Bath Echo - Issue 027 - 29/09/2020

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Tuesday, 29th September 2020

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Boater hits out at council for removing moorings after sluice gate fault P2

Conversion of The Min into hotel refused Page 3 200 pupils at Ralph Allen School self-isolating 210 STUDENTS in a Year 7 bubble at Ralph Allen School in Bath have been told to self-isolate for 14 days, following advice from Public Health England after a single confirmed case.

Public Health England South West and Bath & North East Somerset Council are supporting the school following a single confirmed case of COVID-19 at the school.

Ralph Allen is following the exist-

ing guidance for non-clinical settings advice, including providing staff and pupils with guidance on social distancing and hygiene to limit spread.

The school is open for pupils in other year groups and the Year 7 students will return on Monday 5th October.

Dr Bruce Laurence, Director for Public Health at Bath & North East Somerset Council, said: “We are working with the school and

PHE to manage the situation in the safest way possible for the pupils, staff and wider community.

“While the rate of infection in our area remains low, it is increasing and we collectively must take all the right steps to break the chain of transmission to slow down the spread of Covid-19.

“Of course, one of the most important reasons to limit any increase in cases is so that we can keep our children in school as

much as possible and avoid further disruption to their education.”

Headteacher Andy Greenhough added: “Yesterday [Monday 21st September] was our first confirmed case of Covid-19 within the student body. I am afraid cases around the country are inevitable and all schools are continuing to manage the guidelines within their own schools....

Continued on page 2

Cleveland Pools receives £50,000 Lottery Heritage Fund grant P5 Temporary mortuary set to remain in place until next March P8 Tribute fund raises more than £25,000 for Forever Friends Charity P12 New campaign to promote city's best businesses and employees P13 Get the latest news for Bath 24/7 on our website www.bathecho.co.uk

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Tuesday, 29th September 2020

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Boater hits out at council for removing moorings

In this issue...

Top Stories

P2-9

Community P10 Education P11 Health P12 Business P13 Puzzles

P14

Politics P15 In Other News

P16

We are working hard to reintroduce our normal size and the usual parts of this newspaper as soon as we can.

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

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Stephen Sumner

Local Democracy Reporter

FEWER boats would have been damaged by a sudden drop in the River Avon if moorings elsewhere had been available, a Bath houseboat resident has said.

Boater Avril McGovern is convinced her friends’ homes would not have sunk when a sluice gate suddenly opened if safe moorings had been available in Saltford.

She is still waiting to find out what condition her boat is in but said many others cannot be saved after the “disaster” in Twerton two weeks ago.

The site has some of the River Avon’s few safe moorings locally after Bath and North East Somerset Council temporarily removed the moorings at Mead Lane in Saltford to assess the condition of the riverbank.

It has not been moving boaters on from the site during the lockdown but may do so after a crunch meeting next month.

Ms McGovern, who has lived on her boat for 18 months, said: “My boat needs to be taken out to make sure it’s OK. It sat down flat on the riverbed when the water level dropped.

“My friends weren’t so lucky – three have completely lost their homes. It’s having a devastating impact on them.”

Some 47 boats were affected after a software fault in a sluice gate caused the water level to drop by 1.8 metres.

James Stuart-Wigley had only had time to fling his laptop and two dogs to safety before his boat sank.

He said it “looked like something out of a disaster movie” after it was refloated.

Boaters are being supported by the Environment Agency, B&NES Council, the Canal and Rivers

Avril McGovern with her boat

Trust and homelessness charity Julian House.

“Mead Lane is the only other 14-day mooring,” added Ms McGovern, who works as a teacher.

“I’m 100 per cent convinced fewer boats would’ve been affected if it had been available.”

She claimed council cabinet members had ignored scientific evidence and removed the moorings to “appease the wealthy residents” of Mead Lane.

The decision in January followed months of tensions between residents and boaters, with accusations of prejudice, threats and intimidation from both sides.

Ward councillor Duncan Hounsell said at the time the moorings had been a “failed experiment” that was put in place without services for boaters or controls on how long they stayed.

“The council realised in January it could have put people at risk of homelessness,” added Ms

McGovern. “They need to put in better provision for boaters.

I don’t feel like I’m a priority for the council.

“They aren’t moving us on because of the Covid legislation.

We need that site [Mead Lane].

There’s nowhere else for us to go.”

Cabinet members will consider the results of a structural survey of the riverbank when they meet on October 8. Ms McGovern said she hopes they take the incident at Twerton into account when they make their decision.

She challenged council leader Dine Romero on the issue when she appeared on BBC Radio Bristol yesterday (September 23).

Cllr Romero responded: “In January we took the decision to temporarily close the Mead Lane moorings because we needed to make sure it was safe and suitable.

“We haven’t reopened the moorings but we’re complying with government guidance that

action shouldn’t be taken to move any boat on during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The decision was taken so we could undertake this survey. If people were moored there and the bank collapsed, who would be liable then?

“We haven’t reopened the moorings but we’ve extended our emergency duties. We aren’t moving people on from where they’re currently moored.”

The council said in a press release no action would be taken to move boats on from Mead Lane until a decision about the moorings is made by the cabinet on 8th October.

Members will consider the results of a survey that considered “the suitability of this land for moorings following concerns raised by the community relating to the extensive repairs/ construction of the Mead Lane highway and river bank during 2005”.

Coronavirus case confirmed at school

Appeal after 81-yearold has purse stolen

Continued from page 1 “The Year 7s have made an excellent start but will now have to be isolated until Monday 5 October.

Their lessons will now be virtual, and they will be accessing their full timetable through Microsoft Teams.

“We have all learned a lot from lockdown and it is fantastic that their learning can continue during this period of isolation. Public Health England and Bath and North East Somerset Council were very supportive and were happy with the systems we have in place to keep students safe and in their own bubbles.

“Our students have been fantastic in adopting the new regimes helping the school continue to deliver their excellent education.

“This means that all other students can continue in school in

AVON and Somerset Police are appealing for information after an 81-year-old woman had her purse stolen from her handbag in The Card Factory in the centre of Bath.

The incident happened at around 2pm on Tuesday 1st September.

Police are releasing CCTV foot-

the security that contact has only been within one-year group.”

Mike Wade, Deputy Director of Health Protection at Public Health England South West, said: “PHE South West is working closely with the school to provide public health advice to stop the virus spreading. Everyone should be following the hands, face, space advice.

“Good hygiene is the best prevention and there are some simple steps you can take to protect yourself, your family and colleagues by washing your hands regularly and thoroughly and if you cough, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue.

“The school has been provided with information including advice on infection prevention control and what to do if they need additional support.

age of a woman they’d like to speak to in connection with the incident.

She’s described as being around 5ft 7in tall with dark hair.

If you recognise her or have any information that could assist the investigation, call 101 quoting reference 5220199188.

Tuesday, 29th September 2020

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167-bed lifestyle hotel at former hospital refused Stephen Sumner

Local Democracy Reporter

CONTROVERSIAL plans to turn Bath’s historic Royal Mineral Water Hospital into a 167-bedroom lifestyle hotel have been thrown out.

Planning chiefs voted to overturn officer advice – despite developer Fragrance Group’s promise to invest £35 million to preserve the grade II* listed building.

The decision came after social housing tenant Helen Wilmot spoke passionately about the impact a proposed extension would have on her and her neighbours’ wellbeing.

She told Bath and North East Somerset Council’s planning committee: “We’re going to lose our privacy, natural light, our view of the sky. It’s a massive thing.

“I’m really angry and upset about how I’ve been treated. I’m at a loss. I’m gutted. To lose the greenery is disgraceful.”

Representing Fragrance Group, Sandra Tuck said the Singaporean firm – which bought the former hospital in 2018 for £21.5million – would invest £35million to secure the restoration, repair and conversion of the building.

Its plans included a health spa and restaurant and were modified in response to consultation feedback.

They were met with 187 objections, many criticising the proposed 3.5-storey extension.

Planning officers said securing an “optimum viable use” for the

News in Brief Man charged with rape and sexual exposure A 26-year-old man from Bath has been charged with one count of rape and three counts of sexual exposure following a number of incidents in Twerton.

Damian Lasota, of Southdown, was arrested on Thursday evening, 24th September, in Freeview Road in Twerton.

He was charged overnight to appear at Bath Magistrates’ Court on Saturday 26th September, where he was remanded in custody until the next court hearing.

The charges relate to incidents which happened between May and September. The arrest comes after police started targeting their patrols in response to a number of instances of indecent exposure in the area.

The proposed design © The Fragrance Group

building outweighed the impact on neighbours, who would still have “appropriate living conditions in this city centre location”.

Proposing refusal, Councillor Sue Craig said: “I commend the applicants for the compromises to minimise the impact on the building, its setting and neighbours. However, I do have a problem with the size and mass of the extension.”

She said it would be many years before the habitat recovers and the Fragrance Group’s use of “every inch” of land for the extension would be overbearing

for Parsonage Lane residents.

Cllr Manda Rigby said the extension would make life in the neighbouring properties “almost untenable”, adding: “For some of the flats on the lower floors, you’d almost have to stick your head out the window and turn it around to see any sky whatsoever.

“That’s not something we should be in favour of. It damages the residential amenity to such an extent it’s not counterbalanced by keeping the building in public use.”

Cllr Hal MacFie suggested that most of the issues for residents would be addressed if one storey

was removed from the extension, resulting in the loss of just six rooms, but planning officer Tessa Hampden said that may mean the development is unviable.

Cllr Sally Davis was in a minority of members who sided with officers in arguing that the benefit of securing a viable use for the listed building outweighed the harm. The committee voted to reject the application.

A spokesperson for Fragrance Group said: “We are very disappointed with the planning committee’s decision and will be reviewing their comments and considering our next steps.”

29-year-old man wanted on recall to prison Avon and Somerset Police are seeking help from the public to find Mason Hicks, who is wanted on recall to prison. The 29-yearold has links to South Bristol and Keynsham, but is known to travel around to other parts of the city.

He has also recently spent time in Plymouth.

He is described as white, approximately 5ft 8ins, slim build, and having dark brown hair. He has brown eyes and is usually clean-shaven.

Anyone who sees Hicks should not approach him but call 999 and give reference number 5220209450.

Body found in river believed to be missing university student

Bath Record Office to reopen to the public

POLICE have confirmed that a body recovered from the River Avon on Friday 25th September, is believed to be that of missing University of Bath student Martin Bowers.

Police say they received a call at approximately 7.30am to reports of a man in the water in the Bedminster area of Bristol.

Avon Fire and Rescue Service led an operation to recover the casualty and brought him back to the riverbank, where he was pronounced dead.

Roads were closed while the emergency services dealt with the incident.

At the time of going to print, formal identification had yet to take place, however officers believe the casualty is 20-year-old Martin Bowers.

Martin, a third-year University of Bath student, was reported missing after not being seen since lunchtime on Saturday 19th September.

Martin’s family were informed of the discovery and police are continuing to support them at this difficult time.

Officers do not consider the circumstances to be suspicious and

THE Bath Record Office: Archives and Local Studies will reopen to the public today, Tuesday 29th September, with a number of changes in place to protect visitors and staff.

The Record Office, which is located in the Guildhall, has been closed to the public since lockdown began in March.

The new measures will include rigorous cleaning of public spaces, quarantine systems for documents, hand sanitiser stations, screens, QR codes for users of the NHS Covid-19 app to scan, and signage to encourage physical distancing.

Staff will wear face coverings, and visitors will also be required to wear them.

In order to limit the number of people in the search rooms at any one time, anyone wishing to visit the Record Office should make an appointment at least 48 hours beforehand.

they will now carry out further enquiries on behalf of the Coroner’s office.

Professor Ian White, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bath, said: “We are devastated by the news that the police believe the casualty they found earlier today in Bristol is Martin Bowers, one of our students.

“His family and friends have been constantly in our thoughts over the last few days and we will continue to offer any support we can.

“We have been working with the police to do everything possible to help and will stay in close contact with them.

“If any of our students have been affected by this news, we urge them to reach out to one of the many sources of support available to them.

“We have additional Wellbeing Advisors on campus over the weekend at our Student Servic-

20-year-old Martin Bowers

es Centre, or students can call 01225 383838 or e-mail studentservices@bath.ac.uk to talk via phone or video call if they prefer.

Help is also available from the SU (students’ union) Advice Centre suadvice@bath.ac.uk or from our Chaplaincy.

“Our University Security team is available 24/7 and can be called for urgent support on 01225 383999.

“External sources of support are also available, including The Samaritans, who can be contacted on 116 123.”

Documents and books should be pre-ordered where possible.

Councillor Paul Crossley, cabinet member for Community Services at Bath & North East Somerset Council, said: “It’s great news that Bath Record Office is reopening with these additional safety measures in place. We look forward to welcoming people back to use our collections after six months of closure.

“The Record Office is an invaluable resource for anyone wishing to find out about the history of our area – whether studying a specialist topic or researching their family history.”

Bath Record Office: Archives and Local Studies will be open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 29th September.

There will be two bookable sessions each day: 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm.

To book call 01225 477421 or email archives@bathnes.gov.uk.

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Tuesday, 29th September 2020

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Kingsmead Square pedestrianisation extended RESIDENTS and visitors to Kingsmead Square and York Street will be able to safely shop and socialise in a traffic-free, improved environment for longer from October.

Following positive feedback and discussions with traders, Bath & North East Somerset Council has agreed to further support social distancing and the evening economy by extending the vehicle access restrictions introduced in response to Covid-19 in both streets. From Monday 5th October, access restrictions will apply from 10am until 10pm.

The council is also investing in public realm improvements in both streets.

Improvements to York Street are due to be implemented as part of the Archway Centre project.

Phase 1 of improvements to Kingsmead Square will see the installation of new ‘parklets’, incorporating seating and attractive planting in former car parking bays and new cycle stands erected.

It has been a long-held ambition of residents and businesses in Kingsmead Square to reduce the dominance of vehicles and reclaim the roadway as public space and the council has consulted and worked with the

local community on the project proposals for the last two years.

Lindsay Holdoway of local property company HPH who own and manage the South Terrace, said: “We have worked with council for many years to help improve the environment in the Square and promote its use for a more café culture style, in the way that similar space is used in many European cities. The council have brought forward a very practical and exciting design.

“We are looking forward to seeing its successful delivery which will greatly benefit hospitality businesses, residents and people visiting the city centre area which is even more relevant with the current Covid-19 restrictions.”

Emma Savage, owner of Grace & Ted and member of Kingsmead Square Trader Association, said: "The businesses in Kingsmead Square have been bustling since re-opening after lockdown and the access restriction has really helped with spacing tables and making the area feel safer and more pleasant to sit.

An artist's impression of the new parklets

“We're really excited about the next phase of public realm improvements; the proposals we've seen look fantastic and will only make Kingsmead Square more welcoming and vibrant!"

The parklets, have been manufactured by industry leaders ‘Meristem’, who have supplied similar urban installations in London and Liverpool.

Councillor Joanna Wright, cabinet member for Transport Services, said: “The introduction of temporary access restrictions at Kingsmead Square, imposed as a result of Covid-19, has given

us the opportunity to support businesses to gain pavement licences for tables and chairs outside, while still maintaining clear pedestrian routes, facilitating social distancing.

“We will be consulting on a permanent vehicle access restriction for Kingsmead Square in the coming months, reflecting our commitment to creating a cleaner, greener public square, rebalanced in favour of pedestrians and cyclists.

“However, while enjoying café culture, I must emphasise that people must still heed government restrictions and at the moment that means not socialising in groups larger than six.”

Vehicle access to both York Street and Kingsmead Square will be controlled by gates and bollards.

Emergency services have access at all times.

Outside the hours of 10am -10pm vehicles will be allowed as usual, enabling access to flats, shops and cafes for essential loading, servicing and refuse collection.

Kingsmead Square has been the first location in Bath city centre to test commercial food waste recycling, helping businesses to reduce their environmental footprint.

Cleveland Pools Trust to benefit from £50k grant THE Cleveland Pools Trust has been granted £56,300 by The National Lottery Heritage Fund to assist with the impact the Covid-19 pandemic has had on the development of the project.

The Cleveland Pools Trust (CPT) team has had to adapt to home working, review and alter numerous community engagement projects, and been delayed as consultants were placed on furlough, slowing the pace of planned work.

The funding, made possible

by National Lottery players, is awarded through The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s’ Heritage Emergency Fund.

To date, £50 million has made available to provide emergency funding for those most in need across the heritage sector.

Ros Kerslake, Chief Executive of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “Heritage has an essential role to play in making communities better places to live, supporting economic regeneration and benefiting our personal wellbeing.

“All of these things are going to be even more important as we emerge from this current crisis.

Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players we are pleased to be able to lend our support to organisations such as Cleveland Pools Trust during this uncertain time.”

Paul Simons, Chair of the Trust said: “The Cleveland Pools Trust is immensely grateful to The National Lottery Heritage Fund for its continuing support and confidence in the project team

Photo © Cleveland Pools Trust

in its efforts to move forward and deliver this unique project.

“We are all working in unprecedented circumstances and the Trust is delighted with the encouragement and assistance that it is receiving from its major funder.”

The Trust has also taken the decision to delay the planned start of works on site until spring next year.

Due to the site’s proximity and reliance on the River Avon as the primary means of transporting plant, machinery and materials to site, this will greatly minimise risk to the project in the event of adverse weather over the winter period.

Over the coming months, the Cleveland Pools Trust will be working to update their business plan in light of the impacts of Covid-19, alongside completing design work ahead of starting on site.

They will be working towards signing a contract with chosen contractor Beard Construction in February 2021 and are scheduled to be open for swimming in Summer 2022.

Sean Franks from Beard Construction said: “Beard Construction are excited to be part of this project and are keen to be involved in the restoration of this historic Georgian lido.

“We remain committed to the

scheme and look forward to commencing works in the New Year.”

Councillor Richard Samuel, cabinet member for Resources, added: “Cleveland Pools are unique, a real jewel in the crown of the historic fabric of Bath. As landowner the council works closely with the Cleveland Pools Trust and is keen to see the lido restored to its former glory.

“While it’s disappointing that work on the project has had to be delayed as a result of Covid-19, I’m delighted the Trust has secured this additional grant which will enable work to continue towards a new start date of next spring.”

This week, The Pig is mostly...

RAISING several glasses to our boisterous beer buddies at Chapter One (London Road). This glorious independent hostelry has reopened its doors (albeit for takeaway/off-sales only at the mo), got their very own microbrewery (Verse Brewing) up-andrunning and launched a spiffing new website – good work, Emma and Michael! (https://chapteronebath.co.uk/) RAISING yet more glasses to Flan O'Brien's (corner of Westgate Street/Saw Close) on their recent announcement that Bath's long-standing traditional Irish pub has cast off the Big Brewery shackles and become an independent freehouse – good work, Miles!)

ANTICIPATING tantalising, innovative mind games a-plenty at Digital Entertainment Collective Raucous Caucus' forthcoming events at The Grapes (Westgate Street). First up, the Bartenders Guide To The Galaxy on Monday 5 October swiftly followed by the fascinating Playing With Your Food (in collaboration with the pub's resident Japanese Izakaya hosts Budo Bar) on Friday 9th October (https://raucus-caucus.square.site/events) INTRIGUED by – and looking forward to seeing the results of – the recent renovations undertaken by the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel (Walcot Street) which includes the opening of the brand new Fusion Restaurant plus cafe, bar, alfresco terrace and internal 'Secret Garden' for afternoon tea and events (https://www.hilton. com/en/hotels/bathndi-doubletree-bath/dining/) JUGGLING mixed emotions following the latest government guidelines forcing pubs to adopt a 10pm curfew. And I'm not alone in the confusion! According to our most recent Pig Guide Twitter survey, 55.1% of our Twitter followers said that the new rule has made them feel “scared about what's coming next”, while 44.9% told me that they're “angry about right now.” Got an opinion on the subject? You know where I am!)

VEGGING out at OAK (North Parade Passage) which grew from the little meat-free bistro formerly known as Acorn and is now open for brunch, lunch, coffee and dinner... and shopping courtesy of an onsite grocery specialising in organic, biodynamic and low intervention ingredients (https://www.oakrestaurant. co.uk) 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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Tuesday, 29th September 2020

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Bath Half Marathon event postponed until September 2021 THE organisers of the Bath Half Marathon, Running High Events, have announced the postponement of the 2021 event to a new date on 5th September 2021.

In a statement, Andrew Taylor, Race Director at Running High Events said: “Since the government lifted restrictions on outdoor participation sports events such as the Bath Half Marathon in July, we have been working with partners locally and across the UK to develop COVID-Secure and flexible plans for the delivery of next year’s race. These plans include flexibility to anticipate a number of different possible scenarios, and to satisfy central government, governing body (UK Athletics) and Bath & North Somerset council’s published COVID guidelines for events. Our event plans have been refined following the learnings from the recent COVID-Secure trial events which we attended at Kew Gardens and Blenheim Palace, and the recent research study on the evidence of outdoor transmission of COVID commissioned by parkrun.

“In starting the process of discussing our event plans with Bath & North East Somerset Council we have now been advised by their public health and public safety teams that in the current situation, with rising cases and local restrictions being introduced across the UK, regardless of the event being permitted by

government and being COVID-Secure, the council do not feel it is appropriate to consider proposals for a large public event in the Spring, and neither is the council in a position to consider our proposals as their resources are currently stretched managing community outbreaks and compliance in the hospitality sector.

“At the moment the public health team’s advice is that creating something on that scale early in 2021 would be a risk. The safety of our participants, staff, volunteer groups and our local community remains our number one priority, and we always follow council advice.

“We are disappointed that the positive role that physical fitness and regular exercise can play in helping to beat COVID has not been either widely discussed or promoted by government or in the media, and in that respect we believe that outdoor participation events such as the Bath Half Marathon are not the problem, but part of the solution.

“Public demand and support for our event remains high – public entries for next year’s race have sold out in record time, and demand for charity places has also remained strong. We would like to take this opportunity to thank our runners and our partners for their ongoing support.

“At the COVID-Secure trial events we have attended we have observed participants to under-

The race went ahead despite many gatherings and sports events being cancelled | Photo © 1000 Words / Shutterstock.com

stand, to support and to observe the necessary COVID restrictions in place, without detracting from their enjoyment and engagement with the events.

“We understand how disappointing this postponement will be for our participants, charity partners and volunteer groups however, we have made this announcement early to allow you time to make plans for 2021.

Libraries across Bath & North East Somerset reopen for browsing RESIDENTS across Bath and North East Somerset are now able to browse the bookshelves for their next great read as libraries begin reopening more services following lockdown.

Bath Central, Keynsham and Midsomer Norton Libraries reopened for browsing and collection of reservations on Tuesday 22nd September, from 10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday.

Protocols are in place to protect public health, including visitors needing to wear face coverings unless they have a special exemption, as well as following social distancing rules and applying hand sanitiser.

The number of people entering the library at any one time will be limited to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

As well as browsing, the libraries team will be working their way through the reservations made since lockdown.

New reservations have a limit of 10 titles per person. Loan periods will return to their usual threeweek limit and DVDs can be borrowed for 21 days.

There will still be a limited range of pre-selected book bundles to ‘grab and go’ and books should continue to be returned through the designated drop-boxes at library entrances.

Bath Central Library | Photo © B&NES Council

Public computers and self-study areas will remain closed at present.

Paul Crossley, cabinet member for Community Services at Bath & North East Somerset Council, said: “I’d like to thank residents for their patience while our library team has been working through how we can increase what we can safely provide.

“It’s encouraging that people have continued to enjoy the services we’ve been able to offer

during and following lockdown, including our virtual library and the ‘grab and go’ book bundle service.

“However, we know being able to discover new books themselves is something people have missed, so I’m pleased we are now in a position to invite visitors back once more.

“Please remember to follow the social distancing measures in place to keep you and others safe.”

“In the coming months we will continue working closely with Bath & North East Somerset Council to develop plans for our COVID-Secure event, looking forward to welcoming our supporters back to Bath on Sunday 5th September 2021.

“In the meantime we encourage everyone to use this time, and commuting time freed up by home working, as an opportunity

to join the battle against COVID by following government advice on social distancing and handwashing, and to get ‘match fit’ by exercising regularly.”

Organisers were criticised for continuing the 2020 Bath Half Marathon despite the outbreak of coronavirus earlier this year.

Just over 6000 runners took part in the event in March, around half the usual number.

Council condemns decision to appeal expansion refusal BATH & North East Somerset Council has condemned Bristol International Airport’s decision to appeal the refusal of its planning application to increase capacity from 10 to 12 million passengers per year.

Councillors in North Somerset turned down the airport’s expansion plans earlier this year, saying the increase in aircraft and traffic would have a detrimental impact on the local area and the environment.

Bath & North East Somerset Council were consulted as a neighbouring planning authority and objected on highways issues.

The council also made it clear that having declared a Climate Emergency, expansion of the airport would be incompatible with its goal to achieve carbon neutrality within the next decade.

However, the airport has now formally lodged an appeal against the refusal of planning permission.

Councillor Sarah Warren, joint cabinet member for Climate Emergency, said: “We are ex-

tremely disappointed that Bristol International is appealing against planning refusal.

“At a time when we are facing a Climate Emergency, we are resolute that the economic benefits of an increase in passenger numbers are clearly outweighed by the detrimental impact on the environment. More flights would result in more emissions from both aircraft and traffic heading to and from the airport impacting residents in Bath and North East Somerset.

“With the ongoing impact of coronavirus and the current uncertainty surrounding future travel behaviour and as a consequence the airline industry itself, it seems highly unlikely that the passenger increases predicted by Bristol International Airport will be met.

“We therefore, urge that the appeal by the Airport is rejected.”

The airport is currently allowed 3,000 night flights in summer and 1,000 in winter and has applied to increase this to 4,000 throughout the year from Summer 2021.

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Food waste collections being extended to 700 more flats MORE residents across Bath & North East Somerset will soon be able to recycle their food waste with the expansion of the council’s collection service to more flats across the area.

Food waste caddies have been delivered to 745 flats, including addresses in Keynsham, Paulton, Midsomer Norton and Bath.

It means from October, residents of these flats will be able to recycle all their raw and cooked food waste, including fruit and vegetable peelings, plate scrapings and bones.

Councillor David Wood, cabinet member for Climate Emergency and Neighbourhood Services, said: “During lockdown residents really embraced food recycling as the amount of we collected was up 22% on the same period the previous year.

“This was a fantastic effort and we really want residents to keep up the momentum, so I’m pleased we are now able to expand our collection service.

“It’s a simple system: instead of throwing food waste out with the general rubbish, you put it in the small kitchen caddy and, when its full, empty it into the large shared food waste bin outside your

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£65,000 a year paid to informants by police Stephen Sumner

Local Democracy Reporter

Food waste is collected weekly as part of recycling collections

building which will be collected weekly.

“Food waste that ends up in black wheelie bins costs the council over £100 per tonne to dispose of and, if it ends up in landfill, it can also cause greenhouse gases.

“However, if it’s recycled it’s processed to produce renewable energy and turned into nutrient-rich compost to use on agricultural land.

“So, by simply recycling your food waste you can help tackle the Climate Emergency, while saving the council money that can be

used to fund essential services.”

Letters have been delivered to residents being offered the expanded service alongside their new food caddies.

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

To find out more about recycling services, or how to order a food waste caddy, visit: https://beta. bathnes.gov.uk/recycling.

AVON and Somerset Police pays out around £65,000 a year to “handfuls” of informants to help crack crimes.

Chief constable Andy Marsh said the sum was a “minuscule” part of the force’s £328.5million budget and is the right thing to do.

A freedom of information request revealed that between 2014/15 and 2018/19 the force paid informants – technically known as “covert human intelligence sources” – £322,999.52, or around £65,000 a year.

Speaking on BBC Radio Bristol on 17th September, Chief Constable Marsh said: “It’s not for everyday policing.

“If 500 catalytic converters have been stolen over five months, I think it would be worth paying someone £500 to understand who was doing that, in a way that led us to gather evidence to lock them up.

“It’s a tactic we use incredibly sparingly to deal with serious and organised crime, not trivial stuff.”

Chief Constable Marsh said the

amount informants get paid is a “relatively small amount of money” and “in terms of our overall budget it’s a minuscule spend”, adding: “It needs to be proportionate to the sort of people you’re dealing with.

“We’ve only got handfuls of people registered as informants.

“If we can have some information that would lead to the recovery of a viable firearm, that’s surely something worth doing.

“If we could have information that would stop child sexual exploitation, that’s surely worth doing, or solve a murder.”

He said it was the same as Crimestoppers offering £5,000 for information about a racially aggravated assault on an NHS worker and is the “right thing to do”.

Temporary mortuary to Iain R Webb to select Dress of the Year stay until next March

Haycombe Cemetery & Crematorium | Photo © ColinPeachey / Shutterstock.com

Stephen Sumner

Local Democracy Reporter

A TEMPORARY mortuary set up as Bath prepared for the worst during the coronavirus crisis has not been used.

The makeshift resting place was created in Haycombe Cemetery in April to provide extra capacity to funeral directors and the Royal United Hospital.

Bath and North East Somerset Council this week confirmed it will remain in place until next March.

Councillor Paul Crossley, cabinet member for community services said: “Thankfully, we have not had to use the temporary mortuary at Haycombe Cemetery

and Crematorium.

“However, the facility will remain in place through the winter until March next year.”

Bristol’s temporary mortuary has also not been used.

The city council said it would remain in place for six months because the cost of dismantling and reassembling is the same as keeping it.

South Gloucestershire Council’s overflow mortuary at its Broad Lane depot in Yate stored up to 18 bodies at a time when it was operational during the Covid-19 peak from April to July.

It was required when the number of deaths locally overwhelmed capacity at funeral directors, although no one taken there were victims of the pandemic.

THE Fashion Museum has announced that award-winning fashion journalist and educator Iain R Webb will select the Museum’s Dress of the Year 2020.

Each year, the Fashion Museum invites a top name from the fashion industry to select an outfit that encapsulates the prevailing mood of fashion, represents the past year and captures the imagination.

The chosen design becomes part of the Fashion Museum’s worldclass collection.

Iain, who currently resides in Bath, grew up in the area and has visited the Museum since his school days when he used to sit and sketch the fashions on display.

From those early beginnings, Iain went on to become an awardwinning fashion journalist and, as Professor of Fashion & Design at Kingston School of Art, is now one of this country’s leading fashion educators.

Among his academic roles, he is an associate lecturer at Bath School of Art and Design at Bath Spa University, and Central Saint Martins, where he inspires generations of fashion students, frequently drawing on and referencing the Fashion Museum’s collections.

Iain said: “I am thrilled to be invited to select Dress of the Year 2020, especially as the first person to be asked twice since the scheme’s inauguration in 1963.

“The Fashion Museum has always

been part of my life.

As a boy visiting the Museum, I could hardly have imagined that I would get to collaborate on so many amazing projects.

“Selecting Dress of the Year 2020 will be a real challenge. The world has changed so dramatically in just one year and the fashion landscape along with it. It will certainly be a formidable task to choose an ensemble that embodies such a unique moment.”

Councillor Paul Crossley, cabinet member for Community Services at Bath & North East Somerset Council, said: “We are delighted that Iain R Webb, who has been such a great supporter of the Fashion Museum over the years, has agreed to select the Dress of the Year 2020.

“We look forward to finding out what he has chosen when the Dress of the Year is revealed later this year. The outfit will go on display at the Fashion Museum when it reopens in March 2021.”

Rosemary Harden, Fashion Museum Manager, said: “Throughout his career Iain has continued to support and to advocate for the Fashion Museum. I can think of no one better suited to make the Dress of the Year selection for the Museum in 2020, surely one of

Iain R Webb

the most challenging years in recent history.

“2020 is the year of Covid-19 and Black Lives Matter, as well as the continuing critical challenge of the climate emergency and sustainability. How has fashion responded to these issues that are shaping and defining our times? How has it joined the conversation, reflected these huge issues, or indeed changed its practise?

“I have no doubt that Iain’s selection of the Dress of the Year 2020 will prove an insightful and stimulating take on this extraordinary year.”

In 1998, Iain selected womenswear by Sonia Rykiel and menswear by Chris Bailey for Jigsaw as the Dress of the Year.

The Dress of the Year 2020 will be announced in December and will go on show at the Fashion Museum when it reopens on 29th March 2021.

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Overnight closure of Alexandra Park

£500k of funding to provide housing support for vulnerable people

A TEMPORARY overnight closure of the car park at Alexandra Park in Bath is now in place in a bid to prevent further damage to the site after a series of incidents.

Bath & North East Somerset Council is trialling the closure due to damage occurring to park facilities on several occasions overnight and a report of parked cars being hit by a speeding vehicle.

From Saturday 19th September, the park has been locked to vehicles each night from 6.30pm to 9.00am, managed by a group of local volunteers.

The park will remain open to pedestrians and the toilets will be open as normal.

The trial is planned to finish at the end of October when the clocks go back.

Signs informing residents of the temporary closure will go up at the entrance to the park and at Bear Flat.

Any car owners who find themselves stranded in the park during closing hours can call the council’s out of hours number, 01225 39 40 41, and an officer will come and let them out.

Drivers are being warned that they may have to wait, which could take up to an hour.

Members of the private bowls club will still have access to the car park overnight.

Councillor Paul Crossley, cabinet

VULNERABLE people who were housed during the COVID-19 pandemic will be helped to stay in accommodation this year thanks to funding announced

by Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick.

Five councils across the West of England have secured a total of £516,634 to ensure interim accommodation and support for the most vulnerable people.

Bath and North East Somerset has received the most in the area, with £255,000, followed

by Somerset West and Taunton (£167,000).

South Somerset (£54,634), North Somerset (£25,000) and Mendip (£15,000) have also secured funding.

The money will help people into the private rented sector, secure interim accommodation such as supported housing and assess the wider support these people need to rebuild their lives.

In the South West, 23 councils will receive a total of £7.4million via the Next Steps Accommodation Programme, which is part of the government’s commitment to end rough sleeping for good.

Across the country, 274 councils will share a total of £91.5million.

Mr Jenrick said: “The incredible national effort to support rough sleepers during the pandemic has protected many lives and is widely regarded as one of the most successful programmes of

member for Community Services, said: “This temporary closure of the park is not one we relish having to put in place, however we must act to prevent further damage at the park and any further incidents of dangerous driving at night.

“We are very grateful to the volunteers that have come together so promptly to help us with this, and we hope that people will show the team respect when they’re carrying out their duties.

“Our aim is that the closure will put a stop to the damaging acts and it will therefore not be needed beyond October when the evenings have drawn in.

“We would like to apologise to any allotment holders who travel to their allotments by car who may have to change their usual visiting times.

“Please bear with us during this hopefully short period. We also apologise to all residents for any inconvenience caused.”

its kind in the world.

“I’m hugely grateful to all those involved. This funding will ensure vulnerable people and rough sleepers continue to have safe accommodation and the care and support they need, to ensure as few as possible return to the streets.”

An additional £13.5million fund will be used to enable local authorities to tackle new or emerging challenges.

Separately, applications are now being considered for a further £161 million fund intended to provide over 3,300 additional supported homes this year for those sleeping rough or currently housed in emergency accommodation.

The bidding has now closed and

details on successful bids will be announced in due course.

This is part of broader support to provide 6,000 such homes over four years.

Kelly Tolhurst, Minister for Rough Sleeping and Housing, said: “This funding will make a difference to many thousands of vulnerable people’s lives, continuing to help them address complex needs and rebuild their lives, away from the streets in safer interim accommodation.

“I want to commend the Rough Sleeping Taskforce, councils, providers and partners for the support they’ve provided so far.

“Together, we’re providing the support required to end rough sleeping and break the cycle of homelessness once and for all.”

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Community Partnership to help provide accommodation for DHI clients DEVELOPING Health & Independence (DHI) has announced a three-year charity partnership with Touchstone, a specialist property management company based in Bath.

Bath-based DHI is a charity which can help people out of the cycle of homelessness, social isolation and drug or alcohol abuse.

Touchstone is one of Bath’s largest employers, with a proud history of supporting local charities.

Through the partnership, Touchstone is helping to provide affordable accommodation for DHI clients. Touchstone aims to help DHI refurbish three houses locally, providing vulnerable families with a roof over their heads.

Touchstone has also donated funds to provide mobile data packages to help isolated people connect remotely with the charity and family and friends, or look for work. Being able to connect online is invaluable for vulnerable and disadvantaged

people, allowing them to access benefits and advice, and get oneto-one help and group support.

Covid-19 is having the greatest impact on those living at the margins, like Tom, who has already lost his job.

Having lost one connection, DHI wants to make sure he keeps others that are important to him and can apply for work and benefits.

He said: “This is amazing. I have been furloughed during lockdown, then lost my job as they weren’t keeping people on. Then I had a major operation on my knee and am quite housebound for next 6 months.

“I want to use my time wisely, and there are online courses I can do, but didn’t have enough data credit on my phone each month.

This sim data you bought me will enable me to do these courses.”

Rosie Phillips, Chief Executive of DHI said: “Everyone at DHI is excited about working together with Touchstone to make a valuable difference to people

Council leader calls for ‘joint effort’ to help Lesbos refugees

B&NES Council leader Dine Romero

B&NES COUNCIL Leader Dine Romero has called on central government to work with local councils on housing asylum seekers left stranded after the fire at the Moria camp on the Greek island of Lesbos.

She said the government should reopen its Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Programme, suspended during the COVID-19 outbreak, so that vulnerable refugees from the Moria camp could be supported in local communities.

B&NES Council’s support for the programme has seen 70 vulnerable people so far welcomed into the area.

Cllr Dine Romero said: “We are proud of the warm welcome we have given to the 17 families we have resettled so far under the government’s Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Programme. I know we have strong, supportive and compassionate communities in Bath and North East Somerset who would offer support and sanctuary to people who need our help.

Central government should now urgently reopen the Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme and work with councils in a joint effort so we can support people in desperate need whose lives have been devastated by this fire.”

affected by homelessness and substance misuse.

“We are thrilled that Touchstone are helping so many disadvantaged people in these challenging times.”

Tristram King, Director at Touchstone added: “Being based in Bath, it was important for us to find a local charity we could partner with to help make a real difference. The work that DHI does to tackle homelessness and social exclusion is crucial and we are delighted that we can lend our support to such a fantastic cause. We look forward to continuing our partnership with DHI, helping to provide a new start for people in difficulty.”

Residents encouraged to join Green Skills Recovery webinar ACTION being taken to help Bath and North East Somerset develop a more resilient, diverse and greener local economy with an emphasis on green skills is to be the subject of a webinar next month.

Residents and businesses from across Bath and North East Somerset are invited to join the online discussion on Monday 5th October at 5pm.

Council leader, Dine Romero, will be joined by panellists Chris George Assistant Principal, Business and Technical Skills Bath College, Rob Dawson from the council’s Economic Development team and Chris Mordaunt, the council’s Housing Standards and Improvement manager, to discuss the challenges and opportunities of the green economy and skills sector.

Councillor Romero said: “The impact of Covid-19 on our local economy has been hard hitting,

affecting many businesses and individuals. As we rebuild, we need to enable a more resilient, diverse and greener local economy to emerge.

“One that helps us work towards our climate change goals and our commitment to become carbon neutral by 2030.

“Working with our partners, we’re creating a recovery and renewal programme which puts these objectives at its heart with a strong emphasis on the development of green skills across the district.”

To register for the webinar, visit: https://bathnes.zoom. us/webinar/register/WN_ xUcc8vpmRMOkBkB3pyYGWg. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about how to join and submit questions in advance.

The webinar will also be livestreamed on B&NES Council’s YouTube channel and will also be available afterwards for viewing.

David Trick's commitment to Bath Rugby recognised with award FORMER player and past President of Bath Rugby Club, David Trick, has been presented with the Stone King Award in recognition of his longstanding support for the club.

The award also marks his support of the Bath Rugby Supporters’ Club (BRSC) and for being an active ambassador and fundraiser for Bath Rugby Foundation.

Nominated by the BRSC committee, David fittingly received his award at the Bath Recreation Ground.

BRSC Chairman Kevin Lawrence said: “We hold this award in very high regard. It gives us a chance to recognise people who have contributed outstanding services and this year we are delighted to award it to David Trick. Tricky has a long history of service with Bath Rugby, both as a player and in administrative roles and he is a very good friend to us at BRSC. “Together with his current role as a key member of the Bath Rugby Foundation team delivering essential support to young people facing very difficult challenges, this makes him a very worthy recipient and we are delighted to award it to him.”

As a player, during 12 seasons starting in 1979 David scored 143 tries in more than 200 games for Bath Rugby Club.

Since then he has remained

David Trick with Peter Woodhouse

committed to the club, including doing two terms as Club President. He also plays an active role in the Club’s charity arm the Bath Rugby Foundation, which works to empower vulnerable children in Bath and the surrounding areas.

He played an instrumental role in setting up the charity’s 1st XV Club and other fundraisers such as leading the Foundation’s annual cycle challenge.

Presenting David with the Stone King Award, which recognises outstanding contribution to Bath Rugby and BRSC, was Peter Woodhouse, Head of Business Sector and Employment team at

Bath law firm Stone King.

He said: “This recognition is richly deserved and I feel privileged to present this award to David for his incredible commitment to Bath Rugby over the past four decades.”

David Trick said: “I’m very grateful for this award. Since my days as a player I have gained so much from my ongoing involvement with the club and its supporters. My work with the Foundation in particular is extremely rewarding and there is much more to be done to support children and young adults through our education and development programmes.”

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Education Scientists to track COVID-19 cases by monitoring wastewater CHEMISTS, biologists and mathematicians from the University of Bath have received funding to monitor wastewater in cities in the UK and Africa, to provide an early warning of the spread of COVID-19.

The majority of people infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, are believed to shed the virus in their faeces, even if they are asymptomatic, so sewage surveillance is widely seen as a promising way of rapidly identifying emerging disease hotspots before an outbreak spreads more widely.

A new project will consider the challenges of monitoring wastewater in African cities including Lagos and Cape Town where sewage systems are typically informal and decentralised.

The project, entitled ‘Building an Early Warning System for community-wide infectious disease spread: SARS-Cov2 tracking in Africa via environment fingerprinting’ has received £436,000 from the Government via UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).

It builds on Bath’s water science expertise and a similar UK-based wastewater monitoring project that began in July.

The work will initially see researchers from Bath’s Centre for Sustainable and Circular Technologies, Water Innovation Research Group, the Milner Centre for Evolution and the Institute for Mathematical Innovation collaborate with colleagues from Stellenbosch University, South Africa, the University of Lagos,

Nigeria, and other local partners to set up a monitoring system comprising regular sampling and analysis of wastewater to track RNA of SARS-Cov2.

Professor Barbara KasprzykHordern, who is the overall project co-ordinator, said: “The coronavirus has had an unprecedented global impact on humanity. Within weeks it disabled the functioning of whole countries and exposed global vulnerability to this natural disaster.

“It also exposed the acute inability to rapidly identify, contain and manage a virus due to the lack of an early warning system (EWS) focused on rapid identification of SARS-Cov2 hotspots and response.

“With this project, we are planning to introduce an EWS that will provide information on public health status and disease outbreaks in real time.”

Dr Temilola Oluseyi, of the University of Lagos Department of Chemistry, will lead the work in Nigeria. She added: “Lagos is the epicentre of COVID-19 in Nigeria, having an estimated population of over 20 million people with many residents living in slums and informal settlements scattered across the city.

“With EWS put in place in Lagos, timely intervention and evidence-based decision making will provide key recommendations that other developing countries can adopt in terms of preparedness for infectious disease outbreaks. We expect that the outcome of this research will

A modern wastewater treatment plant

assist the government and other organisations provide comprehensive interventions to improve the health and quality of life of the vulnerable population in developing countries.”

The project will be led in South Africa by Prof Gideon Wolfaardt of Stellenbosch University.

The work is one of 20 new COVID-19 projects announced by UKRI, funded through the Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF) and the Newton Fund, focused on understanding and developing solutions to mitigate the short and long-term health, social and economic conse-

Pupils being reminded to stick to new six-person rule PARENTS, carers and pupils from across Bath and North East Somerset are being reminded to walk to and from school or bus stops in groups of no more than six and to maintain social distancing.

The reminder comes following the introduction of new restrictions on social gatherings earlier this week.

The new six-person restriction introduced by the government is designed to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and is enforceable by law.

Pupils who use school transport are also reminded that they should wear face coverings, use hand sanitiser and follow the safer travel guidance for passengers.

Councillor Kevin Guy, cabinet member for Children’s Services, said: “As pupils have now settled back into school and daily routines, it’s really important parents and carers talk to their children about the new restrictions on

gathering in groups.

“Schools are doing a fantastic job in maintaining social bubbles, but we can’t afford to let our guard down outside the school environment. It’s essential pupils stick to the rules travelling to and from school and while socialising outside school.”

Despite the challenges posed by coronavirus and reductions in capacity on public bus services due to social distancing, thousands of children from across Bath and North East Somerset are being safely transported to school.

Councillor Guy added: “We knew that the reduction in capacity to enable social distancing would pose a real challenge, but I’m delighted to say that as a result of working tirelessly over the summer months in partnership with our transport providers, the

transport authority WECA and individual schools we’ve been able to accommodate all children entitled to free home-to-school transport and have had very few problems reported to us from non-entitled pupils using public services. Passenger capacity has been increased with additional buses working on key routes during peak periods and some buses have been dedicated for school children only and not available to the general public.

“I’m also pleased to say that many children have heeded our call to walk or cycle to school if they can, they are helping to ease pressure on the transport network as well as doing their bit for the environment.”

The council will continue to review transport provision in the run-up to half term.

quences of COVID-19 for some of the world’s most disadvantaged people.

Professor Andrew Thompson, UKRI’s International Champion, said: “COVID-19 is demonstrating just how interconnected our world is and how our biggest challenges transcend rich and poor countries. To find lasting, sustainable solutions to the current pandemic and its aftermath, as well as to make us more resilient for the future, we require global thinking, the mobilisation of global expertise and a global response.

“That is exactly what these new

projects provide. Working together, researchers across the UK and the Global South are combining their knowledge and experience to develop innovative solutions to empower local communities to overcome the wide-ranging challenges created by COVID.” UKRI launched its Agile Covid-19 GCRF and Newton Fund call to address the urgent need to understand the specific challenges faced by some of the world’s poorest people in the face of this global crisis.

The projects, totalling around £7.5 million, will be carried out over the next 18 months.

Uni offers scholarships in memory of ‘outstanding teacher’ TEN scholarships for the University of Bath’s School of Management’s full-time MBA course are on offer to people whose careers have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The scholarships are being made available to those who have been made redundant or had to close their own business.

The scholarships are created in memory of Deb Lewis, former MBA Director of Studies who passed away in May 2020, to support people in the region severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

People who live in the ‘Western Gateway’ region of South West England and South Wales are eligible to apply for the scholarships, which cover core tuition fees for the year-long course, starting on Monday 19th October

2020. The thinking behind the scholarships is to help people to rebuild their careers and contribute to our local economy,” said Professor Stephen Wyatt, Executive Director (MBA and Post Experience Programmes).

“Deb was an outstanding teacher, colleague and role model. She always looked out for those who needed support and through these awards we want to honour her memory by supporting our local community during the pandemic.”

The Bath MBA improves leadership and business skills to enable students to fast-track or change their careers. It has a very practical orientation, with learning supported by leading academics combined with multiple opportunities to apply the acquired knowledge and insight in real-world project assignments.

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Health Warning issued over complacency towards flu and vaccinations COMPLACENCY towards flu and not getting the vaccination when eligible could lead to a significant increase in the number of people admitted to hospital this winter, residents are being warned.

The stark warning comes from doctors across Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire, who fear many people at risk of developing serious complications as a result of flu will put off getting the flu vaccine, as has happened previously.

In 2019, only one in two pregnant women and only 40 per cent of carers, most of whom will be caring for a vulnerable person with a complex health need, had the vaccine.

Much more than a regular cold, flu has the potential to debilitate even the healthiest of people, and can be even worse for pregnant women, any person aged over 64 and those with weakened immune systems and pre-existing health conditions.

Dr Ruth Grabham, Medical Director, Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire CCG, said: “I’m sure at some point we have all been guilty of saying it’s just the flu when feeling unwell, but this kind of casual attitude comes with very real risks.

“As a GP, I’ve seen the devastating effects flu can have and while most people recover through par-

acetamol and bed rest, others can find themselves in hospital, usually in intensive care with a very serious case of pneumonia.

“If you have never before had the flu jab but are eligible, now is the time to have it, not least to protect yourself and your family, but to protect the NHS, which is gearing up for what could be a very busy winter period.”

Dr Grabham’s call to action comes as the region continues to fight against coronavirus, which, like the flu virus, is particularly harmful to the most vulnerable people in society.

As with coronavirus, the most effective way of stopping the spread of flu is to practice good hand hygiene and to take extra care to catch coughs and sneezes in a tissue.

Getting the flu vaccine, which is free to people most at risk and widely available at GP practices, pharmacies, high street chemists and some larger supermarkets, is a proven way to stay protected during the winter months.

Dr Charlotte Forsyth, Medical Director at the Great Western Hospital in Swindon, echoed Dr Grabham’s comments regarding the severity of flu.

She said: “It’s more important than ever that we protect ourselves and others from the flu, as you can pass the virus to others without having symptoms and it

can be fatal for some.

“I strongly advise people who are at risk to have the vaccine as soon as it becomes available.”

Other key figures from the BSW healthcare community, which has seen a number of high profile coronavirus outbreaks in recent months, have also called on people not to put off getting the vaccine.

Kate Blackburn, Director of Public Health for Wiltshire, said: “We need to do everything we can to protect ourselves and, each other, from the flu.

“The flu jab is the most effective way to do this and we encourage as many people as possible to have the vaccination.

“As well as people’s health being protected, it will also help ease the pressure on our health services, which are expected to have a very busy winter.”

More information about flu, including who is eligible for a vaccine and where it is available from, can be found online at www.nhs.uk/conditions/flu.

Tribute fund raises more than £25,000 for Forever Friends Appeal A TRIBUTE fund that was set up in memory of a young mother who lost her battle with cancer has raised over £25,000 for The Forever Friends Appeal, the charity for the RUH in Bath.

Kelly Ross was only 32 when she died in 2015, leaving Jack (11 months) and Ruby (3) behind.

She had always spoken about supporting the Forever Friends Appeal, so her family decided to set up a personal tribute fund through the charity to fundraise towards the new Dyson Cancer Centre at the hospital.

Five years on and the family have organised a variety of events and challenges, including football matches, raffles and earlier this year Kelly’s daughter Ruby, now 9, held a coffee morning in their home town of Devizes and raised £1,700.

With fundraising activities being cancelled this year, Kelly’s brother Ashley with his wife Katie and brother in Law, Jason Muir, decided to take on their biggest challenge yet by attempting a non-stop version of the White Horse Trail, a 80-mile hike that links all of the White Horses in Wiltshire.

Friends and family joined them for sections of the three-day trek with Kelly’s parents meeting

them at the final White Horse.

After finishing the event Katie said: “From the bottom of our hearts thank you so much to everyone who has donated, joined us and sent messages of love and support.

“We couldn’t have done it without you all. We are all doing this for Kelly who is worth every penny, every blister, every ache and pain!”

More than £3,000 was raised from the hike, bringing the grand total raised by the tribute fund since its inception to over £25,000.

As a result, the family are now Senior Partners of the charity and will see Kelly’s name in the Dyson Cancer Centre.

Jan Witt, Legacy and Tribute Manager at The Forever Friends Appeal said: “Our charity relies on the wonderful generosity of families out in the community who wish to celebrate the lives of their loved ones through fundraising.

Setting up a personal tribute fund really does help make a really big difference to the patients and their families who are cared for at the RUH. Acknowledging the Kelly Ross Tribute Fund as a Senior Family Partner is our way of saying ‘thank you’ for everything her family, friends and colleagues have done in her honour.”

Tea and tunes mark World Alzheimer’s Day at the RUH A TEA party complete with cake, bunting and music marked World Alzheimer’s Day at the Royal United Hospital in Bath on Monday 21st September.

The socially-distanced event took place in Combe Ward’s garden, with music provided by the RUH’s in-house musician Frankie Simpkins who played a selection of well-known tunes on the flute.

It was the first time Frankie had returned to the hospital since March due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Bath Radio supported the event with an on-air conversation with Sarah Williams Martin of Dementia Action Alliance and by playing a range of hits from the ‘50s ‘60s and ‘70s.

Wards across the RUH were encouraged to play the music for patients to enjoy and sing along to.

Around 75% of the RUH’s patients are over 65 and of that patient group, around 30% are living with dementia, but may be in hospital for other treatment.

Combe Ward is a dedicated older persons’ unit (OPU) and many

of the patients treated on there have some form of dementia or cognitive impairment.

Nursing stations are placed in each of the bays on the ward, so that staff can observe patients and patients can be reassured by their presence.

Brightly-coloured flooring marks out the different areas of the ward and signs have both text and pictures.

The lighting on the ward is soft and even, and changes gradually throughout the day to give patients a sense of the passing of time.

Helen Slocombe, Come ward Senior Sister, said: “The tea party was a lovely event and was really appreciated by our patients, who got to enjoy a slice of cake while listening to beautiful music – even the sun made an appearance too.

“Events like this are really important for our patients’ welfare, it helps to evoke memories and gives them a chance to interact with each other and have fun.”

The RUH has a Dementia Coordinator team that provides

a seven-day service to support the hospital in caring for patients with dementia.

They support staff, patients and their family or carer during their stay in hospital through to discharge.

The team, which was a finalist in last year’s National Dementia Care Awards, promotes the support available at the RUH for people with dementia, works closely with local mental health services and the local community and delivers Trust-wide dementia training.

Patients with dementia can listen to audiobooks, plays and TV and radio shows during their stay at the RUH. The shows are loaded onto an easy to use audio player which is given to the patient, along with a pair of headphones so as not to disturb other patients.

COVID-19 has meant the hospital has not been able to run its usual arts and music programme, so patients across the hospital have been given free arts and crafts packs to help keep them entertained during their stay.

The packs, created by Art at the

Frankie Simpkins playing at the tea party | Photo courtesy of the RUH

Heart, the RUH’s arts charity, and supported by the Patient Experience team, give patients the chance to have a go at some creative activities while helping to alleviate the boredom of a hospital stay.

The packs include items such as paint sets, coloured pencils, origami, sketch books, colouring sheets, word searches, knitting and cross stitch kits. Each of the packs is individually sealed and for single patient use only.

In the Children’s Ward, there are additional arts and crafts activities available, including modelling clay.

To complement the activity packs, hundreds of Boredom Buster newspapers have also been distributed across the hospital.

The tabloid-size newspaper contains a range of stimulating activities, including puzzles, poetry, songs and ideas for creative writing, alongside factual articles.

Tuesday, 29th September 2020

13

www.bathecho.co.uk

Business New campaign set to showcase city’s successful businesses A NEW campaign celebrating and showcasing Bath and North East Somerset’s successful and world-class companies and their talented employees is to be launched this week.

‘Bath Unlimited’ is designed to support ‘Invest in Bath’ in attracting new inward investment by increasing awareness of the area’s flourishing businesses, many of which are global leaders in their field, and promoting the wealth of talent and expertise in the local workforce.

Through a dedicated website and social media channels, ‘Bath Unlimited’ will detail and promote the achievements of some of the area’s biggest and most successful companies.

The concept of ‘Bath Unlimited’ arose from conversations at the Economic Recovery and Renewal Partnership.

The campaign, which launches on Thursday 1st October, is a collaboration between Bath & North East Somerset Council, law firm Royds Withy King, brand and design agency Mytton Williams and the University of Bath.

Councillor Dine Romero, Leader of the council said: “We have a thriving and diverse local economy with an amazing array of world class companies from a range of sectors based in Bath and North East Somerset.

“As we work to recover from the

impact of Covid-19 it’s critically important that we increase awareness and raise the profile of these exceptional firms, their products and the expertise and skills they can offer in the global marketplace.

“Bath and North East Somerset is a fantastic location for any business, with international communication links, highly skilled residents and huge potential for growth.

“Couple that with leading research centres at our two universities, high standards of living and a beautiful environment and you can see why such high calibre businesses locate here.”

Initially Bath Unlimited will concentrate on promoting the potential and ambition of a selection of companies across five sectors: • Built-Environment – Grant Associates, Buro Happold, Format Engineers and FCB • Tech & Innovation – Rocketmakers, University of Bath, Zynstra and Rotork • Consumer Dynamic – Inspecs, LoveHoney, Future, Truespeed and Pure Planet • Defence & Engineering – BMT and Horstmann • Financial Services – L&C Mortgages and Novia.

Claire Smith, Partner and Bath Office Director Buro Happold, said: “I’m delighted that Buro Happold has the opportunity

Bath-based Wessex Water praised by customer watchdog WESSEX Water has again been singled out as a top performer in the annual Consumer Council for Water (CCW) complaints report.

The number of written complaints received from customers in 2019/20 fell by 23% while there was a 40% reduction in ‘stage 2’ complaints, where issues with service or bills are not resolved at the first time of asking.

This year’s report, which also measured complaints made via social media, web chat, SMS and in person, saw Wessex Water rated among the four standout companies alongside Bournemouth Water, Bristol Water and United Utilities.

It reads: “CCW acknowledges the good performance of Bournemouth Water, Bristol Water, United Utilities and Wessex Water, all of whom performed strongly across all indicators.”

Wessex Water was similarly praised in 2018/19, when it received the lowest number of written complaints per 10,000

household properties of all 21 companies measured.

Sue Lindsay, Wessex Water’s Director of Customer Policy and Engagement, said: “We’re proud to be the leading water and sewerage company again when it comes to keeping written complaints down.

“We treat any complaint as one too many and something to learn from, while we’re committed to going the extra mile for our customers and resolving issues raised at the first time of asking.”

Photo © Claudio Divizia / Shutterstock.com

to be part of Bath Unlimited, an important initiative celebrating Bath’s incredibly diverse economy.

“Being a member of the Economic Board and participating in Bath Unlimited, I have learned so much over recent months about Bath’s businesses that I didn’t know before.

“I’m extremely grateful to be living and working in such a wonderful city.”

In the coming months ‘Bath Unlimited’ aims to create local net-

working, career development and recruitment opportunities with featured companies.

Will Godfrey, Chief Executive of the council said: “Success breeds success and so it’s really important we champion the multitude of outstanding companies based in Bath and North East Somerset and their achievements. Did you know that Singapore’s iconic Supertrees, the Olympic Park Stadium, Tottenham Football Club’s new Stadium and Southbank in London were designed by com-

panies in Bath or that the city is home to the market leading national mortgage broker?

“The breadth and range of expertise across different sectors in Bath and North East Somerset is vast and as we look to the future there is huge potential for growth here with exciting developments such as Bath Quays and the Somer Valley Enterprise Zone creating new workspaces.”

More information will be available from Thursday 1st October at bathunlimited.org.

Novel Wines wins coveted Decanter Award for second year running NOVEL Wines, a Bath-based wine merchant founded in 2016, has won ‘Best Specialist Retailer – Central & Eastern Europe’ at the Decanter Retailer Awards 2020.

The Decanter Awards celebrate the best retailers up and down the UK. Novel Wines were shortlisted alongside The Wine Society, Best of Hungary and Taste of Georgia.

They were crowned winners on 7th September by a team of expert industry judges.

It’s the second year running Novel Wines has won the award, previously winning it in 2019 when they beat runners-up Croatian Fine Wines.

Over half of the independent wine merchant’s list of over 200 wines are sourced from central and eastern Europe. The remaining list features a selection of English, South American, Mediterranean and Asian wines.

“We’re absolutely over the moon to have won this award for a second year,” said wine buyer and co-founder Ben Franks.

“Our team has worked really hard and it’s good news like this, es-

Wine buyer and co-founder Ben Franks

pecially this year, that gives us something to be really proud of!

“At Novel Wines we focus on doing something different by sourcing wines from lesser-known regions that taste great. We only buy the best wines and our team gives a personal service to help customers explore something new.

“A massive thank you to our cus-

tomers, especially those in Bath who have visited our new bricks and mortar shop we opened on Upper Bristol Road in November last year. Thank you for supporting us!”

The judges for this year’s Decanter Awards were Peter Richards MW, Andy Howard MW, Laura Clay, Kate Hawkings and Peter Ranscombe.

14

Puzzles

Solutions will be shared in our next issue

Crossword - Win ÂŁ25!

Across 9 Radical (9) 10 Accommodate (5) 11 Find the answer (5) 12 Holy Land (9) 13 Increase in speed (10) 14 Finishes (4) 16 "The great grey-green, greasy --- River" (Kipling) (7) 19 Scholar (7) 21 Possesses (4) 22 Quantifiable (10) 26 Heaven or hell, maybe (9) 27 Sort of line dance (5) 28 Marijuana (5) 29 Dear (9)

Tuesday, 29th September 2020

www.bathecho.co.uk

Codeword

Down 1 Army dining room (4,4) 2 Leaning letter (6) 3 Armed resistance (9) 4 Smoked herring (6) 5 Sporting competitors (8) 6 Silence! (5) 7 Group of spectators (8) 8 Makes over (6) 15 Grease (9) 17 Lack of variety (8) 18 Unequal (3-5) 20 Adolescent (8) 21 E.g. Seville (6) 23 Drowsy (6) 24 Outlaw (6) 25 Experiment (5)

Crossword Competition!

For your chance to win ÂŁ25, submit your full name, postal address and answers by email to puzzles@bathecho.co.uk and we'll enter you into our draw. The winner will be the first randomly opened entry with the correct answers on Friday 9th October 2020.

Please note: Due to the coronavirus pandemic, we will not accept crossword entries to our PO Box postal address. The winner will be notified by the email address they use to enter this competition.

Sudoku Easy

Medium

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Tuesday, 29th September 2020

15

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Politics West of England Combined Authority Lansdown venue in outlines plans for regional recovery tranquil setting awarded alcohol licence AMBITIOUS plans for the region’s economic recovery have been discussed by the West of England Regional Recovery Taskforce.

The recovery action plan has been put together by the taskforce, led

by Regional Mayor Tim Bowles, which comprises senior figures from industry, education and local government.

It sets out five ambitions: • Rebuilding business, helping new and existing businesses to survive and thrive; to safeguard existing, and create new, jobs.

• Getting residents back into work, in jobs which pay above the living wage and offer employment security, through training and work to match skills to opportunities.

• Strengthening inclusion, preventing further widening of inequalities and building an inclusive economy where everyone has the opportunity to achieve their potential.

• A green recovery, using changes in behaviour brought about by the pandemic to accelerate transition to net zero carbon.

• Renewing places, creating greener, healthier, more vibrant places to live and work.

West of England Mayor Tim Bowles said: “This is a strong and ambitious shared plan for the recovery and renewal of our region, to protect and secure jobs while avoiding the dangers of a second peak of the virus.

“I would like to thank everyone who has committed so much time and energy to this work

– we’re a strong and innovative region so by pulling together in this way we can come back stronger.”

Over 160 businesses, education and community sector organisations gave their input, and the views of thousands more have been canvassed, to develop this action plan.

The plan will be discussed at the next meeting of the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) and Joint Committee on 9th October.

Following this, it will be published, and more businesses, organisations and members of the public will be encouraged to put forward their views on the next stages.

Taskforce member Poku Osei, chief executive of Babbasa, commented: “This is an important plan that will help us rebuild. It’s important that we are inclusive and that we strengthen work that’s already happening but needs scaling up to help us face the challenges.”

Katharine Finn, senior partner at PWC, said: “We need to focus on getting young people into work and also work on inclusion; recent reports have emphasised that Covid-19 has had a disproportionate impact on different groups, including women.”

WECA has already agreed a £5m fund to act as a catalyst, helping leverage in additional investment,

to

support taskforce recommendations.

Proposals for how it will be used to support the ambitions set out in the action plan are being developed.

The recovery action plan sets out what different partners can do to help the West of England recover – including central government, WECA, local councils and the private sector.

It draws on work WECA is already leading on to support businesses and individuals including: • Thrive at Work – to help mental health in the workplace • Business Innovation Fund – to provides SMEs with tailored support and funding to bring new products, services and processes to market • Trading Better Online – to provide specialist support to help businesses become digitally enabled and improve their resilience and productivity • Financial resilience – to help SMEs plan for financial resilience Small grants programme – small grants for business adaption, with specific support available for the tourism and hospitality sector.

The services can be accessed through the West of England Growth Hub at www. wearegrowth.co.uk.

The taskforce reports to the West of England Combined Authority and the Local Enterprise Partnership.

Stephen Sumner

Local Democracy Reporter

A LANSDOWN venue has secured an alcohol licence despite concerns about the impact on the tranquil valley setting.

Some 24 residents objected to Charles Simpson’s plans for Pipley Barn Cafe in Brockham End, claiming the area is essential for their wellbeing.

They complained of techno music being played late into the night at a recent event but he assured them it was not from his family-oriented cafe, which is on the Cotswold Way national trail.

Mr Simpson said in his application he wanted to use a seven-acre paddock for alfresco dining and occasional folk music performances, and to sell alcoholic drinks for on and off the premises.

Representing the objectors, Councillor Mark Roper said: “Please take into account the sensitive environment around Pipley Barn, the unusual acoustics within the valley, the high amenity value of this tranquil space and the location between two cities.

“It’s hugely important for the subcommittee to understand how prized this location is for its wildlife, tranquility and opportunities for outdoor recreation. It’s an essential

resource for residents’ physical health and mental wellbeing.

“The cafe is a relatively new venture. Residents have already experienced public nuisance from noise.”

Mr Simpson said he recognised that having a licence came with responsibilities.

He was given permission to sell alcohol until 9pm Monday to Thursday and until 11pm Friday to Sunday, closing half an hour later each day.

However, the conditions of his planning permission are currently more restrictive so he will have to go through a separate process to extend the opening hours.

Speaking after the licence was granted, subcommittee chair Cllr Manda Rigby told the objectors: “Were there to be some of the issues they fear, if they collect the evidence we can review the licence. It’s not that we weren’t believing you but this has to be an evidence-based regime.”

Last issue's puzzle solutions Crossword

Congratulations to Sally Pask who won £25 in our last issue!

Across: 1 Schnapps, 9 Overload, 10 Arrogant, 11 Suitcase, 12 Abstain, 13 Liar dice, 14 Vendetta, 18 Performs, 21 Hairless, 23 Sorcery, 24 Yarmouth, 26 Olive oil, 27 Farewell, 28 Magnetic.

Down: 2 Curable, 3 Noontide, 4 Pianist, 5 Sots, 6 Recital, 7 Placid, 8 Hassock, 13 Lamps, 15 Concrete, 16 Bahamas, 17 Reduced, 19 Roofing, 20 Martini, 22 Rammed, 25 Holm.

Sudoku Easy

Codeword Medium

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Tuesday, 29th September 2020

www.bathecho.co.uk

In Other News....

Students to benefit from renewed Santander partnership SANTANDER Universities has renewed its partnership with Bath Spa University for a further three years, to continue to provide annual funding for students and graduates.

The partnership, now in its sixth year, will provide scholarship and award opportunities to support education, entrepreneurship and employability activities.

Bath Spa University Vice-Chancellor Professor Sue Rigby and Matt Hutnell, Director of Santander Universities UK, held an online ceremony on 22nd September to mark the renewal of the agreement.

As a result of this ongoing partnership, the University will continue to help more students to enrich their learning experiences and further enable graduates to achieve their aspirations.

Funding will go towards helping those supported by the University’s Widening Participation team, to enable them to participate in mobility and research programmes, and take part in life-changing experiences such as overseas opportunities.

Students from all subjects, years and backgrounds will have the chance to benefit from the part-

nership’s initiatives too, such as the Santander Universities creative CV competition, which awards winners with funding and professional skills development experiences.

Both students and graduates will also have the opportunity to apply for seed funding to help with their entrepreneurial ventures.

Earlier this year, thanks to Santander Universities support, Bath Spa University created Emerge, its new creative studio, based at its Sion Hill campus.

Emerge has given graduates from across four key areas of the creative industries: art, design, performance, and media the opportunity to become studio residents.

These residencies have provided them with space, support and funding to enable them to develop a successful creative practice during what has been a challenging year.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Sue Rigby said: “I have been delighted to see the positive impact of the opportunities provided to our students and graduates by Santander Universities.

“Strengthening our partnership for a further three years will mean

Commons at Bath Spa University

that even more of our learners will benefit, leaving them with experiences and skills to last a lifetime.”

In the last year, Santander Universities’ Entrepreneurship Programme, has enabled four Bath Spa University graduates to take their film production company, Onnos Media, to new heights.

Through this initiative, the team picked up valuable business advice and were able to secure financial backing to travel to India as part of their work.

Matt Hutnell, Director Santander Universities UK, added: “Santander is committed to supporting higher education as well as local communities across the

UK. “We are proud to continue our partnership with the Bath Spa University for a further three years and look forward to working together in providing even more opportunities which will benefit both students and the local community over the coming years.”

Cancer specialists Schools to benefit from free urging women to attend ultrafast full fibre broadband cervical screenings CANCER specialists from the Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust are urging women to make sure they keep their appointments for cervical screening.

The appeal comes following national reports that women haven’t been attending appointments during the COVID-19 pandemic.

With September being Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month, staff at the RUH are taking the opportunity to remind women about the importance of attending cervical screening (smear test).

Cervical screenings help to prevent cervical cancer by checking for a virus called high risk Human Papillomavirus (HPV), as well as identifying any cervical cell changes.

Tracie Miles, Gynaecology Cancer Nurse Specialist at the RUH, said: “Across the country, we know that some women have not been attending for cervical screening during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Cervical screening plays a vital role in helping to prevent cervical cancer so it is really important that women keep to their appointments.

“While we understand that many women will be anxious about attending for a screening at the moment, we want to reassure them that, should they need us after having an abnormal screening test, we are following all infection prevention and control guidelines to keep our patients and staff safe.

“I would ask any women with questions or concerns about attending their screening to get in touch so we can reassure them and talk them through the process.”

Tracie added that it was important women were aware of their own genital health and to seek advice if they noticed any changes.

You can show your support for Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month by backing the Eve Appeal charity’s Go Red campaign, which aims to encourage people to raise money by holding a Go Red event – anything from a virtual quiz, to baking for friends, or organising a group of friends or colleagues to wear red for the day.

If you have any questions about your screening, call the Gynaecology department at the RUH via 01225 821962/824284.

STAFF and students at 50 rural schools in the B&NES and Somerset local authority areas are set to benefit from free ultrafast broadband connectivity for life, courtesy of Bath-based full fibre infrastructure provider and ISP Truespeed.

Community-focused business Truespeed provides schools passed by its network with a free Gigabit-capable service. This ensures school-age children have fast, reliable internet access to support their education.

Marksbury School, Abbot’s Way School and Churchill Academy are already connected to Truespeed’s gigabit-capable broadband service.

All 31 schools that make up the Bath & Wells Multi Academy Trust will come on stream soon, ensuring 7,800 pupils and over 1,400 staff benefit from this award-winning service.

Reliable, ultrafast broadband is now a must-have for schools as they rely on digital technologies and cloud-based storage and services to plan and teach the curriculum.

Many schools also rely on email as a cost-effective and efficient way to keep in touch with parents.

Julie Player, Head Teacher at Marksbury C of E Primary

School, said: “Truespeed’s ultrafast broadband service has transformed school life for pupils and staff.

“Before we went live with this service our broadband connectivity was so unreliable that we couldn’t really rely on online learning resources.

“Now teachers can now make the most of cloud-based storage for lesson planning, as well as a whole host of valuable cloudbased teaching aids accessible via interactive smart boards during lessons. Pupils also get to do more real-world learning in class - an important part of the curriculum - by using school iPads to access the internet and connect with local businesses.

“We have also been able to resurrect our dedicated ICT lessons.”

Gareth Wright and Hellen Lush, Joint Heads at Abbot’s Way School, commented: "Abbot's Way is a new forward-thinking specialist school near Glastonbury. The introduction of our Truespeed connection is a vast improvement, with speeds reaching 200Mbps. For our students, assistive technology is an essential resource, enabling them to explore, discover and thrive within the world of technology and support their general learning.

The installation of a fast, relia-

ble broadband service is crucial to any educational environment and we are very happy with the Truespeed service."

Evan Wienburg, CEO of Truespeed, added: “Our vision goes beyond delivering full fibre gigabit-capable broadband to businesses and homes in harder to reach areas; we’re also pledging free broadband for life to schools passed by our network. With our free service, teachers and school children in parts of the country left behind by the national providers are benefitting from reliable connectivity and ultrafast broadband speeds that are vital for education today.”

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