Bath Echo - Issue 019 - 09/06/2020

ECHO

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Tuesday, 9th June 2020

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Man enters elderly woman's home and performs sex act P4

Road closures to help with social distancing

Future-proofed student accommodation planned for Jubilee Centre P5

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Amount of crime returns to pre-lockdown levels Stephen Sumner

Local Democracy Reporter

THE police do not have a role in enforcing the coronavirus quarantine, Avon and Somerset’s top officer has confirmed.

Crime plummeted by a third as the lockdown was imposed but chief constable Andy Marsh said it has now returned to normal levels.

Officers only have limited time to respond to reported lockdown breaches and will not be going door to door checking that people are in their own homes, he said as he asked residents to be public-spirited.

Speaking during his regular Facebook Live slot with police and crime commissioner Sue Mountstevens, Mr Marsh said: “During the lockdown we were spending probably most of our time on

Covid-related concerns.

“We’ve seen a change in the regulations, a releasing of the lockdown measures. That’s seen a return to pretty much normal levels of crime.

“Officers are busy with a lot of other stuff, including some very serious crimes. A significantly smaller amount is spent responding to Covid concerns.

“They’re doing this with lower numbers, and from workplaces

we’re working hard to make sure are safe.

“This is a public health crisis. This isn’t a crisis the police should lead a response to.”

Relaxed rules introduced on Monday allow groups of up to six people to meet outdoors as long as they socially distance.

Anyone who fails to comply when asked by the police can be fined.

But Mr Marsh said: “We’re ...

Continued on page 2

Proposal for Entry Hill golf course to be discussed next month P5 Consultation opens on Bath Quays North development P11 RUH's CEO James Scott retires after thirteen years in the role P12 Get the latest news for Bath 24/7 on our website www.bathecho.co.uk

More than 80,000 pieces of PPE made at the University of Bath STAFF at the University of Bath have now produced over 80,000 pieces of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for local hospitals and healthcare services.

More than 77,000 face shields have been made by a team from across the University, working from a safe lab on campus, while

over 2,200 gowns have been sewn by local volunteers through a project initiated by the Royal United Hospital involving the city’s two universities.

Around 2,000 ear savers, which are used with face coverings and save users from hooking elastic around their ears for hours on end, have also been made.

A further 80,000 eye protectors have been put together, chiefly by local manufacturer 4Ground, working to a pattern created by Bath engineers.

The equipment is being donated to healthcare workers at the RUH, local GPs and care homes.

At the start of the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak, staff from

the Faculty of Engineering & Design asked the RUH how their expertise could help protect staff.

All of the donated equipment was reverse-engineered to match existing PPE, and approved by the RUH following a consultation process.

James Scott, Chief Executive of the Royal United Hospitals Bath

NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The support we have had from the University of Bath, and Bath Spa University too, has been invaluable in our fight against COVID-19.

“The face shields and gowns that have been produced for the RUH, free of charge, have helped to...

Continued on page 2

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In this issue...

Top Stories

P2-11

Health P12 Business P13 Puzzles

P14

Politics P15 In Other News

P16

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.

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Council welcomes huge response to Liveable Neighbourhoods plan MORE than 1600 residents have already put forward their suggestions on how to transform Bath and North East Somerset’s streets into places where people choose to walk and cycle.

Through the Liveable Neighbourhoods project, Bath & North East Somerset Council wants to encourage a long-term shift in the way people travel and take pressure off the roads and public transport network.

It wants to encourage people to walk and cycle more by making it easier to get around, while continuing to support those who depend on their vehicle for mobility.

The council is taking action to

prevent the spread of COVID-19 with temporary measures to widen pavements, remove traffic from roads and improve cycling in a number of areas to help people socially distance.

It now wants to look at where additional measures could be considered across the district, such as access restrictions, to support Liveable Neighbourhoods.

Residents are being asked for their help in shaping the plans by identifying locations where more space can be created for walking and cycling, accessibility improved, or the impact of traffic reduced.

Since launching a dedicated Liveable Neighbourhoods web-

University donates PPE to hospitals and GPs

Professor Richie Gill, a member of the PPE production team

Continued from page 1 our frontline staff safe while they care for some of our most seriously ill patients.”

Professor Ian White DL FREng, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Bath, added: “The efforts of staff from across our community to support healthcare staff during this time by producing this vital protective equipment are incredibly impressive and should be highly commended.

“Those of us within the University aim to play a proactive role in the Bath community and our staff have exemplified this by engaging with the RUH to offer help, listening to the needs of healthcare workers and sharing their expertise in an impactful way.

“I offer my sincere thanks to University staff who have supported this effort, and to the many partners, donors, businesses and individuals who have in turn helped us to support the NHS and local healthcare professionals in this way.”

Donations of equipment to care homes and pharmacies have been arranged with the help of Bath and North East Somerset Council.

This has come about following the University’s Our Shared Future collaboration with the Council, which brings together skills,

knowledge and expertise from across Bath to address challenges faced by the city and the region.

University staff are also helping Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Trust Partnership (AWP) NHS Trust to carry out PPE ‘fit tests’ for its staff by manufacturing and bottling the chemical solutions needed to ensure face masks fit correctly.

The University of Bath has said it is grateful to the many people, businesses and groups who have offered their capabilities, materials, funds and other forms of support to the project.

Those wishing to offer support can contact the project team by emailing medicalfaceshields@ gmail.com.

The dedicated Bath PPE website has updates on the project as well as guidelines for other groups with materials and technical expertise on how to make the equipment.

The University has established processes to donate PPE to the RUH and to local healthcare providers through B&NES. Care home workers can request equipment by emailing ppe_orders@bathnes.gov.uk.

Other medical staff or procurement teams can contact medicalfaceshields@gmail.com to request equipment.

site on Tuesday 26th May, the council has received more than 2000 suggestions.

Councillor Joanne Wright, cabinet member for Transport Services, said: “I’m delighted we’ve had such a great response so far.

“As we move into the recovery phase of COVID-19, we are all being asked to consider more active ways of travel and rethink our vehicle use.

“We want to work with our residents to solve existing traffic and environmental problems with the fresh knowledge we have gained during the pandemic.

“Our long-term vision is to create a connected district fit for the future and play our part in tackling the Climate Emergency.

“I would urge people to get involved as through Liveable Neighbourhoods residents have the opportunity to help shape the future of transport in their community.

“Of course, the financial impact of the pandemic has been severe

and its critical we use our limited resources effectively, but information provided by residents will help us focus our effort in the right places.”

The consultation is specifically intended to identify areas for improvement that will get more people walking and cycling for local journeys, a key modal shift that will have benefits in reducing traffic and making it easier for those who rely on vehicles to get around.

At this stage, the council is asking for views from people about where they would like to see changes.

Any ideas submitted that are taken forward will be subject to further public engagement and if new permanent traffic restrictions are identified, they will involve a formal consultation process. To find out more about Liveable Neighbourhoods and to submit your suggestions visit: https://bathnesliveablestreets. commonplace.is.

Police will not enforce lockdown breaches Continued from page 1 incredibly busy with our routine business. We have more and more limited time to proactively enforce these regulations.

“We won’t enforce our way out of the pandemic. I’m appealing to the public to work with us.

“Officers have foregone their safety to get on with their work.

“The regulations don’t allow for people coming into your house.

It would be a breach.

“We will not be going house to house to catch people.

“The regulations are clear on not staying in places other than your usual dwelling. There are exceptions – but because you’re having a barbecue and you’ve drunk too much is not a reason. You shouldn’t build that into your planning.”

The new test and trace system sees people called up and asked to self-isolate for 14 days if they have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid-19.

“We haven’t got a role enforcing

the quarantine,” said Mr Marsh.

“People will be asked to control a virus which is deadly and has taken many thousands of lives.

“If we don’t bring it under control we will almost certainly go back into lockdown.

“We will be asking people to be public-spirited and responsible and comply with requests to quarantine – but there won’t be a police-related enforcement role in that.”

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Roads to temporarily close across the city centre B&NES COUNCIL has written to more than 1,000 residents and businesses to update them about the temporary measures to widen pavements and close some roads to enable social distancing.

From Monday 15th June, many more shops will be reopening as the government eases some COVID-19 restrictions.

The council says its priority is to enable shops to reopen safely and in a way that promotes confidence in our High Streets and protects public health.

To help pedestrians to safely social distance, pavements will be widened in: • Camden Road • St Saviours Road • Manvers Street • Monmouth Place • Monmouth Street • Moorland Road • North Parade • Queen Square • Somerset Street • Terrace Walk • Walcot Street, • Westgate Buildings • Weston High Street These locations have been selected because there is a likelihood that people will step into the road as a result of the two-metre social distancing rule or a need to improve segregation between pedestrians and busy roads.

The pavement widening work began on Monday 8th June and will be completed in time for the relaxing of government restrictions on Monday 15th June, which allows non-essential retail shops to reopen.

Temporary barriers will be placed along the roads to separate the pedestrian area from traffic, and tarmac ramps will be provided to ensure that people using pushchairs and wheelchairs will be able to get to and from the shops.

In some locations, to create the space, the use of parking bays will be suspended.

From Monday 15th June, the council will also be closing the following streets to all motor vehicles from 10am-6pm daily, as well as removing parking bays: • Cheap Street • Westgate Street

• Saw Close • Upper Borough Walls • York Street The parking bays in these streets will be available to use outside of the 10am – 6pm access restriction.

The council has chosen these streets as widening the pavements would provide insufficient space for traffic to move safely when people are queueing outside shops.

A similar restriction will be introduced in Milsom Street between 10am and 6pm although buses will still be allowed to pass through.

Barriers will block access to parking spaces in Milsom Street apart from an additional loading bay which will be available for use from 6pm to 10am.

Exemptions to these closures will be limited to emergency services and emergency utility works as well as a very limited number of other operations.

The restrictions will be removed between the hours of 6pm and 10am.

The temporary access restrictions are initially likely to be pedestrian barriers; but the council, in conjunction with Avon and Somerset Police, is looking at the possibility of installing more robust barriers within a few weeks’ time.

These measures are proposed to help keep people and livelihoods safe and secure, and are a proportionate response by the council with support from the police, to ensure that the public remain safe whilst living and working within or visiting the city.

All these measures will be in place for the duration of government advice, which all councils have been directed to follow to support the recovery from COVID-19.

Councillor Dine Romero, leaders of Bath & North East Somerset Council said: “We recognise that some of the changes will cause inconvenience and would not normally be introduced without consultation, but we must act quickly to secure safety and public health. However, we will do all we can to help.

“Where parking bays are sus-

Restrictions will be enforced between 10am and 6pm every day

pended we will try to provide temporary alternative disabled and loading bays nearby.

“These bays may not be available from the 15 June, but we will attempt to provide them as soon as we can.

“We will be reviewing the temporary measures after the first few weeks, taking into account local views and you can send your comments to Traffic_ManagementTeam@bathnes.gov.uk” The council is also working closely with the Bath Business Improvement District (BID) and the emergency services on its measures to improve safety and reduce risk during the pandemic.

It has already: • Removed the need to push buttons at 22 signalised junctions • Put up road safety posters to increase drivers’ awareness that pedestrians may step out into the road as they maintain social distancing.

In addition to implementing the urgent temporary social distancing measures, Bath & North East Somerset Council is asking residents to put forward locations for longer-term improvements designed to reduce the use of vehicles on our roads and encourage more walking and cycling.

Councillor Joanna Wright cabinet member for Transport Services, added: “As lockdown is eased pavements are likely to get busier and queues may form outside shops.

“People will need extra space in order to be able to socially distance and these measures will ensure they can do that safely.

“While we know this will cause some inconvenience it also creates an opportunity to look at how we travel around the city.

“Some of the measures 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 also working with its partners to agree a list of transport schemes that can be introduced in the short term utilising the pending government funding.

As part of the council’s response to recovery, the council will also be consulting city centre businesses, service providers and residents on a package of public realm measures.

These will integrate with work which was underway before the Covid-19 pandemic, in partnership with Avon & Somerset Police, which will permanently strengthen the city centre’s security and public safety.

This will be done through access management and enhanced street furniture in addition to improving the public realm.

Consultation, which will include consulting on the needs of disabled people, is due to start later in the year.

Families invited to register birth of their baby A FAMILY from Bath has been the first in the area to celebrate registering their baby in person again after face-toface registrations stopped due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Divya and Balaji were the first parents since lockdown to attend Bath & North East Somerset Council’s register office at the Guildhall in Bath to register their new baby girl Shraddha Balaji, who had been born in May. Following an easing of restrictions by the Government, the council began

welcoming new parents at appointments on Monday, 1st June, and will now be offering appointments with an option to book online.

There are more than 1,100 families waiting to register their babies and the council is providing as many appointments as possible, but is asking for parents’ patience while they wait for their turn.

Appointments can now be booked to register births or to give a notice of marriage or civil partnership in the Guildhall.

Appointments are now being

offered at the council’s offices at the Civic Centre in Keynsham and the Hollies at Midsomer Norton, with online bookings for all three venues also opening on that day.

Full details can be found at https://www.bathnes.gov.uk/ services/births-marriages-anddeaths/births.

Councillor Paul Crossley, cabinet member for Community Services, said: “I’m delighted that we are now able to register new babies once more and mark this special occasion in a family’s life.

“Thank you for your patience if you’re a new parent who has had to wait. Please contact us to make an appointment and our register

office team will look forward to meeting you as soon as they can, but please bear in mind there may still be a delay while they work through the waiting list.

“I must also warn parents that we have barriers and markings in place at the register offices to ensure social distancing is followed, so please follow the signs when you attend with your family.”

Balaji said: “It was very helpful to be able to have our appointment and register our new daughter.

Everything was nice when we visited. The registering process is very quick and accurate and Jonathan, the registrar, was very helpful.”

News in Brief Two men drown in river at Bathampton Two men died after being pulled from the River Avon in Bathampton on Thursday 28th May. A major rescue operation involving multiple emergency services and HM Coastguard was launched after a number of people were spotted in the river.

South Western Ambulance Service told us they sent multiple resources to the incident, including land ambulance crews, senior paramedics, critical care teams and hazardous area response team paramedics.

Two male casualties were pulled from the water and put into the care of ambulance crews, however police said they were declared dead at the scene. In a statement, Avon and Somerset Police said they were not treating the deaths as suspicious and they would be referred to the coroner.

City centre newsagent targeted in burglary Witnesses are being sought after a burglary at the Bog Island News newsagent on Terrace Walk. Thieves forced a rear window of the shop between 7pm on Friday 29th and 7am on Saturday 30th May. They stole scratch cards, cash, and a large amount of cigarettes, tobacco and vaping products, including Heets branded products. Officers are especially keen to trace three people seen in the area that night, pulling large wheeled suitcases.

If you can help, call 101 with the reference number 5220117130.

Man stabbed in the leg in Redland Park Police have launched an investigation after a man was stabbed in the Redland Park area of Bath. Police were called at approximately 2.40pm on Sunday 31st May, to reports of an assault in Redland Park in Twerton.

Officers attended and found a man who had suffered a stab wound to his leg.

A man has been arrested in connection with incident and released under investigation.

Anyone with information should call 101 and give the reference number 5220118132.

Appeal after woman has eggs thrown at her Police are appealing for witnesses after a woman in her late teens was the victim of a racially-aggravated public order offence. It happened at about 10pm on Wednesday 3rd June.

The woman had been walking in Royal Victoria Park when a group of teenagers confronted her and threw eggs at her.

Soon afterwards, as she walked away in Chelsea Road, one of the occupants of a small blue Renault car shouted an offensive racist term at her. Anyone with information or dash cam footage should call 101 quoting the reference 5220121205.

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Bath students scale new heights during NSPCC fundraiser A TEAM of more than 20 students from the University of Bath have run the distance between four of the main peaks in the Alps during lockdown in response to raise crucial funds for the NSPCC. Starting from the highest peak in the Alps, Mont Blanc in France, and moving across to Monte Rosa in Italy, followed by Grossglockner in Austria, then onto Zugspitze in Germany, the group finished their mountainous challenge back at Mont Blanc.

The students tag-teamed the distance – an exhausting 960km – running across local nature trails.

To date, they have raised more than £1,200 with the total continuing to rise on their JustGiving page.

“We decided to do this fundraising

incentive because the NSPCC is a vital service, particularly now in these uncertain times,” said James Smith, president of snow sports at the University of Bath.

“One in five children in the UK have suffered abuse or neglect and we believe that figure will rise during this pandemic, so we wanted to do everything we could to raise as much money as possible.

“That’s why we set ourselves such a big challenge – we’re thrilled we exceeded our target of £1000.”

The NSPCC relies on public support for 90% of its funding and launched a ‘We’re still here for children’ emergency appeal to raise vital funds to support children and families across the UK. Caroline Morgan, NSPCC

Supporter Fundraising Manager for the region, said: “It’s amazing to see students taking the time out to support us and they really have gone above and beyond.

“The money they have raised will go towards funding vital services like Childline, which is needed now more than ever to support the thousands of Childline who have spoken to our counsellors about issues surrounding this pandemic since January.

“It is an excellent example of successful virtual fundraising and I hope more people will be inspired by their efforts.”

Since the start of January, Childline has delivered nearly 7,000 counselling sessions to children and young people who have got in touch about Coronavirus.

Childline counsellors have been on the frontline, adapting to the ever-changing situation to support children who are struggling with their mental health or are at risk from abuse or neglect.

Every week since lockdown Childline has delivered over 2,000 counselling sessions with children concerned about their mental health and emotional wellbeing – totalling nearly 17,000 over seven weeks.

To find out more about how you can fundraise for, or donate to, the NSPCC visit: www.nspcc.org. uk/what-you-can-do/make-adonation.

Any adult concerned about the

welfare of a child or young person can call the NSPCC helpline for free and confidential advice on 0808 800 5000 or visit nspcc. org.uk. Children can contact Childline for free on 0800 11 11 or childline.org.uk 365 days a year, and speak to a counsellor about a worry or concern they may have.

Appeal after man performs sex act in elderly woman's home AVON and Somerset Police have launched an appeal for information after a man gained entry to the home of a pensioner in the Twerton area of Bath and performed a sex act.

It happened between 1am and 2am on Thursday 28th May at a property in Newton Road.

The woman, in her 70s, saw a man at her window and left the

room when he exposed himself to her.

The man then gained entry through a window and carried out a sex act before taking a purse from her bag and leaving. The purse was discarded in Cameley Green.

The man was described as in his 30s, about 5ft 7ins tall and slim, with a West Country accent.

His face was covered and he wore a coat with a hood up and jeans.

DI Alan Smith said: “We’re very keen to hear from anyone with information about this incident that has left an elderly woman traumatised.

“We’ve already carried out houseto-house enquiries but still want to hear from anyone we haven’t spoken to, especially if you have

VIRTUAL OPEN DAY

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CCTV or dashcam footage of the area at the time.

“If you’re in any doubt about coming forward, be assured that we have evidence which will eliminate any innocent person from our investigation.

“The lady is understandably distressed and our home security advisor has visited to safeguard her, while local officers have

increased their patrols in the area.”

If you have any information which could help, get in touch with police through www. avonandsomerset.police.uk/ contact or call 101 quoting reference 5220115225.

Alternatively ring independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

@bathcollege 01225 328 720 info@bathcollege.ac.uk

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TUE 30TH JUN

PRE-REGISTER ON OUR WEBSITE

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Proposal for Entry Hill golf course to be discussed ENTRY Hill golf course in Bath could be saved if a proposal by a local sportsground design and maintenance company is accepted by Bath & North East Somerset Council.

Greensward Sports Consultancy submitted a proposal to the council back in February to manage and maintain the golf course, after a consultation was launched late last year on changing the use of the site.

B&NES Council says that use of Entry Hill has declined over the past few years and they are keen to look at other ways of using the site which would attract a larger number of people and have wider health benefits for everyone.

A petition to save the golf course gained over 1000 signatures.

The proposal from Greensward will see the company take on the management and maintenance of the course “in an environmentally and economically viable and sustainable manner".

The Bath-based business says it currently maintains in excess of twenty-five other sports and amenity sites.

Managing Director Andy Boyce, who was a junior member at the club in the 1980s, told the

Entry Hill golf course in Bath | Photo © B&NES Council

Bath Echo: “With some smart investment and marketing, and a review of existing practices, we would be seeking an immediate improvement in course presentation and playability, which would be key to stabilising and increasing existing membership and pay and play users.

“The proposal is based around a sustainable golf model optimising the playing quality of the course in harmony

with the conservation of its natural environment, under economically sound and socially responsible management aiming to create and manage good quality surfaces, populated by grass species that require minimal chemical, fertiliser and water inputs. It is our belief that this is the model that can compete in the current golf market.

“Generated income will allow for capital expenditure for offcourse infrastructure and the

ability to explore and expand other community based income streams.

“The current model is failing for a variety of reasons, but we are of the firm belief that with the right model, and management in place, it can work, and that golf is the best option for the site.

“We have met with the membership and have their support for the proposal. We also have the full support of the Entry Hill Residents Association.

Glenna Gillingham, who regularly uses the course, told the Echo: “Entry Hill Golf Course is a real gem in the heart of our World Heritage City and offers many physical and social benefits for the people of Bath and is used by all age groups.

“It is easily accessible by car (with a large car park) and by public transport (the number 3 bus from town).

“All Entry Hill needs in order to be a roaring success and to continue to serve our community is some TLC and good management."

A report on the future of Entry Hill golf course, including the various options available, will be going before the B&NES Council cabinet next month.

Future-proofed student accommodation planned for Jubilee Centre on Lower Bristol Road Stephen Sumner

Local Democracy Reporter

FRESH plans have been submitted to build 127 student bedrooms in Twerton after the last bid was rejected.

Developers say the £10million project to demolish the Jubilee Centre and create a new building standing up to five storeys high will help the economy out of the coronavirus crisis.

Storage and a new space for the existing tenants, Mercy in Action, would be created on the ground level, with professionally managed student bedrooms above.

Applicants Longacre Estates and Watkin Property Ventures say they will future-proof the accommodation so it can be converted into residential apartments if the demand for student housing drops off.

The plans say: “The proposed purpose-built student accommodation will provide a mix of cluster flats and studios and will be provided to the market on a speculative basis.

“It is intended that the purposebuilt student accommodation will be managed by a reputable student management company who are already managing existing purpose-built student accommodation elsewhere in the city.

“The design has been fully future proofed so that the accommodation proposed on the upper floors could be converted

This week, The Pig is mostly...

SPOILT for on-the-hoof caffeine fix options again! The coffee machines at Cascara (Upper Borough Walls), The Forum Coffee House (St James Parade), Rosario's (Northumberland Place), The Colombian Company (Abbeygate Street) and Society Cafe (Kingsmead Square) are fired up alongside all manner of grab'n'go sweet and savoury treats, and social distancing access layouts in all of 'em are exemplary.

DELIGHTED to see Noya Pawlyn reopening the doors to her St James Parade Kitchen offering a small selection of tantalising dishes for us to enjoy at home.

Dishes on a curry/ Bún Chả theme vary from week to week, are freshly cooked on the day of collection and come with full instructions on reheating to serve at home; pre-order by 8pm on Wednesdays for collection on Friday-Saturday afternoons between 3-5pm (https://www. noyaskitchen.co.uk/) CELEBRATING the fact that the Bath Pizza Co are firing up their ovens again in Green Park Station from 12noon-8pm every Wednesday-Sunday – great to have you back, guys! (https:// www.bathpizzaco.com) INTRIGUED by Taiwanese pastry chef Fang-Yu Lin's Larkhall based Sugarcane Studio: “French patisserie with an Asian flavour” resulting in what we believe to be one of the most uniquely fascinating, fabulous menus of Macarons, Madeleines,Marshmallows, Choux Buns and bespoke cakes in the West Country; order online or buy 'live' at Bath Farmers' Market every Saturday morning (https://www.sugarcanestudio. co.uk) STAKING out the 28-day matured steaks on the Joya Italian Steakhouse menu, available for takeaway or home delivery. For sure, cooking a decent steak at home is hardly rocket science... but the joyful Joya chefs take the concept of a sublime steak supper to another level altogether (www.joyarestaurant.co.uk)

How the new development on the Lower Bristol Road could look Image © Longacre Estates / Watkin Property Ventures / Nicholas Pearson Associates

into residential apartments in the event that demand for purposebuilt student accommodation reduces in future.”

Mercy in Action runs a food bank and also uses the site to store and distribute recycled clothes and needs the outside space so the accommodation will be “car free”.

The application says the charity would be forced to consider relocating to Bristol if the project did not go ahead.

It adds: “Purpose-built student

accommodation is a use that can be proposed on a car free basis and could generate sufficient revenue to enable the redevelopment.

It is also considered that the location of the site is more suited for transitory purposebuilt student accommodation as opposed to permanent residential accommodation and would make more effective use of a relatively small site area in a prominent gateway location.”

The plans say the importance

of new investment in the city following disruption caused by the pandemic “cannot be understated” and it will revitalise Twerton.

A previous application to redevelop the site with 136 student beds was rejected by Bath and North East Somerset Council in 2018.

The developers say they have addressed their concerns.

The council will consider the new application.

GOING carb crazy (in an exceedingly tasteful way, of course) courtesy of Walcot House's fresh pasta/fresh pasta sauce combos, all made from locally sourced ingredients and packaged up as meal kits. A refrigerated delivery service brings your feast direct to your door on Thursdays and Fridays (visit website for which postcodes are covered on which days) and pay heed: the green spinach reginette with smoked ham hock, cider sauce and peas is heavenly... (https://www.walcothousebath.com/pastakits) For more news, views and food-related chat, visit The Pig Guide at www. thepigguide.com and follow The Pig on Twitter @ThePigGuide.

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Museum to celebrate Frankenstein author's links to Bath approved Stephen Sumner

Local Democracy Reporter

THE UK’s first Frankenstein museum could open in Bath by the end of the year.

Jonathan Willis, one of a trio leading the project, said the city adopted Jane Austen as a literary heroine but less is known about its links with Mary Shelley.

That is set to change when Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein opens to celebrate the author’s “extraordinary life and her most lauded work” – much of which was penned in Bath.

Permission to convert Grade II-listed offices in Gay Street, just a few doors up from the Jane Austen Centre, has now been granted.

Jonathan, who is leading the project with long-time collaborator Chris Harris, the creative lead, and chief exec Adam Leon, said: “We’ve had a lot of support – all the people who wrote letters of support for the planning application, Visit Bath, Visit England.

“We discovered the plaque in the Abbey Churchyard. Jane Austen is Bath’s primary literary heroine, even though she didn’t like Bath and only wrote about it once – she’s been adopted by Bath.

“Mary Shelley is of equal univer-

Tuesday, 9th June 2020

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sal appeal. Frankenstein was effectively the first sci-fi novel. It’s in the top 100 most influential books of all time – and no one in Bath mentions it.”

The plaque reveals that the author, then named Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin, stayed at the now-demolished 5 Abbey Church Yard when she arrived in Bath in 1816. It was there that she wrote much of Frankenstein, which was published anonymously in 1818.

The dad-of-five added: “There isn’t a lot for kids in Bath. They will say to their parents, I’ll go to look at the Royal Crescent, the Roman Baths and even the Abbey, but you have to take me to the House of Frankenstein.

“The whole exercise is going to be multimedia, multi-sensory.

“There won’t be any blood or gore.

It’s going to be family-friendly.

It’s going to be great for our children and Bath’s children.

“It’s entrepreneurial. You just have to give it a go.”

The impact of the coronavirus on tourism has left many museums fearing for their future – but it was not even a consideration when the planning application went in.

Jonathan said there was little he and his partners could do during the lockdown beyond waiting for permission and starting work on the building. He is confident the

tourism industry will be recovering by the time the museum opens, which is likely to be later this year or early in 2021.

Visitors will be greeted at the entrance by a life-size replica of ‘The Monster’.

The new attraction will explore Shelley’s “complicated and tragic personal life, literary career and the novel’s continuing relevance today in regards to popular culture, politics, and science”. It will feature period costumes, models, props, a family tree, a detailed chronology, graphic artwork and drawings, and original letters.

Jonathan added: “We’re collecting things as we go. A lot comes up on eBay. The only thing we can’t have is a first edition copy of Frankenstein – a [signed] copy sold for £350,000.”

The five-storey House of Frankenstein will also have a gift shop, cafe and puzzle rooms and could create 14 jobs. It will feature in Jonathan and Chris’ romantic comedy set to be released late next year, One Night in Bath, inspired in part by one of Jonathan’s other bright ideas, Bath Water, and using talent from across the city. Approving the planning application, B&NES Council officers said the economic boost from tourism outweighed the impact of losing the office space.

Bath Spa students ‘pull the strings’ with lockdown comedy show STUDENTS from Bath Spa University have come up with a reason to be cheerful during these testing times by creating a new 30-minute comedy improvisation show titled ‘Pulling the Strings’.

The comedy show involves students from the BA (Hons) Film, Television and Digital Production degree course, in collaboration with performers from BA (Hons) Comedy.

As part of their Studio Production module, students Jonty Renk, Emily Hayter, Callum Hall, Caitlin Daly, Max Devine, Gaby Louise, Sam Edwards, Ayla PengellyMoore and Sarah Howden decided to think outside the box in a bid for belly laughs.

They conceived, wrote, filmed and edited the whole show while working remotely and with social distancing measures in place.

The programme challenges the comedians’ acting and improvisation skills, pitting them against each other in a series of topically-themed comical conundrums, posed by host and comedian, Natasha Bye.

Despite being created as a ‘Plan B’ during lockdown, the show’s success is no laughing matter, because Pulling the Strings has just been accepted into this year’s Sparkfest.

Commending the group’s efforts, the students’ lecturer, awardwinning television producer and director Simon Mansfield said: “The programme shows tremendous initiative on the part of the students, who could see how television broadcasters have been responding to the current situation and felt they could produce something just as good.

And they were right!

“What a compliment this is to their professionalism and creative drive.”

Pulling the Strings can be viewed online at: https://youtu.be/ C2kP5MZEXHM

Rescheduled Race for Life event in Bath cancelled ORGANISERS of Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life in Bath have announced the rescheduled event in October has been cancelled due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The charity has taken the decision to withdraw all 400 Race for Life events across the UK this year to protect the country’s health as restrictions on mass gatherings caused by COVID-19 continue.

The cancellations include the Race for Life 5K and 10K at Bath, Yeovil, Weston-super-Mare and Taunton planned for later this year.

Participants who have already signed up will be contacted directly by the charity.

Cancer Research UK expects to see its fundraising income decline by up to 25 per cent in the next financial year as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Alison Birkett, Cancer Research UK spokesperson in the South West, said: “We remain tirelessly committed to making progress for people affected by cancer but now more than ever, support from the public will be vital. We simply will not be able to continue funding our life-saving work without it.

“Since it began in 1994, Race for Life has raised over £890m for Cancer Research UK’s life-saving work. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has taken part and hope their support will continue.

“We know Race for Life is such a treasured part of the UK’s events calendar and it is with a heavy heart that for the first time in 27 years we have to announce that it won’t

be taking place.

“The safety of our supporters, volunteers, suppliers and staff is however essential.

“We hope the Race for Life event series will be back bigger and stronger than ever in 2021.

In the meantime, we’d love to invite as many people as possible to join us by taking part in Race for Life at Home in these challenging times.”

Undeterred, women and men across the region are already vowing to carry on and complete a Race for Life at Home challenge, in their garden or their nearest green space.

People can visit raceforlife.org and sign up free for ideas on how they can create their own special challenge.

Organisers are also inviting participants to join the Race for Life at Home community by sharing photos and videos on social media using the hashtag #RaceForLifeAtHome Alison continued: “Cancer hasn’t stopped and people affected by cancer need our support more than ever.

“From a run or 5K walk around the garden or local park to limbo in the living room, there is no wrong way to Race for Life at Home.

“With no entry fee, people might choose to twerk, star jump, squat, skip, dance, trampoline, or come up with their own novel way of taking part and share it with friends.

“We’re urging everyone – men women and children – to join our community and help raise vital funds.”

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Almost £30k funding boost for Julian House's bike workshop THE Bath Bike Workshop social enterprise, operated by Julian House, is to receive a welcome financial boost of nearly £30,000 from the Community Infrastructure Levy.

The grant of £27,941 will help fund a full-time cycle mechanic at the busy Corn Street workshop.

The Bath Bike Workshop, which opened in 2010, was the first social enterprise created by the charity.

The aim of the business was to offer training and work experience opportunities to its homeless clients and other vulnerable individuals who were trying to re-enter the job market.

Prior to this, refurbishing secondhand bikes was just one of the many activities which were held as part of the charity’s meaningful occupation programme.

That experience was the springboard for turning it into a proper business – refurbishing second-hand bikes, servicing and even offering quality secondhand parts.

Since then, new bikes are part of the enterprise and, more recently, bike rentals.

The difference between this business and conventional bike workshops is the inclusion of work experience and training for marginalised and vulnerable individuals.

Mark Sayer is the area manager for the business, overseeing this and the other three Julian House workshops that have opened across the South West.

He said: “Bath was our original workshop and is still our biggest.

The quality of the bikes we sell is terrific – everything from road bikes through to kiddies’ trainers and even tandems.

“People are surprised by the amount of work that is required to put a second-hand bike back on the road in tip top condition.

“All our machines are quality checked by trained staff. This grant from the Community Infrastructure Levy will ensure that we keep up with demand and, more importantly, ensure that we can support our social outcomes objectives – helping clients with their confidence and self-esteem, improving their skills and helping them back to work.”

During the lockdown, the business closed for 7 weeks because of the challenges of social distancing for customers and staff.

Modifications have now been made and since it reopened on 9th May, the business has been popular.

Mark is keen for the public to continue their support: “If anyone has got a bike at the back of their shed which would benefit from TLC and our mechanics’ skills we’d love to have it.

“Sadly very rusty or badly

damaged machines cannot be economically repaired. Good second-hand machines are our bread and butter and donors can feel proud that their donation will help to rebuild someone’s life.”

Councillor Dine Romero, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council, added: “Supporting the Bath Bike Workshop social enterprise will help residents access affordable bikes and bike maintenance, which is especially important to encourage more people to move to alternative forms of commuting such as

cycling as we recover from the coronavirus pandemic.

“I’m pleased that this grant will help people to travel sustainably across the city.”

Councillor Joanna Wright, joint cabinet member for Transport Services said: “Having local mechanics in place to fix bikes is a huge advantage when so many are keen to use bikes as a way of getting around the city.

“So often people give up on riding a bike because they are slightly damaged or need a small modification, having a local facility at hand to fix bikes will allow so many to get back on a bike, which improves their health and the planets” “The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) is a planning charge designed to help local authorities to deliver infrastructure such as schools, transport links, open spaces, recreational or waste facilities to serve the residents and users of developments in their area.”

The Bath Bike Workshop is located at 35 Corn St, BA1 1UF and is open 9am – 5pm, Tuesday – Saturday.

Housing scheme rejected over lack of affordable homes Stephen Sumner

Local Democracy Reporter

PLANS to slash the number of affordable homes at a Bath estate because of the impact of the coronavirus crisis have been rejected.

Hard Rock Developments warned that its Holburne Park project was at risk of failure without a rethink of its proposals to cut the number of homes from 246 to 189.

Bath and North East Somerset Council planning bosses rejected consent because the proportion of affordable properties, 15 per cent across the former Ministry of Defence site in Warminster Road, was well below the 40 per cent required.

Representing the developer, planning consultant Charlotte Taylor-Drew said: “My client started construction in 2016.

Since then the world has changed dramatically.

“Two General Elections have taken place. Brexit has happened.

Coronavirus has had an additional impact on the viability.”

Hardrock said in its application

it is racking up bills of £625,000 while the site is shut down, and hundreds of jobs depend on the site.

It said it was not viable to build affordable homes on the site but offered the council £644,000 to build them elsewhere, £1.1million for infrastructure improvements and a share of the profits if they are more than current forecasts.

Planning officers said these arguments outweighed the failure to provide on-site affordable housing.

Councillor Manda Rigby said it was finely balanced but disagreed, saying: “Our allocation for affordable housing on this site should be 40 per cent. There’s got to be very good reason to break current policies. We’re being asked to approve 15 per cent.

“Within Bath, although money is always welcome, the problem we have is land on which to build.”

Proposing refusal, she also raised concerns about parking and the impact on the World Heritage site.

Councillor Vic Clarke opposed the move, saying residents could

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The Holburne Park development in Bath last August | Photo © Bect Building Contractors

be left on a building site for five years if the project failed.

But councillor Eleanor Jackson said: “I haven’t seen sufficient justification for us to accept a reduction in the amount of affordable housing.

“It would completely go against my conscience.”

She said the committee was on a knife edge – the developer could appeal if it refused planning permission, or face a judicial review if the council went against its own

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Bath girl launches business tailoring bespoke face masks Charlie Metcalfe THERE are three different styles of artisan face mask available at Raine, the new Peasedown St John-based business.

Each one is unique and customisable. But there’s one aspect that ties them all together. They’re all made from organic fabric and can be thrown on the compost heap when no longer in use.

Ella Macgregor, Raine’s founder, tells the Bath Echo that sustainability is the business’ binding factor. “Raine is going to be more than just making pieces of clothing for people. It’s going to be about teaching people about fashion too. I want it to change how people buy it, wear it, and discard it.”

But Ella confesses that she wasn’t always so ethically-minded. “I’ve always been a bit of a shopaholic,” she says with a chuckle.

“Don’t write that down!”

At 15, Ella’s first tailoring experience at Xó Tailoring Services on the corner of Wood Street came as a welcome opportunity.

Studying at Hayesfield Girls’ School, she had been feeling a “massive push” to apply to university and recalls feeling under pressure.

“In the back of my head I knew

that I wasn’t going to go,” Ella says. “My mother always taught me to follow my heart and university was always just this big ‘no’ for me.”

Ella stuck to her guns and stayed in Bath where she worked as a waitress at Green Park Station’s Beyond The Kale.

It was here that Xó Tailoring Service’s owner Luca Marchesini paid her an unexpected visit. He offered her a job on the spot. And she agreed.

To Ella’s dismay, the opportunity wasn’t all that it had lived up to.

“I was adamant that I wanted to be sewing,” she says. “But I was mostly put on till duty or pinning clothes on the customers.” And as her restlessness grew, Ella started looking further afield to develop her talent.

She saved money by balancing her job at Xó, waitressing at AQUA on Walcot Street, and freelancing as a seamstress on the side. She even had a fourth job at a juice bar for a while.

During this time, Ella researched the different ways she could develop her skills.

She was looking for “something different”, and found something she hadn’t expected, a plant-dye course in Bali. “Dyes used for

clothes produce so much toxic waste,” she says. “It made me wonder why we can’t do it naturally.” And before long, Ella was across the world in Bali on the three-week programme.

With an enthused interest in sustainable clothing production, Ella moved to Melbourne where she began to reflect on the way we produce and dispose of clothes.

She describes experiencing a “moment of realisation”.

“That was when I started to look up which companies followed this ethos. That was when I found A.BCH,” Ella says.

A.BCH, a circular ethical fashion brand based in Melbourne, swiftly became the object of Ella’s dreams. But with a lack of funds and her boyfriend, Ash, living back home in Bath, she returned to the UK in 2018.

A year later, after a period of freelancing and honing her craft, Ella and Ash decided to return to Melbourne together. As if to compound the moment, A.BCH was looking for a new hire. Ella’s chance was ripe. She had never done an interview before, but Courtney Holm, A.BCH’s Founder, offered her the job and Ella became Head Machinist.

A.BCH was a refreshing new ex-

Raine founder Ella Macgregor

perience for Ella. “When I was there we displayed at two fashion shows and I knew that all the clothes had been made by my hands,” Ella says. “My boss, Courtney, trusted and believed in me. And I really do believe that that’s the most fundamental ingredient to realising you’re good enough.”

After five months of working in her dream job, the pandemic forced Ella and Ash to return to the UK. With no job, she wasn’t eligible for the furlough scheme and found herself at a loss for income. Enter Raine.

Raine is the title of Ella’s new tailoring business. It’s also El-

la’s grandmother’s name. “Every time I tell my grandma she forgets! She’s always wonderfully surprised.”

Ella’s level of perseverance becomes clear as she explains the challenges she’s faced working on zero budget.

Supply chain has also been an issue with lockdown restrictions causing disruption. There have been times when she couldn’t obtain elastic for a week. To top this, Ella had to deal with an unexpected period of downtime when her website service provider locked her website in a blanket attempt to combat ‘pandemic profiteering’. But she says that she’s enjoying the challenge..

“I’m a big dreamer,” she says, looking to the future.

“I have big plans for Raine. I want to give people more access to what they actually want in a garment: something that’s timeless, made of organic fabric, produced without causing harm to land, people, or animals.”

One day, Ella says, she hopes that Raine will be a dressmaker’s. But for now, she wants to help people make intelligent, ethical purchasing decisions.

To Bath’s younger generations, she says: “Don’t compare yourself. Take inspiration.”

To find out more about Raine, visit www.rainefacemasks.com.

Victims paid nearly £43k after Trading Standards investigation TWO family members who ran a building company that left work unfinished and one person’s home uninhabitable have been sentenced following a B&NES Council Trading Standards investigation.

The investigation into the Bathbased business led to the victims being repaid nearly £43,000.

Edward’s Group Ltd found two homeowners on the council’s planning portal who had planned building works and wrote to them offering its services, eventually taking tens of thousands of pounds from them without completing the work.

Gary Southam, aged 58, of St Julian’s Road, Shoscombe, Bath, trading as Edward’s Group Ltd, was sentenced on Friday 29th May at Bristol Crown Court to 21 months imprisonment suspended for 18 months, ordered to do 250 hours of community service and is disqualified from becoming the director of a company for nine years.

Southam had previously pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing in September 2019 to fraudulent trading, misleading two homeowners and being involved in the management of a company whilst being an undischarged bankrupt.

At a sentencing hearing in November 2019, Southam‘s sentence was deferred for six months as he offered to raise £43,000 compensation, which he did.

Josephine Nunan, aged 31, of Nalder Close, Shepton Mallet – Southam’s daughter and put forward as the director of Edward’s Group Ltd – also pleaded guilty at a previous hearing to misleading a homeowner and knowingly or recklessly contravening the requirements of professional diligence contrary to the Consumer Protection From Unfair Trading Regulations 2008.

She was also sentenced to carry out 150 hours of community service.

The court also ordered that the defendants pay £6,500 towards prosecution costs.

Edwards Group Ltd approached the two homeowners who agreed for building work to be carried out between 1st July 2017 and 31st May 2018.

Southam put himself forward as the owner of the company and failed to inform both homeowners he was an undischarged bankrupt, having been previously been made bankrupt on three previous occasions and was subject to a Bankruptcy Restrictions undertaking meaning he was banned from promoting or managing a company until 2025.

The first victim agreed to have an extension carried out for £66,000, paying Edwards Group Ltd more than £53,000 in total but much work was left incomplete.

The company went into liquidation during the build. A chartered surveyor valued the work that had been completed

at more than £25,000 below what the homeowners had paid.

The homeowner had to rent out another property for several months due to the home being uninhabitable and faced financial ruin.

A second victim agreed to have a barn built by Edward’s Group Ltd for around £17,450 after saving for nearly ten years to pay it.

After the barn was nearly built and £14,121 had been paid by the victim, a fire occurred which caused severe damage to the barn.

Edward’s Group Ltd told the homeowners their company insurance would cover the fire damage and promised to rebuild the barn.

Edward’s Group Ltd were paid in full by their insurance company around a week after the fire, but days later Nunan told the homeowners they were still waiting for an update on the claim.

Six months after the money was paid, Nunan told the homeowner that there had been a payment from the insurance company but only to cover the clearing of the site of the fire-damaged barn.

Southam also told the homeowners that he’d had meetings with the insurers in relation to the claim, but no meetings had taken place as the insurance claim had already been paid.

In his sentencing remarks to Gary Southam, his Honour Judge Longman said: “Your

How the business left one of the homes

deliberate deceit not only caused a substantial financial loss to the victims but it also had a high mental impact on them.

“One can only imagine the stress you put the victims under due to your offending.”

Councillor Paul Crossley, cabinet member for community services, said: “The victims in this case were all left thousands of pounds out of pocket prior to our investigation.

“The conviction and sentencing of these individuals reiterate our ongoing pledge to bringing justice to individuals and companies that are happy to defraud the public.

“We are committed to helping keep people and their money safe from rogue traders. Those who commit such crimes do not care

how they leave a property and do not care about the financial impact this has on the victims as a result of their actions.”

The Bath & North East Somerset Council trading standards team runs an approved trader scheme called Buy with Confidence where residents can search for local businesses which have been vetted and approved by Trading Standards.

Visit http://www.bathnes. g o v. u k / s e r v i c e s / t r a d i n g standards/buy-confidence or call 01225 396759.

Anyone who thinks they might have fallen victim to a rogue trader should report it to the Citizens Advice Consumer Services who work in partnership with Bath & North East Somerset Trading Standards on 03454040506.

Tuesday, 9th June 2020

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Consultation opens on new Bath Quays North development A PUBLIC consultation presenting detailed proposals for the Bath Quays North development has been made available online for people to find out more and provide feedback.

The project will transform the Avon Street Car Park site with 176,292 sq ft of modern office space as well as restaurant and retail units, 92 new homes, a hotel and provide improvements to car parking and public spaces.

Site owner Bath & North East Somerset Council has entered into a joint-venture with Legal & General and Bell Hammer to bring forward what has been described as the most significant office-led development in Bath for a generation, with the potential to deliver a wealth of benefits to the local business community, residents and visitors to the city.

Outline planning permission for the development was granted by B&NES Council in 2019.

The new detailed proposals will show the public how the site will be redeveloped into a mixed-use scheme including up to seven new buildings comprising workspace, homes, retail units and a hotel, with a new promenade providing riverside restaurants, landscaped public spaces and a basement car park.

Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the public consultation will be held exclusively online at www. bathquaysnorth.com.

Alexandra Brown, Senior Development Manager at Legal & General Capital said: “It’s essential that even during this period of economic uncertainty, institutions continue to invest in Britain’s towns and cities, driving economic growth and creating jobs for local people.

“These mixed use proposals will transform the site, creating a bustling new riverside destination with homes and workspace, green open spaces, pedestrian and cycle routes, as well as views of, and links across the River Avon.

“Whilst current circumstances prevent us from holding a physical exhibition, the details of our proposals will be readily available to all.

“We would like to hear the views of the people of Bath, so please visit the Bath Quays North website and leave your feedback.”

Ian Bell, Executive Director of Bath Chamber of Commerce and the Initiative in B&NES, added: “Our members are delighted to see progress on this site.

“It will be a game changer for the local economy, allowing existing businesses to grow and attracting

How the Bath Quay North development may look | Photo © B&NES Council

fresh inward investment, bringing jobs for the future.

“I hope as many people as possible participate in this important consultation.”

Councillor Tim Ball Cabinet Member of Housing, Development and Economic Development at B&NES said: “This is another piece of the jigsaw in revitalising the centre of Bath enhancing the offer that Bath has across the region and further afield.”

Patrick Davis, Director of Bell Hammer said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Legal and General and B&NES

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on this flagship project. We are a property development company delivering best in class office buildings and high quality places.

“We provide investors and occupiers with inspired design and certainty on delivery. We are committed to developing low energy buildings and ensuring both landlords and occupiers minimise environmental impacts.

“To have the chance to develop on such a scale in Bath occurs once in a generation. The size and quality of the office element will enable local companies to grow as well as attract regional,

national and international occupiers for whom Bath has never previously been an option, due to the lack of suitable space.

“With retail, restaurants, hotel and residential uses complementing the business space, Bath Quays North will create an attractive and vibrant addition to the city.”

To take part in the consultation and fill in an online feedback form, visit www.bathquaysnorth.com.

The consultation will close on 22nd June 2020.

If you are unable to access the consultation materials online and would like a hard copy sent in the post, call 01225 423400.

Children send handmade crafts to local care home

IN a heart-warming display of community spirit, schoolchildren from across the Bath area have shown their support for a local care home by making and posting handmade artwork.

The Shockerwick Bupa Care Home has received dozens of cards, jokes, paintings and letters from local children over the lockdown period.

Some of the children who have sent cards are children of the staff, others are neighbours of the home, and some just schoolchildren who wanted to send their kind wishes.

Some of the children have used the opportunity to start up a friendship and conversation with the residents, asking questions such as “do you ever regret

not taking part in anything?” and “did you do any sports as a teenager?”.

Others chose to write messages of support like “stay positive”, “keep smiling,” and “be happy.”

Speaking about the kind gifts, one resident said: “It’s very lovely to know the children in Bath are so kind. We look forward to the post every day to see what they’ve made next because they’re all so brilliant and creative.”

Karen Hunt, Home Manager said: “We’ve been absolutely overwhelmed by the support from the local community. It’s incredibly heart-warming to see people come together to support the staff and the residents like this. We’ve put some of the creations in our activity room, so the residents can see them every day.”

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Health Hospital volunteers highlighted ACROSS the Royal United Hospital in Bath, an invaluable band of volunteers is helping to keep the hospital running throughout the COVID-19 coronavirus crisis.

Independent charity The League of Friends of the RUH organises the majority of the volunteers at the RUH Trust, filling a range of important roles across the hospital, from supporting patients and staff in departments such as A&E, to helping run the charity’s shop in the Atrium, its coffee shop and even litter picking around the hospital grounds.

Some of these volunteers have been able to continue to give their time to the RUH during the coronavirus pandemic, supported by nearly 100 new volunteers who have come forward to help support the hospital at this time.

One such volunteer is Gill Grady, who had no hesitation in offering to help the Friends of the RUH. She said: “When I saw how hard all the NHS staff are working right now, I thought it was the least I could do and would give something back.

“I didn’t think twice about offering to help. I’m aware of the potential risks but I’m retired and live on my own, so I don’t feel as though I’m putting anyone else at risk.”

Gill is one of a number of volunteer housekeepers based in the Doctors’ Mess, a relaxing space away from the hustle and bustle of the busy hospital, where doctors can enjoy some much-needed downtime and catch up with colleagues.

“I help to make sure the staff have refreshments like tea and coffee, that the chairs are spaced out for social distancing, that the sleeping area is tidy, and I’ll even do a bit of cleaning – just whatever I can do to help really,” she said.

“We appreciate them and they appreciate us. I’ll sometimes have a chat with one of the doctors at the end of their shift, and ask them how their day has been and how they are feeling. It’s nice to have that interaction and to be

RUH volunteers Keith Getheridge and Gill Grady

a listening ear in those situations.

“I really enjoy volunteering. It’s a win-win for me – I get to help out the doctors at the RUH at what is such a challenging time and feel that I’m giving something back at the same time.”

The RUH is also supported by volunteers from a range of other organisations, including Bath Hospital Radio, Alzheimer’s Society, Dorothy House, Pets as Therapy and Macmillan Cancer Support.

The Forever Friends Appeal has also helped support the recruitment of new volunteers during the pandemic.

Volunteer Keith Getheridge has been involved with fundraising for The Forever Friends Appeal for many years, after his late wife Wendy was diagnosed with cancer.

Keith said: “When I saw the appeal for volunteers I was really eager to get involved. Knowing that COVID-19 was on the way, I thought that there might be a big gap in the number of volunteers at the RUH, so wanted to do what I could to help.

“I got in touch with the hospital straight away. I know my wife would have been at the front of the queue and I felt the same way.

“I really didn’t mind what I did, I just wanted to help. I took on a part-time housekeeping role in the Surgical Short Stay ward and work from 7.30am to 1.30pm, three days a week.”

Volunteer housekeepers support the ward-based cleaners by com-

pleting tasks within the kitchen around meals times, dusting the ward corridors and helping keep ward equipment clean.

“It’s not glamorous work, but there’s a lot of satisfaction that comes from helping to keep the ward clean, tidy and safe for patients,” said Keith.

“The time goes quickly and there’s always something that needs to be cleaned or disinfected. It’s good to know that I’m helping and providing a very important role for the hospital.”

League of Friends of the RUH Volunteer Services Manager Samantha Nolan said: “This week is national Volunteers’ Week, when we say a very special thank you to all our volunteers for the work they do.

“Our volunteers do a fantastic job every day of the year helping patients and supporting the RUH. “Volunteers’ Week is also an important time for us to think about the many volunteers who have had to temporarily stand down because of COVID-19 and look forward to the day we can welcome them back.”

The League of Friends is currently looking for volunteers to fill a range of vacancies at the hospital, such as in housekeeping and Estates-based roles.

If you would like to volunteer, or find out more about the opportunities available, contact the Friends of the RUH office on 01225 824046 or visit www. friendsoftheruh.org.uk.

CQC report reveals improvements at mental health trust THE Care Quality Commission (CQC) has published its report into its recent inspection of core services at the Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership (AWP) NHS Trust.

The AWP Trust retains its previous overall ‘Requires Improvement’ rating, however there have been improvements in the ratings for specialist community mental health services for children and young people and wards for people with a learning disability or autism, which are now both rated as Good.

Acute wards for adults of working age and psychiatric intensive care units remain as Requires Improvement.

Dominic Hardisty, Chief Executive for AWP said: “We welcome the inspection process and are pleased that the areas assessed either improved or remained the same in their rating.

“I am delighted to see the improvements in the ratings awarded for our Daisy ward and specialist community mental health services for children and young people.

“There was also clear evidence of the hard work, dedication and commitment of our staff, who work tirelessly to support those in need of our care.

“The inspections found our staff treat patients with compassion and kindness, respecting their privacy and dignity and supporting their individual needs.

“I would like to thank all our staff for their hard work and commitment to patients, service users and families in improving standards of care.

“There is genuine commitment to continuously improving the

quality of care we deliver.

We however know that there are some areas that we need to focus on to continually improve staff, service users and carers’ experience of our services and make AWP truly Outstanding.”

Karen Bennett-Wilson CQC’s Head of Inspection for Mental Health in the South, said: “Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust has worked steadily to embed a number of the improvements we requested at our last inspection.

“I want to congratulate them for this work.

“I am particularly pleased that during this inspection we were able to record improvements in the wards for people with a learning disability or autism, including the Daisy Unit, which are now rated as Good where previously we had rated them as Inadequate.”

Charlotte Hitchings, Chair of AWP, added: “AWP continues to make progress in how our services are shaped and delivered.

“This is positive news and we will continue to focus on how to further improve through our Quality Improvement (QI) programme.

“I would really like to thank the staff and service users who helped us to prepare for the inspection.”

The Well Led inspection of the AWP Trust was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The CQC is only able to update findings on well-led at the overall trust level or update the other trust-level ratings when the wellled component has been inspected.

As a result, the ratings for the overall trust and five key questions included in the report are from the previous inspection.

CEO James Scott retires after nearly 13 years in the role STAFF at the RUH have been thanked and praised for their work, before and during the coronavirus pandemic, by their CEO James Scott, who has retired after nearly 13 years in the role.

He had planned to retire at the end of March, but stayed on to support his “fantastic staff” during COVID-19.

Mr Scott said is a staff message: “It has been an absolute privilege to be the Chief Executive here for the past 13 years.

“We have had some really chal-

lenging times, but we’ve also had some fantastic successes – and throughout all this the thing that has stood out for me more than anything else has been your dedication to our patients and to our community.

“I’m immensely proud of all you have achieved and all that you will achieve in the future.”

Mr Scott, who’ll be 60 this year

and has spent 36 years in the NHS, has overseen major improvements at the RUH during his time as CEO, including the achievement of Foundation Trust status in 2014 and securing the future of the services of the Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases in

2015.

Significant developments during his time at the RUH include

building the Dyson Centre for Neonatal Care in 2011, the new RNHRD and Brownsword Therapies Centre in 2019 and, coming soon, the new Dyson Cancer Centre.

Tributes to Mr Scott were led by Trust Chair Alison Ryan, who said: “James’s departure marks the end of an era for all of us at the Trust.

“He has been a dedicated and passionate CEO – it’s been an absolute pleasure to work with him and every single person at the RUH wishes him a long and

happy retirement and all the very best for the future.”

Deputy CEO Libby Walters said: “We’ve all benefitted massively from James’s leadership for 13 years but in particular over the last two months, as the Trust responded to the unprecedented challenges that the coronavirus crisis presented.

“So, thank you again James for everything you have done for the RUH, it’s been a privilege and a pleasure working with you.

“Your strong leadership has been an inspiration to so many of us.”

Tuesday, 9th June 2020

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Business Wessex Water supports vulnerable adults with hundreds of meals A GROUP of Wessex Water volunteers have delivered hundreds of hot meals to vulnerable older people across Bath during the coronavirus pandemic.

The water and sewerage company’s hospitality provider BaxterStorey has been preparing the meals for the volunteers to deliver to vulnerable adults in the area.

The meal deliveries are part of Age UK Bath and North East Somerset’s (BANES) Community Meals Service, which ensures older people receive homecooked food.

Innovation adviser Andrew Russell, who has been delivering hot meals on behalf of Age UK Banes, said: “The reaction from people I’ve delivered to has been incredible; they are truly grateful for not only the meal but also the few minutes of company and interaction, even if it is from a distance.

“Many of them live alone so we have become one of the only faces they have seen during

Wessex Water’s Emily Larque

lockdown. It’s an amazingly rewarding initiative, and you can see the difference it is making in people’s lives.”

Community events co-ordinator Beth Angle, who has also been delivering hot meals, said: “I’m proud to be part of a team of volunteers delivering daily hot lunches to Age UK clients across Bath. I wanted to get involved to make a real difference in the lives of some of our most vulnerable customers in these uncertain times.

“Not only does the provision of

meals provide vital support, but the deliveries give us a chance to check in on the welfare of the clients and have a chat with those who may not receive any other visitors that week.”

Kirsty Scarlett, head of community engagement at Wessex Water, is responsible for overseeing volunteering across the company and working with charity partners to determine who needs help.

She added: “While our key workers have been working around the clock to continue to supply safe drinking water and treat waste during these trying times, other colleagues have been keen to help our customers in other ways by volunteering for local causes or just starting their own initiatives from home.

“We’ve encouraged all our people who see a local need to get involved and contribute some time, so it’s fantastic that so many have come forward wanting to do something meaningful and helpful for their local community.”

Peasedown enterprise helps local organisations bounce back A NEW social enterprise based in Peasedown St John is helping local businesses and charities ‘bounce back’ through the pandemic.

Somerset Face Masks was established last month to ensure that every single resident, business, school and charity in Bath & North East Somerset had access to face masks at an affordable price.

The community partnership scheme has been a big hit with almost 1,000 face masks already distribute.

Nathan Hartley, Founder of Somerset Face Masks, said: “With society, and the way we interact with each other, changing radically, wearing face masks in

public is now part of the ‘new norm’.

“Over the next month, many businesses and charities are going to struggle to get back onto their feet due to the extortionate costs of PPE equipment that large corporations are charging.

“The expectation to purchase such equipment has been set by the government – with little help of how organisations are going to pay for it!

“As a social enterprise, we have minimal costs and so have been able to sell high quality, reusable, washable and comfortable masks

for just £2.50 each.

“We also have a high return rate of customers too, who continually want to purchase more for their friends and family!”

After the success of their first month, Somerset Face Masks is now offering a 20% discount to businesses and charities in B&NES who are about to open their doors back up to the public.

The Peasedown St John-based organisation provides free delivery. Any businesses or charities who need support can email: somerset.facemasks@ hotmail.com.

Help being offered for businesses to trade better online A NEW programme, Trading Better Online, has been launched by the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) to help small businesses improve their digital presence.

Delivered in partnership with TechSPARK, the programme is designed to help small businesses get online, enhance their online presence, or market their existing online offering by adopting new technology or new digital practices.

Businesses will be matched to a consultant and supported through up to four days of hands-on support to develop and enhance their web presence.

The support is fully funded and bespoke to each company’s requirements, giving them access to the tailored expertise they need to boost their business.

Mayor of the West of England, Tim Bowles, said: “I’m backing the West of England’s businesses to help trade their way out of the coronavirus outbreak. That’s why I’m expanding the role of the West of England Growth Hub to help firms to recover and adapt to new ways doing business.

“This scheme is completely free and helps businesses strengthen their online presence, protects jobs, encourages growth and boosts their resilience. I hope that as many businesses as possible take advantage and get in touch with the Growth Hub to find out more.”

TechSPARK Director Abby Frear, said: “The West of England’s tech and digital community is one of the most innovative, supportive and collaborative in the UK - we’re looking forward to connecting that wealth of expertise to businesses who need support to adapt and thrive in a post-coronavirus economy.”

John Henderson, Director at Nextgen Electrical Contractors Ltd said: "As a commercial electrical contractor, we've always relied on word of mouth, unfortunately, like many other

businesses COVID-19 has had a huge impact on us. Being part of this new scheme would really help us to adapt. Trading Better Online could help us move towards strengthening our online presence and building a more resilient business for the future."

The programme can help businesses: • Develop an online presence, for example creating a new website or social media presence • Increase engagement with customers online, such as developing their digital marketing strategy or adopting a new customer relationship management (CRM) system • Start selling products online, for example setting up an ecommerce platform Eligible businesses will be based in the West of England (Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire), and be a Small or Medium sized Enterprise (SME) with between 5 and 250 employees.

Businesses interested in participating in the scheme should contact the West of England Growth Hub for further information via www. wearegrowth.co.uk.

Trading Better Online is part of the West of England Combined Authority’s (WECA) targeted business support programme to help kick-start the regional economy following the coronavirus outbreak.

The West of England Growth Hub plays a key role in delivering this programme, by helping SMEs access tailored business support, find and navigate information, and expand their networks.

The Growth Hub is the West of England's dedicated business support service which offers free, one-to-one advice and guidance for SMEs to help them innovate and adapt, build resilience and grow. Information on support and grants can be found at www. wearegrowth.co.uk.

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Across 1 Shrink (5) 5 Iberian monarchy (5) 8 Second planet (5) 10 Atoll used for nuclear tests (6) 11 Foolish (6) 12 Brittle (5) 13 Open up (6) 14 Mistakes (6) 15 Tender (5) 17 Penniless person (6) 19 Applauds (6) 20 U S state famous for potatoes (5) 21 Greek goddess of wisdom (6) 23 Brawn (6) 25 Crawl (5) 26 Short cannon (6) 27 False (6) 29 Beginning (5) 31 Spongelike (6)

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Codeword

32 Adequate (6) 33 Throwing weapon (5) 34 Appears (5) 35 Inheritors (5) Down 1 Systematically arranged body of facts (7) 3 Capital of Egypt (5) 4 Against (4) 6 Incapable (9) 7 Underwriter (7) 8 Highest military decoration (8,5) 9 Powerful number cruncher (13) 16 Scale (5) 18 Sleeping accommodation which is only occasionally used (5,4) 22 Couple (7) 24 Recliner (7) 28 That group (5) 30 W W II sub-machine gun (4)

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Tuesday, 9th June 2020

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Politics Planning review promised after power plant approved unchallenged Stephen Sumner

Local Democracy Reporter

BATH and North East Somerset Council bosses have promised an immediate review of planning policy after a gas power plant in Midsomer Norton was approved unchallenged.

Bath and North East Somerset Council bosses have promised an immediate review of planning policy after a gas power plant in Midsomer Norton was approved unchallenged.

Leader Dine Romero admitted there was “little comfort” in saying officers were only following policy when they agreed the scheme without scrutiny from planning committee members – despite dozens of objections.

The council declared a climate emergency last year, committing to make the area carbon neutral by 2030.

Councillor Romero said it was the responsibility of all councillors to flag up applications that cause concern.

She was responding to a written question to the cabinet meeting on 29th May from Councillor Grant Johnson, who said: “A key travel corridor runs alongside the Midsomer Norton Enterprise Park.

“With the planning permission to build three fossil fuel-burning gas generators do you believe this will undermine the council’s priority to provide safe and sustainable corridors and deter residents from walking and cycling in this

area?”

The development will see a backup gas power station built on land between Welton Primary School and the Midsomer Enterprise Park.

Cllr Johnson previously told the BBC: “We can’t abandon fossil fuels overnight but what we shouldn’t be doing is committing ourselves to developments which have a life span of 25 years.

“It’s absolutely ridiculous, all it will do is increase our reliance on dirty fossil fuels when other options are available.”

Bath Conservatives slammed the Liberal Democrat administration on Twitter, saying the application had been “waved through without scrutiny”.

The Lib Dems said the council’s hands were tied, blaming policies introduced by the previous Conservative administration.

Councillor Romero told the cabinet meeting: “National planning policy often lags behind council policy. That’s come to light in one of the first questions.

“We’ve declared a climate emergency. There’s little comfort to be drawn in saying we’re merely following policy.

“We need to make sure we change our policies as quickly as possible. The council has started an immediate review of our planning policies.

“New applications will receive guidance from the council which will give increased weight to our climate emergency objectives.

“The sustainability team will also now be consulted on planning

applications.

“We’re changing delegation.

Certain planning applications will as a matter of course be decided by a committee.

“Councillors have a role to play in bringing applications to the planning committee, as indeed do many of our residents.”

Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Johnson responded: “It is disappointing to see the leader of the council trying to hide this administration’s failures behind planning policy.

“Conrad Energy submitted a planning application for gas generators in Bristol last year and it was rejected due to concerns for public health, with the planning officer acknowledging that ‘health impacts are felt from pollution levels recorded below the legal limits’.

“If a bordering Labour council can do it, then why can’t this one?

“They have been in administration for a year now, but it seems it has taken that length of time just to recognise that an emergency means immediate action.

“So much for being carbon neutral by 2030.”

A spokesman for Conrad Energy said in a previous response that the plant is intended only as a backup and will allow towns across the country to move towards the wider use of renewable energy.

Find the very latest politics news on our website www.bathecho.co.uk

B&NES Council appoints Andrew Furse as chair COUNCILLOR Andrew Furse has been appointed as the new Chair of Bath & North East Somerset Council, alongside new vice-chair Councillor Lisa O’Brien.

Councillor Furse has been a councillor in Bath for more than two decades, serving on the former Bath City Council before being re-elected to represent the Kingsmead ward on Bath & North East Somerset Council in 1999.

Councillor Furse said: “To be elected to chair the council is both an honour and a privilege, having spent the last year as ViceChair of the council, supporting the outgoing chair, Councillor Eleanor Jackson.

“I thank my fellow councillors for electing me as chair and, of course, I also thank residents of Kingsmead for electing me first in 1994 and continuously since 1999 onto Bath & North East Somerset Council.

“I hope to serve the council and residents of Bath & North East Somerset with compassion, integrity and fairness.”

Councillor Furse added: “I’m an advocate for community, I support our built heritage and green spaces, and recognise that one of the challenges facing Bath and North East Somerset, like that of the UK, is youth skills and training.

“As a result I’ve forged close links with Bath College and been vicechair of governors there since 2014. I will continue to work to ensure that young people have the right skills for today’s labour

market.”

Andrew, who was Mayor of Bath in 2012-2013 has also led and supported numerous community campaigns in Kingsmead ward since 1994 including: • Protecting Norfolk Crescent Green • Investment in the great Dell and RVP skate park.

• Refurbishment and re-opening of Victoria Bridge.

• Pedestrian improvements, zebra crossings and improved access to RVP • Supporting community facilities such as Percy Community Centre Supporting residents associations and introduction of outer zone residents parking.

Councillor Furse is a railway signalling engineer and continues to work full time in Bath for Altran UK as a Lead Independent Safety Assessor on railway projects.

A Chartered Electrical Engineer and Fellow of the Institute of Railway Signal Engineers, his projects have involved working on mainline and underground railways throughout the UK and worldwide.

The new vice-chair of the council is Councillor Lisa O’Brien who has represented Keynsham South since becoming a councillor in 2015. Councillor O’Brien said: “I’d like to thank my fellow councillors for their confidence in me. I am committed to supporting the chair in the execution of his duties and look forward to serving the residents of Bath & North East Somerset Council in this new capacity.”

Last issue's puzzle solutions Crossword

Congratulations to Nicholas Brown who won £25 in our last issue!

Across: 1 Absentee, 5 Boxer, 10 Coconut, 11 Ape-like, 12 Acts, 13 Restricted, 14 Maui, 15 Bermondsey, 19 Postmaster, 22 Visa, 24 Metropolis, 26 Kiwi, 28 Earshot, 29 Overuse, 30 Stink, 31 Reveille.

Down: 1 Acclaim, 2 Secateurs, 3 None, 4 Extreme, 6 Obedient, 7 Exist, 8 Bantam, 9 Deadly, 16 Rut, 17 Spiritual, 18 Smoothen, 19 Pamper, 20 Snorts, 21 Episode, 23 Abilene, 25 Tarot, 27 Mere.

Sudoku Easy

Codeword Medium

Hard

16

Tuesday, 9th June 2020

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In Other News....

Sunday ceremonies planned at the Guildhall for very first time

Volunteers sought for study on lifestyle during lockdown HEALTH researchers at the University of Bath are leading a new study to understand more about the effects of social distancing and isolation on our individual lifestyle habits.

This includes our exercise patterns, what we eat and our mental wellbeing.

By asking participants from throughout the UK to complete a short survey, the researchers want to look at the changes people have made during lockdown, what factors have driven them and, more broadly, what can be learnt from this.

The survey can be completed anonymously, or for those who are interested, the researchers will run follow-up surveys at 6 and 12 months and will invite participants to take part in a telephone interview.

By taking part in the survey, there is no obligation to take part

in the follow-up surveys or an interview.

Dr Tania Griffin from the Department for Health explained: “We are aware social distancing and isolation measures will have impacted people’s lifestyle habits in various ways.

“We are keen to find out more about individual experiences during this time and look at what we can learn to support people’s health going forwards.”

You can take part in the research study here: https://bathreg. onlinesurveys.ac.uk/covid-19research.

The project has been approved by the University of Bath, Research Ethics Approval Committee for Health.

If you have questions, you can contact the research team via covid19survey@bath.ac.uk.

B&NES COUNCIL is set to welcome more couples to hold their wedding or civil partnership at the Guildhall when the Government announces that people can hold small ceremonies once more.

The Government is soon expected to confirm that birth registrations and small wedding and civil partnership ceremonies can begin and the council wants to extend its offer to couples by allowing them to book the Guildhall in the city centre on Sundays for the first time in the building’s history.

Once Government guidance as part of the national recovery plan is given on how many people can attend a small ceremony and the start date, the registration service will resume ceremonies at the Guildhall and any other venues that are open.

Bookings for weddings and civil partnership ceremonies continue to be taken by emailing register_office@bathnes.gov.uk or by calling 01225 477234.

The Government is also expected to announce that parents can register births once

Council set to clean up “eyesore" after “cavalier" landlord fails to act

The Guildhall entrance in Bath | Photo © chrisdorney / Shutterstock.com

more and when this happens, appointments can be made online via the council website for appointments at the Guildhall Bath, or the libraries at Midsomer Norton or Keynsham.

Councillor Paul Crossley, cabinet member for Community Services, said: “This has been a challenging time for parents who haven’t been able to register their new baby’s birth and for couples who have had to postpone their special day. I am delighted that by opening the Guildhall on a Sunday for the first time ever, more couples will be able to come to Bath to celebrate their wedding or civil partnership.

“Once the Government gives us the go-ahead, we’re also planning to restart face-to-face birth registrations at the Guildhall and at Midsomer Norton and Keynsham.

“We have more than a thousand outstanding registrations so we will hold some in Wiltshire and as well while we catch up as quickly as we can.”

The Georgian Grade 1 listed Guildhall has five licenced rooms for civil partnership and marriage. Notices for marriage and civil partnership will also begin to take place face to face as part of the government’s recovery plan.

Stephen Sumner

Local Democracy Reporter

Manvers Street car park reopens following essential maintenance

OFFICIALS are stepping in to clean up an “eyesore” piece of land in Bath after the “cavalier” owner failed to act.

The site behind 18-25 Queenwood Avenue in densely populated Fairfield Park is strewn with building materials and vehicles, and surrounded by a fence put up without planning permission.

Bath and North East Somerset Council gave the owner until June 2019 to comply with an enforcement notice but the council was ignored.

Its direct action is the latest in a series of efforts to resolve longrunning and difficult breaches.

Walcot ward member Councillor Richard Samuel told the planning committee on 3rd June: “I’m really pleased this has finally come to the committee for enforcement.

“I raised the original complaint on this land following representations from residents in 2017.

“It’s very difficult to get a sense of how damaging this is to the local environment and the impact it has on residents.

“It’s a very densely populated

MANVERS Street car park in the centre of Bath has reopened after undergoing essential maintenance to protect it for future use.

Work was also undertaken at the site to prevent structural damage.

A safer one-way system has been introduced, a new 2m height barrier installed to prevent access to oversized vehicles and repairs made to the concrete floor to reduce surface water ponding.

A water-resistant surface has also been laid on the upper-level parking area, the vehicle ramp to the lower level and stairways.

Protected pedestrian walkways from Manvers Street on either side of the entrance and exit are now clearly marked and disabled bays now have yellow hatched areas surrounding each bay for improved access as well as a blue surface to make them easier to identify.

Lower-level lighting has also been replaced with more environmentally friendly LED fittings.

Councillor Joanna Wright, joint cabinet member for Transport Services, said: “Although we encourage residents and visitors to walk, cycle or use public

The “eyesore” piece of land in Fairfield Park

area.

“In previous times there have been chemicals left at the entrance. It’s seriously detrimental to the amenity of that neighbourhood. Originally the site was an open piece of land.

“It’s always been a backland green site. It’s a terrible eyesore.

“The owner has been completely cavalier in ignoring the council’s representations to clean it up.”

The council ordered to permanently remove all the items, remove the fencing and

gates and demolish the buildings.

Planning officer Martin Almond said: “There’s been no attempt by the landowner to comply with the enforcement notice.

“Direct action offers the council the opportunity to complete the work required to ensure the notice is complied with.”

The planning committee unanimously agreed to approve direct action to clear the site.

The council will take steps to recover the costs of the work from the owner.

transport we recognise Manvers Street car park is an important facility for drivers who need to use their cars.

“These essential works took longer than planned due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but I’m delighted we’ve been able to complete the job in time for the easing of lockdown restrictions.

“The work that has been carried out ensures the car park is fit for the future and provides access improvements for vulnerable motorists and their passengers.”

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