developing our patent pending technology and are extremely proud to have it recognised at such a prestigious event. Our belief is that there is a gap in the market for a high integrity, low cost commercial solution in cyber security, and the growing market for space technology provides huge opportunities for Blueskytec.”

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Proposals to transform The Min into hotel set to go on show Stephen Sumner

Local Democracy Reporter

PROPOSALS to transform Bath’s historic Royal Mineral Water Hospital into a hotel and spa are to go on display.

The Singapore-based Fragrance Group bought the grade 2 listed buildings last year for £21.5million and has since been working with Bath-based architects Stride Treglown on plans that “respect their heritage and architecture”.

Visitors will be able to enjoy the building’s heritage, including its historic links to Bath’s thermal waters.

The proposals will be exhibited in the Great Octagon in the Assembly Rooms from 2pm to 7.30pm on Monday 7th October.

Martin Rogers of the Global Hotels and Leisure Consultancy, on behalf of the Fragrance Group, said: “We’re breathing new life into these redundant buildings to ensure they can continue to play a vibrant role in the city centre, bringing new jobs for the people of Bath and increased revenue for the city as a whole.

“Our teams have spent many months working on these proposals and we are now ready to share our ideas with the people of Bath. We have been liaising closely with officers from Bath and North East Somerset Council, and with Historic England, as

The Min in Bath | Photo © The Fragrance Group

well as other planning experts to bring forward these exciting proposals for a high-quality hotel, spa and restaurant which respect the history, heritage and architecture of the original buildings.

“We have worked hard to ensure that guests and visitors will be able to enjoy the building’s herit-

age, including its historic links to Bath’s thermal waters.”

The plans will also be available online at www.theminexhibition. co.uk for anyone to attend the exhibition. The Min was home to the Royal National Hospital For Rheumatic Diseases, whose staff and services are currently relo-

cating to the main Royal United Hospital site. The hospital trust sold the 18th century Upper Borough Walls property to Winchester-based Versant Homes and Development in 2017.

Land Registry documents show it was then sold on to Fragrance UK in January 2018 for £21.5million.

It is not clear exactly how much the trust got for the site, but its annual report for 2017/18 says: “The sale of the Mineral Hospital is included in the profit on disposal of property which resulted in a net profit of £15.265m, reduced by sundry other asset disposals during the year.”

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News in Brief Bath Central Library closed after leaks Bath Central Library was closed on Tuesday 24th September after a number of leaks affected the building. Bath & North East Somerset Council said staff were on hand to explain the situation to customers and to take returned books. The library was reopened the following day. The cause of the leaks has not been revealed, but is thought to relate to the recent heavy rain in the area.

Bath law firm top for gender diversity Bath-based Royds Withy King has been ranked second among UK Top 100 law firms for its gender diversity.

Royds Withy King has 213 lawyers of which 64 per cent are female, putting it in second place after Irwin Mitchell in The Lawyer’s ‘UK 200: Top 100’ report for 2019 which has just been published.

Speaking about the results, Graham Street, Managing Partner at Royds Withy King, said: “We are pleased to be recognised for our work in this area as part of our wider commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (ED&I).

Earlier this month, we announced the appointment of Bharat Nahar as our first ED&I Board Partner.

He will champion our ED&I commitment to ensure that equal opportunities and inclusivity are completely embedded within our culture and reflect the make-up of our communities.”

Amanda Dow, Director of HR at Royds Withy King, added: “We are continually looking at our gender balance to make sure that both men and women feel they have access to the same opportunities.

Council leader pledges help for local EU nationals THE leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council has pledged the council’s commitment to helping EU nationals living in the area apply for UK immigration status.

Councillor Dine Romero, Bath & North East Somerset Council leader, said: “EU nationals are our family members, friends, colleagues and neighbours.

“You are part of our community and we want you to stay. We recognise it’s upsetting and stressful to have to ‘apply’ to stay in a country which is your home and which you had the right to come to under EU law.

“One way we can help is through our Digital Document Verification service to make the administration a little easier.

“This is available for anyone who needs to make an application for UK immigration status under the EU settlement scheme.

“We have information on our council website about how to apply and our Digital Document Verification service can assist with applications for settled and pre-settled status for EU nationals and their EU and non-EU family members, meaning citizens do not need to send their ID documents in support of their online application.”

The basis for qualifying for status under the scheme currently remains the same as proposed in a ‘deal’ or ‘no deal’ scenario and will be focused on residency in the UK. This means that any EU citizen or their family members living in

Inset - Councillor Dine Romero, Leader of B&NES Council | Photo: © B&NES Council

the UK by 31st October 2019 will be eligible to apply under this scheme, to secure their status in UK law.

Under a ‘no deal’ scenario, EU citizens or their family members resident in the UK by 31st October 2019, will have until 31st December 2020 to apply for settled and pre-settled status under the scheme.

This is earlier than the stated 30th June 2021 outlined in the ‘deal’ scenario. Until the stated dates of 31st December 2020 or 30th June 2021, EU citizens will be able to rely on their passport or national identity card if they are asked to evidence their right to reside in the UK when applying for a job, as they do currently.

Developer reveals plans for 18 flats on former Newbridge depot Stephen Sumner

Local Democracy Reporter

PLANS for 18 flats on a former depot have been drawn up for Bath and North East Somerset Council’s construction company.

Aequus was set up to boost housing delivery and the authority’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.

Under a ‘no deal’ scenario, any EU citizen or their family members arriving in the UK after 31st October 2019 will not be eligible to apply under the current EU Settlement scheme and will need to apply for a European Temporary Leave to Remain (ETLR) which will allow individuals to stay in the UK for three years.

What is the EU Settlement Scheme?

The EU Settlement Scheme allows EU nationals and their families to apply for the immigration status they will need to continue to live, work and study in the UK. This status means they can continue to be eligible for: • Public services, such as healthcare and schools; • Public funds and pensions;

• British citizenship, if you meet the requirements and want to apply.

EU nationals and their family members living in Bath & North East Somerset can book an appointment to use the Digital Document Verification Service for European Settlement as part of their application for settled or pre-settled status.

The service offered by the council enables applicants to retain their passports/biometric residence cards instead of having to submit them to the Home Office. The fee for the service is £14. Call 01225 477234 between 9.30am – 4pm to arrange an appointment. To have your documents verified this way, do not start an application online before an appointment.

Bear Flat businesses welcome new leaflet BUSINESSES in the Bear Flat area of Bath have welcomed a new information leaflet aimed at drawing more shoppers and visitors to the thriving community.

The Bear Flat Association has produced the information and given copies of the free leaflet to shops, supermarkets, pubs, restaurants, cafes, B&Bs and salons in the area.

Bear Flat lies on the main road south of the city centre, but many commuters aren’t aware of what the community offers.

The Bear Flat Association wants more of them to stop and shop or eat, and to browse what’s on offer.

“We have excellent independent shops and cafés as well as popular chains like the Co-op, Majestic Wine and Carphone Warehouse,” said Association Chair Gareth Somerset. “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 & Ride so you can park at Odd Down and get off at Bear Flat.”

Julia Davey, who runs a ceramics 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.” Local councillor Winston Duguid added his support to the new leaflet. He said: “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.”

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Countdown on to this year's Rec Sleep Out fundraising event THE countdown is on to Bath Rugby Foundation’s annual sleep out at the home of Bath Rugby, as it aims to shine a light on the problem of youth homelessness in the city.

The event will take place on Wednesday 6th November, raising money to continue Bath Rugby Foundation’s work with vulnerable young people.

This year, the Rec Sleep Out is being supported by two young people who have experienced homelessness and have recently been supported by Bath Rugby Foundation.

During the summer Aiden Hungerford and Leah Gardener took part in Advantage, an employability programme created in conjunction with Bath College and Bath Job Centre.

Leah said: “I ran away from home aged 16 when my relationship with my mum broke down. I ended up living in abusive relationships and for a while I even lived in a tent, just to keep a roof over my head “Working with Bath Rugby Foundation I feel more confident about the future. I have done things I never thought I would.

“I feel that it is ok to be myself. I have hope and a brighter future ahead of me, but there are more young people.”

Aiden, who had recently been

sofa surfing, said: “It’s hard because when you don’t have stable accommodation it affects your mental health “I had no secure place I could stay and it makes finding a job harder…and without a job getting somewhere to live is harder. Having a safe and stable place to live has allowed me to transform my life.

“Working with Bath Rugby Foundation has really boosted my confidence. It has made me feel like I can go out there and deal with the world again.

“I feel like I’m supported now.”

Bath Rugby Foundation CEO, Lynne Fernquest, added: “We decided to hold The Rec Sleep Out because we were seeing too many young people arrive at our programmes who do not have a safe and secure place to spend the night.

“Nationally there are 210,000 children who are homeless. It is an issue that affects every city and every town in the country.

Including Bath.

“Poverty and the threat of youth homelessness in our community is growing not falling. Vulnerable children aren’t just falling through the net – there is no net.

“That’s where Bath Rugby Foundation comes in – we believe by providing young people with new skills and the opportunity to

learn, they will feel the benefit for years to come.”

Once again, the Rec Sleep Out is being supported by players and staff from Bath Rugby.

Argentina international, Lucas Noguera, who took part in last year’s inaugural Rec Sleep Out, said: “As a team at Bath Rugby we are all keen to support the Rec

Sleep Out. “There are too many young people in Bath who do not have a safe place to live and we all support Bath Rugby Foundation’s work in giving these youngsters a brighter future.

"It was great to meet Aiden and hear how he is in now being supported.

“As a squad we urge as many people in Bath to sign up to the Rec Sleep Out to support the work Bath Rugby Foundation does with young people like Aiden and Leah.”

You can sign up to take part in the Rec Sleep Out at https:// www.bathrugbyfoundation.com/ Event/the-rec-sleep-out-2019.

Don't miss out on the next issue of the Bath Echo paper WE'RE changing the way that the Bath Echo newspaper is made available every fortnight, and we don't want you to miss out on getting our future issues.

From Issue 006, which is out on 15th October, we're switching from door-to-door distribution to pick-up and subscription, with copies available at dedicated pick-up points across the city as well as local cafes, venues, waiting rooms and local libraries, as they are currently.

If you enjoy reading the Bath Echo newspaper and would like to continue having it delivered to your home every fortnight, you can support our work and start a low-cost subscription to still receive a copy through your letterbox.

The cost of a subscription is just £4/ month, £10/quarter or £35/year, which as well as funding delivery of a copy of every issue to your door, helps support our work to provide local community news across Bath and fund our popular website. If you're interested in signing up to get a copy delivered to your home, please visit subscribe.bathecho.co.uk or call 01225 585484.

Why are we changing?

We’re working hard to secure the future of the paper, to help us remain financially sustainable and ensure we can continue serving local residents. Creating the Bath Echo newspaper costs a significant amount of money every fortnight, including printing and distribution, along with the ongoing running costs of

our website. Though we sell a reasonable amount of advertising every issue, we need further income every month to cover our costs on an ongoing basis.

Where can I pick up a copy?

As well as the places you can currently pick up/read a copy of the Bath Echo newspaper, we're partnering with locations across the city to host new distribution bins where you can get a copy every fortnight.

These will be regularly topped up, so there should always be a copy available for you. We're working hard to introduce more of these bins across Bath, and welcome suggestions for locations where you'd like to see one. You'll be able to collect a copy of our 6th issue from the following locations from Tuesday 15th October: • Bath College • Royal United Hospital (The Atrium) • Twenty Five Café, Bathampton • Mulberry Park Hub • Alice Park Café • Nationwide, Union Street • Widcombe Social Club • Bath Building Society (Wood Street) • Bath Building Society (Moorland Road) Have a question?

If you'd like to find out more about the changes we're making, as well as view a list of the expanding locations where you can collect a copy of the newspaper, please visit our website. If you're interested in subscribing or would like to start a regular financial contribution to support our future, visit subscribe.bathecho.co.uk.

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Christmas Market to return with focus on produce and sustainability THE award-winning Bath Christmas Market will return this year from 28th November to 15th December, with over 30 brand new stallholders from Bath and the surrounding area.

91% of the 151 chalets lining the cobbled streets by Thermae Bath Spa, the Roman Baths and Bath Abbey, as well as Milsom Street, will be independent businesses from the South West region.

New Bond Street will also be closed off to traffic this year and will feature a dedicated entertainment stage with a piano, decorated by local school children to encourage impromptu Christmas singsongs.

Voluminous floral wreaths will decorate key points around the Market.

Shopping highlights from local businesses include: • Sleepy Doe – a Bath-based brand specialising in small, whimsical and organic sleepwear for mother and child.

• Beckford’s of Bath –a range of rums named after famous Bath

resident William Beckford.

• Bath Chocolate Company – Bath’s very own bean-to-bar craft chocolate makers.

• Designers in the Making – a collective of Bath Spa School of Design Textiles for Fashion and Interiors students who have made beautiful unique pieces.

• Wylde Jewellers – a selection of elegant silver, gold and platinum jewellery from locally-renowned jeweller Nicholas Wylde.

• Jason Dorely-Brown Images – a collection of black and white and colour prints of Bath’s landscapes.

Sustainability will once again be at the heart of Bath Christmas Market. As well as aiming to reduce single-use plastic as far as possible, a last-mile delivery scheme will be implemented where stallholders will be encouraged to keep stock in dedicated areas within the Market, which will be transported by electric cage vehicles reducing car journeys. For the first time, the Market will have a dedicated vegan

and vegetarian food chalet, water re-fill points with be highlighted and visitors will be encouraged to come to the Market by public transport. A full programme of festive music and performers will be keeping shoppers entertained.

Many of the choirs and groups singing are from Bath, such as Bath Dance College, who use the money they collect to fund their annual production.

Visit Bath, organisers of the Market which is now in its 19th year, have decided to have two charity chalets, doubling the number of charities it supports to 36, due to the overwhelming number of charity applications it received.

Kathryn Davis, Interim CEO, Visit Bath said: “We are proud that Bath Christmas Market showcases so many local businesses that produce high-quality, individually crafted gifts and products which you cannot purchase in stores or will have difficulty finding online. We receive more than double the applicants for the stalls we have, so the selection process is very strict.

“We are also delighted to be doubling our support of local charities as well as leading in sustainability best practices for large events in the South West.”

Knife education programme rolled out to local schools AVON and Somerset Police has carried out a programme of workshops in schools across Avon and Somerset Police as part of Operation Sceptre.

Operation Sceptre, which ran from 16th to 22nd September, is a national initiative led by the Metropolitan Police. It aims to reduce the number of people carrying knives and educate young people on the dangers of carrying a knife.

Officers have been visiting schools across the area to talk to young people about the realities of knife crime and the devastating consequences that it has has on everyone involved.

The work is part of an ongoing programme of workshops and youth projects that Avon and Somerset Police is rolling out to help combat knife crime and serious violence.

The workshops aim to give young people the knowledge and confidence to make the right choices, and to ensure that they know how to anonymously report knife crime through Fearless, the youth arm of Crimestoppers.

As well as the educational work with young people, a number of operational activities were undertaken throughout the week, including knife sweeps in locations where information suggests that knives are stored, and visits to retailers to ensure that they are complying with the law around selling knives to under 18s.

A number of temporary knife surrender bins were also located in Frome, Wells, Bath and Bristol, in addition to the permanent surrender bins at the custody centres in Keynsham, Patchway and Bridgwater, and at the Bridewell Police Station in central Bristol.

There has been a 45 per cent increase in

the number of knife possession offences recorded in Avon and Somerset over the past two years, with 204 individual offences recorded between April and August this year.

The high volume of arrests during the 2019 period is a result of the additional resources that have been made available as part of Operation Remedy.

Operation Remedy is a co-ordinated effort involving an increase of 100 police officers and a £2million investment from local taxpayers to crack down on the crimes that matter most to local people including knife crime, burglary and the illegal supply of drugs. Chief Inspector Zoe Chegwyn, who leads on knife crime for Avon and Somerset Police, said: “Knife crime continues to be an issue nationwide and within our Force area, and Operation Sceptre is just a snapshot of the work that we are carrying out every day.

“However we know that police enforcement alone can’t solve the problem. Education is a key part of our approach and will continue to play a central role in helping us to combat knife crime and serious violence of all kinds, and help keep young people on the right path.

"We also encourage parents to talk to their children about knife crime – to make sure that they understand the impact of carrying a knife and also how to report if they have concerns about someone they know carrying a knife."

The workshops delivered in schools are supported by a wider programme of youth diversionary work which targets those young people considered to be most at risk of being affected by knife crime.

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More than 100 empty properties brought back into use MORE than 100 empty properties have been brought back into use over the past year thanks to Bath & North East Somerset Council helping owners take action.

In one case a terraced cottage in Radstock, which had been left empty for more than 20 years and was causing serious damage to the neighbouring houses, is now being renovated after the council took action and tracked down its owner, who finally agreed to sell it and pay back a £35,600 repair bill.

The council’s work to address the problem of empty homes was being highlighted as part of National Empty Homes Week (23rd – 29th September).

Any empty property is a wasted housing resource, can become a real blight in the community and is a lost financial return to the owner.

Councillor Tim Ball, cabinet member for Housing, Planning and Economic Development, said: “Many empty homes have been inherited and the new owners, faced with bereavement and probate issues, often feel overwhelmed by the responsibility and cost of dealing with the property.

“As a result last year the council adopted a new approach in how

it deals with empty homes. The new strategy ‘Taking Action on Empty Homes’, focuses on the issues preventing owners bringing these properties back into use and offering practical help and advice to overcome them.

“So far 108 empty properties have been brought back into use, providing much-needed homes across the district.”

Once an empty property has been identified, council officers offer to support and guide the owner through the process of bringing the property back into use by helping to manage and fund repairs, arranging house clearance or valuations.

Small Works Grants of up to £500 can also be awarded to cover things like planning pre-application costs, electrical surveys, safety certificates and clearance costs. VAT reductions and exemptions on contracted works are available as well as Empty Property Loans of up to £30,000.

This same level of support is also offered to other empty property owners, such as those who have taken on a refurbishment project that has become too much of a challenge or older people who are in long term care and whose home is now empty and falling into disrepair.

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Keith Varney, who has bought his neighbouring property in Radstock | Photo: © B&NES Council

the highest priority are subject to an Action Plan which allow for intensive, tailored help and support to be offered to the owner, the co-ordination of all council services involved with the case, coupled with a clear enforcement strategy where necessary.

Across Bath and North East Somerset, there are currently 724 properties that have been empty

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for more than six months, with 204 of them vacant for two years or more.

This new approach to working with empty property owners has just had one of its biggest successes to date. In 2017 the council’s Housing Standards Team carried work to rebuild the roof of a dilapidated property in Radstock that had been left empty for

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more than 20 years.

The enforcement action was taken because the owner was unwilling to take steps necessary to stop damage being caused to the adjoining home.

The cost of this work, combined with the outstanding council tax on the property, was then charged to the owner against the value of the property.

An Empty Property Action Plan was set up and the significant levels of support offered by the council’s empty property officer enabled the owner to bring the house to market and secure a sale without the need for further enforcement action.

Once completed, the proceeds of the sale not only repaid the debt to the local authority, but left the owner with money for savings.

The new owner is now working with the council to use the financial incentives available to help bring the house back into use as a rental property. Leaving a property unoccupied isn’t against the law, however, if such a property becomes a nuisance to the local community or council tax debts are not being repaid and the owner refuses to engage with the council, enforcement action will be taken to bring it back into use.

The vast majority of empty properties in the district are brought back into use quickly without the need for intervention.

The council can only work to bring empty homes back into use if it knows about them. To report an empty home visit: http:// www.bathnes.gov.uk/services/ housing/no-use-empty.

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Final plans for Bath's proposed clean air zone revealed POSTCARDS have been sent out to all homes and businesses in Bath & North East Somerset, highlighting the final plans for a proposed clean air zone (CAZ) in Bath.

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.

The council is inviting everyone who lives and works in the area to review the final details of the CAZ, which will charge higher emission buses, coaches and HGVs £100 a day; and vans, taxis, private hire vehicles and minibuses £9 a day to drive in the city centre.

This is before final plans for the zone are agreed with the government in December.

The consultation, which runs from 23rd September to 20th October 2019, highlights further extensions to the zone’s boundary and proposals to restrict the flow of traffic into Queen Square – a measure that B&NES Council says enables private cars to be exempt from charges.

Residents will also 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 find out more about the financial and practical support available.

In addition, the council is publishing the draft charging order, which will form the legal basis for enforcing the clean air zone when it’s launched. Councillor Sarah Warren, cabinet member for Climate Emergency and Neighbourhood Services, said: “Last year the council heard strong public views on how plans to charge private cars in a class D zone might impact lower-income households and smaller businesses.

“The council listened and has worked very hard on a scheme that exempts private cars from charges but which is also capable of reducing harmful levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in the city to within legal limits in the shortest possible time.

“It means temporary traffic lights at Queen Square to re-

A map showing the boundaries of the proposed clean air zone in Bath

duce traffic flow into remaining NO2hotspots, but the lights will be removed once compliance is achieved.’

“We want to bring everyone up to speed on how this zone will work, what vehicles will be charged, and what support is available.

“We’re therefore urging anyone interested to find out more online, come to an event, or pick up information from your local library.”

Weekly events are being held across the city, where staff will be on hand to answer any questions – particularly on the financial and practical support on offer.

Councillor Joanna Wright, cabinet member for Transport Services, said: “We don’t want people to pay to drive polluting vehicles in the zone, but we understand that not every business or tradesperson has the means to buy new commercial vehicles.

“That’s why we’ve secured significant funds from central government to help local business and individuals upgrade their non-compliant vehicles with interest-free finance or grants.

“We’ve also secured funds for local bus companies to retrofit older buses, and to hire travel advisors to help businesses in par-

ticular to access support and plan for more sustainable transport and deliveries.”

Councillor Sarah Warren stressed that the clean air zone is just the start of plans to improve the environment and tackle climate emergency, adding: “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.

“This will allow us to tackle carbon emissions and congestion, as well as air pollution across the whole of Bath & North East Som-

erset.”

Residents and local businesses are urged to attend an event if they have questions or concerns.

The consultation material, including an updated website, leaflet and questionnaire, will be available to the public from Monday 23rd September. The consultation closes on 20th October.

All comments will be given due consideration before the final plan is submitted for approval by central government in December 2019.

A class c clean air zone is expected to be in place by the end of 2020.

Over £60k of funding secured for Toulouse-Lautrec exhibition NEXT February, the Victoria Art Gallery will bring the sights, sounds and delights of artist Toulouse-Lautrec’s thrilling Bohemian Paris to modern-day Bath after raising more than £60,000 of funding.

The exhibition will take place thanks to support from Arts Council England; Art Happens, Art Fund’s crowdfunding platform; and the Friends of the Victoria Art Gallery.

Toulouse-Lautrec and the Masters of Montmartre, which will include a programme of events and activities, will be grant-aided by £39,670 from the Arts Council National Lottery Project Grants; £12,049 from Art Happens, Art Fund’s crowd-funding platform;

and a contribution of £11,400 from the Friends of the Victoria Art Gallery.

With this financial support, the Gallery will be able to bring more than 80 rare colour lithographic posters from their usual home on the European continent to Bath.

To bring them to life, there will be workshops for community groups including dance activities for people with dementia, printing workshops for young people with special educational needs, and an opportunity for Bath carers to help curate an element of the exhibition.

Evening events unique to this exhibition will echo the joie de vivre of the Belle Époque and Toulouse-Lautrec’s Paris.

Image © Musée d’Ixelles-Bruxelles / Courtesy of Institut für Kulturaustausch

These will feature music and entertainment to celebrate how visual art, music and dance were intertwined in this thrilling era.

The Gallery will give everyone the chance to participate, with a multilingual audio guide, music from the era, a display of personal items from the performers, and a dressing up area.

The Victoria Art Gallery will be the only place in the UK to host this special exhibition.

Councillor Paul Crossley, cabinet member for Community Services at Bath & North East Somerset Council, said: “We are grateful to Arts Council England, everyone who donated to the Art Happens campaign, and the Friends of the Victoria Art Gallery."

Tuesday, 1st October 2019

9

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Parents oppose planned removal of play area on Bath estate Stephen Sumner

Local Democracy Reporter

PARENTS have slammed plans to close a toddlers’ play area on a Bath estate instead of one nearby that is urinated on and overrun with teenagers.

The Burnt House Road facility is one of 10 across Bath and North East Somerset where equipment will soon need to be replaced.

Bath and North East Somerset Council plans to cut the cost by replacing them with wildflower meadows, allotments or community gardens but residents have urged the authority to think again.

Parents have disputed figures suggesting the Ridge Green Close play area has twice as many users as Burnt House Road, claiming many of them will be teens out after dark.

Speaking at Tuesday’s feedback session, grandfather-of-two Stephen Chesworth said: “Ridge Green smells of wee. I can smell it 50 yards away.

“It hasn’t even got swings. This one is used by families. This is good for kids. That one isn’t. It’s often used by teenagers late at night. This is well used and well

valued.”

He said if the play equipment in Burnt House Road is removed and the site is grassed over, it could one day become a road if the adjacent field is developed.

Bath and North East Somerset Council authority spends up to £400,000 a year replacing play equipment but says it is “not practical” to provide new kit at 10 sites where there are better facilities nearby.

The play areas in Bath that will be affected are Burnt House Road, Calton Road, Loxton Drive, Parry Close and St Saviours.

The equipment in Chalfield in Keynsham, Hillside Crescent in Midsomer Norton, Kilmersdon Road in Haydon and Manor Copse in Writhlington is also set to be scrapped. Mum-of-two Becky Seale said there are parking charges at larger sites like Royal Victoria Park, so parents effectively have to pay for their children to play.

“It’s a shame the few free play areas are going to disappear,” she added. “My kids love coming here. I can’t afford to go to Victoria Park every time.

“There’s an issue with antisocial behaviour around here. We don’t

Parents at the feedback session at the Burnt House Road play area | Photos © Stephen Sumner

want something that will attract teenagers. It’s a shame to take away something for younger children.”

Carrie Morgan, also a mum of two, said: “My kids come here all the time. They’re very upset.

They don’t feel as safe at the other park. This play area has a lot more

in it than Ridge Green Close.”

Win Luaia said her husband Sorin Onut helps keep the Burnt House Road play area clean every day.

“My boys really love it here,” she said. “I have to pull them away to get them home for dinner.”

An officer told the parents at the feedback session: “B&NES Council has 60 play areas across the district. It costs a lot of money to inspect them every week and replace the equipment.

“It’s going to cost £1520,000 to replace the equipment here but the council needs to save £36million over the next couple of years.

“We want to differentiate the play offer.

There’s another play area 350 metres away with a very similar offer. We need something different.

“We’ve looked at where we have duplication and where there are areas of deprivation.

“We’ve identified up to 10 we want to repurpose.”

The officer said a counter only clocked 500 people visiting the Burnt House Road play area over a twoweek period in September, compared to nearly 1,200 at Ridge Green Close.

Secondary school teacher and mum

Nicola Maguire acknowledged that teenagers need somewhere to go but questioned the council’s data. She suspected that most of the visits to Ridge Green Close would have been after dark.

The officer said the process was not perfect but the council did not have endless resources to monitor numbers.

He said the 20-year-old play area in Burnt House Road is owned by developer Crest Nicholson and leased by the council, which adds to the costs.

“If it’s removed, we would be looking to put it back to grass to transfer back to Crest, and enhance our site at Ridge Green,” the officer added.

“We need to balance all 60 sites.”

A mum said: “All this country does is change things that aren’t broken. These children are making memories for the rest of their lives.

“Why spend money to rip this play area out and put down trees?

What is that going to achieve?”

The officer replied that the council’s budget is constrained and there are now only two inspectors for all its play areas, down from three. Annabel Tall, the Conservatives’ parliamentary candidate for Bath, said: “I couldn’t believe it when I heard about this proposal. Most councils are building play areas, not cutting them.”

She said previous administrations had looked at closing play areas but made cuts elsewhere instead. Comments can be logged by email (parks@bathnes. gov.uk) or telephone (01225 39 40 41). The council will hold follow-up sessions in October and November.

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Tuesday, 1st October 2019

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Education University of Bath named best in the Deadline for applying for secondary school South West in latest league table places fast approaching THE University of Bath has been named the top university in the South West in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2020.

Placed 11th overall, the University of Bath moved up two places to come top in the region’s rankings and has UK’s third-highest degree completion rate of 96.6%, behind only Oxford and Cambridge.

Bath graduates continue to be some of the most sought after in the country.

Over two-thirds of Bath-based students graduated from a course with a placement or study abroad option in the 2017/18 academic year. The Good University Guide praised Bath for its ongoing Curriculum Transformation programme, which will involve redesigning every course, with the involvement of students, to develop creative approaches to assessment, teaching and course delivery. It added: “The University already has a gold award in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), but has embarked on the exercise to ensure ‘continued educational excellence and a position at the forefront of the sector.’

“The TEF panel found that students from all backgrounds

achieved consistently outstanding outcomes.

Employers were heavily involved and students engaged frequently with developments from the forefront of research, scholarship and professional practice.”

Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Bath, Professor Ian White FREng, said: “To see the achievements of our community recognised in this ranking is wonderful and it is a great credit to our students and staff. The high quality of our teaching and our effective links with industry, for example through placements,

mean Bath students are equipped with both excellent academic understanding and wider skills that put them in good stead for their chosen career.

"I am equally delighted that the University has been recognised for our efforts in transforming our curriculum to ensure we are at the forefront of innovation in teaching and learning. This recognition is further proof of the dedication, talent and commitment of our community, who so commendably represent the University of Bath."

PARENTS and carers of children in Bath who are currently in Year 6 are being reminded that the deadline for applying for a secondary school place for September 2020 is fast approaching.

Bath & North East Somerset Council is urging people who are applying for a secondary school place by the deadline of 31st October to list five preferences available to them, to avoid their child being offered a place at a school some distance away.

Councillor Kevin Guy, cabinet member for Children’s Services, said: “This year 88% of parents across Bath and North East Somerset obtained their first preference school, with 97.2% offered one of their first five preferences.

“Using all five preferences will help parents to ensure their child gains a place at a school within reasonable travelling distance from home.

“People could approach it by naming three schools but then adding in two reserves just in case, or make a list of all 12 mainstream

secondary schools across Bath & North East Somerset in order of preference, then tell us the top five. This will give their child the best chance of attending a school that is reasonably local to where they live.”

Bath & North East Somerset Council must receive all applications by 31st October.

Late applications will not be considered until the second round of allocations next May. Applications can be made via the Admissions Online link on the council’s website: www.bathnes. gov.uk/admissions.

Applications must be made to the local authority in which you live, even if you are wishing to be considered for a place at a school situated within a different local authority area. Each preference is considered equally against the school’s admissions criteria regardless of whether it is listed as the first, second, third, fourth or fifth preference. The highest preference school is always given first consideration. Offers of places will be made on 2nd March 2020.

Historic Combe Down stone wall restored into special bench A BATH College stonemasonry student has been restoring part of a historic wall for a project by the Museum of Bath Stone, B&NES Council and the UNESCO World Heritage Enhancement Fund.

The shaft wall, where Combe Down freestone used to be hauled out, has b e e n turned into a seat, which has been supported by many locals who have crowd-funded the project and came out to see the finished result.

Callum Cocks, stonemasonry student at Bath College, said: “I’ve been working on the lettering on the coping stone that sits on top of the remaining wall.

“The things I most enjoyed about this project were working the stone and seeing the remarkable result of how it looked when it was finished.”

The stone reads: “Rebuilt in 2018 site of access shaft to Ralph Allen stone mines the stone that built

Bath”.

Callum’s tutor, Joe Leber, Stonemasonry lecturer at Bath College said: “Callum came to the college in 2017 age 16, he has been a pleasure to teach, improving his skills year on year.

“Last academic year he achieved his level 2 diploma and his NVQ ahead of time and got involved in designing and building a garden for the special educational needs centre.

“He also set out and produced the lettering for the Ralph Allen stone mine project with some help from Stephen Shute our technician.

“He is now working towards his level 3 Stonemasonry diploma and his NVQ level 3 here at Bath College.

“We are all very proud of Calum and are expecting him to achieve more stretch and challenge tasks at the college after completing his diploma with us.”

Tuesday, 1st October 2019

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Westcountry cycle raises over £50k for Brain Tumour Research A MAMMOTH 350km trans-Westcountry cycle ride from the Eden Project in Cornwall to Westonbirt Arboretum in Gloucestershire which took place over three days has helped to raise over £50,000 for the charity Brain Tumour Research.

Organised by the University of Bath's Sophie Oldacres, who lost her husband Simon to brain can-

ily home in Chippenham where there is also a tree dedicated to Simon’s memory.

In 2013, Simon was diagnosed with the aggressive and incurable brain cancer glioblastoma.

He died just three years later in 2016 aged 37.

Brain tumours like his are in fact the leading cause of death in children and adults under 40, yet, despite this, brain tumour research

cer in December 2016, the event saw over 20 cyclists pedalling from the two landmarks that both hold particular significance for the family.

The Eden Project and that part of Cornwall was a much-loved family holiday destination, where there is a bronze leaf dedicated to Simon.

The family enjoyed regular day trips to Westonbirt from the fam-

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receives less than 1% of national cancer funding.

Simon was a keen cyclist, and post-diagnosis in 2013, Sophie has spoken about how a good cycle was his equivalent to counselling.

He rode to many of his appointments at the BRI in Bristol from Chippenham, which was always recorded in the oncologist’s notes because it was so unusual.

Sophie, who works at the University of Bath, explained: “This year’s route was our hardest yet, but it was hugely fitting given the start and end points.

Simon loved both the Eden Project and Westonbirt and would have loved the thought of us cycling between them.

“Three years on from his death, life really does not get any easier. But it’s my hope that by keeping his memory alive and by raising awareness of brain tumours we can go some way to challenge the unacceptable lack of funding in this area and raise much-needed funds to unlock new research that will make a difference.

“We need to move towards a place where in the future other families facing similar diagnoses have real hope of a cure.”

Sophie was cheered over the finish line by her young children Joseph and Esther.

At the University of Bath, where Sophie works, research is taking place to try to improve outcomes for people like Simon, diagnosed with brain cancer.

One particular project, involving Dr Lorenzo Caggiano from the Department of Pharmacy & Pharmacology, is using molecules found in daffodils as an active ingredient

for treating tumours.

Dr Caggiano explained: “Flower farmers have known for thousands of years that a freshly cut daffodil ‘narcissus’ placed in a vase with other flowers will cause them to wilt and die prematurely.

"This simple observation led to the discovery that some molecules found in the daffodil bulb inhibit the growth of other plants, but much more importantly, that they also inhibit cancer in humans. These molecules are notoriously difficult to isolate, but through our research we’re developing new synthetic forms that are be easier to make, yet still retain their potent therapeutic anti-cancer properties.

“Funding from charities, such as Brain Tumour Research, is essential in developing this work and we are very grateful of all of Sophie's fund-raising activities to date and fully support her latest challenge Ride4Simon 2019.”

Mel Tiley, community fundraising manager for Brain Tumour Research in the South West, said: “We are extremely grateful for Sophie’s ongoing support and we congratulate her for raising such a phenomenal amount following the tragic loss of her husband.

"We hope that she inspires others to fundraise for this vital cause and help us find a cure for brain tumours.

“Simon’s story reminds us that brain tumours are indiscriminate; they can affect anyone at any age. What’s more, brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer.

"We cannot allow this devastating situation to continue.”

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Health RUH's CEO James Scott New technology helps make blood set to retire after 13 transfusions even safer years in the role

JAMES Scott, the long-standing CEO of the Royal United Hospital in Bath, is reflecting on a life’s service in the NHS and is full of praise for staff as he prepares to retire after nearly 13 years in the role.

Mr Scott, who is 60 next year and has spent 36 years in the NHS, said in a farewell message to staff: “It’s been a privilege to be your Chief Executive.

“I love this hospital. I’m proud of how we care for our patients and each other and the family- feel that’s tangible the moment you walk in the front door.

“Most of all, I’m proud of you all for your resilience, commitment and determination to deliver the best health care you can to our patients day in, day out.”

Mr Scott, who will leave his post on 31st March 2020, oversaw the RUH’s most recent journey of financial and quality improvement, including achievement of Foundation Trust status in 2014, securing the future of services

of the Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases in 2015, working in partnership to create Wiltshire Health and Care community services and most recently introducing an organisational development programme to support all staff to contribute to continuous improvement.

He said: “I’ve been involved in so many positive changes in the RUH in the 12 years I have been here and I feel certain there is an exciting future ahead.

“Saying goodbye is a difficult thing for me to do but I will be passing on the helm with the absolute confidence that the RUH is heading forward to the future on the right course.”

Trust Chair Alison Ryan said: “James has been a dedicated and passionate CEO for 12 years and his departure will mark the end of era for all of us at the Trust.

“It has been an absolute pleasure to work with him and every single person at the RUH wishes him all the very best for the future.”

THE latest technology is being used at the Royal United Hospital in Bath to further improve the safety of patients undergoing blood transfusions.

The RUH has invested in a new system called BloodTrack Tx, which uses wireless technology to securely verify a patient’s identity when administering a blood transfusion.

Transfusion Specialist Helen Maria-Osborn said: “The new technology has been a great success and is making the blood transfusion process even safer for our patients.

“We already have systems in place to ensure that blood transfusions at the RUH are as safe as possible and this new technology is an important additional step.”

A portable scanner reads a code on the patient’s hospital wristband, which contains a range of information about the patient, including their blood type.

This provides an additional level of safety for them, ensuring they get the right blood at the right time.

The handheld devices are connected to the RUH’s laboratory systems and can also be used to generate barcoded labels for transfusion blood test bottles Helen said: “Today is World Patient Safety day, which aims to increase awareness of patient safety and encourage people to show their commitment to making healthcare safer.

“Patient safety is vital to our work here at the RUH and this new

technology will help our patients get the best possible care.”

Transfusion Nurse Trainer Lindsey Palmer added: “The technology is now being used across the hospital and has been very well received by staff, who have welcomed it as a secure and easy-touse part of the transfusion process.”

To mark World Patient Safety Day, an information stall was set up in the Atrium at the RUH so patients and staff could find out more about the patient safety projects taking place at the hospital.

A blood transfusion is when you’re given blood from someone else. On average, the RUH gives around 125 units of blood every week through transfusions.

£100k investment helps reduce food Generous legacy helps waste and energy use continue vital research A £100,000 INVESTMENT in the kitchens at the Royal United Hospital in Bath has seen the hospital slash its energy and water use while reducing food waste.

The latest in cooking technology has seen five new cookers replace the seven old, outdated boiling pans. The new computer-controlled Vario Cooking Centres (VCCs) are electronically-driven and have individual heating squares which only heat the areas of the cooker that are needed, keeping energy use down.

Chefs are also able to programme the cookers for each meal they are making, so that the temperature stays consistent for each dish. Food is now cooked quicker and with perfect timing, so

there is less waste. As a result, the RUH is now buying 10% less meat each year, without reducing the amount of meat used in its dishes.

Head of Facilities Philip Watson said: “What used to take two hours to cook can now be ready in 45mins as the new cookers are so much more energy-efficient.

“They also make it easier to cook meat, so there is less chance of our meat dishes being overcooked and having to be thrown away. We are also using a lot less water. The new cookers allow you to programme how much water is needed for each meal and they will provide the exact amount.

They’re also easier to clean. The

old boiling pans took around 200 litres of water to wash, but the new cookers need only 10 litres, so that’s a massive reduction.”

The kitchen chefs use the cookers to create around 45,000 patient meals each month and there has been positive feedback from patients about the food. Philip said: “The RUH is committed to being a sustainable organisation and we are always looking at ways to reduce waste and use less energy.

This investment in our kitchens has made them more environmentally-friendly and reduced costs too, while hopefully providing our patients with even better quality, tastier food.”

A RECENT legacy from a generous former RUH patient has provided another five years of funding for research into oesophageal cancer, one of the most common cancers in the UK. Oesophageal cancer accounts for 2% of all new cancer cases.

According to Cancer Research UK, over 9,000 cases are diagnosed every year.

Oesophageal cancer has a particularly low survival rate of just 12%.

Dr Ben Colleypriest, Clinical Lead for Gastroenterology at the RUH has been working in collaboration with the University of Bath for the past 15 years researching oesophageal cancer.

He said: “This generous gift be-

queathed to our charity The Forever Friends Appeal will ensure that our important work will have a huge impact in continuing this vital research for another five years, funding a PHD student at the University of Bath.

“We are extremely humbled by this person’s kindness for choosing to support us in this way.

“We are undertaking gene research to understand why normal oesophageal cells change to Barrett’s Oesophagus, an incurable condition caused by acid reflux that is a precursor to oesophageal cancer.

“If we can understand the molecular cause of Barrett’s Oesophagus we can better understand how to reverse it and prevent oesophageal cancer.”

Tuesday, 1st October 2019

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Staff start wearing rainbow badges to support LGBT+ people STAFF at the Royal United Hospital in Bath have started wearing NHS rainbow badges to show support for LGBT+ patients, colleagues and visitors.

The NHS rainbow badge project is a way of demonstrating that the RUH is an open, non- judgemental and inclusive environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. It is a way of signalling that people can feel confident in discussing LGBT+ issues with staff, and will be signposted to the appropriate support if needed. A recent Stonewall survey estimates that nationally one in five LGBT+ people have not come out to any healthcare professional about their sexual orientation. This can make a significant difference for patients, helping healthcare staff to best support all physical and mental health needs. The launch was planned by the hospital’s LGBT+ staff network – a forum for staff, including allies, to talk about diversity issues and promote inclusion. The badges originated at Evelina London Children’s Hospital and are now being adopted at hospitals across the country.

Director for People Claire Radley said: “The RUH places a huge value on equality for both patients and staff, which is why one of our core values is that ‘everyone matters’. I’m delighted that we have been able to support our staff network in launching the NHS rainbow badges at the RUH as a symbol of this. It is not just about wearing a badge though. There are simple things we can all do to promote inclusion, like thinking about the language we use.

“All staff at the RUH receive equality and diversity training and we will continue to develop our equality agenda to ensure that every individual receives the highest quality of care, regardless of how they identity.”

LGBT+ Staff Network Chair Steve Dunne-Howells, who works at the RUH as a Discharge Co-ordinator, added: “I’m really pleased that we’re able to introduce the badges at the RUH as a visible symbol of the culture of equality and inclusion. Simple things like this can make a big difference for people who may feel unsure about their identity or whether they disclose it.”

Chief Executive James Scott, with Steve Dunne-Howells and Baz Harding-Clark from the RUH’s LGBT+ staff network

Widow's fundraising efforts recognised with certificate

Give Quitting A go this stoptober Stop smoking for 28 days and join thousands of others doing the same this October.

Call the Stop Smoking Service for free support to help you quit smoking on 0300 247 0203 (Option 1).

A WOMAN from Somerset who raised funds for the Bath Cancer Unit Support Group (BCUSG) with her late husband has been presented with a special certificate of appreciation by the charity.

Tim and Sandy Walwin from Wanstrow, near Frome, raised more than £30,000 for Bath’s Royal United Hospital with a proportion going to the BCUSG which funds equipment for cancer patients treated there.

Some of the money raised by the Walwin family and Former Bath mayor Ian Gilchrist with Sandy Walwin & Carly friends has funded a lowlevel laser therapy unit at the RUH, “Tim sadly died recently just before he was which can reduce the severity of mouth able to see the first patients benefiting. But ulcers caused by radiotherapy and thanks to his generosity, future patients chemotherapy. at the RUH are amongst the first in the Almost all patients treated for tonsil, country to have access to this new and tongue and throat cancer develop innovative treatment – a very fitting legacy inflammation and ulceration of the to him.” lining of their mouth and tongue which Some of the money raised by the Walwins, makes it difficult to talk, eat and drink. who are a farming family, and their friends Tim received treatment for mouth will also be used to update a number of cancer at the RUH but has since sadly chairs specifically designed for patients passed away. His wife Sandy and their receiving chemotherapy at the Bath daughter, Carly, were presented with a Cancer Unit. certificate of appreciation by the BCUSG In addition, the BCUSG is looking to during a special presentation at the fund three projects including an out-ofRUH. hours helpline for outpatients receiving Emma de Winton, who is a consultant chemotherapy and equipment to target clinical oncologist at the RUH, said: radiotherapy more accurately.

“The fantastic fundraising efforts by The charity also wants to provide Tim and Sandy Walwin means we can additional funds so that the NHS can now provide the latest laser treatment to upgrade its Solid-State Gamma Camera, patients at the RUH as part of a clinical which will provide better images for trial. cancer diagnosis.

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What's On “Feel-good fun for all the family" as Shrek The Musical takes to the stage in Bath THE Bath Light Operatic Group is to make a welcome return to the Theatre Royal, giving theatregoers in the city the first opportunity to see the Tony Award-winning fairy tale adventure Shrek The Musical which makes its Bath stage debut from Tuesday 8th October to Saturday 12th October.

Based on the 2001 Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film and William Steig’s 1990 book, Shrek The Musical brings all the beloved characters audiences know from the big screen to life on stage.

With a mix of adventure, laughter and romance, it features a sidesplitting script by David LindsayAbaire and all new songs from Jeanine Tesori (Thoroughly Modern Millie, Caroline or Change) including Who I’d Be, Freak Flag, Big Bright Beautiful World, as well as the much-loved pop hit made famous by The Monkees, I’m a Believer.

“Once upon a time, there was a little ogre named Shrek…” and thus begins the tale of an unlikely hero who finds himself on a lifechanging journey alongside a wisecracking Donkey and a feisty princess who resists her rescue.

Throw in a short-tempered bad guy, a cookie with an attitude and over a dozen other fairy tale misfits and you’ve got the kind of mess that calls for a real hero.

Luckily, there’s one on hand… and his name is Shrek.

First seen on stage in America in 2008, previous Broadway and West End productions have proved a hit with audiences of all ages on both sides of the Atlantic.

One of the most acclaimed amateur companies in the region, Bath Light Operatic Group is one of only nineteen societies nationwide to be granted a license to perform the musical in 2019. BLOG’s production will feature brand new costumes

from Charades Costumiers.

The company’s recent productions at the Theatre Royal include 42nd Street and the Rose Bowl Award-winning Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.

Produced to professional standards by a dedicated behindthe-scenes team from Bath Light Operatic Group, Shrek The Musical is directed and choreographed by David Baxter and features a live orchestra under the baton of musical director Matthew Finch. The forty-strong company - who are aged from seven to seventyfive years - hail from Bath, Trowbridge, Bradford-on-Avon, Midsomer Norton, Frome, Melksham and Saltford.

George Miles, who plays the role of Shrek, celebrates his 21st birthday on opening night. A regular performer with BLOG, George’s previous roles for the group include Bert Barry in 42nd Street and Rooster in Annie at the Theatre Royal. Recently, he also played Captain EJ Smith in Titanic The Musical for Zenith Youth Theatre Company, receiving a Rose Bowl Award nomination for Best Youth Actor.

Known to audiences both on stage and front of house, George has worked as an Usher at Bath’s Theatre Royal for several years.

His transformation into the titular green ogre will involve two hours of preparation as he dons his make-up and costume prior to curtain up.

Princess Fiona is played by Lizzie Andrews, who last year performed the lead role of Peggy Sawyer in 42nd Street with BLOG. Lizzie trained at the Bird College of Performing Arts in London and has been performing for over 18 years.

She teaches at Bath Theatre School, Little Dancers and also runs her own classes. She first performed with BLOG at the age

Don't miss...

Bath Concertino A charity concert is being held at St. Bartholemew's, King Edward Road in Bath on Saturday 12th October, in aid of Dorothy House.

Featuring an Overture to "The Happy Slaves" by Arriaga, Clarinet Concerto in A by Mozart and Symphony No.5 in Bb by Schubert, the event starts at 7.30pm.

Admission is £10, accompanied children are free.

‘Plants With A Purpose’

George Miles as Shrek and Lizzie Andrews as Princess Fiona | © Nick Feierabend

of seven, playing the role of Marta Von Trapp in The Sound of Music.

Shrek’s sidekick Donkey, voiced

by Eddie Murphy in the animated film, will be played by Ryan Hughes, who returns to the Theatre Royal stage following his performance as Felicia in BLOG’s award-winning Priscilla Queen of the Desert in 2017.

A huge favourite with Bath audiences, Geoff White will be playing the evil Lord Farquaad.

A bank manager by day, Geoff has enjoyed many principal roles with BLOG, most recently Broadway director Julian Marsh in 42nd Street, Oliver Warbucks in Annie, Curtis Jackson in Sister Act, Lumière in Beauty and the Beast and Captain von Trapp in The Sound of Music. He also played Nathan Detroit in Guys and Dolls for Bath Operatic and Dramatic Society and created the role of Reverend Beauchamp in the world premiere of The Decent Rogues.

Director and choreographer David Baxter trained at the Royal Ballet School before moving into musical theatre and studying at the Arts Educational School.

Amongst his credits locally, he directed BLOG’s acclaimed production of Annie in 2016 and has also directed and

choreographed for Bristol Musical Comedy Club.

David performed with BLOG from a young age before leaving Bath to concentrate on his studies; he re-joined the group in 2008 and recently delighted theatregoers with his performances for BLOG as Mitzi/Tick in their 2017 production of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert and last year as leading man Billy Lawlor in 42nd Street.

Musical Director Matthew Finch has worked with BLOG since 1997, first taking on the role as their Musical Director in 1999.

He has worked most recently on BLOG’s productions of 42nd Street in 2018, Priscilla, Queen of the Desert – The Musical in 2017, Annie in 2016, Sister Act in 2015, Jesus Christ Superstar in 2014, South Pacific in 2013 and The Sound of Music in 2012 - all at Bath’s Theatre Royal.

Bath Light Operatic Group first performed at the Theatre Royal Bath in 1956 when they staged The Geisha.

Shrek The Musical appears at the Theatre Royal Bath from Tuesday 8th to Saturday 12th October.

To book tickets contact the Theatre Royal Bath Box Office on 01225 448844 or book online at www.theatreroyal.org.uk

Humanity's reliance on plants includes the provision of food, medicines, beverages, clothing, colour dyes and building materials. The Bath Society of Botanical Artists want to demonstrate how vital they are to us, and have painted plants taken from this wide diversity. Original paintings in the exhibition are for sale together with prints, cards and calendars. Taking place between 3rd - 21st October at the BRLSI in Bath. Admission is free.

The Edge: After Hours Immerse yourself in an evening at The Edge at the University of Bath, open until 8pm, with exhibition tours, creative activities and music from talented pianist Maria Carnarius. After Hours are special events which combine a unique mix of music, activities and arts experiences. This time you can take an interactive tour of the exhibition, get imaginative with wordplay, embrace your creativity with our easels and art materials, take part in a culture quiz, and relax with live music.

Want us to feature your next event?

Email the details to whatson@bathecho.co.uk

Applications sought for upcoming annual charity art show THE Mayor of Bath and The Rotary Club of Bathavon are encouraging artists to get their applications in for the 16th annual Art Show being held at the Guildhall on Friday and Saturday 1st and 2nd November.

Last year 200 pictures were hung, with sales raising funds for the Mayor’s and Rotary President’s charities.

Profits from this year's show will be shared between The Mayor of Bath’s Relief Fund, which helps local people facing hard times, and the two Rotary Bathavon Joint Presidents' charities, Bath Stroke Support Group and The

Genesis Trust.

The Mayor of Bath, Councillor Gerry Curran, said: On behalf of the Mayoralty and the Charter Trustees, I am delighted once again to be launching the Mayor & Rotary Art Show, a great occasion for amateur artists, students and others to display and sell their work, while supporting our charities.

Semi-professional artists, members of amateur art groups, college and university students can all submit their work and keep 80% of the sale price, which must be a minimum of £30.

The hanging fees will be £4.50

per painting, but this increases to £15 for paintings priced at £200 plus. A Preview Evening (by invitation only) will be held on the Thursday evening. Visitors will be asked to select their favourite picture or sculpture and the Turner Trophy will be presented to the artist whose painting is selected as 'Best in Show'.

The free exhibition is open to the public from 10am to 4 pm on 1st and 2nd November. Application forms are available on the Charter Trustees’ website www. mayorofbath.co.uk or from the Mayor’s Office, Guildhall, Bath, Somerset, BA1 5AW.

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Review | Posh

‘Game for good’ at Bath Board Game Day in aid of Julian House

Theatre Royal Bath

Tyger Drew-Honey as Alistair Ryle in Posh | Photo © PhotoTech

This superb, blistering revival of Laura Wade’s 2010 play, first performed at the Royal Court, could never feel more relevant in the face of our current political crisis. Based on the antics of Oxford’s notorious Bullingdon Club, whose past members include David Cameron, George Osborne and Boris Johnson, Posh is a fiercely dark, yet perceptive exploration of elitism and entitlement.

Here the Bullingdon Club is thinly disguised as The Riot Club.

They are allowed to meet again on one condition – they must behave.

After the mishaps of this exclusive Oxford Group at their last dinner, the President has promised its ex-members not to bring the club back into public disrepute. But as the booze flows and the mood turns sour, they clearly will need the help of the most expensive lawyers to continue on their chosen pathways.

If it did not feel so true to life, it would be slightly less disturbing.

The privileged 10 pupils meet to discuss their disgust in the poor and the vulnerable.

The National Trust invading their

home estates whilst ridiculing and decrying each other with schoolboy initiation ceremonies and abusing anyone who stands up to their sickening behaviour.

The casting is spot on. Tyger Drew Honey is a brutal Alistair Ryle; raging against the injustices forced on him to tolerate the lower classes.

Across the company, characters are well observed. George Prentice is a hugely entertaining Miles Richards as is Joseph Tyler Todd as George Balfour.

These characters are purposefully crafted to be hugely unpleasant or fulfil the role of the buffoon.

Their treatment of the two females in the piece is purposefully disgraceful; they are most definitely “types” of men.

There is no suggestion that all men are the same but it is not hard to find similar types in the mainstream political system.

This is theatre at its strongest; it is brave, challenging and thought-provoking, creating the basis for conversations well into the evening for everyone, regardless of their political leanings

Petra Schofield

BATH charity Julian House is calling on board game fans to join them for their first Bath Board Game Day, taking place on Sunday 3rd November.

The one day only ‘pop-up’ event will see hundreds of families, friends and board game enthusiasts gaming for a good cause in the auditorium of Komedia on Westgate Street.

Gamers, new and experienced, can choose to go along for the whole day or just four hours and will have the opportunity to play lots of different games suitable for all ages, including big blockbuster hits, classics and indie gems.

Whether it's a quick and playful game of bluffing and laughter or a lengthy game full of strategy and skill, there’s something for everyone.

Bath Gaming Group have kindly

Coming up this week in Bath The Last Hurrah

Bath Spa University Theatre 3rd - 5th October, 7.30pm The true story a community living with the consequences of climate change. A story of how people pull together and how they fall apart. Ready yourselves for sea beasts and horrible storms.

Scent of China

offered to support the event meaning there will also be avid game hosts on hand to help novice participants work through the rules and instructions.

There’s also an exciting 9-hour ‘Hive’ challenge that will be live streamed on the day for people to get involved in and a ‘board game bundle’ raffle – making ideal winnings for the upcoming festive period.

Julian House's events organiser Jessica Gay said: “Bath Board Game Day is Bath’s very own ‘pop-up’

board game café.

"It’s all about having fun with friends and family for a good cause.

"You can feel great knowing your ticket is contributing to Julian House and all the work we do to support vulnerable and socially excluded individuals.

"It’s a chance to be part of something bigger and join us in our mission to alleviate homelessness in and around Bath.”

Tickets are available to purchase here: https://bit.ly/2nE762y

On the way in Bath next week

Luke Kempner: House Of Faces

Geoff Norcott: Taking Liberties

In Limbo

Komedia Bath 4th October, 8pm Comedian and Impressionist Luke Kempner hosts an ultimate reality show where no one is off limits. Expect celebrities, politicians and even royalty going head to head in Luke’s hit show.

The Rondo Theatre 10th October, 8pm Geoff Norcott’s unique brand of provocative stand-up is hitting the road again with ‘Taking Liberties’. Whatever the contentious subject – he’ll be honest and blunt. As seen on The Mash Report.

The Mission Theatre 10th- 12th October, 7.30pm The door is locked, the room is bare and there is no way out. Three people from different walks of life, who have never seen each other before, find themselves in this situation. So what would you do?

BRLSI - An MEAA Event 4th October, 7pm Discover a brief history of incense in China, how it was used historically and in modern times. You'll have the chance to take a look at the incense burners in the Museum’s collection during the talk.

St Matthew's Church, Widcombe 5th October, 7pm Artists have 20 minutes to take their canvases from blank to beautiful, battling not only the clock but each other as well.

Watch the paint fly before your eyes and help vote to determine the winner.

Art Battle Bath

Chantement Cordiale

Friday Night is Music Night Live

Rembrandt in Print

Harvest Pear Pressing

Flavours of Autumn

Sir Trevor McDonald

The Holburne Museum 4th October - 5th January Marking 350 years since the artist’s death, this exhibition comprises fifty of the best etchings and drypoints from the Ashmolean Museum’s collection, some on loan for the first time.

Dyrham Park - 11am-3pm 5th, 6th, 12th, 13th October Dyrham has a long history of making pears into perry so why not go and get involved in the tradition. Gather in the stables where you can buy five pears for £1.50 and make and try your own juice.

Museum of Bath Architecture 11th October, 6.30pm - 7.30pm An exploration of the timeless genre of solo voice with acoustic plucked strings, with songs that would have been heard on either side of La Manche. Admission includes a free glass of wine / soft drink.

Bath Skyline 13th October, 10am - 12.30pm Join a Skyline ranger to explore the Bath Skyline, stopping off for some warming homemade soup for lunch around the campfire on the way round. A fairly brisk 6-mile walk. Dogs on leads are welcome.

The Forum 12th October, 8pm Beverley Knight will celebrate the songs of Stevie Wonder at The Forum in Bath.

Along with the Leo Green Orchestra, Knight will pay homage to one of the greatest songwriters of modern times.

Christ Church, Julian Road 14th October, 8pm In this special event, Sir Trevor will talk about his personal experience of world events and interviews with globally famous – or notorious – figures.

A Toppings Bath event.

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Community Locals invited to join upcoming big Six-year-old crowned community clean-up across B&NES joint winner of inaugural Curo community award RESIDENTS across Bath & North East Somerset are being called upon to join a week of community action to tackle litter across the local area.

The council’s sustainability and waste teams, supported by community group No Place for Litter, are running the ‘Big B&NES Community CleanUp’ in October and are offering communities support and guidance to run their own events.

Individuals, neighbours, businesses, schools and community groups are all encouraged to carry out a litter pick from 19th to 27th October.

A calendar of activities will be produced so that everyone in Bath & North East Somerset can find out where to join an event near them.

Councillor Dave Wood, cabinet member for Neighbourhood Services, 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 litterfree. “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.”

To have event details added to the Big B&NES Community Clean-Up calendar, email sustainability@bathnes.gov.uk.

People unable to take part in a planned event are encouraged to carry out a #2minutelitterpick during the week of action.

Residents celebrate success of project to reclaim urban space ON Saturday 14th September, Foxhill Futures, a local residents group, held a celebratory fete to mark the close of a three-year community project.

The fete, which included traditional stalls, face painting and a BMX display, was organised by local residents, supported by the walking and cycling charity Sustrans and housing association Curo.

The two organisations have been working in partnership for the last three years on the Local People Foxhill project, supporting residents to make small changes to public spaces for the benefit of the community.

The overall aim of the project was to improve people’s health and wellbeing by uncovering the skills, experience and wisdom of local people, enabling them to reclaim urban space and to help re-knit the social and physical fabric of their area.

The Foxhill fete was held at Springfield Park, a community space that has been enhanced during the course of the project.

Residents have worked to improve the park, through litter picking and gardening activities.

They’ve also worked with Sustrans to test out seating options in the park, leading to a number of benches being installed.

Curo CEO Victor da Cunha, Oliver Brooke, Liz Potter and Lily Johnson

TWO Bath residents, including a six-year-old with a passion for keeping his community looking great, have been crowned Curo’s 2019 Community Heroes at an annual Residents’ Conference.

Joint winners of the inaugural Curo Community Hero Award were Bath residents Oliver Brooke and Lily Johnson, with the Tintagel Close residents’ association in Keynsham picking

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 in Keynsham were the winners of the Curo Community Award, receiving

Liz Potter (Chair of Curo) and Sharon Tucker, Tintagel Residents’ Association

Sophie Lowe, Project Officer at Sustrans said: “It’s been a real pleasure working on this project, seeing the Foxhill community go from strength to strength.

“At Sustrans, we work to make towns and cities more ‘liveable’, and this is what we’ve seen happen in Foxhill.

"The community has come together to make physical improvements in the area and, at the same time, people have uncovered skills they didn’t

know they had when it comes to understanding and advocating for the needs of the community.

“I look forward to seeing what the people of Foxhill do next.”

Mike Grist, Regeneration Director at Curo, added: “We have been delighted to host the Sustrans Project team at our offices in Foxhill over the last three years and have enjoyed working together on a range of environmental improvements around the estate with our residents.”

up the Community Award.

All were nominated by fellow Curo residents for the positive difference they have made in their neighbourhoods.

Six-year-old community hero Oliver Brooke first became involved during one of Curo’s action days at Rosewell Court where he lives.

Oliver loved helping out so much that when the local residents’ association asked for litter pickers to keep the estate tidy, Oliver was among the first to volunteer.

He is now a regular litter-picker and is out with his community every week helping to keep his neighbourhood tidy. The Curo Community Hero Award was

a cheque for £500 to spend on further neighbourhood initiatives.

Curo Chief Executive Victor da Cunha said: “We know that many people do amazing work in their community without the recognition they deserve.

“We wanted to highlight some of the residents who are often unrecognised community champions; people who make their communities better places to live.”

“We also hope that in launching these Curo Community Awards, others will be inspired to get involved, or even perhaps nominate others, in years to come.”

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Fire service warns about dangers of door wedges AVON Fire & Rescue Service has been working with businesses and residents across the local area to help them pledge to “lose the wedge" during Fire Door Safety week.

Avon Fire & Rescue asked all businesses, care homes and residential properties to ditch door wedges that prop open fire doors.

As part of the awareness week, now in its seventh year, staff from across AF&RS targeted businesses and homes across the area to highlight the importance of fire doors and the difference they can make during a fire.

Along with visiting businesses, the Technical Fire Safety Team also wrote to all local care homes, offering support to any business that requested a risk inspection.

AFRS is also promoting its Home Fire Safety Visits, in which crews will visit vulnerable residents at home to ensure they are safe.

Research conducted for this year’s Fire Door Safety Week by the British Woodworking Federation reveals concerns about fire safety as well as a lack of clarity about the crucial role that fire doors play in business, care home, and multi-occupancy buildings.

According to 1,000 care home workers, 75 per cent think their place of work could do more to improve fire safety, 63 per cent think their place of work is at risk

of fire and only 43 per cent understand the purpose of a fire door.

Staggeringly, 82 per cent said they keep a fire door open at work on purpose.

Di Clack, Technical Fire Safety Crew Manager, said: “We are asking everyone to pledge to lose the wedge. Fire doors play a key role in keeping people safe and wedging doors open causes unnecessary risk.

“While we will always assist and offer fire safety inspections for business or home fire safety visits for residential properties, but since 2006’s Fire Safety Order, it is the responsible person’s duty to carry out risk assessments on the property and they have a responsibility to ensure everyone is safe.

“We want to provide people with the tools they need to keep themselves safe and simple procedures like closing all fire doors helps to ensure this.”

Brand new for this year’s campaign, driven by the British Woodworking Federation, was an interactive mock criminal trial, aimed at providing manufacturers of fire safety products, consultants, contractors, designers, installers and other potential duty holders with an insight into where they may be liable in the event of a fire incident.

Helen Hewitt, Chief Executive of the British Woodworking Federation, said: “We all need to

feel protected, and especially so when we are asleep.

“Fire doors play a vital role as the first line of defence against fire and smoke, containing their spread while buildings are evacuated.

“But they must be properly installed and maintained, and good fire safety practice must be shared and followed. That’s why we continue to raise awareness

every year through Fire Door Safety Week.

“Good practice is especially important in buildings with multiple occupants and residents who may be vulnerable. It is quite literally a matter of life and death.”

Those in doubt about their fire safety doors or procedures, can contact fire.safety@avonfire.gov. uk or call 0117 926 2061 and ask for Technical Fire Safety.

News in Brief New indian eatery to open in Milsom Place Bandook Indian Kitchen, the street food eatery which first opened its doors in Wapping Wharf, Bristol, in 2017, is opening in Milsom Place in Bath this autumn. A term which is steeped in subcontinental history, Bandook translates as gun or rifle in the Hindi/Urdu language – and is a word widely adopted by British troops serving during the age of the Raj and one which continues to be used today.

The simple yet sophisticated interiors will take their cue from the Hindustani cafés where the British and Indian army used to gather to eat together, with the restaurant featuring a mix of striking emerald hues – used in the comfy banquette seating and stainedglass panels – accented with simple wooden furniture, statement pendant lights and memorabilia which reflects the era.

“I’ve been in the restaurant business all my life and I’ve always wanted to create a street food concept,” says director Moe Rahman. "Now that Bandook Bristol is firmly established, we’re really looking forward to expanding the concept and the next chapter in the beautiful city of Bath.”

A spokesperson for Milsom Place added: “We are thrilled to be joined by Bandook here at Milsom Place."

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Business New appointments announced for next year's Bath Children’s Literature Festival BATH Festivals has appointed two highly respected professionals in children’s book publishing as programmers for next year’s Bath Children’s Literature Festival.

Janet Smyth, former children and education programme director at Edinburgh International Book Festival, and Fritha Lindqvist who was head of publicity at Hachette Children’s Group and is now a children’s books consultant, join the arts charity to look after the programming of the Bath Children’s Literature Festival 2020 and beyond.

Janet, in the role of children's programme consultant for the festival, brings a wealth of experience from her time in Edinburgh where she spent eight years crafting and delivering exceptional children and young people’s festival activity along with the schools and lifelong learning programme.

In recent years she has orchestrated debates on mental health, dyslexia and Wellcome Trust funded research projects on the impact of wellbeing as well as

headline events with speakers including Malala Yousafzai, Philip Pullman, Angie Thomas and Chelsea Clinton.

In July Janet was appointed deputy head of learning and engagement (health and wellbeing) at the National Galleries of Scotland.

Fritha will become children’s festival programmer, working in a freelance capacity.

She has been a communications professional in children’s publishing for 16 years.

Along with celebrities such as Nadiya Hussain and Dermot O’Leary, she has worked with many authors and illustrators including Lauren Child, Alex T. Smith, Hilary McKay, Mick Inkpen, Chris Riddell, David Almond and the current Children’s Laureate Cressida Cowell.

She worked with Cressida since the very early days of How to Train Your Dragon and was instrumental in building her industry and media profile.

They will take over all programming and artistic direction from John and Gill McLay who are

leaving at the end of the 2019 festival on Sunday 6th October.

Janet and Fritha will report to Madeline Toy, who is head of literature programming.

They will also work alongside Hazel Plowman, head of creative learning and Kate Abbey, festival programmer and the rest of the in-house Bath Festivals team.

Janet said: “Bath has an excellent reputation across the world of book festivals and amongst children's publishers and writers and I'm pleased and flattered to be asked to support the festival as it transitions under the new stewardship and programming of Fritha Lindqvist.

"I've worked with Fritha for a number of years and I know that her ideas, vision and insight will bring fresh energy to the Festival, while building on the wonderful legacy of the last 13 years.'

Fritha said: “I am immensely proud to be joining the Bath Festivals team to work alongside the brilliant Janet Smyth on programming an exciting line-up

for the Bath Children’s Literature Festival 2020 and beyond. With both my parent and publicist hat on, I can safely say there is no greater buzz around the wonder of children’s books and reading for pleasure than at a literature festival. The Bath Children’s Literature Festival, established with incredible passion over 10 years ago, is one of the very best, serving up brilliant book-centred events for the local community and for out-of-town visitors. I can’t wait to get started!”

Madeline said: “I am completely delighted to welcome Janet and Fritha to the Bath Festivals team and the Children’s Literature Festival.

"The combination of Janet’s festival experience and Fritha’s communications and industry knowledge will be a great asset to Bath Children’s Literature Festival and I can’t wait to get going on the 2020 programme. I’m so looking forward to them bringing new ideas and influence to the already fantastic festival and seeing it grow and evolve in the coming years.”

News in Brief Wessex Water praised for drop in complaints Bath-based water supply and sewerage utility company Wessex Water has been praised in the Consumer Council for Water’s annual complaints report. Of England’s nine water and sewerage companies, Wessex Water received the lowest number of written complaints per 10,000 connected properties in 2018/19.

The CCWater report also shows that the company took fewer phone calls from customers to resolve problems, known as ‘unwanted contacts’, than the previous year.

Andy Pymer, managing director of Wessex Water Services, said: “We would love to get things right every time, and we regard any complaint about the services we provide as one too many.

“But it’s heartening to be leading the way when it comes to water and sewerage companies.

“We pride ourselves on resolving complaints quickly and we’re always striving to improve.”

Georgian townhouse hotel sold for £4.1m

Tourism firm still owes “large sums of money" Amanda Cameron

Local Democracy Reporter

FINANCES at Bath council’s tourism firm are improving, but it still owes large sums of money, company bosses have warned.

Vice chair of Visit Bath, David Hayward, shared his concerns with elected members after the company reported a loss of £126,000 last year.

The latest annual accounts of Visit Bath and two property firms owned by Bath and North East Somerset Council were considered by members of the local authority’s corporate policy development and scrutiny panel on Tuesday 24th September.

The figures revealed that both Visit Bath and Aequus Developments performed better in 2018/19 than they did the year before.

The tourism company shrunk its losses by £53,000 while the investment property company grew its pre-tax profits by £188,000 to £471,000.

Property development and construction company Aequus Con-

struction, a wholly owned subsidiary of Aequus Development, reported a pre-tax loss that was £284,000 worse than in 2017/18.

But the £448,000 deficit was described as “expected” given the costs incurred during the company’s first housing project, Riverside, in Keynsham.

The council’s corporate director, Martin Shields, told the panel that the companies’ financial positions were “in line with business plan projections” and were “all in all, going in the right direction”.

Mr Hayward agreed, saying there had been “continuing improvement” in the fortunes of Visit Bath

since 2017/18.

“We anticipate further improvements in the next financial year so our budget for 2019/20 looks to us having a positive outcome,” he said.

However, he warned that the tourism company, formerly Bath Tourism Plus, still owed a “large amount of money” to the council for various capital projects and “tickets”.

It also has a “cashflow” issue stemming from historic debts and “the fact that we’re a Christmas market company”, he said.

Mr Hayward explained that suppliers were demanding to be paid in advance this financial year because many of them were not paid on time last year.

“So we have to pay up-front before we take our receipts,” he said. “So we’ve got a very earlyin-the-year set of payments, and a later-in-the-year set of profits.”

The council is currently review-

ing its contract with Visit Bath and will decide whether to extend it later this year as part of its 2020/2021 budget-setting process.

As well as managing the Bath Christmas Market, Visit Bath runs national and international campaigns promoting the city as a tourist destination and operates the Bath Visitor Information Centre.

Oversight of Visit Bath is carried out by a lead council director with delegated authority for managing the contract with the company and associated financial governance and monitoring arrangements, according to a council report to the panel.

Monitoring of the performance of Aequus Development and Aequus Construction against their business plans is currently undertaken through a shadow holding company.

However, the panel heard that the structure is considered “very cumbersome and quite costly” and is set to be replaced by a “client officer board” under proposals to go before the council on 10th October.

Estate agent Savills, on behalf of a private vendor, has sold Henrietta House Hotel on Henrietta Street in Bath to Axcel Hospitality for £4.1 million.

The 4-star Georgian townhouse hotel comprises 21 en-suite bedrooms, a lounge bar and two dining rooms.

James Greenslade in the hotels team at Savills commented: “Henrietta House provided an excellent opportunity to acquire a popular Bath hotel in a brilliant central location, and we are pleased to have secured a successful sale for our client.

“The city’s fundamentals as both a tourist hotspot and student city means there is a strong demand for rooms and with a tight development pipeline, this shows no sign of abating.”

Oushan Deeljore, Director of Axcel added: “We are delighted with this new acquisition and it is a good addition to our portfolio.

“Axcel are constantly looking at positioning themselves in key markets in the UK and the Henrietta House in Bath delivers just that.”

Tuesday, 1st October 2019

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Future of Homebase site revealed ahead of planned demolition

40 volunteers take part in business litter pick

WITH plans for Homebase to close its Pines Way store later this year, an application has been submitted to Bath & North East Somerset Council for the demolition of the building.

The site’s owner, Guild Living, has submitted the application which will allow the site to be cleared in preparation for any future redevelopment, which will be subject to the submission of a detailed planning application.

Guild Living is working to deliver a unique retirement community in the South West, creating new homes for later living with academically-accredited wellness programmes to enable and enrich independent, active later lives.

If the application and subsequent detailed application is approved, the plans for the site have the potential to bring many benefits to the city including the creation of up to 160 full-time jobs.

The development would also contribute to Bath and North East Somerset Council’s five year housing supply targets for the area and act as a catalyst for the

OVER 40 volunteers from businesses across Bath turned out to support a litter pick organised by law firm Stone King LLP on Wednesday, 25th September.

The volunteers helped to clear rubbish from a stretch of the River Avon as well as a number of surrounding streets, including the Lower Bristol Road, parts of Widcombe and Oldfield Park.

Some 30 bags of rubbish were collected in just one hour, including discarded plastics, cans and unwanted household items – including a disposable barbecue still wrapped in cellophane, a coat and a bedsheet.

Stone King’s Managing Partner Steven Greenwood said he was delighted by the response to the event. He said: “It was heartening to see so many businesses wanting to join our initiative to keep Bath litter free.

“Commitment to the local community and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) are extremely important to us and we were delighted that so many local businesses felt the same.

“We are grateful to everyone who

future regeneration of the wider area as defined in the Council’s recently adopted Placemaking Plan.

Guild Living’s proposals for the 4.5-acre riverside site include nearly 300 apartments, a restaurant, a physiotherapy gym and pool, consultant rooms for GP surgeries, a children’s nursery and retail space for local businesses – all of which will be open to the local community.

The house types available at the Pines Way site will be assisted living apartments, co-living apartments and transitional care

suites - a first for Bath.

The proposals will also provide much needed key-worker accommodation.

A spokesperson for Guild Living said, “This application for demolition will allow us to make the necessary preparations on site for its future redevelopment.

"We’re excited about creating new homes and facilities for Bath’s older population and are continuing to work with local stakeholders with the joint aspiration of bringing this site back into use for the benefit of the community.”

gave up an hour of their time to help benefit the city.”

Chartered accountants Milsted Langdon said they were pleased to take part in the event. Dan Kenyon, Milsted Langdon’s General Practice Manager, said: “The Bath Litter Pick was a great initiative to bring the local business community together to keep our World Heritage City free from litter.” Helping to contribute to a nicer environment was one reason why Helen Rich, Director of Taste of Bath, signed up to take part in the litter pick. “Taste of Bath was delighted to support Stone King’s initiative for a cleaner and better Bath,” she said. “It’s so important for businesses to engage in their city, we champion local food, but we also want to champion a nicer and better environment for tourists and residents alike. Well done Stone King for organising such a fun and proactive event.”

Jim Grant, CEO of Fidelius, said: “Our beautiful city of Bath needs to be kept beautiful. We were delighted to support the Big Bath Clean-Up with Stone King’s littler pick initiative”.

The Ivy ordered to remove canopy after falling foul of conservation rules Stephen Sumner

Local Democracy Reporter

A WELL-KNOWN restaurant in an 18th century Bath building has been ordered to take down a canopy after falling foul of strict conservation rules.

The Ivy’s application seeking retrospective permission for the feature was thrown out by Bath and North East Somerset Council and the Planning Inspectorate has since backed the decision.

The brasserie chain said in its appeal that it was critical to “provide a high quality experience for diners from arrival” and the canopy over the main entrance to its Milsom Street eatery was an “appropriate and non-invasive solution”.

It said the canopy, which protrudes 40cm centimetres from the building’s facade, was discreet, respected the Grade II* listed former bank and would offer customers shelter in bad weather.

The property is part of “an elaborate symmetrical terrace of five former houses now in commercial use that date from 17811783”, attributed to renowned Bath architect Thomas Baldwin.

Bath Heritage Watchdog said the canopy The Ivy had installed was “obtrusive, incongruous and upsets overall balance of the front-

age”, while the Bath Preservation Trust regretted its installation, warning it could set an “alarming precedent”.

Council officers said: “The canopy that has been installed at the premises is not in keeping with the character or appearance of the listed building and detracts from its architecturally ornate and decorative façade, which is of significant quality and style.

“Furthermore the canopy disturbs the symmetrical nature and rhythm of the main frontage and obscures the historic fanlight above the main entrance door.

“As such the canopy adds visual clutter and has an intrusive, incongruous impact that would harm the significance of the designated heritage asset and fails to respond positively to the local context or maintain the character and appearance of the surrounding area.”

Rejecting Ivy’s appeal, planning inspector H Porter said: “The size of the canopy would, in my opinion, offer very little meaningful shelter to more than a handful of waiting customers at exceptional times where the queue extended beyond the internal lobby and it was raining.

“Moreover, I am unconvinced that alternative, less harmful, options to better manage customer-flow into the restaurant have been fully explored.

The entrance to The Ivy on Milsom Street in Bath | Photo © Bath Echo

“Furthermore, the extant restaurant is well-known and occupies one of the most prominent buildings along the street. “I am therefore doubtful that customers would fail to observe the res-

taurant’s entrance in the absence of the canopy above it.

“In the absence of compelling evidence to indicate that the canopy is essential to securing the extant use of the building, the totality of

the weight of benefits in favour of the proposal are modest and not enough to outweigh the less than substantial harm to the Grade II* listed building, [conservation area] and [World Heritage Site].”

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Politics Council rules out lobbying for cull of urban gulls in B&NES Stephen Sumner

Local Democracy Reporter

BATH and North East Somerset Council will not seek to have urban gulls removed from the endangered species list in order to allow them to be culled.

A senior councillor has responded to criticism over its management of the gull population and said Brexit is delaying other changes to the law it is seeking to get a grip of the issue.

City resident and Daily Express columnist Tim Newark claimed the council had “completely ignored” the public health threat from gulls’ mess and the noise forced people away from the centre.

Councillor Paul Crossley said the authority had been more proactive than many others but it is bound by Government guidance on how to control the population.

In response to Mr Newark’s calls for efforts to “substantially reduce” their numbers, he ruled out lobbying for gulls to be removed from the endangered species list.

“It will be disappointing for city centre residents and businesses to hear that you will not be lobbying Defra [the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs],” said freelance journalist and author Mr Newark.

“The legal protection for these thriving urban gulls is at the root of not being able to reduce their numbers more effectively. It is worrying too that you have completely ignored the public health threat provided by gull faeces in a city centre full of restaurants and

cafes with outside seating, as well as residential gardens.

“The availability of waste food for gulls does need to be tackled but in a city with a large transient tourist population, it will never be fully eliminated. Most importantly it is not just waste food that attracts gulls.

“Experts explain that it is the secure nesting provided by Georgian double mansard roofs with a central gutter that attracts gulls year after year. These need to be bird proofed throughout the city.

“It is not just residents who have to suffer the intrusion of a filthy, noisy gull breeding colony every summer but Bath’s hotel guests too. At least one city centre hotel issues ears plugs for its guests.

“Surely Bath and North East Somerset Council wants to encourage more people to live in the centre of our city for sound environmental sustainability reasons?

“But instead the relentless racket and health danger of urban gulls is discouraging that. Can you please do more?”

Mr Newark said he will not eat outside and no longer uses his garden because of the gulls and the “public health risk” from their excrement.

He said their 24-seven screeching ruins summers in the city and said the council should lead the way by bird-proofing its own buildings. He added: “If B&NES Council refuses to lobby Defra, there are other community organisations that can approach Defra and I am talking to them now.

“It is important that the government revisits the classification of urban gull as an endangered

Tim Newark is calling for a crackdown on Bath's urban gull population | Photo: © Stephen Sumner

species. Clearly they are not endangered and yet cities cannot proceed with taking humane measures to decisively reduce gull populations and protect public health until this is resolved.”

Cllr Crossley, cabinet member for community services, said the council was proactive and the number of breeding gull pairs decreased by a quarter between 2015 and 2018.

In a letter to Mr Newark, he wrote:

“The council is bound by government guidance and we will continue with the measures that we are able to take to reduce the gull population even more.

“We will also be tackling the issue of trade food waste over the coming months and thus further reduce the food source available to gulls. This should in turn reduce the number of gulls in the city.

“We have a number of laws that we wish to amend and will be

Up to 70 new council houses could be built by 2021 Stephen Sumner

Local Democracy Reporter

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 repurposed or released for redevelopment, assets which could be sold off, and projects backed by grant funding.

Papers for the first meeting 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 com-

plement the existing affordable housing programme.

“This report provides the panel with an update on the programme plan. It also seeks the panel’s view on the broad principle of developing a council housing programme and how panel would like to be involved in the process.”

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 commissioned by the council.

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.

“In this context, council housing means affordable homes that are directly delivered by the council and with the council having control over the management of the homes.

“It is important to note that this would support and complement the current affordable housing programme, rather than replace it.”

The aims are to increase the delivery of affordable housing and

having greater control over them, including design and environmental standards, rent, allocations and management.

Officers say 35 to 70 houses could be built on land owned by the council within the next five years, with the first expected in 2021.

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.

“As such affordable housing generally requires significant public subsidy.

“The financial modelling will aim to identify the public subsidy requirement and the potential to secure Homes England affordable grant or alternative funding to offset this financial gap.”

working with our MPs and lobbying them to get them changed.

These cover several areas such as planning and licencing.

“Parliament has, though, been preoccupied with a single issue over the last three years which has slowed up the process of changes that we need in local government. However I will not at this point be asking them to take a bird species off the endangered list.”

News in Brief Sirona set to terminate residential contract Sirona care & health has given notice to terminate its contract to run eight residential facilities in Bath and North East Somerset.

This will not affect the level of care being provided to residents or affect jobs for Sirona care & health staff and no centres are being closed.

In a joint statement Bath & North East Somerset Council and Sirona care & health said: “The Community Resource Centres and Extra Care facilities are people’s homes and together our first priority is to ensure high quality care and support is maintained for residents and tenants.

“Sirona has given 12 months’ notice to terminate the contract to provide residential and Extra Care services in Bath, Keynsham and Midsomer Norton.

“Sirona and the council are saddened this step has been taken."

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B&NES Council leader vying for seat in House of Commons Stephen Sumner

Local Democracy Reporter

THE leader of Bath and North East Somerset Council may soon have to choose between the Guildhall and the House of Commons.

Dine Romero has been selected as the Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for Kingswood, a constituency over the border in South Gloucestershire.

She may stand down as council leader if she is elected at the next general election, or juggle both roles.

Cllr Romero spoke to Local Democracy Reporter Stephen Sumner about her role, the future and what she'd like to achieve.

Was Lib Dem local election win in Bath a surprise?

Few had predicted the scale of the Lib Dems’ success in the May local elections.

It had been rumoured that taking control of Bath’s Guildhall was the party’s number one target across the country.

If that was the case, Cllr Romero said she was not involved in the discussions.

“I felt we were going to do well,” she said. “I thought we were going to win many more seats than we had before the election.”

The number of Lib Dems at the council swelled from 17 councillors to 37, as the total number of elected members shrank from 65 to 59.

“We thought we might be in a position to form some sort of administration. It was somewhat unexpected to win as many seats as we did.

“It was a reflection of national issues, as well as local.”

Is the new Lib Dem policy on Brexit a good one?

Cllr Romero said the outcome was not just about Brexit, as some had claimed, as her staunchly pro-Remain colleagues had picked up votes in wards committed to leaving the EU. She believes the result would be the same today, even after claims

her party’s new stance on Brexit is undemocratic.

She said: “The way the policy has been reported isn’t quite accurate.

“We would support a People’s Vote unless we were in a majority government, and then we would revoke Article 50.

“Personally, I agree with the policy. I haven’t had anyone comment on it either way.

“I can’t predict what will happen.

I haven’t got a crystal ball. Every day there’s something new and unexpected.”

Is the role of MP or council leader more important?

Cllr Romero was speaking before the ruling that found Boris Johnson had acted unlawfully when he moved to prorogue Parliament.

“I think it’s highly likely there will be a general election in the next few months,” the council leader said last week.

“I was selected six or seven months ago to represent Kingswood.

“If I was elected I would have to see what’s possible.

“Legally, it’s entirely possible to do both [being an MP and a council leader].

“As a woman, I can multi-task.

“If I was likely to neglect one, I would need to consider which role it would be right to give priority to.”

How do you look back on your first four months as council leader?

Cllr Romero said she felt she had made a good start as leader.

She added: “When I go to meet residents at area forums they’re welcoming and pleased to see us.

It’s good for them to see we aren’t just paying lip service to the idea of community engagement.

“For every decision, particularly more controversial ones, we will explain the reasons why we’re considering them. We’ll explain the idea and the alternatives.”

That concept was put to the test earlier this month, when the council unveiled plans to scrap 10 play areas where the play equipment is nearing the end of its life,

to replace them with wildflower meadows, community gardens or allotments.

Parents urged the council to rethink its plans for the Burnt House Lane play area, claiming it is well-used and better equipped than the alternatives.

Cllr Romero said the closures were not a foregone conclusion and the public would be able to influence the outcome.

“If equipment is nearing the end of its life we can’t allow it to just stay there. We would prefer to create something for residents to use. Clearly it would be irresponsible to keep something that’s dangerous.”

What are some of your policies?

Cllr Romero said her Conservative predecessors’ heavily criticised plans for a park and ride on Bathampton Meadows would not be revisited, and her group was looking at additional protections for the site.

Her cabinet colleagues are also opening the books on the Tories’ shelved plans to integrate the One Stop Shop into Bath Central Library after they were denied the opportunity while in opposition.

The previous administration had been lobbying to introduce a tourist tax to bring in extra revenue for the council from the industry – another Conservative policy the Lib Dems could scrap.

Cllr Romero said it was an “easy sound bite” but the levy may cost more to administer than it brings in, and risks pitting destinations against one another. She said it may be done better by central government.

Her cabinet is drawing up other plans for raising extra revenue to meet the challenges of a shrinking budget – 83.5 pence in every pound the council spends is on social care, so there is little room for manoeuvre.

“We have a duty to people,” said Cllr Romero.

Given the financial constraints, the cabinet came under fire for awarding a £75,000 grant to Bath Festivals from the revenue budget contingency fund, when the group had requested a loan.

B&NES Council leader Dine Romero | Photo © B&NES Council

Cllr Romero said the cash came with strict conditions dictating the event should expand its reach and cut its use of single-use plastics, among others.

Will the plan for a clean air zone in Bath work?

Bath is one of many cities across the country the Government has directed to tackle pollution by setting up a clean air zone.

Places like Coventry have seen funding requests knocked back as they were ordered to introduce more stringent controls, including charges for private cars.

Cllr Romero insists private cars will not be charged to enter Bath’s clean air zone, and that the plans stand up to scrutiny.

She said: “Our business case is robust. The zone will deliver what is asked of us – but not everything we’re asking of ourselves.

“We need to do more to meet our aims around climate change and health issues.

“We wanted assurances it would meet the Government’s requirements. That’s why we had the independent review.

“We don’t know what the clean air zone will achieve until we see it in real life. People might change their mode of transport or their route.”

What do you want to achieve over the next four years?

Cllr Romero said: “We want to be seen to make a difference in how the council is dealing with the climate emergency.

“We want to have greater engagement with residents. I want residents to feel they have a say on decisions, that things aren’t just done to them and they are part of the decision-making process.

“We have plans to webcast more meetings.

“We want to do more on prevention – making sure money, resources and efforts are put in early enough in people’s lives to ensure they don’t need other services later in their lives.

“Houses here are very expensive for people to buy or even afford to live in. We need to make sure people have places to live.

“We’re making some strides on this. We have some housing allocated in Bath Quays, and in my own ward, Southdown, there’s a development of nine houses [by council-owned development company Aequus].

“It’s not just about building houses. We’re bringing empty properties back into use.

“We’re costing our manifesto.

“I’m looking forward to being able to demonstrate the difference we’ve made, and people feeling it’s their council.”

Weca mayor Tim Bowles set for £3k pay hike for 65-hour week Adam Postans

Local Democracy Reporter

WEST of England mayor Tim Bowles is set for a £3,000 pay hike, taking his salary to £65,000.

The deputy mayor role, currently held by South Gloucestershire Council leader Toby Savage, will receive an allowance for the first time of £13,000.

Mr Bowles’s increase will be backdated to April 1, while Cllr Savage’s will effectively begin from June 2019 when he was appointed into the position.

It comes just weeks after Bristol councillors approved a £9,000 salary increase for the city’s mayor from next May’s local elections.

An independent remuneration panel is recommending the changes after concluding the West of England Combined Authority’s (Weca) directly elected mayor works over 65 hours a week. But it is advising that all other members continue to receive no payments because their involvement is expected as part of their work for Weca’s constituent local authorities — Bristol city, South Gloucestershire and Bath & North East Somerset councils.

Weca Committee, chaired by Mr Bowles and comprising the leaders/elected mayor of the three authorities, will decide whether to approve the recommendations at its meeting on Friday, 4th October.

The panel’s advice will also be

considered by Weca’s overview & scrutiny committee two days earlier.

A report to Weca Committee said the last review was carried out by South Gloucestershire panel twoand-a-half years ago, shortly before Weca began operating.

It said: “Currently only the directly elected mayor is in receipt of an allowance.

“This was set in 2017 and has not been uplifted to take account of inflation or any other factors.

“The panel noted that the mayor reported working in excess of 65 hours a week, a view supported by evidence on frequency of meetings and from the officers.

“The mayor cannot hold other paid employment.

“The panel noted during the same

time period, staff had received a two per cent annual increase in each of the two years.

“Taking this particularly into account, the panel concluded that the mayor’s allowance should be increased.”

The report said the deputy mayor was “likely to be spending about one day a week, or 20 per cent of the amount of time and responsibility spent by the mayor, on Weca business”.

It said: “This was beyond what could reasonably be expected of the amount of time and level of responsibility leaders and members of constituent authorities should spend on general Weca business.”

The panel concluded there was “insufficient evidence at this

stage to warrant the introduction of allowances” to other Weca Committee members The report said: “The panel’s view was that there was an expectation within the constituent authorities that members should undertake this role at Weca as part of their local authority responsibilities.”

Members of Weca’s audit and overview & scrutiny committees will also receive no remuneration, although the four-member panel said there might be a case in future for their chairmen to receive an allowance, along with the independent scrutiny member.

The panel said there should be a further review of whether to introduce parental leave and a carers’ allowance for the mayor.

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Puzzles

Solutions will be shared in our next issue - out on 15/10/19

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In Other News....

Permit consultation launched in bid to reduce impact of roadworks BATH & North East Somerset Council has launched a consultation with utility companies on a proposed system to give it more control over roadworks and reduce inconvenience to local road users.

Feedback is being invited on the street works permit scheme, which has the aim of giving the council greater powers over road works that are booked, such as the hours in which they operate and the use of temporary traffic lights on busier roads.

Although the scheme applies equally to the council’s own highway works, comments are being sought from utility companies because of the impact it will have

on the way they plan and undertake their road works.

Councillor Joanna Wright, cabinet member for Transport Services, said: “We all recognise that road works have to take place for important reasons, but it can still cause frustration and delay our journeys.

“Introducing a street works permit scheme will allow road space to be booked in a more streamlined way to benefit all organisations

and will provide improved information for road users.

“This scheme would give us additional tools to manage the works effectively and help keep everyone moving on the roads of Bath & North East Somerset.“ After taking into account feedback from utility companies, the scheme is anticipated to begin in Spring 2020.

The website link to take part in the consultation is www.bathnes. gov.uk/streetpermit.

Royal opening for Great Western Air Ambulance Charity’s airbase THE Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC) welcomed His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester to officially open their new purpose-built operations base on Wednesday 25th September.

Moving into the new site was a huge milestone for the life-saving charity, which celebrated its 10th birthday last year.

GWAAC’s Critical Care Team moved into their new home in October 2018, after a successful appeal raised the £1.3 million needed to purchase the site and

secure the future of the charity’s operations. During his visit, His Royal Highness met a range of people who all made last year’s purchase possible, from charity staff and operational crew to supporters, trustees, patrons and volunteers.

Amongst some of the 80 guests were also members of the South Western Ambulance Service Foundation Trust (SWASFT) and Babcock Mission Critical Services, who provide the charity’s helicopter, Helimed 65.

The Duke was given a tour of the

new facilities, which culminated in the hangar, where he unveiled a commemorative plaque to mark the official opening and met a former patient of GWAAC, Ali Layard and the Specialist Paramedic who attended to him, Pete Sadler. The Duke gave a speech to guests after unveiling the plaque, saying: “It’s great to see such a splendid building which has all the equipment you need to do such an important job. It’s clear to see how passionate everyone here is about the charity and all the important work that it does.”

Grant programme opens offering up to £5k for organisations LOCAL organisations who want to shrink their carbon footprint or address fuel poverty and climate change are being invited to apply for a grant from the Bath & West Community Energy Fund.

The Bath & West Community Energy (BWCE) Fund grant programme is now open for the sixth year running.

Administered by the Quartet Community Foundation, the fund has awarded in total over £145,000 in grants to date.

The 2019/20 programme opened on 17th September and runs until 25th November. Applications are sought for grants of up to £5,000.

The funding for the grants comes from Bath & West Community Energy (BWCE) as part of the work it does in supporting the communities in which it operates.

Award-winning company BWCE was set up in 2010 to own and develop renewable energy projects and has since become one of the largest community-owned energy companies in the UK. As a Community Benefit Society, it gives surplus income to the BWCE Fund, which has asked Quartet Community Foundation to administer the BWCE Fund grant programme.

Interested projects need to apply through the Quartet Community Foundation website.

Last year 11 projects received over £30,000 in funding to lower

carbon emissions and address fuel poverty.

These included Marksbury Village hall, who received £5,000 towards installing new insulation and low energy lighting and Time Bank Plus, who got a £3,660 boost to their ‘Library of Things/Borrow it’ scheme.

People in Bath & North East Somerset can get regular help to mend items at the Bath Repair Café which runs out of Southdown, Larkhall, Weston and Peasedown St John. This work was supported by a £950 grant to increase capacity by investing in resources for the repair cafes.

Lorna Montgomery from Bath Share & Repair said: “Thanks to this grant we could give each of the Repair Cafes in Southdown and Weston a set of their own banners and resources including the all-important PAT tester as the majority of items we see are electrical.

“This gives users peace of mind and it saves travel miles transporting these things between our regular Cafes.

“We are incredibly grateful to the BWCE Fund for the grant to make this happen and start a Library of Things also in Weston by providing the all important shelving for storage.”

The deadline for applications is 25th November. For full details and to check if your group is eligible to apply, visit: www.quartetcf. org.uk/apply-for-a-grant

Last issue's puzzle solutions Crossword Across: 1 Isles, 5 Trash, 8 Spell, 10 Troika, 11 Armour, 12 Lyric, 13 Martha, 14 Kenyan, 15 Drama, 17 Clawed, 19 Design, 21 Rumba, 22 Starve, 23 Iceman, 24 Sites, 25 Lathes, 27 Ironed, 29 Ionic, 31 Return, 32 Animal, 33 Gruel, 34 Otter, 35 Tends. Down: 2 Streamlet, 3 Evict, 4 Ne'er, 6 Reminisce, 7 Sauna, 8 Salad dressing, 9 Lackadaisical, 16 Admit, 18 Warehouse, 20 Graveyard, 26 Agent, 28 Olive, 30 Noun.

Sudoku

Codeword

Easy

Medium Sudoku Easy No.316

Hard Sudoku Medium No.304

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Sport

Share your sports news for our next edition!

Email sport@bathecho.co.uk or call 01225 585484

Rising star confirmed for Team Bath's 2020 Superleague squad SHE played at the Netball World Cup this summer and at two Commonwealth Games – now Fionnuala Toner is bringing her international talent to Team Bath for the 2020 Vitality Superleague season.

The Northern Ireland star and fellow defensive mid-courter Abi Robson have this week become the fifth and sixth players to sign up for an exciting Blue & Gold squad ahead of the new campaign. Toner – who can play at goal-defence, wing-defence and centre – was vice-captain of the Northern Ireland side that finished tenth at the World Cup in Liverpool this summer, playing finalists Australia and New Zealand along the way.She had also represented her country at the 2011 championships, as well as the Commonwealth Games in both 2014 and 2018, and has won 81 caps in total. Her Superleague experience includes spells at Team Northumbria and London Pulse, where she finished the 2019 season with most interceptions after appearing in all 18 matches for the new franchise, and now Toner is looking forward to a new chapter in the Blue & Gold.

“It was an easy decision to come to Team Bath,” said Toner who, away from court, is a financial services manager with Deloitte Ireland. “I was contacted by [Head Superleague Coach] Anna Stembridge over the summer and we’ve had some really good conversations about the club and the plans for the new season. I haven’t worked with Anna before but I’ve always been impressed by her as a coach and with the culture she has built here and with England previously.

"It’s something I am excited to now be part of. I feel my strengths are an ability to lead the game and I am fearless – I always respect the opposition but I am not

Tuesday, 1st October 2019

www.bathecho.co.uk

scared to test myself against the very best.”

Toner had the chance to do just that at this summer’s World Cup in Liverpool, saying: “We don’t get the chance to play the likes of Australia and New Zealand very often and it was something we relished as a team. It was an amazing tournament to be part of, the atmosphere and the set-up was the best I have experienced.”

Stembridge said: “Fi is a great signing for Team Bath and she will bring so much to the squad this season. She is versatile, very good at winning ball and a fearless character on court which I love. She’s also very experienced and knows what it takes to be the best you can be against worldclass opposition.

“Off the court Fi is incredibly bright, super organised and considered, traits that are reflected in her game. That calmness combined with a ‘get stuck in’ attitude will make Fi a big asset.”

Stembridge feels those qualities are also shared by rising Blue & Gold star Robson, who celebrated her 21st birthday this week by being been named in Team Bath’s Superleague squad for a third successive year.

“Abi is truly Blue & Gold and she will absolutely be one of our future leaders,” said Stembridge.

“She just has something about her and is a coach’s dream to work with thanks to her willingness to go that extra mile.

“She has a brilliant ‘team first’ attitude and even when she isn’t playing she gives everything she has to ensure those who are on

Bath Rugby reappoints Royds Withy King as official law partner

Team Bath Netball's Fionnuala Toner

court are in the best place possible. Abi leads by example and irrelevant of what bib you give her or who she is up against, she will give it her all. She takes on board information and sticks to task exceptionally well, which is why she has such great impact wherever and whenever she is on court.”

Robson first played for Team Bath’s junior section in the 2012-13 season and progressed through the performance pathway before making her Superleague debut in 2018. She gained more big-game experience last season with a number of impactful performances off the bench and also demonstrated her leadership potential by captaining Team Bath’s U21s in the NPL (Netball Performance League).

“It’s such a privilege to play among such experienced players week in and week out which has massively helped my game,” said Robson, who is a Geography student at the University of the West of England in Bristol.

“The facilities are world class and it’s an amazing training environment – the people here have created a great culture which is amazing to be a part of.” Robson and Toner join Imogen Allison, Mia Ritchie, Rachel Shaw and Eboni Usoro-Brown as the players confirmed so far in the Team Bath squad for 2020.

Bath Rugby’s Matt Garvey and Taulupe Faletau with Graham Street and Becky Ricards-Small from Royds Withy King

ROYDS Withy King has lined up for a renewed partnership with Bath Rugby as the club’s official law partner.

The announcement sees the law firm re-signed for a further two years, having begun work with the Premiership team in 2013.

Graham Street, Managing Partner at Royds Withy King, said: “We are very proud to be involved with Bath Rugby. We’ve established a national reach and reputation and enjoy working with exciting brands. We feel we have much in common with Bath Rugby, including great ambition and

Free match tickets for deserving youngsters BATH Rugby took on Worcester Warriors in the Premiership Rugby Cup on Saturday 28th September in front of a new audience – deserving youngsters from Bath Rugby’s charity.

The Round Two match at The Rec was watched by 150 young peo-

Secondary school pupils enjoy inspirational visit AROUND 400 sporty school pupils from across the south of England enjoyed an inspirational visit to the University of Bath Sports Training Village as they took part in the annual GSA Girls Go Gold Conference.

The Girls’ Schools Association event, delivered by the Youth Sport Trust and Team Bath coaches and staff, saw the secondary-aged pupils enjoy practical high-performance coaching

in netball and hockey, as well as recreational sport sessions in laser-run, beach volleyball, softball, trampolining and yoga.

They also gained an insight into sports psychology, nutrition, video analysis and sport science from the University’s expert staff, with the hands-on sessions designed to support the young women with their PE studies and encourage future learning within those fields.

The day began with a motivational speech from former Team Bath and England Netball captain Pamela Cookey, who said: “It’s really great to see so many girls here and the rise of women’s sport as a whole, how big it has boomed with the netball, football, rugby and cricket success of recent years.

"I’ve always believed that if you can see it you believe it and these girls now have so many role mod-

clarity of vision.

“We’re looking forward to working together closely to achieve continued success, on and off the pitch.”

Ben Wells, Chief Commercial Officer at Bath Rugby, commented: “Bath Rugby are delighted that Royds Withy King will continue to be the Club’s official law partner.

They are leaders in their field and to have their support and expertise brings real value. As a business, they too continue to grow and diversify and we are looking forward to what the future holds for both parties.”

els they can look up to.

“Sport is so important to young women as they grow up, how it helps their bodies and their minds.

"Having your team-mates around you, teaching you resilience in difficult times and giving you that drive and dedication.

"I learned all of those things through sport and that has definitely made me the woman I am today.”

Keep an eye out for the next issue of the Bath Echo - due out on Tuesday 15th October 2019

ple who take part in Bath Rugby Foundation programmes. Many of the young people who attended the match experienced a matchday at The Rec for the first time after Bath Rugby donated the tickets to Bath Rugby Foundation. Lynne Fernquest, Bath Rugby Foundation CEO, said: “This a wonderful gift to a young person who, through no fault of their own, has had a difficult start to life.”

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ISSN 2632-7805 © Media Bath Limited 2019