ECHO
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Tuesday, 26th May 2020
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www.bathecho.co.uk | Issue No. 018 | FREE
Pavement widening to support reopening of city's businesses P2
Residents urged to call 999 to report fires Page 3 Bath City Farm launches £50,000 survival appeal BATH City Farm, which is celebrating its 25th birthday later this year, is launching its largest fundraising appeal to date in a bid to secure its future. Set up 1995 as a City Farm after a campaign to save the muchloved green space, the Farm is now looking to raise £50,000 before its birthday in October. Helen Fisher, the Farm Manager, said: “Like many small charities across the UK we have been hit
hard by the coronavirus outbreak. “The spring and summer are normally our busiest time of the year when thanks to the generosity of our visitors and supporters we generate most of our income. “This appeal will play a vital role in securing our future into our 26th year. Bath City Farm is so much more than a Farm, providing education, training and therapeutic activities to support people in the local community; from
youth volunteering to our Feathered Friends project, a chicken-keeping and chicken-cuddling project for the over 60s and for people living with dementia. “I’m so passionate about the role that the Farm plays at the heart of our local community and across our beautiful city.” Since the lockdown came into effect, thousands of people from as far away as Australia have been tuning into the weekly live animal
feeding via Facebook, to keep in touch with the hens, rabbits, pigs, ponies, goats, cows and sheep. Members of staff have also been cooking and delivering hundreds of meals to its volunteers and members of the local community. Its costs around £850 per day to look after Bath City Farm, from feeding the animals to supporting a wider variety of volunteer... Continued on page 2
84-year-old man set to climb 60ft tree to raise money for charities P4 Computer tablets help patients at the RUH stay in touch P8 Co-living scheme planned instead of student accommodation P9 Permission for Bath Rugby stands to stay up for another two years P12 Get the latest news for Bath 24/7 on our website www.bathecho.co.uk
Warnings issued after increase of rogue trader incidents B&NES COUNCIL’S Trading Standards team have issued a warning to residents to be wary of rogue traders after receiving reports of a number operating in the Southdown area of Bath. With many people currently spending more time at home, rogue traders are using the opportunity to call on
unsuspecting households offering convincing deals to have work done. Residents often end up paying more than they intended for unnecessary and poor-quality work. Paul Crossley, cabinet member for Community Services, said: “Unfortunately rogue traders are
trying to take advantage of people during COVID-19 and residents should be extremely cautious. “These rogue traders can be charming and polite in order to get work, but often put pressure on people to make quick decisions. “Of course, they only accept cash which makes it difficult for
them to be traced by Trading Standards or the Police and once they have your money the price often increases or the job is left unfinished. “Always say no to doorstep sellers. Always do your research before entering into a contract and never part with large amounts of money before work starts.”
No work should be carried out by a tradesperson who has coronavirus symptoms, however mild, or when someone in their own household has symptoms. Social distancing should be maintained and regular hand washing also carried out. Trading Standards suggest... Continued on page 2