Bath Echo - Issue 015 - 03/03/2020

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Police increase patrols after incidents involving man exposing himself P3

£3.5m of funding secured to repair Cleveland Bridge

Contemporary detective drama set in Bath premieres on ITV P5

Page 3

Controversial “private litter army” being ousted Stephen Sumner

Local Democracy Reporter

THE controversial “private litter army” patrolling Bath and North East Somerset is to be binned by the council.

Conservative council bosses signed a 12-month, no-cost contract last year with 3GS to clean up the streets by handing out fines for littering, dog fouling and

flytipping.

But the Liberal Democrats who now control the authority have long voiced doubts about the deal and have now confirmed they have ousted the firm.

Enforcement is being taken back in-house, funded by an additional £140,000 in this year’s budget.

Neighbourhood services joint cabinet member, councillor David Wood, said: “We were always sceptical about privatised litter

enforcement and we thought this was the wrong decision for Bath and North East Somerset so will not be renewing our contract with 3GS. “However, we have listened to residents who have told us they still want to see fines issued, with a common sense approach, for littering.

“We plan to expand this by bringing this enforcement function and enforcement officers in

house.

“Officers will be managed and paid by the council, working on residents’ priorities. This also means action on litter across the whole of Bath and North East Somerset, not just Bath city centre.

“This will enable us to allocate more of our own resources to dealing with fly-tipping and waste presentation issues.”

Continued on page 2

Food waste collections to be extended to more flats across the area P5 £480k investment sees accessible play equipment installed in park P6 Free exercise classes and workshops being offered

by Team Bath P24 Get the latest news for Bath 24/7 on our website www.bathecho.co.uk

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Litter enforcement being taken back in-house

In this issue...

Top stories Education

P2-8 P10

Health P13 What's On

P14

Community

P16

Business P18 Politics

P20

Puzzles P22 In Other News

P23

Sport

P24

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Continued from page 1 3GS was brought in last March to crack down on environmental crimes by fining offenders who drop litter, fly-tip or fail to pick up after their dogs.

Under the deal, any funds it received above its costs were passed on to the council or used by the firm for education and promotional purposes.

3GS promised “proportionate, high quality enforcement services to help local authorities maintain cleaner and greener neighbourhoods”, with an approach that “places community relations and reduction of offences above the pure generation of tickets and short-term cash”.

Freedom of information requests revealed its officers handed out more than 1,800 fines in the first 10 months of the contract – worth more than £200,000.

The vast majority of the fines were issued within the centre of Bath.

More than 96 per cent of them were for dropping cigarette butts, with only two fines issued for flytipping.

Not a single person was fined by 3GS for failing to pick up after their dog between March 8 and December 31 last year, the information request revealed.

The most controversial case was when Sally-Ann Fricker was handed a £150 charge for feeding part of a sausage roll to pigeons in Bath.

A video of the incident was viewed tens of thousands of times on social media, attracting widespread criticism.

3GS said at the time it stood by the decision to fine the grandmother.

Resident John Chapman had warned the council against

Environmental enforcement firm 3GS were brought in at no cost last March

bringing in a private firm that would act as “judge, jury and executioner” after hearing some “absolute horror stories”.

He said he was “absolutely over the moon” that 3GS had been dropped.

He said: “It’s what’s happened everywhere else it’s been tried.

“I don’t know why councils keep doing it, getting the same result and then seeming surprised.

“You can’t have law enforcement that’s driven by financial targets.

It skews the priorities – and the streets are no cleaner.”

A spokesperson for 3GS said this week: “The authority has decided to in-house the service, which is of course their prerogative.

“3GS provides a range of different service models to meet different operational needs.

“We will continue to support the

authority by providing a range of back office services.”

The council’s £140,000 extra spend in this year’s budget will provide “additional resources within the service area to address fly tipping and other environmental crimes”.

Officers can hand out a £150 fine for dropping litter, including cigarette ends, and to people caught on camera, throwing litter from vehicles.

Anyone caught flytipping can be issued with a penalty of up to £400.

The 3GS contract has been extended until 1st April, when the new financial year begins.

Former Conservative councillor Bob Goodman was the strongest advocate for bringing in the firm.

He said it was “heavy handed” in a handful of cases but was

“generally successful”, and even the Lib Dems had conceded that the city was looking cleaner.

Mr Goodman added: “The 3GS contract was at zero cost to the council. I do not know how much taking this back in-house will cost. Will it give the same degree of cover? I doubt it.

“Bristol City Council have just engaged 3GS for a longer term contract. They must have confidence in that organisation.

“I suspect this administration, and the cabinet member responsible, had a knee-jerk reaction to one of the issues.

“There are those who think it is perfectly alright to throw down cigarette butts and chewing gum, I am not one of them. The 3GS contract helped to show residents and visitors that throwing down litter is not acceptable.”

Dog warden set to benefit from new electric van BATH and North East Somerset’s dog warden has taken delivery of a new clean, green electric van to patrol the district, helping to reduce emissions by replacing an ageing diesel vehicle.

As part of its commitment to becoming a carbon-neutral authority, Bath & North East Somerset Council has invested in the new electric dog warden van to replace the diesel vehicle.

The van has been part-funded by an £8k grant provided by the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) Councillor Paul Crossley, cabinet member for Community Services, said: “We want to improve people’s lives and tackling air pollution to address the climate emergency is a priority for us “Every year our dog warden covers thousands of miles and up until now we’ve used a diesel vehicle. We’ve now invested in this cleaner, greener electric van, which produces zero emissions whilst driving.

“It’s a welcome addition to our expanding electric vehicle fleet and complies with the Clean Air

Zone restrictions due to be introduced in Bath city centre in November.

“It’s also cheaper to run than its predecessor, so will save us money in operating costs.”

The council employs one fulltime dog warden. Their role is to: • Collect and reunite stray dogs • Educate owners on responsible dog ownership • Promote awareness and guidance on dog legislation • Enforce legislation in relation to nuisance dogs, straying and microchipping • Work with community groups to promote responsible dog ownership • Protect members of the public from issues arising from irresponsible dog ownership such as straying dogs, fouling, aggression and nuisance.

The number of stray dogs collected by the council’s dog warden has almost halved over the past four years mainly due to lost and found dogs being reported via social media.

It is, however, a legal requirement to report all lost or found dogs to the dog warden.

Cllr Paul Crossley and Dog Warden Joanna Brain with the new electric van

During 2018/19, 81 strays were taken to the kennels at Bath Cats and Dogs home with three quarters successfully reunited with their owners. The remainder were gifted to the home for rehoming.

Dog fouling is still a major issue across the area, and since the clocks went back in October, there’s been a big rise in the number of complaints the council has received about fouling.

Complainants need to complete a witness statement and provide a description of the owner and dog so the council can investigate

and take action.

Owners are reminded all dogs should be microchipped and wear a collar and tag – failure to do so can result in a fine of up to £5000.

To report a lost dog, a contained stray dog, fouling or a dog attack on an animal call Council Connect on 01225 394041.

You can also report dog fouling via https://www.fixmystreet. com/.

To report persistent barking call the Environmental Protection Team on 01225 477551.

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£3.5m awarded to fund Cleveland Bridge repairs OVER £90 million of highways funding has been awarded by the Government to local authorities across the country, with £3.5 million heading to Bath & North East Somerset to help repair Cleveland Bridge.

Roads Minister Baroness Vere announced on Friday 28th February, that thirty-two local authorities will receive investment for essential repair works, levelling up infrastructure, cutting congestion, improving road conditions and making journeys easier.

The awards include £3.5m for repairs to the 194-year-old Cleveland Bridge in Bath, nearly £4m for a suite of major upgrades to boost journeys in Swindon and £2.8m for key works in Bristol.

Baroness Vere visited Bath and met council leader Councillor Dine Romero and joint cabinet member for Transport, Councillor Joanna Wright.

The funding announcement comes as the Government boosts UK innovators through a £900,000 investment to fund cutting-edge research projects aimed at creating a better transport system – the first of which include world-leading innovations to spot and repair potholes.

Roads Minister Baroness Vere said: “There is nothing more frustrating than a journey delayed by poor road conditions, and this multi-million-pound boost will help improve connectivity across the country.

“This investment will not only help local areas to target current pinch points on their roads, but will also harness our world-leading research and innovation ca-

An 18-tonne weight limit was introduced on Cleveland Bridge earlier this month | Photo © Bath Echo

pabilities to future proof the next generation of journeys.”

Councillor Joanna Wright, joint cabinet member for Transport Services, said: “I am delighted to hear that our bid for Government funding has been successful.

“We will now be able to move forward with our urgent plans to repair Cleveland Bridge by appointing a contractor and finalising details of the work, which we hope will begin in early April.

“The bridge is a strategic part of the highways network to keep traffic flowing for motorists and this funding will enable us to secure the bridge’s future.

“We would like to thank our colleagues at the West of England Combined Authority for their support in this bid.”

Bath & North East Somerset Council submitted its funding bid to the Government’s Highways Maintenance Challenge Fund.

One of the projects to receive funding will see the development of a new AI-powered app to detect potholes in real-time, using mobile phone sensors to measure when cyclists ride over or swerve to avoid them.

It is hoped the app will help local authorities to quickly identify when potholes are forming and take speedier action to fill them.

Commenting on the funding news for Cleveland Bridge, West of England Mayor Tim Bowles said: “For the second time this week, we’re seeing the Government investing in upgrading the West of England’s transport net-

work thanks to the Combined Authority.

“Whether it’s repairing historic bridges to make sure our roads are fit for purpose or making our rail network more accessible, we’re keeping the West of England moving and keep our economy thriving.”

An 18-tonne weight restriction was put in place on Cleveland Bridge earlier this month ahead of essential structural repairs to the Grade II listed structure.

Surveys show some structural parts of the bridge have come to the end of their life, and the weight restriction was introduced as a precautionary measure.

A further £100 million is being made available for local highways authorities to bid for in 2020/21.

News in Brief Date set for organ donation law The Government has announced that, subject to parliamentary approval, Max and Keira’s Law – the Organ Donation (Deemed Consent) Act, will come into effect on 20th May 2020.

From the time the law changes, all adults in England will be considered as having agreed to donate their own organs when they die, unless they record a decision not to donate, what’s known as ‘opt out’, or are in one of the excluded groups. Even after the law changes, families will still be involved before any organ or tissue donation goes ahead and NHS Blood and Transplant Specialist Nurses will continue to speak with families about their loved one’s decision. To find out more, or to register your decision, visit: www.organdonation.nhs.uk or call 0300 303 2094.

Fundraiser for dying teen passes £5k target A fundraising campaign launched by the sister of a dying teenager has raised over £6,500, with over 300 donors helping to push it through the £5000 target.

19-year-old Bethan Foley suffers from extremely rare Grey Zone Lymphoma, so-called because it displays characteristics of two types of cancers. Bethan’s older sister Hannah started a Go Fund Me appeal to pay for pain relief and improve her sister’s end-oflife experience. You can donate to the campaign by visiting https:// bathecho.uk/3bDO8xK.

Police step up patrols after incidents Central Library flooring involving man exposing himself being replaced due to water damage AVON and Somerset Police are asking the public to be vigilant following a number of reports of a man committing acts of public indecency in Bath in recent days.

Police have received a number of calls from members of the public since Wednesday 22nd January reporting a man had exposed himself to women.

As a result, patrols have been stepped up across the city.

The man is described as aged between 20 and late-30s and of average height and build.

He was said to be wearing dark clothing, with his face obscured by a hood or a balaclava. Some witnesses also said he was wearing sunglasses.

Inspector Gavin Usher, from the Bath Neighbourhood Team, said: “There have been a number of incidents where a male has exposed himself to women within the Linear Track/ Oldfield Park/ Twerton area of Bath.

“The incidents have occurred all times of the day and night with women, often alone, either being approached by a male or seeing him hiding in bushes.

Police began to receive reports on Wednesday 22nd January

“On some occasions he has spoken to the women and made sexual comments towards them, however more recently has knocked on a door of a house at night and exposed himself to the all-female occupants.

“And last night (Wednesday 26th February), we received a report of an act of indecency in North Street, at approximately 7.20pm.

“Needless to say we are taking all these reports extremely seriously.

We are conducting extra patrols

in the areas where these incidents have been reported.

“We would urge the public to be vigilant and to report any suspicious behaviour to us. And, if you have witnessed something similar to this and not yet called the police, please do so, as your information could help our ongoing investigation.”

Anyone with information about the incidents is asked to call 101 and quote reference number 5220046046.

INSTALLATION of a whole new floor at Bath Central Library has begun, with works planned to minimise disruption to visitors.

Fitting of new carpeting and ‘acoustic’ noise-reducing vinyl will start today and is being managed in stages so that only parts of the library will be closed at any one time.

This essential replacement work comes after the existing floor was damaged by multiple water leaks into the library, which caused damage that could not be cleaned or repaired.

The existing carpet will not be wasted, as after removal it will be cleaned, dyed and reused and its rubber backing recycled into tarmac.

Councillor Paul Crossley, cabinet member for Community Services, said: “I am delighted that we’re able to make this improve-

ment to Bath Central Library which will only enhance people’s enjoyment of this important community facility.

“We are working with our contractors to keep disruption to a minimum and the work will be done in sections so that people can still use as many of our facilities as possible.

“We apologise for any inconvenience this might cause but hope that residents are happy to bear with us while we make our library an even better place to read, learn and gather together.”

The flooring installation is expected to last approximately five weeks and different parts of the library will close depending on where flooring is being laid at that time.

Bath Central Library was temporarily closed last September due to a number of leaks affecting the building.

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New crime drama set in Bath premieres on ITV BATH is playing a starring role in the new contemporary detective drama McDonald & Dodds, which premiered on ITV last Sunday, 1st March.

The drama, which is set in Bath, was filmed in locations all over the city including Abbey Churchyard, Queen Square, Parade Gardens and the Bell Inn as well as locations in Bristol and the surrounding area.

Filming was co-ordinated by Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Film Office, which promotes the district as a film and TV location and helps productions to access public areas with the minimum of disruption to residents and businesses.

The drama pairs the wildly ambitious DCI McDonald with the shy, modest DS Dodds.

While McDonald has transferred from the mean streets of South London to leap up the career ladder, Dodds has happily languished on the shelf for most of his working life.

McDonald is a tough, driven, battering ram of a cop who cracks cases through sheer force of will; Dodds – the tortoise to her hare – is quiet, unassuming and enigmatic.

Thrust back into frontline action for the first time in a decade, he discovers a hidden talent for deciphering puzzles.

This week, The Pig is mostly...

DCI McDonald (Tala Gouveia) and DS Dodds (Jason Watkins) in new drama McDonald & Dodds | Photo © ITV

Councillor Paul Crossley, cabinet member for Community Services, said: “Bath may be best known on the big and small screens as the backdrop to period dramas, but McDonald & Dodds demonstrates it’s also the perfect location for a great new contemporary detective series.

“Bath is popular with film makers and each year we receive around 250 enquiries from various media companies.

“Encouraging productions to the area does have a positive impact which is why were delighted to welcome this large-scale production to the city.

“It promotes Bath to a wider audience and we estimate that last year filming brought more than £2 million into the local economy through spend on accommodation, food, local crew and purchases from other local businesses.” You can catch up on the first episode via the ITV Hub.

Food waste collections CCTV images released being extended in Bath as part of ongoing fraud investigation MORE residents across the local area will be able to recycle their food waste as Bath & North East Somerset Council expands its collection service to flats in the BA1 and BA2 postcodes.

From the start of March, residents of flats will be able to recycle all their raw and cooked food waste, including fruit and vegetable peelings, plate scrapings and bones.

Councillor David Wood, cabinet member for Climate Emergency and Neighbourhood Services, said: “As we work to address the Climate Emergency it’s essential, we recycle as much waste as possible.

“We already collect more than 550 tonnes of food waste each month, but we want to ensure as many people as possible can use the food recycling service.

“It’s a simple system: instead of throwing food waste out with the general rubbish, you put it in the small kitchen caddy and, when its full, empty it into the large shared food waste bin outside your building. It’ll be collected weekly and sent to a local processing plant where it will be used to produce renewable energy and turned into nutrient-rich

compost to use on agricultural land. Food waste that ends up in black wheelie bins costs over £100 per tonne to dispose of in local disposal facilities and, if it ends up in landfill, it can also cause greenhouse gases.

“By recycling your food waste you’ll not only help the environment, but also help save money that could be used to fund other essential services for residents.”

In preparation for the expansion of the food waste collection service, officers from B&NES Council are delivering letters and kitchen caddies to residents of flats across Bath.

The letters explain the recycling system and provide advice on how to line the plastic kitchen caddy, from reusing household plastic bags, including potato and bread bags, to using compostable liners, newspaper or paper bags.

AVON and Somerset Police have released CCTV images of a man they would like to speak to in connection with an ongoing fraud investigation.

Officers have received several reports of electrical retailers being targeted across the area between 3rd - 9th January.

Businesses in Bath, Bristol, Cribbs Causeway, Taunton and Yeovil reported being victims of a

transaction fraud.

Similar reports have been made in neighbouring force areas.

The man police wish to speak to is described as white, approximately 6ft 1-2ins, mid-20s, with blonde hair that is shaved at the sides.

Anyone who recognises the man is asked to call 101 and quote reference number 5220007287.

Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555111.

GEARING up to make a very special announcement about a very exciting collaboration between The Pig Guide and Dan Moon at The Gainsborough Bath Spa Hotel: yup, we're talking Supper Club! Full details will be announced any moment now; visit our homepage, keep an eye on our Twitter feed and/or, of course, make sure you check back right here in two weeks time for The Big Reveal.

LOVIN' the fact that legendary Bath burger institution Schwartz Bros recently celebrated their 43rd birthday and still flourishes under its original, independent family ownership, including the same guy who flipped the very first burger. Our top three Schwartz scoffs: the Garlic Mayo Cheeseburger, the Veggie Bluecheeseburger... and fries with Original Hot Roadhouse, either as a standalone treat or with anything else on the menu (www. schwartzbros.co.uk) EAGERLY anticipating our forthcoming Joya Italian Steakhouse fact-finding mission – the bespoke Hotstone Steak Experience bodes very well indeed! This lovely, longstanding independent bistro has recently undergone a thorough revamp across both environment and menus, but longstanding fans need worry not: Joya's perfect pastas are still in plentiful supply... (www.joyarestaurant.co.uk) GOING wild in the (nearby) country every Tuesday evening at The Inn at Freshford to tuck into a delectable Darcy Pie accompanied by mash, greens and gravy plus a drink for £15. Meanwhile, on the last Thursday of every month, Burger and Malbec night brings two boisterous burgers (plus all the necessary trimmings) and a bottle of Malbec to the table for just £30. Get Inn! (www.theinnatfreshford.com) UTTERLY addicted to the terrifically tasty, exceedingly wallet-friendly Chilli Garlic Beef, Duck Penang Curry, Chicken Massamam Curry, Pad Thais, Yellow Curries and pretty much everything else on the menu at the Thai Hut (Green Park Station) dished up from noon-3.30 every Wednesday-Sunday; your search for the ultimate in good mood food ends here.

For more news, views and food-related chat, visit The Pig Guide at www. thepigguide.com and follow The Pig on Twitter @ThePigGuide.

Get the latest news 24/7 via our website and by following us on social media Find us @BathEcho

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Council to support local residents with EU Settlement Scheme

Image © Cmspic / Shutterstock.com

BATH & North East Somerset Council has announced plans to support EU citizens across the district with their applications to a scheme which will allow them to continue living in the UK. A letter from council leader, Councillor Dine Romero, is being sent out to EU citizens who are on the council’s open electoral register, reminding them about the EU Settlement Scheme and how to get support and advice.

The EU Settlement Scheme allows EU citizens, and their EU and non-EU family members to get the immigration status they need to continue to live, work and study in the UK and remain eligible for access to public services.

The deadline for applying is 30th June 2021.

The council is promoting the scheme to EU citizens current-

ly living in Bath and North East Somerset to ensure they are fully informed.

In order to continue to live and work in the UK, EU citizens need to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme.

Applications to the scheme can only be made online and the council is offering assistance with document verification.

Councillor Dine Romero, council Leader, said: “EU nationals are our family members, friends, colleagues and neighbours. They are part of our community and we want them 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.

“We are trying to reach out to as many EU citizens living in Bath and North East Somerset as possible to ensure they know about

the EU Settlement Scheme and what they need to do to submit their application.

“We will be advertising the scheme as widely as possible and I am writing to all our European Citizens on our open electoral register to highlight the advice and support that is available.

“We are also offering individual support with the identity verification part of the process.

“As a local authority we have a crucial role in supporting residents, including those who are vulnerable and hard-to-reach, and making sure they have all the information and support they need to stay living in the UK. “This campaign to raise awareness is very important and I encourage other organisations to share it on their networks.”

More information about the scheme can be found at: www.gov.uk/eu-settled-status

Investment sees accessible equipment installed in Bath park SPECIALIST equipment for children with disabilities has been installed in a city park as part of a £480,000 investment

by Bath & North East Somerset Council to improve play and outdoor family fun.

A wheelchair-accessible roundabout, swing and ground trampoline have been installed at Alexandra Park in Bath, the first inclusive play area of its kind in the district.

The council has been working in partnership with community groups and parish councils on major upgrades to parks to encourage children to play outside more and improve their health.

As part of the investment, other areas benefitting include Shakespeare Road in Westfield and Kelston Road in Keynsham where major refurbishments are ongoing, new equipment in Writhlington and Peasedown St John, and a replacement zip-wire at Bath’s Victoria Park.

Councillor Paul Crossley said: “We know that space for physical and imaginative play is important to children’s development and health, so I am delighted to announce the large-scale improvements we are making to play areas in our district.

“We’ve also carried out a review and consultation of some of our play areas. I’d like to thank everyone who took part in the consultation which we will be reporting back on.”

The play area improvement projects include:

• Alexandra Park, Bath – wheelchair-accessible ‘Ability Whirl’ roundabout, ground trampoline and four swings, one of which can attach a wheelchair. Tarmac path access to play area and toilet available. Capital funding of nearly £47,000.

• Kelston Road, Keynsham – a complete upgrade of play equipment, new seating and signage, football goals, path and safety improvements and tree planting.

Work is expected to cost around £150,000 and funded by Section 106, Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) and a Landfill Communities Fund grant from Enovert Community Trust.

• Shakespeare Road, Westfield – joint project with Westfield Parish Council to carry out £70,000 major refurbishment.

• Old Road, Writhlington – replacement slide.

• Eckweek Lane, Peasedown St John – replacement climbing unit.

The council has also been working with residents and community groups in Kensington Meadows, Calton Road and Ubley to submit funding bids.

Police officer sacked for abusing his position after altercation Stephen Sumner

Local Democracy Reporter

A POLICE officer who abused his position to pursue a prosecution against a driving instructor after a heated altercation in Radstock has been dismissed without notice.

A professional standards panel heard that PC Keith James downplayed his own role and exaggerated that of Michael Lee after the pair clashed in February 2018.

The officer, a divorced father of two, was accused of operational dishonesty after it was found that his account of the events was significantly different from dashcam footage.

The consequences for Mr Lee could have been devastating if his video had not been available but he was ultimately acquitted in court for careless driving, the panel sitting at the Portishead HQ of Avon and Somerset Police

heard on 26th February.

It concluded that it was “entirely inappropriate” for PC James to have been the investigating officer in the case, and he chose not to seize the dashcam footage.

Before the court case, he gave a detailed account to Mr Lee’s professional body, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, in a move described as “vindictive and unnecessary”.

Mr Lee was driving into Radstock on the A367 when PC James, off duty but heading to work, pulled out from a junction in his own VW Golf, forcing the driving instructor to slow down and prompting him to flash his lights.

Further down the road, PC James gave Mr Lee the middle finger.

Mr Lee then took the “split-second” decision to change course, follow the officer and overtake him.

He claimed he wanted to get clear footage of PC James on his rear dashcam.

Defending PC James, Ramin Pakrooh said that was “nonsense” and Mr Lee “rammed on the brakes” to show how he had been forced to slow down earlier.

PC James then went on duty and the pair pulled over, at which point Mr Lee said he had captured the incident on dashcam.

The officer’s witness statement later did not mention the footage, or that he had given the other driver the middle finger.

He failed to tell his superiors about his involvement in the incident when he began investigating.

Representing Avon and Somerset Police, Mark Ley-Morgan said PC James “fabricated his account” to give a “false impression of what he had done”.

He said: “PC James took exception to being flashed. The red mist descended.

“What would have happened if there hadn’t been any dashcam footage? It would have been Mr

Lee’s word against a police officer. The consequences could have been devastating.

“Mr Lee’s livelihood was at risk.

He has two young children.

“PC James abused his position and failed to act honestly.”

Mr Ley-Morgan said the findings amounted to operational dishonesty, and that would “reflect very badly” on Avon and Somerset Police.

He said it was vindictive and unnecessary for PC James to send a detailed account of the incident to the DVSA before Mr Lee had even appeared in court.

Mr Pakrooh said: “We don’t call people ‘grasses’ for reporting them to their professional body.

There’s nothing inherently wrong in giving detail if you have detail to give.

“If what he’s saying is truthful, that’s his evidence. That isn’t the same as being vindictive.”

The misconduct panel found that PC James’ actions amounted to

gross misconduct.

Panel chair Alex Lock said: “There were numerous points between the incident and Mr Lee’s court appearance for PC James to reflect on his actions.

“Harm will most likely be done to the reputation of the constabulary.

“We have found an officer who embellished evidence in relation to a member of the public, which resulted in that person being prosecuted, with the risk he may be convicted and lose his livelihood. There was potential for great harm to be done.

“We have little doubt the public would have a negative perception of PC James’ conduct, and it may undermine their trust in the police service.

“While we have considerable sympathy for PC James’ personal circumstances, following a divorce and being a provider, we concluded that summary dismissal is appropriate.”

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Fire service changing the way it responds to automatic alarms AVON Fire & Rescue Service (AFRS) is changing how it responds to Automatic Fire Alarm signals to reduce its response to unnecessary false alarms across the area.

From the 1st April 2020, the new procedure will be introduced and will mean the automatic response to some alarms will be removed.

This change follows the implementation of the Service Plan (2019-2022), to ensure that AF&RS is better able to match resource to risk and ensure public safety.

In 2018/19 alone, AF&RS attended over 5,700 calls to Automatic Fire Alarms (AFA) which turned out to be false alarms.

The Service receives and responds to thousands of AFA calls each year, with only a very small percentage of these turning out to be a real emergency.

Due to this, the Avon Fire & Rescue Service will no longer automatically respond to AFAs triggered at business premises such as offices, shops and factories until a fire is confirmed.

Domestic premises and sleeping accommodation, including residential flats, Houses in Multiple Occupancy (HMO), hotels, student accommodation and shelter housing will still receive a response to alarms operating.

Similarly, high-risk premises such as hospitals and heritage premises, along with Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH) sites will also still receive a response.

If an automatic call is received from an Alarm Receiving Company (ARC) then a response will not be automatically mobilised.

Instead, an attendance of crews will only be made if a key holder can confirm that there is an actual fire or a secondary call is made to 999 confirming there is a fire.

Temporary Area manager for Operational Response, Steve Quinton, said: “97% of all alarms attended last year turned out to be false alarms.

“Each false alarm diverts our emergency vehicles away from real emergencies. False alarms also impact on our prevention and protection work, core and critical training and increase the risk to road users from unnecessary blue-light responses.

“These new procedures will bring the service in line with other fire and rescue services across the country and also addresses concerns raised following a visit from Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services HMICFRS visit in 2018.

“I would like to encourage all businesses to now ensure that they have suitable procedures in place to manage their alarms and ensure all staff are aware of their procedures and that alarms are fully tested in accordance with the relevant standard.

“Staff from our Technical Fire Safety department will also be available to assist businesses and ensure they know their responsibilities.”

Unnecessary response to AFAs has a wider impact on the community.

For AF&RS, these calls divert essential services from real incidents; causes risk to the public and responding crews; disrupts training, arson reduction and community work; and increases costs to the Service.

Similarly, businesses will suffer downtime from evacuations, face disruption to production, and potentially impact reputation.

All businesses are reminded that fire alarm maintenance, false alarm reduction and procedures to identify false alarms are the responsibility of the premises’ responsible person.

Under the regulatory reform ‘Fire Safety Order’ 2005, all premises have a responsibility to ensure they have appropriate procedures in place to manage false alarms within their premises.

All premises with an AFA system should also have

Young people being invited to apply for Project SEARCH 2020

Image © Ceri Breeze / Shutterstock.com

YOUNG people with learning difficulties or disabilities, who want to increase their employability skills and find paid work, are being invited to apply for a Project SEARCH internship.

Each year, Bath & North East Somerset Council provides internships from September through to June in professional work environments.

The interns learn transferable skills working in three different departments for ten weeks.

During their time at the council, the interns receive on-site tutoring from Bath College and Job Coach support from Virgin Care.

The partners also work with local organisations to help interns find vacancies and apply for jobs.

Applications are now being invited for this September’s intake of new interns.

Councillor Dine Romero, council Leader said: “This is the 12th year we’ve run Project SEARCH and over that time it’s proved hugely successful with our graduates finding community-based employment through the pro-

gramme. It really is a fantastic way to experience the world of work while developing employability skills. At a time when the average employment rate in the UK for adults with a learning difficulty or disability has dropped to just six per cent, it’s essential we provide opportunities like this to help more young people find sustainable employment.”

Project Search is open to young people with learning difficulties or disabilities who are aged 1825. If you know someone who would like to apply for a placement visit: bathcollege.ac.uk/ project-search and complete the application form.

Most placements will be based in council departments around Bath city centre, however in the 2nd and 3rd terms, placements in Keynsham are used.

Following successful completion of the nine-month internship graduates are presented with certificates at a ceremony in front of an audience of family members, programme partners, local businesses and council staff.

call filtering at the premises to ensure false alarms are identified prior to the Fire Service being called.

If you are a business owner in the AF&RS area, you should act now and ensure you have an effective investigation procedure.

Business owners have a responsibility to: • Review your alarm management strategy. Do you have a delayed alarm so that you can investigate the cause before calling the Fire Service?

• Ensure regular maintenance of your fire alarm.

• Ensure you have a suitable makeamove.org.uk number of responsible people and key holders who can atinfo@makeamove.org.uk tend the premises out of hours.

• If you are linked to an Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) ensure they have the correct contact details for the premises, opening hours and the key holder’s details.

• Investigate all false alarms and look at what you can do to stop them happening again.

Warm up, mobilise your joints, move to • Put in place a strategy to investigate the cause of the actimusic, easy to follow simple routines, vation the moment it happens so that your staff can quickly relaxation and stretching. identify false alarms, reset the A fun, FREE way to stay active, improve wellbeing, meet new system and return to work.

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Inspectorate urges review of police ‘stop and search’ powers Amanda Cameron

Local Democracy Reporter

AVON and Somerset Police must urgently review its use of “stop and search” powers, a government inspector has said.

HM Inspector of Constabulary Wendy Williams made her recommendation in the latest assessment of the force by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICRFS).

The fifth annual police effectiveness, efficiency and legitimacy (PEEL) assessment for Avon and Somerset Police found the force operates with ‘outstanding’ efficiency and is ‘good’ at reducing crime and keeping people safe.

The extent to which the force treats the public and its workforce legitimately was also rated ‘good’ in the PEEL assessment for 2018/19.

However, HMI Williams urged the force to conduct a rigorous review of its use of stop and

search powers because of “high levels” of disproportionate use in Somerset.

The statutory powers allow police officers to stop and search someone to prevent and detect crime, and to avoid unnecessary arrest in circumstances where a quick search might confirm or eliminate an officer’s suspicions.

According to the HMICRFS, use of these powers is lawful if an officer has reasonable grounds for suspicion that a person is in possession of a stolen or prohibited item, or controlled drugs, or if a person is in an area where serious violence is anticipated. “[Avon and Somerset] Constabulary has more of an understanding of its use of stop and search powers,” HMI Williams’s PEEL report said.

“Nonetheless, it should carry out a rigorous review to understand the high levels of disproportionality relating to stop and search that are continuing to occur in Somerset.”

Somerset was “in sharp contrast”

to Avon, where levels of disproportionality are “much lower”, the report said.

The inspectorate recommended in 2017 that all police forces should monitor, analyse and address disparities in the use of stop and search powers.

Avon and Somerset Police has complied with “some” of this recommendation, according to the PEEL report.

The report praised the force’s record protecting vulnerable people, its use of technology such as Facebook and online forums to connect with the public, its work with the Muslim community, and its perseverance gaining funding for tackling knife crime.

In her observations, HMI Williams wrote: “I am very pleased with the performance of Avon and Somerset Constabulary.

“The constabulary is good at preventing crime and anti-social behaviour. It is also good at investigating crime and tackling serious and organised crime.

“It identifies and responds well

to incidents involving vulnerable people and works effectively with other agencies to protect them.

“The constabulary is ambitious in its planning for the future and wants to be at the forefront of innovative practice.

“I am very impressed with its use of technology to understand changing demand.

“It uses this information very well to influence its development of finance and workforce plans for the future.

“Senior leaders ensure that the workforce understands the importance of treating the public and each other with fairness and respect.

“The constabulary continues to uphold an ethical culture and promote the standards of professional behaviour it expects.

“Overall, I congratulate Avon and Somerset Constabulary for its excellent performance over the past year. I am confident that it is well equipped for this to continue.”

Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Sue

Mountstevens, who is not seeking re-election to the role in May, said: “I am pleased that this report recognises the hard work, determination and effort of Avon and Somerset staff and officers.

“I hope local people can see that the Constabulary continues to take steps in the right direction to offer the best police service for the communities it serves.

“Protecting the most vulnerable from harm is a priority in my Police and Crime Plan so I am delighted that the report acknowledges the quality of the Constabulary’s investigations, in particular those involving vulnerable children and adults.

“However, it’s important that we remember that there is always more work to be done.

“I know the Constabulary are committed to continually improving and becoming an outstanding force nationally.”

Ms Mountstevens was elected to the role of Avon and Somerset PCC in 2012, when PCCs were first introduced.

Locals invited to find out more about Residents being sought reducing use of disposable items to provide safe and supportive homes TIPS and tricks to help people reuse more to save the environment and their wallet are being offered at libraries across Bath and North East Somerset, including how easy it is to use washable nappies.

Bath & North East Somerset Council is inviting local residents to a series of events to coincide with Global Recycling Day on 18th March, where people can find out all they need to know about switching to reusable nappies, as well as ways to avoid other disposable items and reuse wherever they can.

The average child in the UK uses between 4,0006,000 disposable nappies until they are potty trained, accounting for 2-3% of household waste.

It’s estimated that the cost of buying and using reusable nappies is between £182 and £359, but the cost of using disposable nappies is around £922.

The events are running in March and April at the libraries in Bath, Keynsham and Midsomer Norton and the Bath Cloth Nappy Library will be on hand to help parents and carers with making the switch from disposables.

Councillor David Wood, cabinet member for Climate Emergency and Neighbourhood Services, said: “Recycling our waste is vital but it’s even better if we can reduce the amount we produce in the first place and reuse items wherever possible.

“There are simple changes residents can make, such as reducing

single use plastic by taking their own water bottle when they’re out and about and refilling them at businesses that have signed up to the Refill scheme.

“Using washable nappies is another choice that parents can make to reduce their waste and save money in their pockets.

“I’d encourage residents to attend one of these events and find out how they can reuse more in their everyday lives.”

The event schedule is as follows: • Tuesday 17th March: Keynsham OSS – 11.00 – 1.00 • Wednesday 18th March: Bath Central Library – 10.30 – 12.00 • Thursday 19th March: Midsomer Norton Library – 11.00 – 1.00 • Tuesday 21st April : Keynsham OSS – 10.00 – 12.00 • Wednesday 22nd April : Bath Central Library – 10.30 – 12.00 • Thursday 23rd April: Midsomer Norton Library – 10.30 – 12.00

People living in Bath & North East Somerset are entitled to a discount on Bambino Mio reusable nappy packs, which can be bought from one of the One Stop Shops.

Nappy kits can also be borrowed from the Bath Cloth Nappy Library, a voluntary service that supports families with using washable nappies.

Ruth Walcot from Bath Cloth Nappy Library said: “The choices and information out there can be overwhelming, so we aim to talk you through the basics of nappy types and materials, washing and fitting and help you decide what will work best for you.

“We can loan you a range of kits of up to date nappies to try before you buy, and we have great links to retailers so loads of discounts for library users when you are ready to make your purchase!”

A CALL for more residents to provide vulnerable young people with a safe and supportive home environment they may never have had before in their lives is being made

by B&NES Council.

Residents who think they could welcome a young person into their family and help them develop independence and life skills are being asked to consider joining the council’s Supported Lodgings Scheme as a provider.

The scheme is for 16 to 25-yearolds who are homeless or leaving care, who need a stable family home where they can develop the skills they need to live on their own in the future.

Supported Lodgings providers are trained and given ongoing support by the council’s social care team, along with a weekly fee, in return for a room in their home and supporting the young person as much as they can.

Families, people living alone and people employed or not employed are equally welcomed to become providers.

They do not need to own their home but must have a clean and comfortable room available.

Councillor Kevin Guy, cabinet member for Children’s Services, said: “Most of us are lucky enough to take a warm and welcoming home for granted, but for young people who are homeless or leaving care, that may be something they have never experienced.

“Our Supported Lodgings

scheme improves people’s lives by not only giving them their own space in a stable home, but by providing an adult who has the kindness and patience to guide them towards independence.

“We’ve had many successes with the scheme and have seen young people thrive and become independent adults after leaving our care, but sadly we still have vulnerable teenagers who are waiting for their chance to get their lives on track with basic accommodation and oneto-one nurturing. I’d urge anyone who thinks they could further a young person’s life chances by giving them a supportive home to get in touch with us.”

Supported Lodgings differs from fostering as the focus is on developing the young person’s independence, not providing constant supervision and care.

The Supported Lodgings scheme will celebrate its 15th anniversary this summer.

It has supported around 140 young people across Bath and North East Somerset and has received over 300 referrals.

Providers receive around £170 per week and residents within Bath & North East Somerset also benefit from reduced council tax.

They are given ongoing support, supervision and training.

More information can be found at https://www.bathnes.gov.uk/ services/housing/find-home/ supported-lodgings

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Education University joins forces with Students’ Rosie Allen set to Union to declare climate emergency become Paragon School’s new Head

BATH Spa University and its Students’ Union have joined forces to declare a climate emergency as they call on students, staff, and the local community to pledge their support for urgent action.

The University and the Students’ Union have published their pledges online at www.bathspa. ac.uk/climatepledge, showing their support for the increasing global calls to tackle climate change, and echoing the climate emergency declarations made by universities across the UK. Students, staff, and the wider Bath community are being encouraged to make their own pledge to pave the way in making a necessary change.

Bath Spa University ViceChancellor Professor Sue Rigby said: “Declaring an emergency means that we can set big goals, but we can also set smaller ones so that everyone is a part of it.

“Sometimes people feel powerless in the face of

something so big, but actually this is something where everyone makes a difference all the time.

“It works on three levels, because we can help everyone who is a part of our community to change their own behaviours, but we can also celebrate and enhance the work that the Students’ Union and the University are already doing to address climate change.

“By declaring an emergency we have something of a voice in the wider community and nationally to emphasise the fact that we want the Government to take this very seriously.”

Last year, Bath Spa University made improvements to reduce its reliance on single-use plastics, and all of its electricity has come from certified renewable resources since 2016.

To date, the University has reduced its carbon emissions by over 50% per m2, increased recycling rates to 80% and improved biodiversity on its sites.

Bath Spa Students’ Union

President Jazz Nesbitt-Larking added: “We at the Students’ Union have been trying to make smaller changes that students can engage with, like buying your own reusable coffee cups.

“I think the small changes lead up to quite a big change that we can make as a community. This could be a really great start to creating a culture shift for us here at Bath Spa in terms of embedding it in every single thing that we do.”

The Bath Spa Students’ Union has made sustainability a core commitment in how it works.

The Students’ Union building has been fitted with water-saving devices and it, along with the University, has been awarded Fairtrade status, with hot drinks served in the SU bar coming from Fairtrade sources. Two of Bath Spa University’s catering outlets also hold the Soil Association’s Silver Food for Life Award, recognising its commitment to using ingredients from sustainable and ethical sources.

THE Governors of The Paragon School in Bath have announced the appointment of Rosie Allen as its new Head, taking up the post from 1st September 2020.

Mrs Allen succeeds Andrew Harvey and will take up her post later this year.

Rosie was previously Head at Radnor House School in Twickenham and is currently one of the Non- Executive Directors of the Radnor House Schools Group.

In addition, she holds several Governorships including at the City of London School and Beechen Cliff School in Bath.

Rosie was educated at South Hampstead High, a GDST school, before going on to read History at the University of Nottingham, from where she graduated with first-class honours.

She began her teaching career at Mill Hill County High, before moving into Preparatory specialism with roles at The Hall, Hampstead, and then Sherborne Preparatory School, where she was Deputy Head Academic.

Joining Radnor House as a cofounder in 2011, Rosie was responsible for the launch of the school and its successful development over the first few years.

She oversaw the academic, pastoral and co-curricular arms of the school, first as Head of Prep, then Senior Deputy and as Head from 2016.

Chair of Governors, Mr Michael King, said: “We are confident that we have chosen an excellent leader for The Paragon and a worthy successor to Andrew Harvey.

“Rosie brings with her a wealth of educational and management experience which will be of value to the Paragon and to Prior Park Schools as a whole.

“We look forward to working with her in developing our long-term vision for the school.”

Mrs Allen said: “I am thrilled to be joining The Paragon. It is a truly magical place and my interactions with the school so far have given me a real sense of the breadth and depth of the wonderful all-round educational experience which its children receive from the dedicated staff.

“I am very much looking forward to getting to know the wider Paragon community better, including parents and alumni, and of course the fabulous children who have all been so welcoming during my visits.

“I look forward to joining their adventures!”

Call for local employers to help improve careers guidance WEST of England Mayor Tim Bowles is asking employers, large and small, across the region to give their views on how to improve careers advice.

The West of England Combined Authority (WECA) is conducting a short survey as part of its commitment to improving opportunities for all residents, and help make careers advice genuinely useful for employers and potential employees alike.

West of England Mayor, Tim Bowles, said: “Good careers advice can set you on a path to achieve truly great things, broaden your horizons and

show you the wealth of opportunities that are open to you.

“It can also help our businesses find the talent they need to grow and thrive and that’s why I’m so passionate about improving the careers advice we provide in the West of England.

“It’s central to my plan to make sure that everyone in the region has the opportunity to be part of our region’s economic

successes, no matter where they’re from.

“Of course good careers advice is just as valuable to employers as it is to their future employees.

“We need to make sure that people are making the right choices in terms of the skills they need and showing them the breadth of opportunities that are available, so I really want managers at all levels of the

region’s organisations large and small to take part in this survey.

“You’re the people that are the line managers to these new employees, so your help is critical if we’re going to get this right.”

WECA has devolved control for the region’s Adult Education Budget, to help equip adults over 19 with the skills and qualifications needed for life, work, apprenticeships and further learning.

The Combined Authority also runs Future Bright, which is helping people on in-work benefits to improve their career prospects and pay, as well as the

Careers Hub, which works with schools and businesses to help young people be better prepared for career opportunities in the West of England.

Research will be used to produce a clear and accurate review and analysis of Careers Education, Advice and Guidance services at all ages across the West of England area.

The Combined Authority will then be able to look at what is needed to improve services, and these can then be considered as potential investment opportunities by WECA and other partners.

Tuesday, 3rd March 2020

Work gets underway to decide fate of former Culverhay site

Councillor Kevin Guy, cabinet member for Children’s Services, said: “We recognise that this site is important to residents and there are some strong opinions about what should be provided there.

“Although we are keeping an open mind at this stage, it’s crucial that the community should benefit from something at the site that will be well-used and will improve their lives.

“We want to see some form of educational use remaining at the

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a difficult decision in light of the advice, as it wouldn't have been possible to clean the school sufficiently in time to reopen the following morning.

In a further statement, posted on the school's website, the head described the 'incredible' staff who had volunteered to clean all relevant parts of both schools, “above the required standard".

Speaking about the closure, Bath & North East Somerset Council told the Bath Echo: “This has been carried out as a precautionary measure only, and we would like to reassure people that, should a case be confirmed anywhere in the country, Public Health England would contact all those who had come into contact with a case."

Both the infant and junior schools reopened on Monday 2nd March. At the time of going to print, the results of the pending coronavirus test had not been made public.

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THE Moorlands Infant and Junior Schools in Bath were closed on Friday 28th February after a member of the school community began to suffer from symptoms of the Covid-19 coronavirus.

The person, who had “been to a Category 2 area within the last 14 days”, was tested for Covid-19.

Category 2 areas include Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Laos, Macau, Malaysia, Myanmar, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.

Acting Headteacher Warrick Barton sent out a message on Thursday evening (27th February) alerting parents that both schools would be closed due to the suspected case, and would be undergoing a deep clean.

Advice from Public Health England says no restrictions or control measures are required while test results are pending, however Mr Barton said he had to make

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heart of the site.

“Any development must also meet our objectives around sustainability and making the district carbon neutral by 2030.

“I’d like to emphasise that residents’ views on the site’s future are at the heart of this because one of our core priorities is to deliver for our communities.

“We will need to hear from you once we have a well-considered list of options later this year and will keep residents fully informed at each stage in the process.”

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BATH & North East Somerset Council has taken the first step towards deciding the future of the former Culverhay School site in Bath, and will be inviting residents to give their views.

The council is developing an initial comprehensive list of possibilities based on its key principles to deliver for residents, prepare for the future and focus on prevention.

The options will need to take into account constraints around planning, resources and sustainability to achieve the best outcome for the community.

Consultants Avison Young have been commissioned by the council to carry out the research and engagement process towards achieving a new future for the site.

Avison Young will support the council in developing the shortlist of viable options for public consultation later in 2020.

Culverhay School became Bath Community Academy in 2012 before it closed its doors in July 2018.

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Motion capture tech used to help prevent falls in older people VOLUNTEERS in their seventies recently donned motion capture suits for a study to assess the benefits of an exercise programme designed to reduce the risk of falls in older people.

Dance and movement artist Ben Dunks worked with Dr Polly McGuigan at CAMERA, the University of Bath’s motion analysis research centre to analyse how the range of movement of three volunteers changed during an exercise programme over a period of six weeks.

Ben took the participants through the dance exercises and their movements were recorded using the motion capture system.

The CAMERA studio team processed the motion capture data to create animations of the participants and Dr McGuigan took the data to calculate joint angles and ranges of motion to quantify the movement patterns to look at whether these changed over the course of the programme.

Participants also wore activity trackers to monitor how active they were outside the sessions and whether this changed over the course of the programme.

The researchers looked at how much time the participants balanced on one leg, the range of movements of various joints in the body, and how far they were able to reach in different directions whilst standing on one leg.

Dr McGuigan, Deputy Head of the Department for Health at the University of Bath, said: “The

premise behind the programme is that if people build their strength and are more able to push the boundaries of their movement in a safe and controlled space, such as an exercise class, they will be better able to use their body in the best way to prevent them from falling if they trip or slip.”

The collaborative project is supported by the South West Creative Technology Network, funded by Research England, in partnership with the Innovation in Healthy Ageing Programme with the University of Plymouth and Arts Council England South West.

Ben Dunks explained: “In this project we worked with vulnerable older people living in sheltered accommodation in Plymouth to devise an exercise programme that aims to fundamentally change the health of participants as well as decreasing their chances of falling.

“So much of the older population we work with feel that this issue of falls is one that is only recognised when you have already fallen.

“There is also a feeling that there isn’t a programme available to help their strength, as ours is a culture that believes older people can’t improve their physical skills and strength.

“But this programme has shown this simply isn’t true – even if you’re ninety, you can still build strength, learn new movements and learn new ideas about yourself. By doing our programme, our participants have gained in confidence and

Photo © Christopher Hunt

are demonstrating they are still valuable members of society.”

Gillian, from Plymouth, has been doing the exercise programme for 18 months and took part in the study. She said: “This project has been a joyful experience!

I’ve gained more confidence in doing new sporty activities like ballet and tai chi, and increased confidence to help others that

might be lonely or need help.

“It’s also helped me to avoid falls on a few occasions when I’ve slipped or tripped.”

Dr McGuigan said: “Whilst motion capture has been used to evaluate fall prevention programmes for older people in previous studies, what made this project particularly interesting was that we were collecting data

on improvised movements rather than asking them to do a very specific movement pattern.

“This made the project more challenging but much more relevant to the real world.

“We’re really encouraged by initial results and look forward to continue working with Ben to use this method in the future to assess similar exercise programmes.”

Royal High School opens Up and coming talent competes in Steinway Music School Chef v Chef 2020 competition THE Royal High School Bath has unveiled its brand new Steinway Music School, which has undergone a major £2 million refurbishment over the past few years.

The new Steinway Music School provides a unique and contemporary learning environment, complete with brand new professional standard recording studio and a recital room, for Royal High students to enhance their musical education and let their creativity flourish.

The opening also signals a new partnership between Royal High School and prominent piano makers Steinway and Sons. The Royal High School has become one of only 250 schools worldwide to gain the prestigious Steinway title and students will benefit by having access to worldclass Steinway and Sons pianos, masterclasses by Steinway artists, and performance opportunities throughout the year.

Kate Reynolds, Head at Royal High School Bath, said: “This significant investment signals Royal High’s continued commitment to our talented musicians.

“With research suggesting that learning a musical instrument aids academic success - our girls already benefit from the specialist skills of our excellent teaching staff - and now they have a brand new facility to match.

Mark Bradbury, Director of Music at the Royal High School, said: “Bath is a city of vast musical talent and we welcome this into our new Steinway Music School.

We offer a brand new space in which to rehearse and perform and when the facilities are not being used by our students, each of the rooms and the recording studio will be available for use by local organisations. We are looking forward to inviting the local community into our school for a series of musical events coming very soon.”

BATH College hosted their annual Chef v Chef competition on Tuesday 25th February.

Six current local chefs, as well as groups of aspiring students competed in a variety of categories; the Chefs vying for the Chef Champion title, and the students for best team, best knife skills and best Front of House service.

The morning focussed on the student competitions. The teams had 30 minutes to plan their two course dinner, including deciding what wines would pair with their food, and who would be in the kitchen and who would lead on the service.

Each group had to produce a paupiette of plaice served with a suitable sauce and potato garnish of their choice, as well as a chocolate tart with appropriate accompaniment for dessert.

The student selected to lead on service then took part in the Front of House challenge, demonstrating a napkin fold, cocktail and role play scenarios to the judges.

Once the students had completed their dishes, they presented one plate to the judges, for tasting and

assessing, and served the other plates ay Bath College’s mock restaurant, where they were once again assessed on their customer interaction, wine suggestions and how they had laid their tables.

Whilst this was happening, over in the other kitchen, more students were competing in a knife skills challenge. They had just 30 minutes to prepare 6 different vegetables, and cut them in 6 different classic styles (macedoine, paysanne, brunoise, julienne and chiffonade), and were marked from everything from their hygiene to the accuracy of their cuts.

The second half of the day was the Professional Challenge, 7 chefs from across the local area were shortlisted to compete; Andrew Jenkinson from Lucknam Park, Christian Orner from Salt Co, Dean Toon from Blunsdon Hotel, Jethro Lawrence from Woolley Grange, Henry Scott from Henry’s Restaurant, Frazer Carroll from No. 15 Great Pulteney Street and Jason Ramplin.

Each professional had two and a half hours to compile a main course using game meat, and a dessert using Solkiki

Chocolate, Williams pears and hazelnuts. Bath College students volunteered to act as commis chefs for each professional during the challenge, to assist them with cooking but also to learn from the Professionals as they cooked.

As with the student challenge, the Chefs needed to produce two plates; one for judging and one for presentation.

The judges spent a while in the kitchen deliberating over who deserved the title. Once they had decided they joined the drinks reception ready for the awards presentation. The first award announced was the Knife Skills Challenge, which was taken by Joseph Rowe; next was the Front of House Challenge which was taken by Daniel Shermilt. The Team Challenge was won by Team Marcus Wareing, consisting of Lucy, Emily and Eryn. Dean Toon from Woolley Grange was announced as the 2020 Chef V Chef Champion.

Scott Lucas from The Crafty Chef, and one of the judges commented: “Sometimes you can pick a winner just by their dish, but today it was element by element, it was that close."

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Health Hospital's neonatal intensive care unit given homely makeover

Lymphoma support workshop being held

PARENTS are benefitting from new interior design changes at the Royal United Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) to help them feel more at home whilst their babies are being cared for.

New colourful sofas, bean bags and a stylish coffee table donated

by TR Hayes have improved the parent room, making it feel more like a living room where families can go and relax.

The kitchen area now feels less clinical with pictures framed by Meltone Gallery in Bathwick, colourful storage tins and bright, re-useable coffee mugs provided

by KeepCup. The items were all donated thanks to Tiffany Wood, a local interior designer who is a breastfeeding peer support volunteer on the unit.

She said: “As part of the volunteer training we had to imagine what it is like being a parent whose baby was in the unit and what it’s like to spend a lot of time there.

CHARITY Lymphoma Action will be holding a one day Live your Life workshop at the BRLSI on Queen Square in Bath later this month, supporting those affected by lymphoma.

Lymphoma Action is the only charity in the UK dedicated to supporting people affected by lymphoma, the fifth most common cancer in the UK. The Live your Life workshops have been developed to support people who may have come to the end of their treatment for lymphoma, or those who are being monitored by their healthcare team as their lymphoma doesn’t need treatment straight away, also known as ‘watch and wait’.

The workshops are led by someone with personal experience of lymphoma, and aim to provide support in managing the emotional aspects of lymphoma, as well as treatment side effects.

“This resonated with me as I spend my time trying to make people’s homes not only look better but feel better and whilst the clinical areas in NICU are second-to-none, I wanted to make it feel more homely for parents.

“I approached companies who I have worked with and asked if they could donate a few interior items to make parents as comfortable as possible during such a difficult time for them.

“The suppliers who donated items were all marvellous and they were so keen to help enhance the unit with some homely touches, making it a welcoming and warm space.

“I would also like to thank bespoke furniture makers Fitting Tribute from Edington who built specially adapted lockers where

parents can keep their bedding when they wish to stay overnight; while Seymours Home provided luxurious silk pillows and protectors.

“Fitting Tribute also made a bespoke chalkboard for the play area in the unit.”

Jo Hodson, Consultant Neonatal Nurse at the RUH said: “It’s the little things that make a difference. We have already noticed that the revamped spaces have changed the way parents are interacting with each other.

“They now seem more comfortable chatting to one another. And the children absolutely love the chalkboard.

“Thank you to Tiffany and all the companies to helped make this transformation. There is no doubt the makeover contributed towards NICU being awarded its Unicef Baby Friendly status.”

They also provide useful information around staying active, nutrition and practical tips to support the general wellbeing of those living with and beyond lymphoma, and they give people the chance to talk to others and to share their experiences.

The Live your Life event is free to attend, and lunch is provided.

Attendees are welcome to bring a friend, family member or carer along, but places are limited so booking is essential.

To find out more, or to book a place, visit www.lymphoma-action.org.uk/LYLBath.

Paragon pupils make “thank you" visit to the RUH EIGHT Year 6 House Captains from The Paragon School were recently invited to RUH in Bath to meet Big Ted and visit the brand new Orthodontics and Maxillofacial Unit.

The visit was a 'thank you' from the hospital’s fundraising charity, The Forever Friends Appeal, for the funds raised by children and staff through initiatives such as a ‘Pyjama Day’ and a Christmas Market.

Some of the money raised will be used to buy dental hygiene packs containing toothbrushes, toothpaste, sand timers and a hygiene chart.

One of the Senior Nurses explained to the children that the packs are invaluable as many visitors to the department do not own a toothbrush, and so in order for their treatment to be successful, they need to be brushing every day.

Specialty Doctor Alice Cameron who showed the pupils around said: “It was a pleasure to meet the children from Paragon School and show them around our new department.

“They enjoyed seeing the impact of their fundraising for us and we would like to thank them again for all their help.”

The children were given a tour of the various new treatment rooms available on the Unit, including the X-ray department and operating theatre and were shown all of the latest technology and equipment which has been installed at the hospital.

This also included the ways in which the department is trying to be eco-conscious when it comes to its use and disposal of

waste and energy.

The children were particularly keen to learn about some of the conditions that their teams have to treat and one of the pupils said: "Everything was amazing in the Orthodontics Department - the staff were all really kind and my favourite part was looking at some of the different cases they have had!"

Laura Cherry, Senior Community Fundraiser at The Forever Friends Appeal said: “We are incredibly grateful that The Paragon School have chosen to support us as their charity of the year.

“It was wonderful to welcome the children into the hospital to show them where all their fundraising efforts will be put towards.

“We highly value the support we receive from our local community. The RUH serves a catchment population of over 620,000 people in Bath and North East Somerset, Wiltshire and surrounding towns and the money raised will help many people who use this service.”

Prestige Nursing + Care has been providing home care and support to clients and their families since 1945 and is delighted to be able to offer services within the Bath area.

Now recruiting for Nurses, Care Assistants and Support Workers.

Offering many great benefits, including holiday pay, free uniforms and a discount scheme. We offer paid training, flexible working options, a local supportive office team and an employee assistance programme.

To find out more, pop in today or call us for more information.

Call us today on 01225 330 966 Prestige Nursing + Care Bath The House, Kelston Park, Kelston, Bath, BA1 9AE

e: bath@prestige-nursing.co.uk www.prestige-nursing.co.uk

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What's On Bath Operatic and Dramatic Society to stage Legally Blonde THE Bath Operatic and Dramatic Society will make a welcome return to the Theatre Royal Bath from Tuesday 10th to Saturday 14th March as they present the upbeat, high energy musical Legally Blonde, directed by Steve Blackmore.

Bursting with memorable songs and dynamic dances, Legally Blonde is based on the novel by Amanda Brown and the smash hit 2001 movie.

The all-singing, all-dancing stage show, written by Heather Hach with music and lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin, won three Olivier Awards, including Best New Musical, following its West End debut in 2011.

A social parody (in pink), Legally Blonde follows the transformation of California Girl, Elle Woods, as she tackles stereotypes, snobbery and scandal when she applies to Harvard Law School in pursuit of love.

Equal parts hilarious and heartwarming, this fun-filled, feelgood musical is guaranteed to leave audiences with a spring in their step.

One of the most acclaimed and well established amateur companies in the region, Bath Operatic and Dramatic Society (BODS) return to the Theatre Royal Bath following their recent acclaimed productions of Fiddler On The Roof, My Fair Lady, Sweet Charity and West Side Story, with a cast of 35 local performers, aged from 19 to 63 years, who hail from Bath, Bristol, Wiltshire, Somerset and Gloucestershire.

Also joining the cast for this production are two adorable dogs. Lola, a Pomeranian, plays the role of Elle’s pooch, Bruiser.

Hailing from Farnham, near Southampton, 6 year-old Lola is no stranger to Legally Blonde having played Bruiser twice before in both Warminster and Frome.

Joining Lola for this production is fellow canine Sammy, a rescue dog from Dorset. 10 year-old Pug, Sammy plays the role of beautician Paulette’s dog, Rufus.

The lead role of Elle Woods is played by Serena Dunlop, whose previous stage credits include Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Half A Sixpence and The Sound of Music. Also a jazz singer, Serena and her sister regularly perform across the UK and abroad as The Dunlop Sisters with Alex Mendham and his Orchestra.

Serena said: "Playing the part of Elle is like a dream come true; it’s a fantastic and challenging role. Elle barely leaves the stage, apart from a couple of very quick costume changes, two of which happen on stage behind a door!

This show is packed with big song and dance numbers and wonderful harmonies.

"Legally Blonde is about a woman subverting stereotypes and Elle is an iconic role from my youth - we were all obsessed with the film as young teens.”

Relishing the role of Elle’s love interest Warner Huntington III is Grant McCotter, who added: “I like playing the baddy, it’s much more fun!”

Seen by Bath audiences last year as Perchik in Fiddler on the Roof, Grant has appeared in over fifty productions with a wide range of local companies across the Bath and Bristol area since he first started performing with the award-winning Sodbury Players in 2004.

Alana Turnbull plays the role of Paulette Bonafonté, a beautician who befriends Elle. This is Alana’s fourth production at the Theatre Royal after first performing in Dorothy Coleborn’s production of Fabulous Feet in 1997, followed by the leading role of Mary Magdalene in BODS’s 2004 production of Jesus Christ Superstar and the principal part

(Centre) Serena Dunlop as Elle with fellow cast members | Photo © Stewart McPherson

of Leila in Iolanthe in 2005. Alana describes Paulette as “a fabulous character to play and the type of friend every woman should have in their life”.

Lydia Marsh plays the role of Delta Nu sorority member and cheerleader Margot. Lydia, who hails from Bradford on Avon, works as Operations Assistant at the Theatre Royal by day.

Her previous appearances with BODS include playing Tzeitel in Fiddler in the Roof in 2019 and the lead role of Charity in Sweet Charity in 2017.

Fellow Delta Nu members and cheerleaders, Serena and Pilar are played by Lauren Metcalfe and Charlotte Hunter, who works as a teacher. Lauren, who trained in performing arts, has previously worked as a street dancer and teacher, and is now pursuing a career on screen with recent credits including The Trial of Christine Keeler and His Dark Materials.

Professor Callahan is played by Dave Key-Pugh, whose recent roles on stage at the Theatre Royal for BODS include Alfred Doolittle in My Fair Lady in 2018 and Herman in Sweet Charity in 2017, and Papa Ogre in Shrek The Musical for Bath Light Operatic Group in 2019.

Director Steve Blackmore has been involved in local theatre for over 38 years as an actor, choreographer and director.

He has performed in more than 100 productions for various companies in Bristol, and his own theatre company, Theatreworx; receiving 3 Best Actor nominations at the Rose Bowl Awards. Steve has directed 20 productions and choreographed 15, including The Producers, Legally Blonde and Jekyll & Hyde for Bristol Amateur Operatic Society, and staged the UK premieres of High Fidelity, Side Show and The Life for his own company.

His productions have garnered 3 NODA Awards or Excellence and 10 nominations for Best Musical at Rose Bowl Awards.

Legally Blonde: The Musical features a professional orchestra conducted by musical director Peter Blackwood, who has directed music for over 200 theatre productions.

For more than 30 years, Peter was a pianist and teacher at Bath Spa University.

Established in 1894, and originally called Bath Amateurs, Bath Operatic and Dramatic Society’s (BODS) illustrious history includes many acclaimed performances.

Legally Blonde: The Musical is appearing at the Theatre Royal Bath from Tuesday 10th March to Saturday 14th March.

Tickets are available to purchase now from the Theatre Royal Box Office by calling 01225 448844 or online at www.theatreroyal.org.uk

Paddington Bear coming to Bath this April in new touring show CHILDREN’S music charity Music for Miniatures is bringing the magic of Paddington Bear to Weston All Saints Centre in Bath on Friday 17th April with a new touring show called Paddington’s First Concert.

With piano and a narrator, the performances will offer multi-sensory interaction, and of course Paddington himself.

They tell the story of his journey from Peru, via Paddington Station to Windsor Garden, Notting Hill; life with the Brown family and his first experience of a concert at the Royal Albert Hall.

With the story by Michael Bond and music by Herbert Chappell, the show will run for 35 minutes and is suitable for children age 3

to 5-years-old.

Charity founder and Musical Director Julie Payne said: “Paddington Bear played a big part of my childhood and I still have a love for marmalade sandwiches. Bringing together wonderful music and the magical story of Paddington attending his first concert is the perfect match.

“Our concerts are fun and provide an opportunity for all the family to enjoy classical music together."

Performances will be taking place at 10am and 11.15am.

Ticket admission is £4 for adults and children. The production will also be visiting Calne, Frome, Wells, Chipping Sodbury, Nailsea and Midsomer Norton.

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Review | The Cat and the Canary

Review | Six

Theatre Royal Bath The Cat and the Canary was originally performed in 1922 and whilst it has been through various reincarnations, this new adaption by Carl Grose keeps the plot spiralling until its final moments.

Twenty years after the death of Mr. West, his descendants gather at a remote mansion to learn who will inherit his vast wealth and the hidden family jewels.

When the heir is revealed, the heritage hunters turn into prey and a chain of macabre events is set in motion; walls crack open, shadows loom and dark secrets are revealed.

The pace of the play is often slow and demanding, whilst it is not in the same league as “Ghost Stories” the use of an impressive library of sound effects keep the suspense.

It does still feel like an old play.

The characters are fairly two dimensional which means the strong cast have little to work with.

On this occasion Briony Rawle (Mrs. Pleasant) was in control as

Theatre Royal Bath

The cast of Six | Photo © Johan Persson Photo © Paul Coltas

the ageing housekeeper, keeping an overview on the guests whilst warning them of the ever-present evil. Tracy Shaw (Annabelle West,) Mark Jordon (Paul Jones,) Marti Webb (Susan Sillsby,) Ben Nealon (Charlie Wilder,) Nikki Patel (Cicily Sillsby) and Eric Carte (Roger Cosby) alongside

Martin Carroll (Hendricks) make up the inheritance hungry chasers of the will and staff of the deceased. The world of Bodmin Moor is ever-present whilst the various illusions incorporated in the set design by Takis are generally effective.

Petra Schofield

International Women’s Day event to be held in Peasedown St John A SPECIAL event is being held in Peasedown St John on Monday 9th March to mark International Women’s Day. Organised by the former Chair of B&NES Council, Councillor Karen Walker (Independent, Peasedown St John) the occasion will celebrate the contributions that local women have made to life in the community.

Cllr Karen Walker said: “Two years ago, we marked a huge

milestone in the development of women’s rights here in the UK. “We celebrated the centenary of the first women being given the opportunity to vote in British elections, with events taking place across the UK, including here locally.

“Two years on, and the movement for women’s rights and full equality for both sexes could never have been stronger!

The afternoon event starts at 2pm

on Monday 9th March at Peasedown St John Community Library, St John’s Close (BA2 8JG).

Any women who would like to attend can telephone Cllr Karen Walker on 07968 401447 or email Karen_Walker@bathnes.gov.uk.

Fellow Peasedown councillor, Cllr Sarah Bevan (Independent) added: “This is another great opportunity to celebrate the role of women here in Peasedown St John."

Coming up this week in Bath (03/03 - 08/03) Madama Butterfly

The Forum, Bath Thursday 5th March, 7pm Welcoming back Korean soprano Elena Dee and the celebrated international soprano Alyona Kistenyova. Returning in a new production with sets including a spectacular Japanese garden.

Friday Footprint Concert

Six, the British musical phenomenon launches into a soldout run at the Theatre Royal, the same week it starts previewing on Broadway; alongside the tour it is playing to packed houses at The Arts Theatre in the West End. Not bad for a student show spotted at The Edinburgh Fringe in 2017.

Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss have created a bonkers, vivacious and sassy romp through history discussing the wives of Henry VIII. Here their stories are told through a concert format that allows each to share their story in order to win a competition.

It is a celebration of the wives, each of them finely updated and crafted to fit the new generation of musical theatre goers.

On an intellectual level, the multi-layered narrative alongside brilliant wordplay in the ever-changing score keeps the purest historian engaged.

The Six Queens with an all-female onstage band are an absolute forcefield, drawing in the packed audience.

The extraordinary vocals and power of the cast both as individuals and within the tightly knit company harmonies reflect a huge depth of skill and talent.

Each wife is beautifully crafted both musically and visually; the excellent costumes by Gabriella Slade wink wryly at their Tudor origins and create a catwalk crew of women who have a story to tell.

The powerhouse wives on this occasion presented Lauren Drew (Catherine of Aragon), Sekinah McFarlane (Anna Cleeves), Jennifer Caldwell (Anne Boleyn), Jodie Steel (Katherine Howard), Athena Collins (Catherine Parr) and Lauren Byrne (Jane Seymour).

It is impossible to separate the excellent performances but Lauren Byrne delivering “Heart of Stone” was an absolute masterclass.

Directed with great humour by Lucy Moss and Jamie Armitage with razor-sharp choreography

by Carrie – Anne Ingrouille this is a wonderful half term treat.

The tour is out in force, returning to Bath in October, tickets are on sale now but I doubt will be around for long. There is only standby and standing room left for this week.

It is a glorious celebration of a new generation of musical theatre creators, long may they reign.

On the way in Bath next week (09/03 - 15/03)

Fine Dining in Imperial China

Tommy Tiernan: Tomfoolery

Dirty Bath

MEAA Friday 6th March, 7-8pm Food & drink, together with the vessels, rituals and regulations governing their consumption, are amongst the most revealing aspects of many cultures. This is particularly true of imperial China.

Petra Schofield

Komedia Bath Wednesday 11th March, 8pm Tommy Tiernan’s brand new show Tomfoolery sees the now 50-year-old comedian back onstage with a mix of the highly personal and flamboyant storytelling that audiences have come to love.

The Rondo Theatre Wednesday 11th - Sat 14th March Bath is hiding a past that is riddled with tales of debauchery, villainy and depravity. The Natural Theatre Company invite you to join them on a voyage through Bath’s murkier waters.

Bath Abbey Friday 6th March, 6.30pm Head to Bath Abbey for an evening filled with the beautiful sound of choral music to celebrate the ongoing Footprint project. All money raised will be doubled by the Brownsword Charitable Foundation.

No1 Royal Crescent Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th March Visit No1 Royal Crescent during these special days to meet the housekeepers, butlers and others. Free with normal admission. Held every month on the first full weekend.

A Georgian House Dressed Up

Crimes, Camera, Action

Tim Anderson: Vegan Japaneasy

Spring of Hope

Little Mermaid

Joglaresa “Boogie Knights”

Cotswold Walk

St Swithun's Church, Bathford Saturday 7th March, 7.30pm A CitySound Voices concert, with conductor Nicholas Bromilow, in aid of Hope and Homes for Children. Featuring Fauré Requiem and a Les Misérables medley. Tickets £10, at the door.

The Mission Theatre Sunday 8th March, 2pm Twenty years after the death of a rich eccentric, his descendants gather at his mansion to learn who will inherit his vast fortune and hidden jewels. At midnight, the family lawyer opens the will.

Ustinov Studio Thursday 12th - Saturday 28th March Crimes, Camera, Action whisks the audience to golden-era Hollywood and introduces a new lead detective. The case? A screen starlet is stabbed as a result of a prop mix-up on set.

St Michael's Without Saturday 14th March, 7.30pm The UK’s busiest medieval ensemble is returning to Bath for their hit show Boogie Knights. Featuring Joglaresa’s greatest hits, all delivered with the group’s irrepressible cheeriness.

Toppings Bookshop Friday 13th March, 7.30pm In Vegan JapanEasy, Tim taps into Japan’s rich culture of cookery that’s already vegan or very nearly vegan, so there are no sad substitutes and zero shortcomings on taste.

Dyrham Park Saturday 14th March, 10.30am A walk from Dyrham Park through nearby farm land and along part of the Cotswold way. Passing historical points of interest along the way. Leaders, John Walker & Robert Ford.

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Community Council latest to join Compassionate Community campaign

Community Wellness grant programme awards over £17,000 A NEW shed, a wellbeing triathlon and activities for people with learning difficulties are just three local projects to receive funding from the B&NES Community Wellness Fund grant programme.

In total ten community groups will receive grants to improve mental ill health and loneliness across the Bath and North East Somerset area.

Virgin Care is responsible for the grant programme as part of its contract with B&NES Council and the local NHS to bring health and care services together and improve outcomes by allowing local people to stay well and proactively look after their health.

The grant programme is managed by Quartet Community Foundation which runs the application and grant award process as well as tracking outcomes.

The programme is aimed at community groups and charities targeting loneliness and isolation, and delivering projects promoting healthy lifestyles to enable local communities to tackle some of the causes of mental ill health.

Claire Wynne Hughes, Philanthropy Executive for B&NES at Quartet Community Foundation said: “These 10 groups are great examples of the kind of small, local causes Quartet supports on behalf of our

fund holder in Bath and North East Somerset.

“We’re delighted that Virgin Care has asked us to manage this grant programme and award these 10 grants on behalf of the Bath and North East Somerset Community Wellness Fund.

“Our Vital Signs research highlighted many of the health and wellbeing challenges faced in the Bath area including high incidence of cancer in Twerton and Whiteway and the fact that three-quarters of local people want more mental health support available.

“I’m pleased these grants will help groups improve local health and wellbeing.”

Kirsty Mathews, Managing Director of Bath and North East Somerset Community Health and Care Services for Virgin Care, said: “This round of grants covers a fantastic number of diverse activities and age ranges across the local communities we serve.

“We appreciate that mental and physical wellbeing is supported by a range of activities and is the foundation for a healthy lifestyle.”

We Get It’s Laura Philips said: “We Get It is a vital forum for anyone affected by cancer. As well as being a means of connecting people who understand the rollercoaster of being diagnosed, the group also works to enable living well with cancer.

“Our Wellness Programme

Festival equipment available for hire LOCAL organisations, community groups and charities now have the opportunity to hire low-cost event equipment, thanks to Peasedown St John’s Party in the Park Festival.

The village’s annual festival has built up an array of equipment that sits in storage throughout the year, and is only used on the day of its summer extravaganza each June.

Festival Chairman, Nathan Hartley said: “To cater for the needs of 2,500 people each summer, and to meet the requirements expected of us by the local police and Bath and North East Somerset Council, we’ve had to make sure we have a certain number of signs, chairs and a skittle-alley big enough for even the most competitive adults to use!

“When we’re not entertaining a packed-crowd at Party in the Park our equipment is

kept in storage for the other 364 days of the year.”

To hire at a low cost, Party in the Park has: • A large skittle alley (in four parts – 4ft x 8ft each) with nine skittles and 3 balls; • 100 x green folding chairs • Over 40 signs, such as Road Closed, No Event Parking, Slow Down and Lost Children.

For further details, terms & conditions, and to enquire about hiring equipment, email Nathan Hartley on nathan.hartley@peasedownpartyinthepark.org. uk.

Where possible, seven days’ notice should be given prior to the date of wanting to hire Party in the Park equipment, and use is always subject to the availability of members of the festival team. Hirers will need to provide transport to move the equipment.

includes yoga workshops, nutrition workshops, and a growing number of fitness groups.

“We are working on an exciting new project, The Wellness Triathlon, which we are hoping to launch soon and which will be a wonderful way of reaching out to the cancer community in Bath.

“The funding from the Bath and North East Somerset Community Wellness Fund through Quartet will enable us to make these important projects happen.”

Philippa Forsey of Creativity Works added: “We are delighted with being awarded a grant through Quartet from the Bath and North East Somerset Community Wellness Fund.

“This means that Writing Space can continue to meet regularly in Bath and support each other.

“The group never fail to inspire with the depth and quality of their writing and we are very much looking forward to the publication of their next Anthology, which will be out this Spring.”

B&NES COUNCIL has become the 50th organisation to sign up to a new campaign which aims to create a more compassionate society, empowering people to look after each other and their community.

Compassionate Communities is a grassroots global social movement which recognises that care for one another at times of crisis and loss is not simply a task solely for health and social services but is everyone’s responsibility.

The aim of Bath and North East Somerset’s Compassionate Community, coordinated by 3SG, is to reconnect people to their own support network and the extensive community support available.

Councillor Dine Romero, who signed the Charter on behalf of the council, said: “Our purpose is to improve people’s lives and the Compassionate Communities campaign fits well within our own ethos and ambitions.

“It is important that we all practice acts of kindness across our communities whether that is in the workplace, with friends and family, or with strangers.

“No-one should feel lonely or helpless and creating an environment where people feel safe will ultimately make us all healthier and happier. We deliver a wide range of services and I want to ensure that aims of the Compassionate Community campaign are embedded within everything we do. In March we’ll be hosting our annual Community Awards celebrating amazing people and organisations who are selfless and put others first. It’s a fantastic opportunity for us to thank those people who are practicing acts of kindness every day.”

James Carlin, Director of 3SG, said: “We are delighted that Bath & North East Somerset Council is the 50th signatory on our Compassionate Community Charter. Our ambition is to nurture a grassroots social movement which recognises there are people and organisations supporting each other, who care and are available to step in as and when needed with support.”

If you or your organisation would like to get involved, email contact@3sg.org.uk.

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Tuesday, 3rd March 2020

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Trekkers reach summit of Kilimanjaro in aid of Julian House A TEAM of local Julian House supporters have reached the summit of Africa’s highest mountain, Kilimanjaro, raising a significant donation towards the charity’s work.

The challenge, which took five days in total, saw the group ascending the equivalent of 4.4 times the height of Ben Nevis and trekking across some of the most spectacular and varied landscapes on Earth.

From Kilimanjaro’s rich montane forests filled with amazing flora and fauna, across its other-worldly high-altitude desert, past Kilimanjaro’s cathedral high glaciers, before reaching the crater’s rocky rim and summiting the iconic snowy Uhuru Peak, 5896 metres high.

Jessica Gay, from Julian House, led the group: “The team did amazingly well.

It was tough. Although we had great weather, the cold on the way up and on the summit was bitter.

“However, our stormy practice weekend in Brecon helped, plus sharing all the experience that we’ve gained from previous treks on the mountain.

“An unforgettable experience for everyone and a great boost to Julian House from the sponsorship raised. Well done all.

“A big thank you also to Executive Jet Support for sponsoring the challenge and to Nationwide Bath, Royds Withy King and other local businesses for supporting their colleagues on this epic trek.”

Julian House has been organising

The adventurous supporters during the trek | Photos courtesy of Julian House

the event for 20 years and has built up an impressive track record of getting its teams to the summit.

Preparations normally include a training weekend in the Brecon

Beacons and thorough briefings about what to expect from the extreme altitude and how to cope with the inevitable effects.

However, even with the best preparations in the world, the vagaries of altitude and how it affects each individual means that

it is by no means guaranteed that everyone will cope. The fact that all 11 of the group made it to the crater rim of the dormant volcano was quite an achievement, with 10 making the extra two-hour traverse around the rim to the absolute summit at Uhuru Peak.

Because access to the mountain is strictly managed, plans are already in hand for the next trek which is likely to take place in the autumn of 2021. You can register your interest in taking part early by contacting Jessica on jessica. gay@julianhouse.org.uk.

Investment firm donates £8000 to Funding being made Developing Health & Independence available for renewable energy projects INVESTMENT management firm Rathbones’ Bristol office has donated £8,000 to Bathbased charity Developing Health & Independence (DHI) to support its work with young people.

DHI supports people who are socially excluded for reasons such as homelessness, alcohol or drug problems.

Alongside other donations, employees at Rathbone Investment Management and Rathbone Greenbank Investments have worked with the Trustees of the Rathbone Brothers Foundation to donate the funds.

Nicola Day, Deputy Head of Rathbone Greenbank, said: “We are delighted that over the last five years we have been able to support a number of local charities who carry out great work within the local area.

“We have primarily chosen charities which focus on young people, specifically supporting youngsters in deprived areas.”

DHI was one of Rathbones’ selected charities during 2019 with the funding focused on DHI’s young people’s drug and alcohol service in Bath & North East

Somerset, called Project 28.

The service is free and confidential, providing a flexible and non-judgemental space for young people to be open about the problems they are facing.

The project provides a range of support activities such as counselling, diversionary/residential activities, drop-in sessions and outreach work to help young people change their behaviours, improve their health, increase their confidence and self-esteem and turn their lives around.

The £8000 of funding will enable

Project 28 to offer opportunities such as residential activity holidays, taking young people to an activity centre in the heart of Devon. DHI’s Chief Executive, Rosie Phillips, said: “We recognise the positive impact these activities have on the young people.

“Many of the children have never been on a trip away and this will give them precious time to step away from their daily lives and its struggles and receive valuable support to help them re-focus, gain confidence and start to want to change direction”.

FUNDING is being made available to kick-start green energy projects across the West of England, with grants on offer to communities in Bath & North East Somerset.

West of England Mayor, Tim Bowles, said: “I’m committed to tackling the climate emergency and reducing our reliance on fossil fuels. Local green energy generation has an important role to play in this and I urge community groups to come forward and take advantage of this funding.

“As well as helping the environment, community renewable energy generation can reduce fuel poverty and provide new jobs for the local community.”

Grants of at least £100,000 will be awarded to innovative projects of up to 5 megawatts that deliver real community benefits.

Feasibility grants of up to £40,000 for projects at an early stage are also available through The Rural Community Energy Fund.

If successful, communities can subsequently apply for further funding of up to £100,000.

Applications for the current funding round are open until 23rd March 2020. To find out more visit: bit.ly/swrcef.

WECA has also invested £5m to kick-start the new Centre for Digital Engineering Technology & Innovation (DETI) and revolutionise the region’s advanced digital engineering sector.

DETI will work with leading companies and support industry to reduce carbon emissions by producing better products that are lighter, more fuel-efficient and create less waste.

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Tuesday, 3rd March 2020

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Business Energy supplier named as best workplace in the South West BATH-BASED renewable energy supplier Pure Planet has been named the South West’s best small business to work for at a prestigious event.

The supplier, which employs 80 staff at its office on the Lower Bristol Road, Bath appeared in The Sunday Times after being recognised as one of the best small employers in the country – and the best in the region.

Pure Planet finished second overall in The Sunday Times’ top 100 small companies list, but was the highest-ranked in the region and also the top-ranked energy supplier in the UK. Judges praised Pure Planet’s three founders, Andrew Ralston Chris Alliott, and Steven Day, for their approachability around the office and working closely with various teams.

Pure Planet was also hailed for its industry-leading employment practices which includes training two mental health first aiders who are available to discuss any issue with staff.

Another area that won recognition is for having a positive impact on the local community.

Earlier this year Pure Planet announced it was carbon offsetting every staff member’s commute

to and from work while offering a number of employee benefits that are also designed to encourage staff to maintain a greener lifestyle.

This includes offering interest-free train season tickets and discounted bus tickets, as well as a bikes-for-work scheme.

The organisation also provides an electric-only company car policy, promotes car sharing for those that live in rural areas and offers flexible and home working options.

Earlier this month Pure Planet was named a recommended energy supplier by consumer champion Which? and ranked third top energy company in the country for customer service.

In a joint statement, co-founders Andrew, Chris and Steven, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be named one of the Best Companies to Work For by the Sunday Times. This award reinforces the fact that we have an amazing team at Pure Planet and so many of my colleagues put in a phenomenal effort to keep us moving forward. Working culture is incredibly important to us and we are so pleased this has been recognised. We take pride in everything we have achieved and

Pure Planet founders Chris Alliott, Steven Day and Andrew Ralston

continue to achieve as a team.

“From the green commute to enhanced parental leave to physical and mental health first aiders, we constantly challenge ourselves to be the best employer we can.”

“We are also extremely proud to be a Bath-based business. As well as being a beautiful place to live and work we have found the area has a wonderful pool of creative,

Law firm Stone King set to hold second community clear-up A BATH law firm which organised a litter pick last year as a way of giving back to the community is gearing up to hold another event this month.

Stone King, which has offices in Queen Square, is holding its second Bath Litter Pick on Tuesday, 17th March from 4.305.30pm, and wants as many businesses as possible to get involved.

Last year’s event took place in September and saw over 40 volunteers from a number of firms taking part and collecting 30 bags of rubbish in just one hour.

Waste was collected along a stretch of the River Avon as well as surrounding streets, including the Lower Bristol Road, parts of Widcombe and Oldfield Park.

Stone King’s Managing Partner Steven Greenwood said: “We were delighted at the response to last year’s litter pick when we were joined by so many businesses who all shared our commitment to keeping Bath a beautiful city to live and work in.

A number of firms took part in last year’s event | Photo © Stone King / Artur Lesniak

“Stone King dates back to 1785 in the city and as part of our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) we are committed to helping the local community with good causes.

“We are committed to being a socially responsible business, both internally and externally.

We believe that it is crucial for us to make a positive impact on the communities in which we work and on our stakeholders.

“We hope other business will again join us and help keep our city looking its best.”

Stone King’s commitment to CSR encourages all its people to use one working day each year to volunteer, with many opting to use an hour of this time for the litter pick.

The event is part of a series of national initiatives by the firm, with its other offices in Birmingham, Cambridge, Leeds and London also planning on holding community-minded events.

Businesses interested in taking part should email samanthawalker@stoneking.co.uk or call 01225 478180.

talented individuals and innovative tech companies who help drive our growth.”

Jonathan Austin, Founder and CEO of awards organiser Best Companies, said: “I would like to congratulate Pure Planet on achieving a Three Star Accreditation and being named as one of the UK’s Best Companies to Work for. Best Companies has been

acknowledging excellence in the workplace since 2006 when we launched our Michelin style accreditation standard.

“We are proud to work with organisations like Pure Planet who focus on their people and as such have been rewarded with an engaged workforce who tell us that they’re a best company to work for.”

Around 700 hours of time donated by Wessex Water staff WESSEX Water staff members volunteered for around 700 hours in Bath last year, providing support to local community groups, organisation and charities.

In total, 100 members of staff from the company took part in volunteering activities, with Bath City Farm being one of the main charities they supported.

Claire Davies, communications co-ordinator at the farm, said: “Teams from Wessex Water got stuck right in, supporting us by laying new pathways, building goat mountains, installing spring water-fed sheep troughs and generally tidying the place up.

“We now have clear pathways, which are stinging nettle free and safe for our visitors, a money saving water trough system for our sheep and a mountain for our goats to climb and keep their hooves healthy.

“This allowed us to focus on delivering our core projects for people facing adversity. It costs £850

a day to run our charity, support from Wessex Water helps us to remain open and operating.”

The water and sewerage company allows its employees to use one workday a year for volunteering, and community engagement co-ordinator Jennifer Staton organises these activities.

She said: “Our volunteers were very busy last year – they lent a helping hand to a number of community groups across Bath.

“We look forward to supporting even more groups this year and urge any local charities or community groups that would like some help from our volunteers to get in contact.”

Tuesday, 3rd March 2020

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Bath startup to harness the power of Curo chooses Time is poo to benefit African communities Precious as Charity of the Year for 2020 A UNIVERSITY of Bath graduate and founder of The Biofactory, is embarking on an £850k project to bring to life his vision for improved sanitation facilities in low income, high density communities in Africa.

Eoin Sharkey, MEng alumnus, has designed an all-in-one, offgrid toilet and waste processing system that utilises biodigestion to convert human waste into cooking fuel and soil conditioner.

The funding, which is made up of £675k from Innovate UK’s Energy Catalyst Fund with the remainder coming from private investors, will enable Eoin to take his invention from a development system to a commercially viable product.

The technology will initially be built and tested in Bath, before being installed at a school and community centre in Beira, Mozambique, to gather user feedback and validate their business model.

The project will be delivered alongside partners Bristol-Beira Link, ADEL Sofala and the University of West of England.

Eoin commented: “Having spent time working in refugee camps in Northern Kenya, getting to know the families and seeing the conditions first-hand, I knew this was a problem I needed to solve.

“Over 200,000 children die per year in Africa due to spread of disease due to poor sanitation.

Our solution manages human waste from its production, right through to pathogen free and safe-to-handle output material, without the need for human contact.

“This is crucial as it is contact with human waste that is a leading

Eoin Sharkey, founder of The Biofactory | Photo via SETSquared Bath

cause of disease transmission.”

The use of the Biofactory’s offgrid toilet and waste processing system has the potential to increase the welfare and quality of life for low income communities most in need.

Not only will they provide dramatic improvements to sanitation, but they also provide alternative cooking fuels and facilities.

Most residents of these communities rely on charcoal for cooking, which has a huge health and environmental impact.

With this technology in place, users will be able to access clean biogas cooking facilities locally, reducing the time and money spent sourcing fuel.

Dominik Byrne, Project Lead at Bristol-Beira Link said: “We’re incredibly excited to be part of this project. We’ll be acting as a facilitating partner - we know the on the ground situation, we know the local communities and have established partners in the region – and can therefore introduce him to these communities more easily.

“The difference these toilets

could make to families will be life changing.”

Whilst at the University of Bath, Eoin accessed business support through the student enterprise team.

He won an Innovation Award which included a year’s membership at SETsquared Bath which meant he could access all of the services available through the centre such as pitch and investor readiness and mentoring, as well as access to experts in residence, such as lawyers, accountants and tax advisors.

Siobain Hone, Graduate Enterprise Manager at the University of Bath said: “We saw Eoin’s potential immediately and were able to provide him with the crucial support he needed in those early days of starting a business whilst he was still a student here with us in Bath.

“Beyond the clear health and environmental benefits, this technology has a huge role to play in improving gender equality and social inclusion, so it’s fantastic to see the business go on to flourish.”

Nathan Anscombe, Sara Gosman and Will Burns are busy training to take part in the Half Iron Man in June, in aid of Time is Precious | Photo © Curo

EVERY year, Curo staff nominate and vote for a local charity they would like to support.

This year colleagues have chosen to support Time is Precious, whose aim is to help create a more comfortable and relaxed atmosphere for children and their families in hospital or at home.

The charity works alongside specialists to purchase equipment and refurbish areas to support not just those children who because of illness or disability find themselves in hospital for treatment but also their families who want to be with them because time is precious.

Charity founder Nicky Halford from Time is Precious, said: “Time Is Precious are absolutely thrilled & honoured to be the chosen charity for Curo.

“We are totally voluntary run & therefore every penny goes towards improving the lives of seriously ill & disabled children, in

hospital & at home.

“We look forward to meeting you all and working with you. Together we can make a real difference.”

Curo Communications & Brand Manager Rachael Allen said: “We’re very excited to be supporting Time is Precious through our fundraising this year.

“Colleagues are busy planning lots of fundraising activities including bake sales, taking part in the Half Iron Man, writing competitions, raffles, quizzes and plenty of dress-downs and dressup days! Curo’s fabulous youngat-heart residents who attend our Livewell Hubs have also pledged to support Time is Precious through regular coffee mornings and raffles.”

More information about Curo’s charity of the year fundraising appeal, and a link to their Just Giving page be found at: www.curo-group.co.uk/ charityoftheyear

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Politics Cross-border ‘powerhouse’ partnership to boost economies A NEW economic partnership across South Wales and the West of England which aims to boost local economies by working together has launched a new website and prospectus.

The Western Gateway, launched

by Cabinet Ministers in November 2019, is the UK’s third powerhouse after the Northern Powerhouse and the Midlands Engine.

The partnership includes eight cities alongside rural communities in a wide economic area.

The Western Gateway, however, goes one step further than the ‘regional’ powerhouses formed to date, by stretching across South Wales as well as western England.

All partners intend to focus on inclusive and clean economic growth, where scale and collaboration can achieve more for the people and the wider economies of countries involved than our constituent parts could achieve alone.

A new prospectus for the Western Gateway outlines the emerging vision and the key ambitions for the economic partnership.

The prospectus has been developed through discussions between the partnership’s local authorities, businesses, LEPs and city regions.

It sets out the scale of the Western Gateway’s ambitions and identifies the emerging strategic prior-

ities of: • Connectivity • Innovation • A coordinated international approach to trade and investment Delivering this vision will add more than £56bn to the UK economy by 2030 and help achieve a net zero future.

Chair of the Western Gateway, Katherine Bennett CBE, said: “The proposal we’ve put on the table is one that will deliver the economic boost the region requires to maximise its potential.

“Our prospectus provides an insight into the journey we are undertaking together as a partnership of businesses and authorities, determined to deliver growth from Swansea to Swindon and Cheltenham to Weston.”

Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council, Councillor Dine Romero, added: “I am delighted that Western Gateway has taken these significant steps forward.

“Working in partnership with other areas is crucial to address the climate emergency and im-

The new partnership incorporates eight cities and rural communities

prove people’s lives.

“By working together we can further develop Western Gateway as an area where clean, green business can thrive and a successful economy delivers for all.

“I look forward to working with

colleagues to secure the investment from central government needed to make this a reality.”

The Western Gateway prospectus comes ahead of a full vision document for the partnership, following the completion of an

Independent Economic Review later in 2020 that will provide an evidence base across the countries, area and regions of the partnership.

You can read the prospectus at www.western-gateway.co.uk.

B&NES Council adopts West of England transport plan Stephen Sumner

Local Democracy Reporter

A CITY leader says it feels like “heresy” to want a park and ride on the east of Bath after the furore over Bathampton Meadows.

Plans to build on the unspoilt farmland have been consigned to the scrapheap as it looks set to be transferred to the National Trust for protection in perpetuity.

But Gerry Curran said councillors had been calling for a park and ride somewhere east of Bath for decades and congestion and pollution remain major issues.

Transport boss Joanna Wright welcomed its removal from the West of England joint local transport plan (JLTP) but said the region needs to do more to cut carbon.

Councillor Curran, the current mayor of Bath, told the Bath and North East Somerset Council meeting on 25th February as it adopted the infrastructure strategy: “Not delivering a viable park and ride to the east of Bath is perhaps the biggest failing of B&NES Council since it came into being in 1995.

“For the first 20 years, all the parties were by and large in favour of

A summary of the major transport schemes proposed

bringing it forward as a part solution to congestion and air pollution.

“It’s interesting that now the mere mention of a new park and ride east of Bath is akin to some form of heresy. I fear I’m in danger of offending people by mentioning it. It’s with regret that the east of bath park and ride is to be struck from the JLTP without a report on

what the alternatives may be in the future to solve the problems.”

The council was forced into a U-turn after massive opposition to its plans to build a park and ride on Bathampton Meadows.

The authority is in talks with the National Trust about an asset transfer, and has removed references to a new park and ride on the east of Bath to “intercept traf-

fic on the A4 corridor” from the fourth iteration of the JLTP. It will look at turning the park and rides in Newbridge, Lansdown and Odd Down into “interchange hubs”.

Cllr Joanna Warren, the cabinet member for transport, said: “We’ve removed references to the destructive Bathampton Meadows park and ride. We are com-

mitted to addressing issues in the east of Bath and city centre.

“We’re looking at existing car parks to introduce link and rides, supporting our existing bus services and improving bus infrastructure.

“We’ve updated references to a south Bristol orbital corridor to a ‘low-carbon corridor’.

“Building a new road for private vehicles is no longer acceptable.

“We’re working with the community to develop the right solutions, including walking, cycling and mass transit.

“The JLTP4 is the most progressive plan to date, and represents a good start on the urgent journey to be carbon neutral by 2030.

“The JLTP4 is unlikely to be enough. It needs to be seen as an interim plan. The plan is not perfect, however it does allow us to bid for Government funding and secure support for mass transit on the A4, a new railway station at Saltford, and innovative measures to manage demand, including the introduction of low traffic neighbourhoods, possible congestion charges and support for wholesale changes to how we use road space.” The council voted to adopt the JLTP4 as an interim plan. Work will start almost immediately on the follow-up.

Tuesday, 3rd March 2020

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“Optimistic" budget for Bath & North East Somerset approved Stephen Sumner

Local Democracy Reporter

RESIDENTS will pay Bath and North East Somerset Council £55 more from April to fund an “optimistic change of direction”.

Deputy leader Richard Samuel revealed that major reviews are planned in four key areas, sparking claims taxpayers will not know the true impact of the budget for months to come.

Opposition members again branded the spending plans “vague and uninspiring” but he said the Liberal Democrats were delivering on their election promises.

Cllr Samuel, the cabinet member for resources, told the full council meeting on February 27: “This budget is optimistic on the future of our area. It departs from the slash and burn policies of the past which are now so discredited.

“It matches political aspiration with hard cash and I believe will make our area a better place for the future.

“The budget is robust and the assumptions realistic, the tax rises modest and in line with inflation, and it will be managed in a way to ensure that no overspending takes place.”

Cllr Samuel previously said there would be “no cuts and no redundancies”.

He told the meeting there would be “major reviews” of adult services, children’s services, property services and corporate spending.

The biggest single sum in the budget for the £18.3 million cost of implementing Bath’s clean air zone, and for mitigating the impact it will have on residents and businesses. The council expects

What does the latest budget include?

• £2million to redevelop Bath Studio School to provide local specialist educational provision for children with autism and complex social, emotional mental health needs.

• £300,000 for a refurb of Bath Central Library • £250,000 towards the creation of a centre to house the council’s extensive, internationally significant heritage collections • A total of £800,000 to address the climate emergency • £100,000 more for street cleaning, and £140,000 on litter enforcement as they scrap “private litter army” 3GS • £42,000 for “stronger and more widespread” action on empty homes. central government to fund it in full and is set to hear back next month.

Conservative group leader Paul Myers said: “The residents who put their trust in the Lib Dems have been let down by the vagueness of this budget and the uninspiring lack of ambition.

“Given the huge mandate this administration received you would expect them to get the ball rolling on their promises, backed with more detail. The public are right to be concerned for the future of Bath and North East Somerset.”

Labour group leader Robin Moss welcomed moves to bring more services in-house but said he was concerned about the lack of detail about the planned reviews.

His colleague Cllr Chris Dando added: “It would be easier to support the good things in this budget if you were honest about

The Guildhall in Bath | Photo © Bath & North East Somerset Council

the bad things and were able to describe how you are funding it.

“There are so many euphemisms in this budget. It’s difficult to identify how it’s going to work. “I hope we can have an honest discussion about funding.

“There’s no doubt we’re in for tough times. Good times are not around the corner. Local government funding is going to be reduced and reduced and reduced.

“I would be surprised if anyone was interested in paying more and getting less.”

Lib Dem cabinet members queued up to speak in glowing terms about the budget.

Cllr Sarah Warren was “delight-

ed” at the £800,000 allocation to tackle the climate emergency, which includes £323,000 for leadership to help the whole district achieve carbon neutrality by 2030.

Cllr Kevin Guy said the council was investing in its successful connecting families service, funding better support for children going through the immigration process and providing ongoing support with travel arrangements to children with special educational needs and disabilities.

Cllr Tim Ball said: “We will be building council houses in this administration.

“We’re investing in bringing empty houses back into use to ensure everyone has a home to live in.”

Cllr David Wood said: “After four years of the managed decline of services by the last council we’ve finally broken free and given our residents hope for the future.”

The council voted to approve the budget for 2020/21.

The budget includes a 3.98 per cent jump in council tax – half of that sum will go on council services, with the rest ring-fenced for adult social care.

The average band D property will pay £55.76 more than last year, equivalent to £1.07 extra per week.

“Scaremongering" claim over coronavirus on local economy Stephen Sumner

Local Democracy Reporter

THE coronavirus outbreak is unlikely to have a big impact on Bath and North East Somerset’s economy, according to a disease control expert.

Councillor Chris Watt was accused of verging on scaremongering when he said publicly: “This virus is coming to town whether we like it or not.”

Tourism to Bath is heavily reliant on visitors from China, where the virus was first identified, and he said the council’s budget had “manifestly failed” to recognise the impact it would have.

But Cllr Bharat Pankhania, a consultant in communicable disease control, downplayed the risk to the authority’s finances.

Speaking at the full council meeting on 26th February, Cllr Watt said: “We will feel the impact of covid-19 [the technical name for the coronavirus].

“There’s a manifest failure to plan

for the impact on the budget in sufficient detail. There’s a line in the budget for heritage services of £8.8million.

“Anyone who thinks covid-19 is going to stay in the Far East is living in a fantasy world.

“China owns virtually all the copper industry, all the railways and many assets in Zambia. It’s inconceivable this virus not working its way through east Africa.

It’s not reported because they aren’t capable of dealing with it.

“This virus is coming to town whether we like it or not. The travel restrictions being imposed are but a fraction of what we’re going to see.”

B&NES Council has just adopted a business plan for its heritage services that “assumes that there will be no significant geo-political, security, economic, environmental or meteorological events in the next five years that will inhibit people’s willingness to travel or visit UK attractions”.

This year’s budget, approved at the meeting, expects the department – which is responsible for

the Roman Baths, the Fashion Museum, the Victoria Art Gallery and the Guildhall banqueting room – to boost its profits by £900,000.

Cllr Watt said: “Bicester village has seen an 85 per cent reduction in tourism from China.

“We aren’t recognising our heritage services or the impact of reduced tourism. It’s not sufficient to say our reserves can resolve it.

Reserved are for things that aren’t expected. This is something which is going to happen.

“We are going to see reduced visitor numbers. There should be a plan for it.”

Cllr Pankhania, who had been giving media interviews throughout the meeting, said: “You need to be cautious.

“I don’t think coronavirus will affect your budget as much as Cllr Watt said.

“It’s better to be cautious than calm. I don’t think it will have a big impact.”

Finance boss Cllr Richard Samuel said: “Cllr Watt was over-egging the impact and heading towards

49% of visitors to the Roman Baths are from overseas Photo © gowithstock / Shutterstock.com

scaremongering. “[Bank of England governor] Mark Carney said it would be bigger than SARS [an outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome that killed 774 people in 2002 and 2003] but it was too early to say what the impact would be.”

Cllr Yukteshwar Kumar speaks

Chinese and has spent a lot of time studying the progress of the virus. He told the meeting: “Every single hour there’s a death in Europe. It’s very near. We must be highly prepared.” Cllr Karen Walker said the UK’s withdrawal from the EU and the weather may also impact tourism to the area.

22

Puzzles

Solutions will be shared in our next issue - out on 17/03/2020

Crossword

Across 9 Capital (5,4) 10 Maxim (5) 11 Femoral region (5) 12 Comparison standard (9) 13 Unusual (8) 14 Botch (6) 15 Snug (4) 17 Prepares for publication (5) 19 Homework (4) 22 Order to come (6) 23 Comfortable piece of furniture (8) 25 Misunderstanding (9) 27 Paddled (5) 29 Burdened (5) 30 Form of hypnosis (9)

Tuesday, 3rd March 2020

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Codeword

Down 1 Expel (4) 2 Choice (6) 3 Bow and arrow skill (7) 4 UK biscuit brand sold as cookies (8) 5 Tolerate (4) 6 Serious collision (5-2) 7 Longitudinal fuselage component (8) 8 One who maintains accounts (10) 13 Easy to reach (10) 16 An unspecified person (8) 18 Hare beater (8) 20 Perfumed toilet water (7) 21 Film: "The Hunt for Red ---" (7) 24 Apprehensive (6) 26 Gammy (4) 28 10 U S cents (4)

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In Other News....

Organisations come together to discuss partnership opportunities

REPRESENTATIVES from hundreds of different organisations working in Bath and the surrounding area came together at Komedia on Wednesday 26th February to discuss ways they can work in partnership and support each other over the year ahead.

3rd Sector Gathering 2020 also featured B&NES Council Leader Dine Romero and the Director of Compassionate Community UK Julian Able.

Speaking about the event, B&NES 3rd Sector Group (3SG) Director James Carlin said: “Our aim is to be the glue that brings together the hundreds of different organ-

isations working hard to improve our communities in Banes.

“This was a great opportunity to showcase the diverse range of activities delivered by charities, funders, social enterprises, faith groups, public sector and health organisations to see if there are ways we can all work together”.

Council leader Dine Romero added: “I appreciate the hard work of 3SG and their partners to boost integration across silo's and encourage genuine partnership working via events like the one we participated in today.”

3SG has grown from an informal group of locally charities meeting together in 2016 into a registered

charity that provides support for its members through events, training and partnership opportunities.

The event on 26th February was the first in a series of meetings over the year ahead with the aim of bringing different organisations together to tackle the big issues facing local communities.

The event also saw the launch of Compassionate Communities, a grassroots social movement which recognises there are people and organisations supporting each other in B&NES who care and are available to step in as and when needed with support.

Nine-year-old to take on cycling challenge to help the homeless NINE-YEAR-OLD Chloe Smart from Westbury has organised her own sponsored cycle challenge from Westbury to Bath to raise money for local men and women suffering from homelessness.

The challenge, which is taking place on Tuesday 7th April, will see Chloe and her dad being sponsored to cycle 25 miles from Westbury White Horse to Julian House’s Bike Workshop in Bath.

Along the way, she’s also bringing a bundle of Easter egg donations to give to Julian House and put a smile on the faces of men and women staying in the charity’s emergency access hostel on Manvers Street.

Growing up around Bath, Chloe has noticed the increase in men and women sleeping rough and wanted to do something to help.

After hearing about Jamie Theakston’s Bike Britain Charity Challenge on Heart FM, Chloe wanted to do something similar to help those less fortunate in her local community.

In preparation for the challenge, she said: “I’ve never cycled that far before, so I’ve been practicing cycling along different routes and increasing my distances.

“I've also been finding out about Julian House and what they do so I can do a presentation at school to raise awareness.

“I hope to raise around £200 as I would like to provide a warm meal for 30 people, and a bed for

the night for someone.”

Senior Community and Events Fundraiser, Jessica Gay said: It’s brilliant to see Chloe organising her own event to raise awareness and funds to help local men and women suffering from homelessness.

“Everything she raises will help us support people off the streets, into a safe home and back into education, volunteering and employment.

“One of the best ways we do this is through our Bike Workshop and our Build a Bike course, so it’s pertinent that Chloe’s cycle challenge ends there. We wish her the best of luck on her challenge.”

To find out more about her challenge and to sponsor Chloe visit her Just Giving page here: https:// www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Chloes-cycle-to-bath

Last issue's puzzle solutions Crossword Across: 9 Precipice, 10 Llama, 11 Smith, 12 Rootstock, 13 Telegrams, 14 Tsar, 18 Witness, 20 Riotous, 21 Rile, 22 Sunstroke, 26 Semibreve, 28 Cheap, 29 Alpha, 30 Intercept.

Down: 1 Spasm, 2 Regimental, 3 Tightened, 4 Mirror, 5 Reformer, 6 Bliss, 7 N A T O, 8 Jack Frost, 15 Shopkeeper, 16 Swordsman, 17 Fourscore, 19 Souvenir, 23 Sweaty, 24 U-boat, 25 Spite, 27 Maps.

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Sport

Share your sports news for our next edition!

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

Free week of exercise classes and workshops with Team Bath FREE fitness classes and workshops, the chance to work out with celebrity trainers and fun prize challenges are among the activities being offered during the first-ever Team Bath Fitness Fiesta.

Taking place until 8th March at the University of Bath Sports Training Village, the programme of events will allow people of all fitness levels to immerse themselves in a week designed to be fun, informative and free to access.

Master trainer Matt Gleed will be leading classes, designed for all levels from beginners to fitness experts, in the Team Bath Gym & Fitness Centre, demonstrating how to get the most out of the Matrix Fitness equipment and how to integrate functional and high-intensity interval training into a workout.

There will also be cycling ‘power hours’, women-only weightlifting

sessions and upper-floor gym takeovers, utilising all of the available equipment in one intense workout, as well as military bootcamp challenges using a range of indoor and outdoor facilities at the Sports Training Village.

The nearly 100 regular exercise classes run by Team Bath’s expert trainers each week, including yoga, pilates and TRX, will also be free to access and there will be prize challenges on the gym floor throughout the week.

As well as the action, the Fitness Fiesta will also feature workshops and presentations by Team Bath staff providing an informative insight into concussion injuries, managing young athletes and dispelling social media myths about fitness.

The Fitness Fiesta is open to everyone aged 16 and over. To take part, simply sign up for a free week’s membership at the Team Bath Gym & Fitness Centre.

Players and coaches give their backing for the Bath Rugby Walk BATH Rugby’s players and coaches have given their backing to the annual Bath Rugby Walk, which is raising vital funds for Dorothy House Hospice Care and Bath Rugby Foundation.

This year’s event takes place on Saturday 7th March and Bath Rugby supporters are being urged to take part.

Bath Rugby Director of Rugby, Stuart Hooper, said: “The Bath Rugby Walk is a great way to support two fantastic local charities.

“The work done by both Bath Rugby Foundation and Dorothy House is so important to our community and we hope hundreds of Bath Rugby supporters will sign up join the Bath Rugby Walk.”

This year’s walk will once again follow the Kennet and Avon canal path route between the two charities, starting at Dorothy House’s Winsley base at 11am and ending at the home of Bath Rugby in Bath city centre.

Bath Rugby and England Rugby winger, Ruaridh McConnochie, said: “The Bath Rugby Walk is always a fantastic occasion and we urge everyone in Bath to get involved.

“It’s a flat walk along the canal path and there will be a warm welcome for everyone at the Rec.” Once at the Rec walkers will be able to enjoy a well-earned drink and a pie while watching Six Nations action together:

Photo © John Cavanagh

• Ireland v Italy – 2:15 • England v Wales – 4:45pm Men and women aged 12 years and over are invited to take part and help raise funds for the Bath Rugby Foundation and Dorothy House Hospice Care.

Emily Knight, Event Fundraiser, Dorothy House Hospice Care said: “Last year’s walk was a fantastic success with over 530 walkers getting involved.

“The funds raised for Dorothy House this year will help us provide patients with specialist palliative and end of life care and support for their families.

“We’re looking forward to a big

turn out for this year’s Bath Rugby Walk which is always an important fundraiser for both charities.”

If your team is between 12 and 20 people and you’d enjoy a private space to watch the Six Nations, you can even reserve a box at Bath Rec. Entry is £25 for men and women aged 18 and over.

For children aged 12-17 and students with a NUS Card the cost is £17.50.

You can sign up to take part in the Bath Rugby Walk at www.bathrugbywalk.org.uk.

Bath College students prepare for Bath Half Marathon massage tent

STUDENTS from Bath College have been busy learning sports massage techniques ahead of the Bath Half Marathon on 15th March.

Spa Therapies, Sport and Beauty Therapy students from the College will be running the official massage tent in the Runners’ Village.

They have been practicing a four-minute cool down lactic acid flush sports massage to relieve the painful muscles of the competitors, who will have just completed the 13.1 mile course.

Diana Rowe, Spa and Complementary Therapies Lecturer at Bath College, said: “After the success of last year’s massage tent we have had 50 students together in our College Spa practising their techniques.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for them to progress their skills and also lots of fun. We can’t wait

Keep an eye out for the next issue of the Bath Echo - due out on Tuesday 17th March 2020

for race day.”

The College students will be offering all runners a cool-down massage for £5, donating 10% of the proceeds to Bloodwise.

Students are offering pre-event massages on 12th March in the College Spa for £17 and postevent Thai compress massages on 18th March for £25. To book in, call the Bath College Academy on 01225 328511.

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