Issuu

ECHO

Your FREE local fortnightly newspaper for Bath

Tuesday, 26th May 2020

Thousands of copies available across Bath during the coronavirus crisis

We’ll soon be reopening our showroom by appointment only. Get ahead and start designing your new kitchen on our website! www.homedesign.schmidt | 01225 337276 1 Park Road (Just off Chelsea Road), Bath, BA1 3EE

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

Tuesday, 26th May 2020

www.bathecho.co.uk

In this issue... Top Stories

P2-7

Health P8 Business P9 Puzzles

P10

Politics P11 In Other News

P12

In this slimmed-down issue, we're only including certain relevant sections. We will look to reintroduce our normal size and the usual parts of the newspaper, including Education, What's On and Sport as soon as we possibly can.

Useful Information The Bath Echo newspaper is produced fortnightly. Thousands of copies are delivered and distributed across the Bath area via our dedicated pick-up points and at cafés, venues, waiting rooms and local libraries.

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

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

Company Number: 09384496

Disclaimer Please note, the views expressed in this newspaper are not necessarily the views of the editor, or publisher. No parts of this newspaper may be reproduced without prior written permission. Liability for advertising in this publication comes down to the individual advertiser, and not the publisher. © Media Bath Limited

Pavement widening and cycling improvements to be introduced TEMPORARY measures to widen pavements, remove traffic from roads and improve cycling are being introduced in parts of the city to help people to socially distance and to encourage a long-term shift in the way people travel around Bath and North East Somerset. Plans to temporarily widen pavements in Camden Road, St Saviours Road, Manvers Street/ Pierrepont Street, Monmouth Place, Monmouth Street, Moorland Road, North Parade, Queen Square, Somerset Street, Terrace Walk, Walcot Street, Westgate Buildings and Weston High Street, are underway. The social distancing measures are expected to be in place by mid-June to support any re-opening of shops and businesses. Locations have been selected where there is a likelihood that people will need to step into the road as a result of the two-metre social distancing rule or because they are roads with more traffic on them and therefore less safe for pedestrians. In addition, to support businesses re-opening in the city centre access restrictions and removal of on-street parking is being considered. This is to avoid pinch points so that people can safely socially distance and wait outside shops without a conflict with traffic. This includes Milsom Street, Cheap Street, Westgate Street, Upper Borough Walls, York Street, Green Street and King-

smead Square. The council is working with Bath BID to look at signage to encourage people to keep a safe distance from each other and to queue safely within the city centre pedestrian area. Further measures also include removing the need to push buttons at 22 signalised junctions and the introduction of road safety posters to increase drivers’ awareness that pedestrians may step out into the road as they maintain social distancing. The changes will be in place for the duration of government advice, which all councils have been directed to follow in order to support the recovery from COVID-19. They use Emergency Traffic Regulation Orders (ETROs) to allow cities and towns to re-open, recover and operate within social distancing guidelines to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. The measures also pave the way for permanent liveable-neighbourhoods with an emphasis on more walking and cycling. As it progresses these schemes, Bath & North East Somerset Council says it will give full consideration of their obligations under the Equality Act. In addition to implementing the urgent temporary social distancing measures, the council is asking for views on a raft of longerterm improvements, some of which could be introduced on an experimental basis, including allocating additional road space to

improve cycling and walking for daily commuting and better signage across the area. The council is about to launch a new Liveable Neighbourhoods website for residents to share views on where we can create more space for walking and cycling. The site https://bathnesliveablestreets.commonplace.is/ should be going live this week and people can sign up for it now. Councillor Joanna Wright, cabinet member for Transport Services, said: “The Government is urging all of us who are contemplating returning to work to consider more active ways to travel like cycling and walking. It is crucial that we take pressure off roads and public transport networks and rethink how we use private vehicles and where we park. “We are planning pavement widening and cycle improvements to help with social distancing as well as improved signage, particularly in the city centre of Bath. But we also want to seek views and are launching a Liveable Neighbourhoods website which asks people to get involved as part of our longer-term aspirations. We are

also working with our partners in the West of England to agree a list of transport schemes that can be introduced in the short term utilising the pending government funding. “We have a responsibility to radically rethink the way we travel around Bath and North East Somerset. As part of our recovery we have a once-in-a-generation chance to develop long-term sustainable changes to the way we travel. These include a programme of liveable-neighbourhoods, new ways of supporting and improving cycling for daily commuting and reallocating road space.” Councillor Paul Crossley, cabinet member for Community Services, added: “This is an ambitious proposal from the council to greatly improve the city centre for those getting around, shopping and enjoying other leisure activities. We need to be able to allow people space to socially distance as they walk around and these measures enable that. We are really interested to hear people’s views particularly those of disabled people so we can make sure their needs are taken into account.”

Campaign launched Trading Standards ahead of 25th birthday team issues warning

ISSN 2632-7805 The Bath Echo is regulated by IMPRESS: The Independent Monitor for the Press CIC. We adhere to the Standards Code adopted by IMPRESS, and can only deal with complaints which relate to an alleged breach of the standards set out in this Code. You can find out more about the code on the IMPRESS website: www.impress.press/standards/. If you believe we have breached this code, you can make a complaint to us regarding it. For more information, please visit: www.bathecho.co.uk/complaints/

Queuing with social distancing | Image © Lorna Roberts / Shutterstock.com

Photo © Jennifer Kelly Photography

Continued from page 1 groups and making sure that the enclosures are safe and sound for the animals. Funding for the project, which is a charity, comes from trusts, foundations, business supporters and income generated on-site. Jo Soutwell, Chair of trustees at the farm, said: “I’ve been so proud of everything that the Farms team is doing – to keep our visitors in touch with the animals and to provide much-needed support to our volunteers and

vulnerable members of the local community. “We have risen to the challenges of coronavirus and we want to be there for the families, volunteers and people across Bath for the next 25 years. “That is why this appeal matters so much and every pound donated will make such a difference.” You can support Bath City Farm’s appeal via www.bathcityfarm. org.uk/bcf25 and share what the Farm means to you via social media using the hashtag #bcf25.

Continued from page 1 getting a number of quotations before agreeing to any building work and not to necessarily go for the lowest priced quote as rogue traders have previously under-quoted for work in order to get the job. Residents are advised to beware if they are asked to pay a lot of money upfront or are not provided with any official paperwork. Companies which only provide a mobile telephone number on marketing material should be avoided as it is easy for them to disappear without a trace. Residents looking to employ the services of a trader they can trust can access details of Trading Standards’ approved list of ‘Buy with Confidence’ traders by visiting: https://www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk/ Before agreeing any work, it’s recommended that residents: • Read reviews of traders and if possible use the Buy with Confidence Approved Trader Scheme • Always get a detailed written

quotation • Ask at least three approved traders for quotes • Never pay upfront and or pay cash • Say no to doorstep sellers • Check the trader’s references and even pay visits to the referees. Anyone who requires advice or thinks they may have fallen victim to a rogue trader should call the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 03454 04 05 06.

Tuesday, 26th May 2020

www.bathecho.co.uk

Fire service “still here, ready, able and willing" AVON Fire & Rescue Service is urging people to continue to dial 999 in the event of an emergency, after a spike in calls to Avon and Somerset Police via 101 to report out of control fires and bonfires. Avon Fire & Rescue Service (AF&RS) is reassuring residents that if they require the fire service or suspect a fire, always dial 999. Even if you’re not sure if you have a real emergency, still dial 999 – it’s better to be safe than sorry. Simon Shilton, Assistant Chief Fire Officer for AF&RS, said: “If there’s a fire, you need to act quickly. “Even in these uncertain times, Avon Fire & Rescue Service are still here, ready, able and willing to respond. “One of our key priorities is keeping communities safe so please do not hesitate to call us in the event of an emergency, or even if you only suspect an emergency. “With fires, minutes and seconds can often mean the difference between life and deaths, so we would always rather you call us directly rather than 101. “This is about helping us to help you, something we are ready to do, no matter the situation.” Tara Bryant, Communications Centre Manager for Avon and Somerset Police, added: “We’ve noticed at points during the lockdown that we’ve had calls through on the 101 number about fires which is not something we

can help with. “The 101 service is a non-emergency number for contacting police and does not function as a contact centre for fire service. “We cannot transfer calls to the fire service from our control centre and so if people see an out of control bonfire, or something similar, they need to call 999.” You can dial 999 from any private, public or mobile phone for free. When should you call 999? • Don’t be afraid to call. If you’re unsure whether it’s an emergency, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Dial 999 and report what you’re seeing. • Don’t try to contact your local fire station or fire safety team in an emergency. Dial 999 and talk to a control room operator, emergency resources can only be mobilised from there. • Don’t assume someone else has called 999. If you see an emergency, make the call. • No matter how small the fire, AF&RS recommend calling them out to deal with it. Small fires can spread quickly and the smoke can be toxic. • If there’s a fire in your house or flat, get out and call the fire service. Don’t go back in for any reason. Firefighters have the training needed to put the fire out quickly.

Police set to step up speeding patrols With the gradual relaxation of lockdown restrictions across the country, police will be stepping up their activity on the roads to remind motorists of the importance of travelling at a safe speed and within the speed limit. An unmarked motorcycle is now in use alongside Avon & Somerset Police's marked speed enforcement vehicles.

Appeal launched after caravan stolen

A fire engine on Queen Square in Bath | Image © Ceri Breeze / Shutterstock.com

Some of the plants on offer at the contactless garden centre

vices, said: “This season we had hoped that the Urban Garden would open on our nursery site in Royal Victoria Park as Bath’s newest garden centre, but sadly due to the pandemic this has been delayed. “However, we don’t want to see these beautiful plants go to waste and hope people will come along and choose something lovely for their gardens or window boxes. “We are ensuring the garden centre will operate within social dis-

Fire crews rescue injured man from roof Crews from Bath fire station were sent to assist ambulance crews on the Lower Bristol Road on Wednesday 20th May with the rescue of an injured man. On arrival, firefighters rescued the casualty from the roof of a three storey building using a turntable ladder. He was then handed over to ambulance crews. Police were also in attendance.

Pop-up contactless garden centre opens in Royal Victoria Park PLANTS originally grown for the launch of the Urban Garden social enterprise to help disadvantaged adults will go on sale every weekend at a pop-up garden centre in Bath’s Royal Victoria Park. The Urban Garden had been due to open at the end of March just after coronavirus hit, but to ensure the plants they’ve grown don’t go to waste, Bath & North East Somerset Council’s parks team is opening a card-only garden centre at weekends. The garden centre at Marlborough Lane will have a one-way system in place with clear signage for visitors to follow as well as hand sanitiser stations. The collection of plants will be reasonably priced and will be on sale from 10am-4pm on Saturdays and Sundays while stocks last. Now planned for opening in 2021, the Urban Garden will be run by the Bath based community interest company (CIC) Grow Yourself as a social enterprise providing horticultural therapies and qualifications to help change the lives of people who have difficulty finding employment or have low-level mental health issues. Councillor Paul Crossley, cabinet member for Community Ser-

News in Brief

tancing guidelines and ask visitors to follow these carefully.” Once open next year, the Urban Garden will provide training in horticulture by offering City & Guilds qualifications and sixmonth work placements in the garden centre giving people the skills needed to move into employment or further education. Profits from plant sales will be reinvested in the enterprise, allowing it to offer more training and work placements in the future.

Police are investigating the theft of a caravan. The white Swift Sprite Major 4 caravan was stolen from an address in West Harptree at approximately 2.30am on Friday 15th May. Anyone with information should call 101, giving the call-handler reference 5220105263.

Air ambulance charity set to receive one-off government funding THE Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC) has welcomed an announcement that Air Ambulances UK are set to receive £6 million of funding to be distributed amongst the UK’s 22 air ambulance charities, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is yet to be confirmed how much GWAAC and each of the air ambulances will receive from the Department of Health and Social Care, but the funding comes as part of £22 million which is being awarded to health and care charities to allow them to continue providing vital support to their communities during the pandemic. Despite the lockdown, GWAAC’s Specialist Paramedics and Critical Care Doctors have continued to work on the frontline, stepping up and adapting their lifesaving service to support their NHS colleagues in the fight against COVID-19. The crew have been attending to COVID-19 patients as part of their normal day-to-day service, adapting their work to wear full Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) needed to remain safe. The charity is also providing Specialist Paramedics to work on

a 24/7 Trauma Advice Line to support land crews and ease the strain on the NHS, and previously provided Specialist Paramedics and ventilators to assist with inter-hospital transfers for critically ill COVID-19 patients. Like all air ambulance charities across the UK, GWAAC are not funded by the NHS, and receive no day-to-day funding from the Government, relying on vital charitable donations to raise the £4 million a year needed to remain operational. Anna Perry, CEO of GWAAC, said: “Although it is unlikely that the money we receive from this pot of funding will cover the shortfall we are expecting in income this year, it will make a huge difference to us being able to continue providing our lifesaving service to those in need, allowing us to be more resilient in these uncertain times. “We look forward to receiving further details over how the funding will be allocated.” Due to COVID-19, many fundraising events and campaigns have had to be cancelled or postponed, having a significant impact on income for charities such as the Great Western Air Ambulance across the UK.

Tuesday, 26th May 2020

www.bathecho.co.uk

Charities unite to help community through the coronavirus pandemic TWO local funders, the Quartet Community Foundation and St John’s Foundation, have united with FareShare South West to help get food to those most in need during the coronavirus crisis. At the start of lockdown, FareShare South West was seeking urgent funding for their COVID-19 Emergency Food Operation. Their operation supports over 260 organisations with food support, from homeless hostels to refuge centres, and from food banks to food parcel delivery for the elderly. By working together, Quartet Community Foundation and St John’s have given the operation a much-needed £30,000 boost. Claire Wynne Hughes from Quartet Community Foundation said: “Getting food to those most in need has been essential and, since lockdown began, Quartet

has been able to award nearly £170,000 to food projects ensuring that immediate need for food is satisfied. “We can only do this thanks to the generosity of our donors and supporters.” Sam Gillet from St John’s said: “St John’s has been funding FareShare South West since the beginning of 2019. We recognise the huge value of its work in making sure food is accessible and affordable for charities and individuals living in BaNES. “At this time, many more people are struggling to access and afford food, and supporting FareShare South West is an excellent way of using our resources to effectively help people during this difficult time.” Phoebe Ruxton, Head of Development explained what FareShare SouthWest is doing with the money. She said: “Our charity has had to

84-year-old to climb 60ft tree for a fortnight AN 84-year-old Bath man, George Harding, is climbing a 60ft tree every day for two weeks to raise money for his two favourite charities, The Forever Friends Appeal and Macmillan Cancer Support. George, who lives in Bath, is a long-standing volunteer for the Royal United Hospital. He started climbing the tree in his back garden on Monday 18th May. It takes him around 45 minutes to reach the top and come back down. He came up with the idea because of the social distancing measures that are in place. George said: “As it’s not possible for me to pursue my usual physical challenges of distance running, cycling or trekking for charity, I want to achieve something completely different. “I am more than willing to go to great heights in my fundraising endeavours and I appeal to you all to help me by sponsoring my efforts with a donation. “I am very fond of the tree that I’m climbing as it originally was my family’s Christmas tree for the festive period of 1969. “The tree was only around three feet high when I planted it with the enthusiastic help of my three young sons. “We all know and value the NHS and the incredible work they do in caring for our loved ones and friends and as cancer has affected the lives of many people including members of my family, the care and advice received from Macmillan Cancer Support has been invaluable and lifesaving. “Therefore, in tribute and recog-

This week, The Pig is mostly...

Photo © James Darling Photography

respond extremely quickly to the food crisis, which has hit individuals across the region hard. “In response to unprecedented demand for food, we have scaled up rapidly, and have doubled our food output in the last month alone. “This has involved setting up temporary warehouse space (including using event space in Ashton Gate Football Stadium in Bristol), hiring new vans, sourcing new food and setting up new partnerships with pop-up emergency projects supporting the

most vulnerable. “These range from food banks to schools, and from children’s centres to food parcel delivery for the elderly. The effort from our team and volunteers has been extraordinary, but we couldn’t do it without financial support from local funders. “Food poverty levels are going to remain high long after lockdown ends, so this isn’t just about our emergency work- this is about securing our charity’s future at a time when our community will need us more than ever.”

Cargo bike grant boosts low emission deliveries

The Three Bags Full Delivery will use an additional cargo bike from the grant to expand their existing fleet within the city George Harding with the tree

nition to both charities I want to raise as much money as possible to help them continue to make the wonderful difference to the wellbeing of us all.” So far George has raised over £400 including donations on his JustGiving page which you can find by searching ‘George’s Christmas Tree Climb Up’. He said: “I would be so grateful if you would kindly help me to raise funds for these two most worthy and incredible organisations by sponsoring me to do this challenge.” Laura Cherry, Events and Community Coordinator, The Forever Friends Appeal said: “George is a dedicated volunteer and a passionate fundraiser for the Royal United Hospitals Bath. “We are hugely thankful to George for taking his fundraising to the next level to support our staff, patients and their families at the hospital and we wish him the very best of luck with his challenge.”

TEN new electric cargo bicycles are set to help organisations make low emission journeys around Bath thanks to a £40,000 grant awarded to Bath & North East Somerset Council. The grant has been secured from the Energy Savings Trust to help fund a range of electrically assisted cargo bikes to be used by businesses for local ‘last mile’ deliveries, by the council’s parks team for maintenance rounds and by other local organisations including Bath BID. The cargo bikes will help companies get around the hilly network of Bath more easily and alongside the council’s fleet of loan bikes being used by key workers during the coronavirus pandemic, will make e-bikes a frequent sight around Bath. Councillor Joanna Wright, joint cabinet member for Transport Services, said: “Any reduction we can make in carbon emissions will help improve air quality in our city. “It’s great news that we have been awarded this grant funding as it

will allow a range of local organisations to make quick, economical deliveries around Bath without creating noise or air pollution and contributing to our ambition of a sustainable transport future.” Tim Anderson, Head of Transport at Energy Saving Trust, said: “The Department for Transport eCargo Bike Grant Fund attracted a significant number of applications. The 18 local authorities who have successfully secured funding will purchase a total of 273 ecargo bikes and nine ecargo bike trailers, enabling more businesses to benefit from access. eCargo bikes are an attractive low carbon transport solution which offer important benefits, most impressively fuel cost savings and contributing to improved local air quality. “Last mile delivery is an important area for consideration in our journey to reduce transport emissions to net zero by 2050.” The eCargo Bike Grant Fund scheme is funded by the Department for Transport and delivered by Energy Saving Trust.

DELIGHTED that “The Smallest Pizzeria in the World” is back for big business in the back garden of The Bell. The Pizza Bike will open for collection and delivery from every Thursday-Saturday between 4pm-9pm. Full menu on website; text/WhatsApp your order and collection time of choice to 07415 474298. Prefer making pizza at home? Fresh pizza dough also available for collection (www.thebellinnbath. co.uk/food) CELEBRATING good news from The Good Bear Cafe (Bear Flat): it's back open for takeaway service between 9am-2pm every Monday-Saturday. Coffee, cakes, fresh pastries, sandwiches, Italian charcuterie, freshly prepared ready meals, ice cream, pasta, flour, wine, beer.... it's all going on! (www.thegoodbear.co.uk) POLISHING off the pinkie in readiness for Homewood's new click'n'collect Afternoon Tea available Monday-Friday. Full Afternoon Tea £20pp; Cream Tea just £10 – email ed@homewoodbath.co.uk no later than 4pm the day before to place your order (www.homewoodbath.co.uk) ENJOYING getting reacquainted with Bath's coffee society at The Society Cafe (where else?) on Kingsmead Square. Yup, caffeine HQ is back in business and their superb coffees are waiting to be taken away every Friday and Saturday, 9am-3pm (www.society-cafe.com) ENJOYING The Bird's new fabulous fish suppers and superb Sunday roasts, available for click'n'collect from the hotel's Pulteney Street nest every Friday/Sunday. For the fish supper (£10), call 01225 697441 by 4pm on Thursday and choose a collection slot between 5.30-7.30pm on Friday; for the rollickin' roast (grown ups £20pp; children's portion £11pp - precooked, packaged up and ready to reheat at home) email chris@thebirdbath. co.uk or call 01225 697441 by 4pm on Friday for collection between 9am-12noon on Sunday. ALL profits will be donated to The Holburne Museum and Bath Festivals (www.thebirdbath.co.uk) SATISFYING my Swoon Gelato cravings! Pop along to their Kingsmead Square parlour any day of the week between 2-9pm and take your pick from a limited but perfectly formed menu of 8 flavours of Gelato or Sorbetti. Contactless payment taken, or click and collect via Giftup (www. swoononaspoon.co.uk) Find a full list of food and drink home delivery services at https://bit.ly/35JJXxC. For more news, views and food-related chat, visit The Pig Guide at www. thepigguide.com and follow The Pig on Twitter @ThePigGuide.

It only takes a few minutes to apply for this September

#STARTYOURJOURNEY

www.bathcollege.ac.uk info@bathcollege.ac.uk @bathcollege

Tuesday, 26th May 2020

www.bathecho.co.uk

Keynsham recycling centre to reopen for essential use only B&NES COUNCIL is set to reopen its recycling centre in Keynsham on Wednesday 27th May, strictly for essential use and only in cases where residents cannot safely store their waste at home. The recycling centre is re-opening under the following terms: • Journeys to Keynsham recycling centre must only be taken if people are unable to keep their waste and recycling at home without causing a risk to their health. • Unless residents fall into this category, they must continue temporarily storing their waste and are encouraged to make full use of kerbside services including refuse, recycling, garden waste and bulky waste collections. • The Keynsham centre will close temporarily if queues become unmanageable or staff are subjected to aggression. • Only four cars at a time will be allowed onto the site. • Residents will be permitted to visit the Keynsham site for essential visits on a day allocated to them based on their vehicle’s number plate as queues are expected to be significant. Full in-

formation on this can be found at https://beta.bathnes.gov.uk/ keynsham-recycling-centre • The Keynsham centre will initially operate with extended opening hours of 8am – 7.30pm Mondays to Fridays, 8am – 3.45pm on Saturdays and 8am – 1pm on Sundays. The council’s social media channels and website will carry waiting time updates and residents should check the latest queuing time before making a journey. Signs will be put up at the site to inform people how long their waiting time will be depending on their position in the queue. Councillor David Wood, joint cabinet member for Climate Emergency and Neighbourhood Services, said: “We know that there has been high demand from residents for recycling centres to reopen as soon as possible and we have tried to mitigate the closures by keeping kerbside collections running normally. However, our key priority must always be to protect the health of our residents and our staff. “The only workable solution under current social distancing

measures is to reopen our Keynsham centre strictly for essential use only, as it is the only site which operates with a one-way traffic system and has enough space to keep people two metres away from each other. “Please only visit the site to dispose of your waste and recycling if storing it at home presents a risk to you, otherwise we must ask for your co-operation in continuing to keep it at home. “We have a range of kerbside collections available so please use those wherever you can before thinking of making a journey to Keynsham. “Like most other councils, we will need to limit the number of cars unloading at any one time so we would also ask for your patience and courtesy as our staff work hard to manage the very long queues expected. Thank you for your co-operation.” The council has followed Government guidance to reopen the Keynsham site. It is the only one in the district that can currently safely operate within social distancing guidelines. Centres at Midland Road in Bath

Councillor David Wood | Photo courtesy of B&NES Council

and Old Welton in Midsomer Norton must remain closed as it is impossible to provide enough space for social distancing at either site. An additional issue at Midland Road is that the site is shared with the refuse depot, meaning traffic queues could delay bin collections for residents. The arrangements, including whether Bath and Midsomer

Norton could reopen if social distancing measures are relaxed by the Government, will be under constant review by the council. Recycling centre staff will not be able to assist with the unloading of waste. Only one person from each vehicle may unload unless specific assistance is needed with a large or bulky item. Residents must follow social distancing guidelines.

Final sections of new Bath Quays bridge arrive from Belgium

FACING THE TOUGHEST CHALLENGE

THE last two parts of the new Bath Quays bridge superstructure have arrived in Bath from Belgium, with residents soon to be invited to name it in an online competition. The final parts, which were delivered on Tuesday 19th May, follow the delivery of the first two sections of the bridge the previous week and travelled via the same route on the ZeebruggeTilbury ferry, with a police escort on arrival in Bath due to the width of the vehicles. Once completed, the 60m long steel bridge will be the first new crossing point over the River Avon in Bath for 100 years, providing a new route for pedestrians and cyclists and greater connectivity around the city. Bath & North East Somerset Council will launch a bridge naming campaign next month inviting residents to submit their suggestions online. A panel of nine community representatives will compile a shortlist with the best two submissions being put to a public vote before the name is announced at the end of 2020. The bridge, commissioned by the council following an international design competition, has been made by Belgian steelwork fabricator Victor Buyck who will also install the bridge later this year. The scheme is part-funded with £1.9m from the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership through the Local Growth Fund, administered by the West of England Combined Authority.

AS a small charity we have risen to many challenges since we were established in the mid1990s. However, like many other charities across the west-country, the coronavirus outbreak has been the toughest challenge that we have faced by far in our 25year history as Bath City Farm. The two months of lockdown has changed everything for us. The way that we connect with our amazing volunteers and people that use our projects. The way that we engage with our visitors from across Bath and beyond. The way that we keep connected to our local community who value the Farms 37 acres and its precious green space sandwiched in between Twerton and Southdown. I wrote in my April Bath Echo column about how we are keeping people connected to life on the Farm and connecting with our volunteers. The live animal feeding via Facebook has proved to be such a huge hit and we’ve been able to share news of the arrival of chicks, goat kids and Pam the Pig giving birth to ten little piglets. We have been blown away by the kindness of people during the lockdown. You can really tell how much the Farm means to people across the city and how much they are missing spending time with the animals or wandering around our beautiful meadows in the springtime. Thanks to the efforts of the team of staff, the commitment of volunteer drivers and the generosity of local supermarkets and the Wessex Water team, we have been able to cook and deliver more than 1,000 meals to people

The new bridge sections on their way through Bath | Photo © B&NES Council

Councillor Tim Ball, cabinet member for Housing, Planning and Economic Development, said: “Bath Quays bridge is an exciting development for Bath that will allow pedestrians and cyclists to move around our city more easily by connecting the riverside with the city centre. “We are developing long-term changes to the way people commute and the bridge will support a move towards more walking and cycling. “This significant new landmark will need a special name, so I’d encourage residents to get involved in our naming campaign when it launches next month.” West of England Mayor Tim Bowles said: “This new bridge funded through the Local Growth Fund will support my ambition to see more people cycling and walking in the West of England.

“This installation is a welcome addition to the Bath Quays development and will connect up more business space for commuters when the bridge opens next year.” Prof Steve West, Chair of the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “It’s really good to see how the Local Growth Fund is helping to move forward with this latest stage in the development of the Bath Quays site. “The new bridge is another piece of the plan to bring communities closer together in the future.” Each part of the bridge has been placed on temporary supports before the four parts are welded together. They will remain there until the foundations have been completed and the bridge can be lifted into position using a 600-tonne crane.

Column | Bath City Farm Helen Fisher - General Manager that need them the most. Bath City Farm is so much more than just a Farm. It is a community that brings people together and allows them to grow in confidence and flourish. We use our unique setting to offer connection and engagement for everyone in the community, as well as carefully designed projects that are focused on the most marginalised, with the goal of improving wellbeing and transforming lives. I’m so proud of how over many years we have supported people through extremely difficult times in their lives and helped them form new friendships that will last a lifetime. That is why our biggest ever fundraising appeal, #BCF25 matters so much. We are now facing a very vulnerable situation. Our busiest time of the year at the Farm is in the spring and summer. It’s when visitors flock to see the animals, come to our family days or spend time as corporate volunteers. For us this means vital income lost that we rely upon to look after the animals, support our work with vulnerable young people and adults and get ready for us to welcome people back when it is safe to do so. Raising money via this appeal will ensure we can move into our 26th year and look forward to the next chapter in our story. You can support the Farm’s appeal via www. bathcityfarm.org.uk/bcf25 and share what the Farm means to you via social media using the hashtag #bcf25. (Photo © Jennifer Kelly)

Tuesday, 26th May 2020

www.bathecho.co.uk

Consultation launched on social distancing changes in Peasedown

Residents thanked for not having bonfires

A PUBLIC consultation has been launched in Peasedown St John, asking for views on what changes need to be made to ensure ‘safe’ social distancing can take place in the village. Led by Bath and North East Somerset Councillors for the village, Cllr Karen Walker and Cllr Sarah Bevan (Independents), residents have six weeks to submit their views. Cllr Karen Walker said: “The coronavirus pandemic has not only caused temporary changes to the way we live our lives, but it’s also going to have an impact on how we interact with each other for some years to come. “Social distancing is now the ‘new norm’, and we need to look at what changes need to be made to the public realm, to ensure we can all visit the shops, recreational areas, churches, nurseries and schools – whilst at the same time creating space for two metres of social distancing around each person.” The local councillors want to hear from residents, businesses, faith leaders and community group representatives. All views submitted during the consultation period will be read and analysed.

B&NES COUNCIL is thanking residents for heeding advice about not having bonfires and reminding them of other options to manage garden waste during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. At the end of March, the council asked people to avoid lighting fires in case people living near them had breathing difficulties, resulting in a positive response from residents with complaints about bonfires having fallen. Garden waste and bulky waste collections restarted in April and the council is also promoting the benefits home composting can bring to people’s gardens as well as the environment. Composting is an inexpensive way to convert kitchen and garden waste into a nutrient-rich food for gardens. This helps the soil and contains everything plants need, as well as saving carbon dioxide emissions from not having to dispose of the waste by another method. Residents are being encouraged to follow Recycle Now’s stepby-step guide on how to set

Cllr Sarah Bevan and Cllr Karen Walker

Cllr Sarah Bevan added: “Are there pavements in Peasedown that need to be widened? Do changes need to be made to bus stop waiting areas? Do more cycle lanes need to be created, and if so where would they go? “Some of the proposed changes, if approved by B&NES Council, are going to cost money, so we’ll be lobbying the council leadership to ask for additional funding for our village to make

Charity urges people not to leave donated goods outside shop

Photo courtesy of Cancer Research UK

CANCER Research UK is urging people across the Bath area not to leave donations on the doorstep of its shop in the city centre whilst lockdown continues. To protect staff, volunteers and customers during the coronavirus outbreak, all the charity’s stores are temporarily closed. Without anyone to accept them, donated items left outside shops could be damaged, stolen or become a hazard to the community. Alison Birkett, Cancer Research UK spokesperson for the South West, said: “Now more than ever we need the public’s help to continue our life-saving work, so we’re grateful to people who are using the extra time at home to detox their wardrobes and clear out their cupboards.

“However, we ask that they sort and store items at home ready for safer times. With around 95 people diagnosed with cancer every day in the South West, we remain tirelessly committed to making progress in the fight against the disease. “This means when our shops are able to re-open, we will need vital donations. “In the meantime, people can still support our research through our online stores.” Cancer Research UK’s online marketplaces eBay and depop sell preloved items and the charity’s online shop offers a range of gifts, as well as a Cancer Care collection for all stages of cancer treatment and recovery. These stores are all currently open and raising crucial funds.

these essential ‘social distancing’ changes to the public realm.” Residents living in Peasedown St John can submit their views in writing by: • Emailing village_voice@ outlook.com • Sending a letter to Peasedown St John Community Library, 33a St John’s Close, Peasedown St John, Bath, BA2 8JG. All views must be submitted by 5pm on Tuesday 30th June.

up a compost bin and how to make compost at https://www. recyclenow.com/reduce-waste/ composting. Councillor Sarah Warren, cabinet member for Climate Emergency, said: “Thank you to residents who have kept their neighbours’ health in mind and avoided having bonfires – I hope the low number of complaints we’ve received so far in May means this consideration for others will continue. “A compost bin is a great way to dispose of garden and kitchen waste. The bin can be placed on different surfaces including soil, paving or gravel in a sunny spot and nature does the rest. “There are lots of tips available to help people get composting right on Recycle Now and we have also teamed up with Get Composting to provide good-value bins for residents in Bath and North East Somerset.” Compost bins, water butts and more low-cost environmental products are available at https:// getcomposting.com/ when residents enter their postcode.

Online directory of mental health and wellbeing services launched THE Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Group has marked Mental Health Awareness Week by encouraging people to be kind to themselves during lockdown. To make it as easy as possible for people to look after themselves, the CCG has updated its brand new website with an extensive list of local mental health and wellbeing services, as well as details of how to access the help at this current time. The website also contains links to a number of digital wellbeing resources, all of which have been handpicked by the CCG’s mental health specialists. Lucy Baker, Director of Service Delivery, said: “People who live in our communities have been socially distant from their friends, family and work colleagues for almost two months now and, coupled with the financial impact of what is happening around us, it’s inevitable that many will be feeling stressed, worried and anxious. “Not being OK, feeling down and becoming increasingly concerned at aspects of everyday life that had not previously been an issue is nothing to be ashamed of and it’s something we all go through at some point. “Most of us wouldn’t hesitate to act when seeing these traits develop in somebody close to us,

but when it’s happening to us, we often tell ourselves to ignore what we’re feeling inside. This can lead to more serious problems down the line, which is why we’re using Mental Health Awareness Week to make it easier for people to find support that will help them to feel more like themselves again.” As well as details of local services and downloadable apps, the CCG’s website has also been updated to include a link to a suite of coronavirus-related easy read materials. These documents, which can be saved and printed, can be used to help people with learning disabilities better understand the current situation, as well as what is meant by terms such as social

distancing and self-isolation. Elsewhere, the website also highlights the wellbeing services specifically aimed at supporting NHS staff in the region, many of whom have been providing essential face-to-face care to people suffering from the effects of coronavirus. The theme of this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week was kindness and, in addition to looking out for one’s own mental wellbeing, people are encouraged to ask those around them how they are feeling at this difficult time. More information on local mental health services can be found online by visiting www.bswccg.nhs.uk.

Tuesday, 26th May 2020

www.bathecho.co.uk

Health Virtual clinics help hospital staff stay in touch STAFF at the Royal United Hospital in Bath have been running ‘virtual’ clinics, so they can keep in contact with patients without them having to visit the hospital in person. Using the video platform Visionable, staff across the RUH Trust are able to meet with their patients remotely, allowing everyone to follow social distancing guidelines while reducing the number of patients and staff on the hospital site. One doctor who has been using the new software is Dr Marc Atkin, of the RUH’s Department Of Diabetes and Endocrinology. He said: “We have been using Visionable to contact our patients at home, many of whom are self-isolating and unable to come into the hospital. “This has had advantages for our patients who can talk to a specialist from the comfort of their own home, while staying safe. “For the healthcare staff it has been very helpful to ‘see’ our patients; there are many things that can be done over Visionable that cannot be done by phone. “Our clinics are more efficient and we can share glucose me-

ter downloads with our patients, allowing us to have similar conversations to those that we have when in clinic. “The doctors and nurses are also spending less time in their cars travelling between hospitals, meaning we can spend more time treating patients. “This will be a big part of how we do things from now on and we are looking to build it into ‘business as usual’ for our Diabetes & Endocrinology patients. “It will not be for everyone and will not be suitable for everything we do but it could bring big beneficial changes to the way we work, allowing us to improve what we can offer to our patients.” Liz Peace, Patient Pathway Manager for Haematology & Oncology, added: “It has provided us with invaluable help to liaise with our patients from a safe distance which has given them reassurance that they were still being seen but not being placed in any danger. “It has helped us continue our service almost seamlessly as it has enabled us to see new patients ‘face to face’. It has also enabled us to meet with patients in

with Karen Bray THE CHALLENGE OF UNCERTAINTY

isolation and has meant their relatives can join in on the consultation remotely, so still participate in the appointment. “Footfall through the department has been reduced, ensuring out patients are kept safer when they have to come into the hospital for their radiotherapy treatments. “Going forward, Visionable could continue to be very useful, given that we expect social- distancing restrictions to stay in place. It will mean that members of a patient’s

family can ‘attend’ the consultation even though they are not in the room. It will also mean that we can ‘meet’ with patients who are less mobile, in the comfort of their own home.” RUH Medical Director Bernie Marden said: “These virtual clinics have been running for a little while now, but to deal with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic we have increased the number of departments running them and their frequency too.”

Freemasons donate tablet computers for patients at the RUH

Free NHS treatment for urgent eye care at high street opticians

TEN tablet computers have been donated by the Somerset Freemasons for patients being cared for in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Royal United Hospital in Bath. David Medlock, Provincial Grand Master of the Somerset Freemasons said: “We are delighted to provide these tablets and we hope that by providing these tablets they will give some comfort to patients as they will be able to use video messaging and connect with their loved ones during their time in hospital.” Margi Jenkins, RUH Critical Care Matron said: “With the current visiting restrictions in place, it makes it hard for patients and their relatives to communicate, so by having these tablets for them to use, it will go some way to ease that difficulty. “Furthermore, we’ll use the tablets to help those who are unable to speak to communicate with our staff, as well as a source of entertainment for patients who start the process of coming off ventilation.” As well as showing their support for the RUH, the Somerset Free-

PEOPLE across Bath and North East Somerset can now access free NHS treatment for urgent eye care from their local optician. Thanks to a brand-new service, commissioned by the region’s recently-merged CCG, high street opticians can offer free treatment for urgent eye conditions, such as itchy and red eyes, scratched or swollen eyes or unexplained reduced vision. Any person, regardless of age or whether they are already registered with an optician, will be able to access treatment for a new or worsening eye condition through their local optician. Despite the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, the majority of opticians in the area are still operating, with most offering the new service. Opticians not currently open can still refer patients to another that is providing the new service, as can local GPs. Dr Andrew Girdher, Clinical Chair, Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “It is essential that people still get treatment for any new or

masons have also been helping provide free meals to people in Bath and North East Somerset, financial support to foodbanks and some Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), totalling over £45,000 of gifts in kind. David said: “We have also been able to fund a further 10 tablets for the hospitals in Weston Super Mare, Taunton and Yeovil and a further five tablets have also been given to The Bristol Royal Infirmary (BRI) and to a Masonic Care home in Exeter. “As an organisation we are in the process of delivering over 1,000 computer tablets to hospitals throughout England and Wales. “Like many other people during this challenging time, we all wanted to help as best we can.”

Mental Health

worsening eye conditions. “We understand that many may have delayed going to A&E or their GP for such things recently, but our eyes are really delicate and do need looking after. “The great news is that now people can get many of the treatments they need from eye specialists without having to go to hospital or their GP. “What’s more, this is also a positive development for the local healthcare system, especially for GP practices and hospital emergency departments, as it reduces the number of patients needing treatment.” The new service, which will begin as a temporary arrangement, was set up as a result of concerns that patients were not seeking treatment for eye conditions due to worries about visiting GP practices and hospitals at the current time. Local opticians are now being supported by specialist eye departments to deliver the service. A full list of opticians that are offering NHS treatment can be found by visiting www.primaryeyecare.co.uk/find-a-practice.

Advertise in the next issue of this newspaper - Call 01225 589789 or email advertise@bathecho.co.uk

NOW it is clear that the coronavirus's impact on society is not going to go away any time soon, we are all looking at how we can adjust to the restrictions in a sustainable way. This means accepting that certain stresses, demands and difficulties are here for the duration. Coping with these challenges is not always easy, and we might need a bit of extra support. One excellent source of guidance is My Internal World, a recently-developed online resource which offers tools and techniques to strengthen your emotional resilience - and it is available free of charge until June 21st at https:// www.myinternalworld.com/ There's normally a monthly subscription of up to £10 to access to My Internal World's wide range of information and exercises, which can be tailored to your individual needs by a detailed online assessment. Now developers Julian Hall and Bregje Fisk are waiving the charges in response to the Coronavirus crisis. While the website aims to enhance many aspects of emotional wellbeing, unsurprisingly the resources dealing with stress and uncertainty are most popular at the moment. The insights and exercises on offer really can make coping with daily life easier - if you actually follow through with them. A good way to do this is to find a "wellbeing partner" who also wants to develop their own emotional resilience, and agree to check in with each other regularly by phone or video link about what actions you've taken and what results you are getting. Changing how you approach life can be uncomfortable, so it's good to have some mutual cheerleading. It's vital that you create a safe space for these chats - otherwise they'll do more harm than good. The most important guideline is to avoid criticising each other, even slightly. Focus on noticing your partner's wins. When they are disappointed with how they are doing, just ask "what makes it difficult?" and "what might make it easier?" Thoughtfully caring for ourselves and each other will get us through these challenging times and build internal resources that will serve us well for the future. Karen Bray (MBACP) is a counsellor with a private practice in Bath. Her website is at www.karenbray.co.uk

Tuesday, 26th May 2020

www.bathecho.co.uk

Business Co-living scheme planned instead of student accommodation graduates who are looking for cost-effective accommodation in a highly accessible location with a community feel and extensive shared amenities. Studies suggest that living or working with like-minded people can potentially reduce the feeling of loneliness that often comes with the isolation of urban living nowadays, and also increases the opportunity of networking with other professionals. In addition to including residential apartments, the scheme would also include break out areas for dining and recreation, communal cooking areas, seating pods for socialising and workstations to allow people to work individually or in groups. Each apartment will have its own bathroom, kitchenette and desk space whilst other facilities such as a laundry and secure cycle storage will be available in communal areas.

GREAT DEALS ON OUR TOP TEN PRODUCTS

aven Timber is a friendly independent and family run business specialising in fencing materials and garden buildings. Located in the picturesque village of Norton St Philip, nestled between the George Inn, one of the oldest pubs in England, and the Farleigh Road Farm Shop & Café, we are conveniently located and within easy access from Bath, Bradford on Avon, Trowbridge, Frome, Westbury, Warminster, Midsomer Norton and Radstock.

100mm x 100mm x 2400mm

M48

PRESSURE TREATED FEATHEREDGE BOARDS

INC. VAT

Sodbury There is more at Haven Timber than timber. We have a small team of product developers which have successfully brought to market the Shedbed and Deckbed. This simple technology overcomes the requirement for a concrete base for garden buildings and saves time and labour when M4 used in decking applications. With worldwide sales our unique product is a firm favourite with M32 M48 our customers. M48 Malmesbury

INC. VAT

£10.00

INC. VAT

Terms and conditions apply. Visit our website for more information. www.haventimber.co.uk

Chew Magna Cheddar 71

Wells

Bishop Cannings

Bath

A36

Melksham

Peasdown St John Radstock

Norton St Philip

Devizes

Market Lavington

Edington

Westbury

Bath Hinton Charterhouse

A36

Shepton Mallet

Farleigh Hungerford

A366

Monday to Saturday

8am - 5pm Cheddar

Glastonbury

Haven Timber, Lower Haven Farm Farleigh Road, Norton St. Phillip BA2 7NG A372

Box

Trowbridge

Frome A3

Farmborough

A368 OPEN TO THE TRADE AND PUBLIC

Box

Norton St Philip

Radstock

Woolverton

Warminster

Mere

Devizes

A36

INC. VAT

6 A3

Tub of 260

Calne

ZINC PASSIVATED 5.0 x 80MM SCREWS

Chew Magna

A37

£350.00

EACH

Keynsham Keynsham

Corsham

Bath

A368

Cors

Chippenham

A35

6’ x 4’

£6.50 10

Long Ashton

A37

DIP TREATED STOCK APEX SHED

ex 125mm x 32mm x 3600mm

Corston A420

Bristol

A36

INC. VAT

A4 M32

PRESSURE TREATED REDWOOD DECKING

A420 Lyneham

A37

EACH

Ashton

200mm x 100mm x 2400mm

Chipping Sodbury

A37

PRESSURE TREATED SLEEPERS

INC. VAT

Bristol

Visit us to explore our product ranges and displays or call us Long for a free quotation.

£3.50 08

EACH

Corston

£20.00 07

Square metre roll 610mm x 1640mm

6 A4

2400mm x 1200mm

A35

EACH

PREMIUM TURF

18mm OSB3

£17.50 09

Quality and sustainability are important to us. That is why we offer the ‘best turf on Earth’, Inturf. With no plastic netting and favoured by the Royal Chelsea Flower Show, Hampton Court and the original set of the Teletubbies, we believe our field-fresh Inturf Chipping Classic Turf is the best in the UK.

125mm x 22mm x 1650mm

£0.95 06

M48

We have a range of garden buildings on display and sheds ready to take away today. We work with a UK market leader in timber garden buildings and can offer a number of options including M5 bespoke buildings and painted options.

A39

INC. VAT

We ensure that our timber is high quality, sustainable and durable. We keep herculean stocks of timber all year round and with our unique load and go vehicle loop we make picking up materials easy!

INC. VAT

EACH

88mm x 38mm x 3600mm

£10.00 04

INC. VAT

PRESSURE TREATED RAILS

£4.50 05

and external landscaping proposals will maximise green spaces and enhance the setting. Updated proposals will go online during the summer, when it’s anticipated that an online public consultation will be held, at www.stpetersterrace.co.uk.

01225 720 140 sales@haventimber.co.uk haventimber.co.uk

TIMBER

ber.co.u

PRESSURE TREATED SQUARE POSTS

20kg bag

£3.70 03

POST MIX

overseen by a management company and will be a car-free development. Developers say the building itself will be created with a highly sustainable design and incorporating renewable technologies. Biodiverse roofs

HAVEN

IN THE TRAD E? aventim

The current Regency Laundry site in Bath

A spokesperson for the Watkin Jones Group said, “We would like to thank the people of Bath for engaging in our consultation for the Bath Laundry site. “We have listened carefully to the views expressed by the public, politicians and other stakeholders during the consultation process and Watkin Jones Group is pleased to be offering an alternative use for this site which will provide the numerous benefits of co-living. “The scheme will allow people the opportunity to live alongside other professionals in a soughtafter location close to the city centre, with excellent bus, rail, cycle and other transport links easily accessible. “As a new concept in Bath we anticipate a great deal of interest in this scheme and we look forward to submitting a planning application in due course.” The co-living scheme will be

A39

FOLLOWING a public consultation on the future of the Regency Laundry site on the Lower Bristol Road in Bath, new plans have now been unveiled by developers. In February, the Watkin Jones Group asked the local community and other stakeholders for feedback regarding its proposals to create Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) on the site. The results of the consultation show that PBSA is not the preferred use of the site, with members of the public and local stakeholders expressing a clear preference for a more residential type scheme that will meet the needs of young people who are currently priced out of more traditional forms of housing in Bath. As an emerging concept in the UK, co-living is intended for young professionals and

NOT JUST TIMBER!

... Wincanton

Gillingham

Puzzles

Solutions will be shared in our next issue

Crossword - Win ÂŁ25!

Across 1 No-show (8) 5 Ring fighter (5) 10 Seed providing milk and meat (7) 11 Anthropoid (3-4) 12 Performs (4) 13 Limited (10) 14 Island in central Hawaii (4) 15 Area of South London (10) 19 Senior mail official (10) 22 Passport endorsement (4) 24 Large city (10) 26 Fruit a k a the Chinese gooseberry (4) 28 Hearing distance (7) 29 Employ excessively (7) 30 Stench (5) 31 Signal to arise (8)

Tuesday, 26th May 2020

www.bathecho.co.uk

Codeword

Down 1 Praise vociferously (7) 2 Pruning shears (9) 3 Not one (4) 4 Radical (7) 6 Biddable (8) 7 Survive (5) 8 Chicken of very small size (6) 9 Lethal (6) 16 Furrow (3) 17 Religious (9) 18 Flatten out (8) 19 Treat with excessive indulgence (6) 20 Grunts (6) 21 Incident (7) 23 City in central Texas (7) 25 Fortune-telling cards (5) 27 Lake or pond (4)

Crossword Competition! For your chance to win ÂŁ25, submit your full name, postal address and answers by email to puzzles@bathecho.co.uk and we'll enter you into our draw. The winner will be the first randomly opened entry with the correct answers on Friday 5th June 2020. Please note: Due to the coronavirus pandemic, we will not accept crossword entries to our PO Box postal address. The winner will be notified by the email address they use to enter this competition.

Sudoku Easy

Medium

Hard

Tuesday, 26th May 2020

www.bathecho.co.uk

Politics Councillors to receive detailed report Mayor calls for help to reduce pressure on on response to coronavirus crisis public transport COUNCILLORS in Bath & North East Somerset are to receive a detailed report which describes how the council has responded to the coronavirus outbreak. The report will go before members of the council’s Corporate Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel on Wednesday 27th May, before being presented to the cabinet on Friday 29th May. Panel chairs and vice-chairs have also been invited to the Corporate Panel meeting and comments made will be passed to the cabinet which meets two days later. Both meetings will be held virtually and live-streamed on the council’s YouTube channel. The report sets out how the council has and continues to protect the most vulnerable, support businesses and maintain local services during the COVID-19 pandemic. It also highlights the financial impact of coronavirus on the council and the need for additional government funding to address the predicted shortfall for services this year. Councillor Dine Romero, leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council, said: “Sadly many families in our area have lost loved ones as a result of the virus and our thoughts are with those who have suffered loss. “This is the first meeting of the cabinet since the lockdown and our focus will be on how the council has responded to the emergency. “But we will also start to look

at recovery, especially in the context of the very serious financial position we now find ourselves in and impacts on our local economy. “Our response has been comprehensive, speedy and caring. We’re continuing to support those who need our help, ranging from vulnerable residents to local businesses, whilst maintaining critical services such as refuse collection, social care and child protection “I’m proud of what we’ve achieved but the challenge posed by coronavirus is far from over and we face a huge financial burden. “This is a double whammy of increased costs and drastically reduced income due to the collapse of our visitor economy and the impact on income from our heritage attractions such as the Roman Baths. “Like other councils we have stepped up the mark. We have worked with our partners and third sector groups to deliver food and medicines and we got millions of pounds of grant money into the pockets of local businesses. “Staff have worked heroically to keep key services going, often in very challenging circumstances and I want to acknowledge the commitment of care workers, key workers and the NHS during the outbreak. “It is dispiriting that our services

are now at risk from financial impacts not of our making. However, we will continue to be open and honest with our residents about what is happening and will strongly press central government to respond to our genuine fears about the future.” The report to cabinet explains how, in partnership with Virgin Care, the CCG and 3SG, council and partner staff worked around the clock to set up the Compassionate Communities Hub to provide advice and support to thousands of residents self-isolating, shielding or in need of help. 3SG recruited more than 2,400 volunteers to respond to calls received into the hub. The hub has so far received more than 4000 calls from people across Bath and North East Somerset and 3SG volunteers have completed more than 800 tasks such as food shopping and collection of medicines. The report reveals that the council has so far paid out more than £33m in Business Support Grants to 3,000 of the 3,500 businesses across Bath & North East Somerset which are eligible for the support. The report also highlights some of the work underway to support recovery from the pandemic including a new Economic Recovery Partnership and development of a recovery plan for B&NES main tourist attractions.

WEST of England Mayor, Tim Bowles, is calling on businesses and organisations in the region to play their part in reducing pressure on public transport as lockdown restrictions are progressively eased. The Government’s phased plan to get people back to work is underway. The West of England Combined Authority is working with transport providers and businesses to ensure that public transport is increased to meet the needs of businesses and local communities while operating in line with Government guidance. The Mayor is asking for businesses to do what they can to reduce pressure on the transport network particularly at peak times by advising their staff on how to travel safely and adapting working arrangements where possible. Tim Bowles said: “We all have a part to play in reducing the pressure on our public transport services as we start to safely ease lockdown restrictions. “Capacity on buses and trains will be just a fraction of normal levels due to social distancing so I’m asking employers to do what they can to share government travel guidance with staff and support them to avoid travelling at peak times where possible. “That includes continuing to work from home if possible, changing start and finish times to avoid staff having to travel at peak times and encouraging cycling

and walking. “I recognise that these measures aren’t possible for all types of businesses, but if all do what we can, we can make sure travel is as safe as it can be. “Over the coming months my economic task force will be supporting businesses to get back to work safely helping them to adapt to new working practices and encouraging new active travel habits. “Together, we can get our region moving again while keeping our residents and employees safe.” Travel advice is as follows: • Continue to work from home if you can and stay local as much as possible. • If you need to travel, consider walking and cycling or drive if you have to. • Only use public transport if you have no other travel options. This keeps services available for those that need it most. • Avoid peak times if possible and leave extra time for your journey. • Keep your distance from other passengers, wear a face covering if you can, clean your hands frequently and use contactless payment. James Freeman, Managing Director at First West of England, said: “We welcome the Mayor’s support in getting employers across the region to do their bit in sharing important messages about travelling safely with their colleagues."

Last issue's puzzle solutions Crossword

Congratulations to Amanda O'Hare who won £25 in our last issue!

Across: 1 Aero, 3 Constable, 10 Escalator, 11 Piano, 12 Despair, 13 Between, 14 Nape, 16 Toadstool, 20 Tradition, 21 Idle, 24 Avocado, 26 Oatcake, 28 Khaki, 29 Chauffeur, 30 Celebrate, 31 Itch. Down: 1 Amending, 2 Races, 4 Outermost, 5 Scrub, 6 Appetite, 7 Leasehold, 8 Altar, 9 Wound, 15 Parsonage, 17 Deodorant, 18 Idealise, 19 Research, 22 Tacks, 23 Stiff, 25 Occur, 27 Alert.

Sudoku Easy

Codeword Medium

Hard

Tuesday, 26th May 2020

www.bathecho.co.uk

In Other News.... Bath Rugby to keep temporary stands up for two more years Stephen Sumner

Local Democracy Reporter

BATH Rugby Club has secured permission to keep its temporary stands up for two more years while it draws up plans for a permanent stadium. The existing structures at the Rec were due to come down this month but they can now stay in place until May 2022. Club boss Tarquin McDonald said last week the project to build a permanent 18,000-seat stadium had been put on hold due to the coronavirus crisis. Bath and North East Somerset Council planning officers said there was “no guarantee” two years would be long enough but the extension would give the club “breathing space”. The temporary stands have been in place for 15 years, with the east stand coming down each summer. In 2016 the council said they could stay up for four more years so the club could find a permanent solution. The recent applications were met with some resistance. Objectors pointed to national planning guidance that says it will “rarely be justifiable” to

grant a second extension unless “changing circumstances provide a clear rationale”. They claimed that allowing the temporary arrangement to stay in place even longer was “tantamount to making it permanent”. Council planning officers said Bath Rugby would suffer considerable disruption if planning permission was not granted, and it would create uncertainty about the future use of the site. They said: “Bath Rugby has recently announced a pause to the redevelopment project due to the impact of the current Covid-19 crisis. Given the widespread uncertainty at a national level and the other priorities facing the rugby club at this time, this does not seem an unreasonable announcement to have made. There can be no guarantee that a permanent solution will be found within the next two years. “However, given the widespread uncertainty, the difficulties currently facing the club (alongside the majority of sporting clubs/venues nationally) and the continued aims to enable the development of a sporting, cultural and leisure stadium at

the recreation ground, the grant of a further temporary consent for an additional two years would allow a degree flexibility and breathing space to deal with all of these issues. “The continued use of the site as a stadium with temporary stands is considered appropriate and serves to provide certainty and continuity whilst a permanent

Council opposes application by Bristol Airport for year-round slots AN application by Bristol Airport to increase the number of night flights that take off and land at the airport year-round has been objected to by Bath & North East Somerset Council. The airport is currently allowed 3,000 night flights in summer and 1,000 in winter and has applied to increase this to 4,000 throughout the year from Summer 2021. B&NES Council says the disadvantages outweigh the benefits and will have a negative effect on Bath and North East Somerset residents living in towns near the airport. In a response to a Department for Transport consultation on the application, Councillor Sarah Warren, cabinet member for Climate Emergency, expresses concerns over increased traffic in surrounding villages and points to an increase in carbon emissions that would be felt locally as well as worldwide. In March 2019 the council opposed the expansion of Bristol Airport on the grounds that it was incompatible with its climate emergency declaration to make Bath and North East Somerset carbon-neutral by 2030. Councillor Sarah Warren said: “Even before coronavirus, increased awareness of the climate emergency looked set to

influence travel behaviour and now the pandemic’s impact has made the future of the airline industry uncertain. “Therefore it seems highly unlikely that passenger increases projected by Bristol Airport to reach 12 million passengers per year will be met in 2020 or in the future. “We do not believe that Bristol Airport should be permitted to increase its slot allocation on a year-round basis but should remain with its current summer and winter scheduling. “The disadvantages of more night flights would primarily be borne

by Bath and North East Somerset and North Somerset residents living in villages and towns close to the airport who would experience more airport traffic. “The other major issue is the increase in pollution and carbon emissions. Approval of this application would lead to the airport having a wider impact on our environment that outweighs any economic benefits.” Councillor Warren also pointed to the likely worsening of existing parking problems in towns and villages on the airport bus route including Newbridge, Bath, Corston and Keynsham.

resolution for the site is found.” The Pulteney Estate Residents Association had contended that the east stand should be taken down if the 2019/2020 season is abandoned altogether. Planning officers said allowing it to remain in place allows flexibility if the season resumes at short notice. They added: “Even if matches

were resumed behind closed doors without crowds attending, the east stand would still be required to provide a secure site and to prevent people congregating to watch the game from outside of the stadium. “The east stand also contains some of the infrastructure required to support the holding of rugby matches at the ground.”

Prestigious customer service award for Wessex Water COMMITMENT to helping customers is embedded in Bath-based Wessex Water’s working culture, according to an independent report. The water and sewerage company has again been awarded the coveted Customer Service Excellence (CSE) accreditation from leading inspectorate SGS, an accolade it first picked up in 2008. The SGS assessment report highlights several areas of good practice at Wessex Water, in particular the handling of calls at busy times and offering tailored support to customers with different needs. Feedback includes: “Wessex Water is a flagship company whose customer service runs through it like DNA. “The commitment was displayed from senior management levels through to operations and frontline staff.” Wessex Water provides water and sewerage services to 2.8 million customers, and the report adds that “the evidence of your commitment to the communities you serve is overwhelming”. Other strong areas highlighted by the report include a moneyback guarantee for customers who

choose to have a meter, improved digital functionality and website accessibility and a commitment to offering apprenticeships. Sue Lindsay, Wessex Water’s director of customer policy and engagement, said: “We’re really pleased that the assessment recognised the Customer Service Excellence standard in action across so many areas of our business. While the ethos is very much ‘business as usual’ and has long been part of our culture, we don’t take it for granted and are always striving to improve.” This newspaper is produced using paper from sustainably-managed forests.

Please recycle When you’ve finished reading, please make sure this newspaper is recycled. Just pop it in your green recycling box, or use it for something handy around the house, such as lining your kitchen food caddy.