Bath Echo - Issue 028 - 13/10/2020

ECHO

Your FREE local fortnightly newspaper for Bath

Tuesday, 13th October 2020

Luxury bespoke made-to-measure kitchens and interior solutions

Thanking the community for your continued support over the past year

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Appeal branded “cynical attempt to waste taxpayers’ money” P2

Clean Air Zone set to launch next March Page 3 £200k cricket club claim “not in public interest" Stephen Sumner

Local Democracy Reporter

B&NES council decided not to pursue compensation of up to £200,000 after Bath Cricket Club contractors damaged trees on a bank that it owned.

Following a Freedom of Information request, Bath and North East Somerset Council released emails showing officers calling

for enforcement action or a civil suit to claim damages for the harm to the trees.

Despite officers pressing for action, the council did not pursue either option, and has said a civil claim was not needed and was not in the public interest.

The 11 trees in North Parade Road were on land owned by the authority, which had not given consent, but its orders for the engineering work to stop in Febru-

ary 2019 were ignored, the documents show.

Some have since been cut back to stop them falling after severe damage to their roots.

The cricket club secured planning permission in March 2018 to redevelop its car park and build 136 student flats, an indoor cricket school and a new teaching and learning space.

Following the engineering works, B&NES Council commissioned

arboricultural consultants to carry out a survey that valued the damage caused at £200,000.

They used a calculation “designed to assist local authorities in achieving an appropriate level of compensation where publicly owned trees are damaged or removed without consent”.

The report said: “There is relatively little that can be done to remediate or rectify the impact of...

Continued on page 2

E-scooter trial being launched across the West of England P5 Walk-through COVID-19 testing site opens in the centre of Bath P8 Disability charity appeals for support to provide wheelchairs P10 Full parking charges to be reintroduced at RUH in coming weeks P12 Get the latest news for Bath 24/7 on our website www.bathecho.co.uk

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Tuesday, 13th October 2020

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Hartwell Garage site developers appeal decision

In this issue...

Top Stories

P2-9

Community P10 Education P11 Health P12 Business P13 Puzzles

P14

Politics P15 In Other News

P16

We'd like to take the opportunity to thank the community across Bath for the support they have given the Bath Echo - it is very much appreciated.

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

How to get in touch with us...

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

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

Company Number: 09384496

Disclaimer Please note, the views expressed in this newspaper are not necessarily the views of the editor, or publisher.

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Stephen Sumner

Local Democracy Reporter

CAMPAIGNERS are urging residents to make their voices heard once again ahead of an appeal on controversial plans to build 186 student bedrooms and 104 flats in Bath.

Alan Champneys from the No to Hartwells Student Build Group described the Oakhill Group’s appeal as “cynical” when Bath and North East Somerset Council gave clear reasons for refusal.

The developer has refuted the claim and said there is “nothing unusual” in exercising its right to appeal.

Some 274 people opposed its proposals for Hartwell Garage, saying they were “unwanted and fundamentally flawed”.

But Professor Champneys said the planning inspector may not assume those objections still stand, so asked residents to reiterate their concerns.

The University of Bristol lecturer said: “This is a cynical attempt by an extremely rich developer.

They don’t care about wasting

council taxpayers’ money postpandemic.

“They don’t care about what the local community want. It’s uncertain whether there will ever be the same demand for student accommodation.

“They’re proposing an eight-day public inquiry. They’ll probably bring a very expensive barrister.

“It’s a catastrophic waste of money, given there were clear reasons for this to be rejected.

“This is two fingers up to the people of Bath.”

Rejecting the proposals in March, planning committee members said the site was only allocated for 100 homes, and what was proposed was inappropriate and failed to provide an appropriate mix of housing.

The council expected 40 per cent of the homes on the site to be affordable but the developer said only 12.5 per cent would be viable.

Newbridge ward member Michelle O’Doherty said she “couldn’t be prouder” to represent her community when the application was rejected.

She said this week: “I want to

encourage people to comment.

It seems the developer is going to use as much muscle as it can.

“This development was universally unwanted. Residents would be happy to see the site redeveloped but not to see 400 people shoehorned in with little space.

“It seems like a cynical ploy by the developer who will be able to pay for QCs the council won’t be able to afford. That’s their best opportunity to get the decision overturned.

“We will be doing what we can to make sure the inspector listens to residents.”

A spokesperson for the Oakhill Group said the application followed 11 months of detailed scrutiny by council officers, who had recommended it for approval.

Councillors went against that recommendation.

“After careful consideration Oakhill have exercised their legal right to appeal the decision of the council, and the appeal will be heard by an independent inspector appointed by the secretary of state,” the spokesperson said.

“Third parties have a right to participate in the appeal process and there is nothing unusual or cynical in what is taking place.

“The council gave six reasons for refusing the Oakhill proposals, but those reasons were not supported by council officers. A public inquiry which is scheduled to take place in February 2021 will test the arguments from both sides in a fair and transparent way.

“The Hartwell car dealership on the site closed down in February 2019 and it is necessary to find a new long-term use for the site that is viable and compliant with the council’s development plan.

“The Oakhill proposals do that by providing over 100 apartments for rent, purpose-built accommodation for 186 students, and a small retail unit, and will deliver the missing elements of the Bath sustainable transport route.”

The deadline for comments is Wednesday 14th October.

“Enough evidence" to sue cricket club for £200,000 Continued from page 1 this level of root damage.

“The extensive root damage caused by this engineering work has potentially significant short term implications for one lime tree as well as long term impacts on the health of all but four semi-mature limes.

“The impacts are not just the increased risk of tree failure or decline but also significant loss in public amenity value.”

In an email to colleagues, tree manager Denise Hart warned that the council would be found negligent if it failed to act and one of the trees fell.

Richard Long, the head of property services, said the council had enough evidence to sue the club for £200,000 for damaging the trees, plus costs.

Senior estates surveyor Hayley Ponsford pressed for legal action.

She said the trees were protected and the council had not given consent or granted planning permission for the work.

She said in an email dated May 2019: “We appear to have sufficient evidence to pursue this matter further. As landowner, we will need to take action and appoint solicitors. We are limited to a six-month period to pursue this, which began in February.”

In September 2019, after that deadline had passed, planning and enforcement officer Robert Warren said the trees were not damaged enough to be destroyed so it would be a less serious offence.

He said the council’s best option to pursue the issue was as a civil

The engineering works in North Parade Road | Photo © B&NES Council

matter to “recover the loss of the trees and the land, plus any consequential risks to the stability of the adjoining land”.

But in November the advice changed and Mr Long said the council had decided not to make a civil claim against the cricket club.

In a statement, Councillor Tim Ball, the cabinet member for housing, planning and economic development, said: “The council takes swift action against any incorrect practices when appropriate and in the public interest to do so.

“As soon as we became aware of the works by Bath Cricket Club, we raised the issue with them about the requirement to give proper notice.

“Following tests showing that the trees were not sufficiently damaged to amount to them having been destroyed, we sought legal advice which informed us it was not in the public interest to pursue a claim against Bath Cricket Club.

“As legally there was no actual loss to the council, a civil claim was not needed as we cannot recover a cost we have not suf-

fered.”

The trees were on a council-owned embankment in North Parade Road that the cricket club needed to cross to access its development site.

In January this year, the authority agreed to sell the “ransom strip” for £150,000 – a sum described as “less than best consideration” – after being told the community benefits would be worth £2million. That same month the club felled a tree on the council’s land without its consent.

Bath Cricket Club was approached for comment.

Tuesday, 13th October 2020

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Bath's Clean Air Zone to launch in March 2021 BATH’S Clean Air Zone is set to launch on Monday 15th March 2021 as the first charging clean air zone in England outside of London, although it will not be charging private cars.

The Clean Air Zone was due to be switched on in November but was delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Bath & North East Somerset Council considered air quality, traffic levels and the impacts of COVID-19 on local businesses and the economy, before agreeing the new start date with the government.

It means Bath will be the first city in England to launch a charging CAZ outside London, which has a similar ultra-low emission zone.

However, the date will be monitored to account for any significant developments regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

The council is currently contacting more than 9,000 local businesses to help them establish whether charges will apply to their vehicles, and how to access the support on offer.

Drivers affected by charges are also advised to check the council’s website at www.bathnes. gov.uk/BathCAZ for a list of local exemptions and whether they might be eligible for financial support to upgrade their vehicle or fleet.

The financial support scheme aims to support people regularly affected by charges with grants and interest-free finance to help them upgrade to compliant vehicles.

Local businesses and individuals, including those in neighbouring authorities that have premises and/or regularly drive in the zone, can apply.

For example, eligible van drivers could stand to receive up to £4,500 in grants, plus interest-free finance, to help them upgrade to a similar, compliant vehicle.

Larger grants are available of up to £20,000 for HGVs and £35,000

for buses and coaches.

In light of COVID-19, the council has amended the scheme so that if eligible businesses fail their initial credit check, they can re-apply once their finances have improved.

In addition, these drivers would be able to apply for exemptions on their non-compliant vehicles for up to two years.

There are also a wide range of exemptions available for hard-toreplace or special vehicles, and to support disadvantaged groups and vital services in the city.

Discounts are also available for drivers of larger, higher emission motorhomes and horse-transporters (private heavy goods vehicles) who can pay £9 instead of £100 provided they register with the council.

Applications for all local exemptions and discounted vehicles will open in November.

Councillor Dine Romero, council leader, said: “In 2017 the government directed us to reduce levels of nitrogen dioxide in the city in the shortest possible time.

“Technical work showed that a charging zone was the only measure that could achieve compliance in the time frame we were given.

“The council consulted widely on this and agreed to introduce a class C charging CAZ with traffic management at Queen Square, charging all higher emission vehicles, except private cars and motorcycles, to drive in Bath’s city centre.

“However, there is no getting away from the fact that Covid-19 has had a significant impact on many businesses and this will be an additional cost that they have to consider.

“We have worked hard to secure a considerable package of financial and other support to help business owners and I would urge them to get in touch, talk to us and find out how we can help.

“We all want clean air and the

The boundary of the new Clean Air Zone in Bath, launching next March

zone is a step towards our wider ambitions for Bath and North East Somerset to address air quality and tackle the climate emergency.”

Councillor Sarah Warren, joint cabinet member for Climate Emergency, added; “It is timely that we are able to make this announcement on Clean Air Day. “Traffic and pollution levels reduced during lockdown, but they are rising again in the city centre.

We must address this, and our deadline to improve air quality and reduce NO2 levels to within legal limits remains 2021.

“Tackling pollution is a priority for us if we’re to improve people’s lives and address the climate emergency. The CAZ will improve air quality, but we also need to tackle the other problems arising from traffic, and these will be tackled in our plans for Liveable Neighbourhoods.”

The clean air zone will operate in the city centre 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

Charges will apply to pre-euro 6/ VI diesel and pre-euro 4 petrol vehicles, except private cars and motorbikes.

Higher emission taxis, private hire vehicles, minibuses, LGVs

and vans (including pick-ups and campervans) will be charged £9 a day while higher emission buses, coaches and HGVs will be charged £100 a day.

Councillor Richard Samuel commented: “The Lib Dems have championed Bath’s clean air zone since we first called for one in 2017. This will be a big step forwards in protecting all our health from dangerous pollution.

“We’ve done a lot to improve the scheme and get more funding in place to support local businesses. As promised, private cars and motorbikes will not be charged.

“It’s important to note that the CAZ has a very limited scope and can’t solve all of our pollution and congestion problems. That’s why we are bringing forward wider plans through the Liveable Neighbourhoods programme.

“This is a really important step for the city of Bath. Air pollution has been far too high for far too long.

I’m proud we are taking action to deal with it.”

The council is now urging residents and businesses to check their vehicles to see if they’ll be charged. Drivers can do this using the government’s central CAZ service at www.gov.uk/cleanairzone.

News in Brief Appeal launched after motorist assaulted Avon and Somerset Police have launched an appeal for information following an assault on a motorist that took place at around 8.15am on Thursday 1st October in Bath. The victim was sitting in his car at traffic lights at the junction of Newbridge Road as it joins the A4 dual carriageway towards Bristol, when an unknown man started banging on the driver door window and shouting and swearing at him. He then caused damage to the driver door wing mirror. When the victim got out of his car to inspect the damage, the offender returned and assaulted him. The offender is described as white, just shorter than 6ft, aged in his late 40s to early 50s, with greying receding hair. He was driving a silver van.

Officers would like to hear from anyone who saw what happened or may have dashcam footage of the incident. If you can help, call 101 and give the call handler the reference 5220222597.

Man wanted following aggravated burglary Police are appealing for help to locate wanted 27-year-old Kyle Purnell in connection with an aggravated burglary. A pregnant woman, known to him, was injured in the incident. Purnell is white, 6ft 3ins tall and of medium build. He has blue eyes, short fair hair and a goatee beard.

He speaks with a West Country accent. He has a number of tattoos, including a heart behind his right ear and two stars on the left side of his neck although these may have been covered.

He’s currently believed to be in the Swindon area but also has links to Bath, Gloucester and Bromley, London. The public are advised not to approach him but to call 999 and provide the reference 5220211191.

Welcome to our last issue in print... Changes at Charlotte Street Car Park Sebastian Hawker Editor, Bath Echo

IT is with great sadness that we announce that this will be our last issue in print, albeit for the time being.

Over the past few months, we've been working hard behind the scenes to try and make the print version of the Bath Echo sustainable during all of the uncertainty caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

As we provide this newspaper completely free of charge across the city, we rely solely on advertising as an income to pay for the significant costs we incur, and unfortunately the two haven't balanced for a long period of time.

Despite our best efforts, and multiple unsuccessful grant and funding applications, we

have now reached a point where we can no longer provide the newspaper version of the Bath Echo, and will instead be putting all of our effort into running our popular website and social media platforms as a means to keep residents informed of what's happening in their community.

This isn't a decision we have taken lightly, and we are incredibly sad that we have now reached a point where the newspaper has to cease publication.

Over the past 14 months, the Bath Echo team have published 28 print issues and more than 1500 stories on our website, something we are incredibly proud of.

As mentioned above, we will be continuing to provide the website and will look at reintroducing the print newspaper as soon as it is once again financially viable.

I'd like to take the opportunity to thank everyone who has

supported this newspaper since our print launch last August, from our advertisers to our subscribers, through to our dedicated readers across the community.

Nobody could have predicted the impact of COVID-19 across the world, and though we are sad that we are having to cease printing, we know we are incredibly lucky to still be operating, albeit in a different way to which we are used to.

We hope you will join us over on our website at www.bathecho. co.uk where we will be shortly introducing a number of the features we regularly include here in print, such as our crossword competition. Please also find us at @BathEcho on our various social media accounts.

Until we return, we hope you, your family and friends stay well and we offer you our best wishes for the future.

TEMPORARY changes are being made to both vehicle and pedestrian access to Charlotte Street Car Park due to electricity works

by Western Power Distribution.

From today, Tuesday 13th October – Thursday 23rd October, vehicle access via Charlotte Street will be entrance only, with vehicles exiting via Marlborough Buildings.

The footpath leading out of the city centre will be closed and a barriered walkway will be put in place.

The footpath toward the city centre will remain unaffected.

Councillor Joanna Wright,

cabinet member for Transport Services, said: “These temporary changes are needed to ensure the safety of motorists and pedestrians while Western Power carries out essential work.

“Additional signs will be put up re-directing people and vehicles to the temporary new routes.”

Western Power has written to residents and businesses in Charlotte Street advising them that road access to the rear of their properties via the car park will be restricted for one day during the works. Resident’s power supplies will not be affected.

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Tuesday, 13th October 2020

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Residents urged to make the most of historic Milsom Street VISITORS to Milsom Street are being encouraged to make the most of the street’s stores while shopping safely, with the introduction of a series of improvements and activities in the run up to Christmas.

Bath & North East Somerset Council is working with Bath Business Improvement District (Bath BID) and local traders to give the city’s most famous shopping street a boost.

Temporary access restrictions to enable social distancing mean that Milsom Street now gives priority to pedestrians and is closed to all vehicles except buses.

The restrictions have created a more pleasant environment for shoppers supporting social distancing.

The street will see a number of interventions over the coming weeks: an ‘I love Milsom Street’ banner now hangs proudly across the street, new planters and hanging baskets have been installed, and the area will be made even greener with the installation of mini-parklets incorporating seating and planting before Christmas.

The team behind Bath Carnival are creating three shop window art installations, two of which promote the safe use of our High Streets to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

The colourful window displays are designed to attract footfall and any selfies taken can be tagged with #lovemilsomstreet.

Stu Matson, Director of Bath Carnival said: “It’s been great bringing a splash of colour to Milsom St after lockdown and partnering with NightJar Events has allowed us to be really adventurous with the designs, incorporating large scale balloon garlands and bespoke macramé into our installs.

“Wherever possible we’ve used recycled or repurposed materials, including a secondhand mannequin courtesy of Primark, an old set of scrubs from a local nurse and a host of upcycled materials from Scrapstore Bristol.”

Milsom Street will also host pop-up shops and a Christmas food stall and there will also be a socially distanced entertainment pitch.

Councillor Richard Samuel, cabinet member for Resources, said: “Milsom Street is such a key shopping destination and it’s important we support its traders by promoting it as a safe and welcoming environment.

“The planned improvements and events will create a fantastic atmosphere in the build up to Christmas and I have no doubt will encourage people to explore and enjoy everything Milsom

@bathcollege

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Milsom Street in the centre of Bath | Photo © Nigel Jarvis / Shutterstock.com

Street has to offer. Of course, we must all play our part to stop the spread of Covid-19 and over the coming weeks we’ll be placing adverts on buses and erecting posters at bus stops reminding people to socially distance, wear a face covering when required and to wash their hands while enjoying the local high street.”

With the cancellation of Bath’s Christmas Market this year due to the pandemic, traders say its vital shoppers support them during the festive season.

Nickie Portman, from Portman Boutique, said: “We love and are so proud to have our boutique on

one of the most beautiful streets in Bath. Milsom Street is the heart of Bath.”

Allison Herbert, Bath BID CEO, added: “Milsom Street is an important landmark and we are pleased to be working with partners to ensure that it is better placed to withstand the current challenges.

“We look forward to working with the council to develop a long-term future for Milsom Street which will ensure that it continues to provide an attractive and engaging place to visit.”

Many of the activities in Milsom Street are funded by the West of

England Combined Authority’s Love our High Streets funding.

West of England Mayor, Tim Bowles, said: “This is a great example of how our Love our High Streets programme is helping to revitalise our High Streets and ensure that they remain at the heart of our local communities.

“I am really pleased to see these further activities in Milsom Street which have progressed by working with local businesses.”

The project has received funding from the European Regional Development Fund through the Reopening the High Streets Safely Fund.

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Tuesday, 13th October 2020

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Work gets underway to revive Sydney Gardens A YEAR-LONG construction and landscaping project to rejuvenate the UK’s only surviving Georgian Pleasure Garden has begun.

Sydney Gardens in Bath, a favourite spot of Jane Austen dating from 1795, will benefit from a new large play area for all ages, improved tennis courts and a new Community Pavilion in a major project joint-funded

by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and The National Lottery Community Fund.

Conservation work will be carried out on the key listed buildings, the Temple of Minerva and Loggia and the Edwardian iron toilet facilities will be restored.

Bath & North East Somerset Council’s parks team is leading the refurbishment project, named Sydney Gardens: a 21st Century Pleasure Garden, with all design and contractor teams based in Bath or within the South West. The works include: • Sand, water play and natural features for young children and new play equipment • Basketball hoops, panna football and table tennis

• Resurfaced and re-marked tennis courts • Conversion of the existing toilet block into a Community Pavilion, including an accessible toilet and a specialist Changing Places toilet for disabled people and their carers, funded by the City Forum • Mobile refreshment stands The new Community Pavilion will complement the existing community-based programmes that run out of the Gardeners Lodge and throughout the park.

The original scheme to provide a single large café kiosk has been altered to offer mobile refreshment stands to make it easier for visitors to follow social distancing.

The parks team and The Friends of Sydney Gardens have been working for the past three years with other organisations including the Holburne Museum, Residents Associations, the Canal & River Trust, Julian House, Age UK Bath and local schools on the project.

Park users may experience some disruption while works are ongoing but as much of the park

This week, The Pig is mostly...

Photo © B&NES Council

will remain open as possible.

The project is expected to be completed by September 2021.

Councillor Paul Crossley, cabinet member for Community Services, said: “Sydney Gardens is a remarkable historic location and a huge asset for our communities.

“Spending time outdoors and being active are so beneficial for our physical and mental health.

It’s exciting that this project to refurbish and restore the gardens is now underway and I look

forward to seeing residents and visitors enjoying the improved facilities.”

Stuart McLeod, Director London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “We’re delighted to support this project to refurbish and conserve Sydney Gardens. Thanks to National Lottery players, the local community will be able to enjoy the benefits of a range of new facilities at this important heritage site.”

Operator announced for regional e-scooter trial RESIDENTS will soon be able to get around the West of England on e-scooters after Regional Mayor Tim Bowles announced the name of the company appointed to deliver the region’s dedicated trials.

Voi Technology Ltd will be making hop-on hop-off e-scooters available in Bath and Bristol to help residents and visitors to get around central areas.

E-scooters will also be available at other key locations in South Gloucestershire such as stations, university campuses, hospitals and large employment sites.

Voi will also run a longer-term rental scheme; allowing residents to take e-scooters home and use them for journeys on a longerterm basis, giving confidence that they can get to and from their destinations during times when bus and train capacity is limited.

The 12-month e-scooter trial is being led by the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) in partnership with Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol and South Gloucestershire councils.

The following key rules apply for the e-scooter trials: • Privately owned e-scooters remain illegal to use on roads, pavements, parks and any other areas. The only place that privately-owned e-scooters can legally be used is on private land with the permission of the landowner.

• Only e-scooters that are hired or leased through the West of England’s trial can be used legally on roads, cycle lanes or cycle tracks. Effectively e-scooters that are part of the trial can be used wherever cycles are permitted.

• E-scooters cannot be used on pavements.

• E-scooters are classed as motorised vehicles and riders of authorised trial e-scooters must hold a full or provisional driving licence.

West of England Mayor Tim Bowles said: “I’m really pleased to announce Voi Technology Ltd will be getting our region moving as the operator for our e-scooter trials.

“This is an exciting prospect, bringing a new, low carbon way to travel around the region, and making it accessible for every community.

“This is a real benefit for our region while social distancing is in place on public transport, but also it’s a great opportunity to understand how they might help support my longer-term sustainable transport ambitions including our transformational MetroWest rail system and regional Mass Transit.

“We received a large number of strong bids and it was great to see that the West of England is viewed as a place to invest. Now we can get the trials on the road within the next few weeks.

“We have been talking with our colleagues from other combined authorities running e-scooter trials around the country in order to learn from their experiences, and VOI bring their own experience too which is valuable.

“We are working closely with our councils and Avon & Somerset Police to ensure that e-scooters are used responsibly as part of the trial.”

The exact start date for the trials is subject to discussions with VOI and authorisation from the Department of Transport, but it is anticipated that the trials will begin to be rolled out later this

month.

Swedish company Voi launched Europe’s first dockless e-scooter service in 2018 and now operates in more than 50 cities across 11 countries.

Fredrik Hjelm, cofounder and CEO of Voi Technology, said: “Voi will soon be coming to Bristol and Bath, two marvellous British cities of great economic and cultural importance, and we couldn’t be more excited about it.

“The pandemic has created a major transportation problem that Voi is helping to solve as we need a climate- and COVIDfriendly alternative to a car-led ‘recovery’.

“The viable alternative is an e-scooter rental scheme which puts rider and public safety, as well as the climate, first.”

Richard Corbett, UK and Ireland General Manager, Voi Technology, added: “Our public transport system is under significant pressure as a result of COVID-19, and forward-thinking solutions are required to help keep people moving safely and sustainably during the upcoming winter period.

“To ensure the scheme gets off to a smooth start, Voi is making use of licence plates to help identify any misuse of our e-scooters, as well as investing in ambassadors on the streets to ensure that any anti-social behaviour is stopped in its tracks.

“We are committed to ensuring that the launch is equitable for all, including the blind and partially sighted.”

WECA has been engaging with

West of England Mayor Tim Bowles with Alex Klimt of Voi Technology

groups representing vulnerable road users, including the RNIB and Age UK, and will continue to do so throughout the e-scooter trial.

It will work closely with the operator, stakeholders and the public during the 12-month trial to continually review the trial and refine how it works.

Councillor Joanna Wright, Bath & North East Somerset Council’s joint cabinet member for Transport Services, said: “This is an exciting project and I am delighted we are part of the trial.

E-scooters have the potential to play a key role in our vision to create a connected city, fit for the future through the provision of sustainable transport options which promote active travel and reduce carbon emissions.”

Rental e-scooters on the trial will be capped to a maximum speed of 15.5 mph. Geofencing technology will allow slower speed restrictions to be imposed in defined areas, which will be identified in collaboration with the police, the operator, and stakeholder groups such as equalities groups.

OFFERING huge congratulations (and more than a little kudos!) to those lovely Larkhall Butcher boys, who have officially confirmed that they're opening a second shop on Widcombe High Street, hopefully at the end of this month... pending the arrival of their bespoke butcher's cabinet from Italy. Chop chop, Piggies! (https://larkhallbutchers. co.uk) MAKING the most of a modern Indian summer regardless of the weather at a semi-alfresco courtyard table at Bandook Kitchen (Milsom Place) where the Eat Out To Help Out scheme (50% off your bill Monday-Thursday to a max discount of £7.50pp) has been extended throughout October. Prefer to eat in? There's discounts on click'n'collect, too; visit the Bandook website for full T&C's (https://bandookkitchen.com) STAYING with the meaty theme to recommend a steak-out at The Herd (Argyle Street) where the carnivorous feast that is the Steak Sharing Platter brings robust rib eye, succulent sirloin and utterly fabulous fillet steak to the table (accompanied by an abundance of necessary frills'n'fripperies such as beefy chips and chunky homemade onion rings) for less than £25pp – now that's very good moos indeed (https:// www.theherdrestaurant.co.uk) RAISING a pinkie to celebrate the return of Sweet Little Things super-pretty afternoon tea home delivery service. The full package of afternoon delights includes finger sandwiches, jam'n'cream scones, freshly baked cakes (all homemade), edible flowers, decorative berries and English breakfast tea delivered to your doorstep direct from SLT's Lower Borough Walls HQ for £18.95pp (2-person minimum order.) Vegan and GF options are available, and delivery is free within a 10-mile radius (https://www.sltbath.co.uk/afternoon-tea-delivery-1) ENJOYING ma staycation experience on the hoof (or rather, trotter?) courtesy of Maureen's Mediterranean Street Food stall in Green Park Station, aka Bath's Street Food HQ. Tuck into the most authentic falafel in Bath alongside superb samosas, divine chicken shawarma and all manner of freshly-cooked Middle Eastern delights, lots of them packed into exceedingly wellpacked wraps (https://www. greenparkstation.co.uk/fooddrink) Don't miss out - the Pig Guide column will continue via our website at www.bathecho.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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Destructor Bridge reopens to encourage sustainable travel THE new Destructor Bridge in Bath is set to be used to encourage more walking and cycling and help create a low traffic neighbourhood after it opened on Wednesday 7th October.

The bridge will allow traffic to use the northern entrance to the new Bath Western Riverside community and businesses and features a three-metre corridor for pedestrians and cyclists, to encourage more sustainable travel across the city.

Bus travel will be encouraged by bus stops on Stothert Avenue, Midland Road and a new bus gate on Stothert Avenue, enforced by ANPR cameras in line with other bus gates in the city.

The bus gate allows buses to pass through and serve the new community without getting caught in traffic on the Lower Bristol Road and Windsor Bridge Road, giving more reliable journey times and encouraging sustainable travel.

Restricting through-traffic will give cyclists and pedestrians a choice to travel along a low traffic road as an alternative to competing for road space on the Lower Bristol Road.

Bath & North East Somerset

Council is asking drivers to note that they will not be able to travel from Upper Bristol Road to Lower Bristol Road, as they may have been accustomed to doing before the old bridge was closed to traffic in 2013 for the construction and development of Bath’s Western Riverside.

The original Destructor Bridge, a single-lane structure dating from the 1870’s, was originally moved from Green Park to Midland Road in the early 1900’s to provide access to the city’s incinerator, hence the name.

With the redevelopment of Bath Riverside came the opportunity to improve the crossing with better cycle and pedestrian facilities.

Councillor Joanna Wright, joint cabinet member for Transport Services, said: “We realise that the community has been waiting a long time for the Destructor Bridge to reopen, so I’m delighted that we have now been able to officially do so.

“It will get traffic moving in the city at the same time as prioritising travel by bus, foot and bike, helping to create a low traffic neighbourhood by encouraging active travel.

“We are grateful to the ward

Cllr Joanna Wright, Cllr Sue Craig, Cllr June Player, Cllr Colin Blackburn and Cllr Neil Butters

councillors and other members of the community who have supported us throughout the project.

“We have considered carefully the impact vehicles exiting Midland Road would have on Lower Bristol Road, which already carries a high volume of

Festive events revealed to bring magic of Christmas to Bath A PROGRAMME of events is being planned in the runup to Christmas to welcome residents and visitors to the city centre in a safe and welcoming environment.

Bath and North East Somerset Council, Bath Business Improvement District, Visit Bath, Bath Festivals and organisations throughout the region have come together to bring the magic of Christmas to Bath.

Bath BID will begin the festive activities with two Early Bird Christmas Shopping days, on 12th and 19th November, with entertainment around the city centre, and a range of promotions available to shoppers.

There will also be times dedicated to those people in need of a little more time and quiet to feel welcome in the city centre shops, with dedicated Compassionate Christmas Shopping from 10am to 12 noon on 10th and 17th November.

Some of Bath’s most iconic buildings will come to life with festive illuminations and while the award-winning Bath Christmas Market will not be taking place in its traditional form, its spirit will be celebrated by twelve chalets around the city centre selling locally made gifts and treats, the same number that came together to form the very first Christmas market in Bath in 2000.

The cultural and festive programme begins on the weekend of 27th November and

Photo © 1000 Words / Shutterstock.com

will run until 20th December.

Each weekend will involve different arts organisations running events, in the unique buildings and open spaces in the city.

All events will be planned following the latest government guidelines on the pandemic.

Bath Festivals will open the programme in partnership with the Holburne Museum, in conversation with Grayson Perry in the Forum talking about his remarkable career.

Bath Carnival and ArtSeen will be creating lanterns with community groups and schools, which will animate the city.

There will be lanterns attached to rickshaws in a cycle promenade around the city streets.

Open air stages in the city will see students, local musicians, story

tellers and poets entertaining residents and visitors.

The Forum will open their doors on the final weekend culminating with Bath Philharmonia performing The Snowman, accompanying Raymond Briggs’ animated masterpiece for a moment of charm and beauty in the run up to the holiday season.

The full programme of events will be announced in the coming weeks.

All events are subject to the latest government advice and restrictions and may be subject to change. All visitors should adhere to the latest guidance when travelling including the use of a face covering and social distancing, and are reminded to ensure that reservations are made in advance for travel and specific events to avoid disappointment.

traffic. We have therefore made the decision to restrict vehicle access to one-way northbound to prevent congestion. It will also help avoid rat-running taking place through Bath.”

The new bridge was delivered by Crest for the council as part of the wider site infrastructure, funded

with £3.6M Homes England and MHCLG Growing Places grant.

The new structure was designed by bridge designer Flint and Neill & Knight Architects.

It was constructed on site by local contractor Britannia Construction and slid into place using specialist equipment.

Market goes virtual with online directory for stallholders

THIS year, the award-winning Bath Christmas Market will be going virtual, showcasing its’ range of producers, artists and makers online.

From 1st October through to 1st January 2021, www. bathchristmasmarket.co.uk will direct visitors straight to stallholders’ websites.

Shoppers will be able to browse and buy from the comfort of their home whilst knowing they are supporting many of the city’s creative and unique businesses.

Bath Christmas Market lovers will find lots of their favourite produce, including beautifully crafted homewares, Christmas decorations, personalised gifts, handcrafted jewellery, seasonal food and much more.

Visitors are encouraged to look out for the exclusive festive deals and discounts many will be

offering.

Around 27 local charities will also have a listing on the website, with a link through to their websites and social channels where donations can be made.

Mick Heath, head of events, Visit Bath, said: “Cancelling Bath Christmas Market this year was hugely disappointing for our stallholders, many of whom rely on the market for a large proportion of their annual turnover. It was therefore extremely important to us to find a way to support them, so we are delighted that we can direct shoppers – from all over the UK and potentially beyond – online to shop from the market’s producers, as well as continue to support a range of local charities; last year £26k was raised, so it’s an element of Bath Christmas Market we are very proud of.”

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Walk-through testing site welcomed Body found in search for missing uni student Alec Unsgaard A NEW walk-through COVID-19 testing site in the centre of Bath for people with coronavirus symptoms has been welcomed.

The local testing site (LTS) in Carpenter House, in Broad Quay, will play a role in driving down the spread of coronavirus in Bath and North East Somerset by ensuring that those who have symptoms can get tested in an easily accessible location.

Testing is available only for those with coronavirus symptoms – a high temperature, a new continuous cough, or a loss or change to sense of smell or taste.

Anyone with one or more of these symptoms should book a test at nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119. The city centre location has been chosen so as to be easily accessible without a car.

Those being tested will be required to follow public health measures including social distancing, not travelling by taxi or public transport, practising good personal hygiene and wearing a face-covering throughout, including while travelling to and from the testing centre.

The LTS will have its own entrance and exit to keep people safe.

Businesses and residents nearby Carpenter House have been advised in advance about the new Government facility, which is being operated by G4S in the University of Bath-owned building. Professor Ian White, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bath, said: “We have been

working closely with Bath & North East Somerset Council and the RUH throughout the pandemic to find ways for University facilities and expertise to help the local community, such as producing PPE and accommodation for health workers.

“Given the importance of test and trace in tackling Covid-19, we are pleased to be able to provide space on the ground floor of Carpenter House for this facility.”

Councillor Rob Appleyard, cabinet member for Adult Services, said: “The centre is not a walk-in so please don’t just turn up and expect a test, you must have an appointment by booking online or calling 119.

“The location enables people in the city to walk or cycle to it or drive, however please do not use public transport or taxis if you have Covid symptoms.

“I am urging residents, if you have symptoms, to get tested now to protect yourself and others, and help to stop the spread of this virus.”

You must self-isolate immediately if: • you have any symptoms of coronavirus (a high temperature, a new, continuous cough or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste) • you’ve tested positive for coronavirus • you live with someone who has symptoms or tested positive • someone in your support bubble has symptoms or tested positive • you’re told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace or the NHS COVID-19 app • you arrive in the UK from a country with a high coronavirus risk.

A BODY has been found in the search for missing 21-year-old University of Bath student Alec Unsgaard, Avon and Somerset Police have announced.

The body was found by police officers in the Bathampton area on Wednesday 30th September.

Alec’s family were informed of the discovery and police have been offering them support.

The death is not being treated as suspicious but officers are carrying out enquiries on behalf of the coroner.

Alec, from Sweden, was last seen on campus at the University of Bath on the evening of Friday 18th September.

In a statement, Avon and Somerset Police said they would like to thank both the public

and the media for their help in publicising their appeals to find Alec and their thoughts are with his family at this very difficult time.

Speaking of the discovery, Professor Ian White, ViceChancellor of the University of Bath, said: “The news from police that they have found a body in the search for Alec is extremely distressing and our thoughts continue to be with his family at this saddest of times.

“We will continue to assist them in any way we can, and to engage and support all others involved.

“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.”

Residential homes transferred to council

On-street parking bays introduced ahead of coach park closure

THREE residential homes and five extra care housing sites in Bath, Keynsham and Midsomer Norton have been officially transferred to Bath & North East Somerset Council.

Staff who worked for Sirona care & health which ran the three community resource centres and five extra care facilities have also transferred to the council’s workforce.

Councillor Rob Appleyard, cabinet member for Adult Services, said: “I want to extend a warm welcome from the council to residents, their families and staff as the council takes over the running of the community resource centres and extra care services.

“I would like to thank Sirona care & health for the great work it has done running the services and for the safe transition to the council.

“When we set out to bring the community resource centres and extra care services back to the council no one could have envisaged the coronavirus pandemic and the enormous impact it has had and continues to have on our all of our daily

WORK to create six new onstreet, short-stay coach parking bays, in advance of the closure of the Riverside Coach Park, has been completed.

The coach park is scheduled to close at the end of October to enable the development of Bath Quays North, Bath & North East Somerset Council’s flagship regeneration project which will create a new business district, providing much needed highquality office space and creating hundreds of new jobs.

In preparation for the development, the council carried out a detailed study and consultation in 2017 on the options for coach parking and drop-off/pick-up facilities in the city.

A new coach park has already been provided at Odd Down Park and Ride site, with 29 spaces for coaches to layover once they have dropped off in the city centre.

The council has introduced three new on-street, short-stay coach parking bays in Pulteney Road and an additional three bays in Royal Avenue.

These are in addition to the current drop-off/pick-up facilities in Terrace Walk, North Parade and James Street West.

As a result, existing residents’

lives.

“Keeping residents, staff and families safe is always our priority and I want to thank all the staff for the care they are providing working under such challenging circumstances. It is greatly valued.”

Last September, Sirona care & health gave notice that it planned to terminate its contract running the facilities in Bath and North East Somerset.

Throughout the transfer, all 280 staff and residents have been assured the move would not affect the level of care being provided to residents or affect jobs for Sirona care & health staff, and no centres were being closed.

The facilities run by Bath & North East Somerset Council include: • Cleeve Court (45 beds), Bath • Combe Lea (30 beds), Midsomer Norton • Charlton House (30 beds), Keynsham There are also three Extra Care Housing sites in Bath, one in Midsomer Norton and one in Keynsham, together providing support care to 140 tenants.

parking bays on Royal Avenue will be altered and relocated slightly further into Royal Victoria Park and 12 daytime pay and display/ residents parking spaces lost on Pulteney Road.

Councillor Joanna Wright, joint cabinet member for Transport Services, said: “We consulted on the options for coach parking in the city and we listened to what people told us.

“Coach operators now use our long stay facilities at Odd Down, but we do need to ensure we have enough drop-off and pick-up points for them to use near the city centre.

“The two new sites are within walking distance of key visitor attractions and, as they are on the periphery of the city centre, will

help to limit coach movements within the centre itself.

“Looking to the future though we do understand that we need to balance the needs of residents, businesses and coach operators.

We apologise to residents for any disruption while the works are carried out next week.”

The new coach parking bays will operate between 8am and 7pm and parking remains unrestricted outside of these times, as per the existing pay and display/ residents’ parking bays in the area.

Waiting time will be limited to 20 minutes (no return within 1 hour), except for two bays on Pulteney Road, which will be limited to 90 minutes waiting (no return within 3 hours).

Tuesday, 13th October 2020

Traffic signals installed on Queen Square to give cyclists a head start

Councillor Sarah Warren, Councillor Joanna Wright and Councillor Neil Butters

NEW traffic signals which give cyclists a head start over other traffic have been turned on in Queen Square in Bath, following recent work in preparation for the proposed Clean Air Zone.

The signals have been installed as part of the preparations for the introduction of the Clean Air Zone due to come into effect next year.

They feature low-level signals for cyclists and, on the approaches to some junctions, allow cyclists to safely move off ahead of other

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vehicles by giving a cycling only green signal before other road traffic is released.

Councillor Joanna Wright, joint cabinet member for Transport Services said: “I’m delighted we’ve been able to install these new lights in Queen Square as part of our preparations for the Clean Air Zone.

“If our streets are to become cleaner, greener and quieter we must prioritise walking and cycling. These new signals will make it easier and far more

pleasant for cyclists to navigate through what is a busy traffic route.”

Councillor Sarah Warren, cabinet member for Climate Emergency, added: “If we are to successfully tackle the Climate Emergency and improve air quality, we must decarbonise transport and become less reliant on our cars.

“Encouraging people to get on their bikes by making our streets more cyclist friendly will help us achieve this transformational change.”

Bath BID launches competition to bring festive feel to streets BATH BID, in conjunction with Minuteman Press Bath, will fill the streets of Bath this festive season with a parade of twometre-high ‘bunting’ flags made from the artwork and designs of local residents.

In a competition open to everyone who lives or works in Bath and North East Somerset, up to 24 designs created by the community will be reproduced as art hanging from lamppost pennants in the streets of the city.

Entrants will be separated into four categories, Under Ten, Under 21, Over 21 and Business, and all winners and runnersup, in addition to other selected entrants, will have their work displayed from 16th November until the end of December.

The organisers will invite the public to get involved in voting for their champions on the Bath BID’s social media channels, and category winners and runnersup will receive gift vouchers from the Bath Gift Card.

Bath BID CEO, Allison Herbert, said: “Following the success of our Bounce Back Bath Art Competition this summer, we are delighted to be showcasing local artists’ work around the city centre once again.

“This time, we’re opening up

the competition to businesses, who can submit a piece of artwork that represents their festive offering – a great teambuilding activity!

“This is just one of a number of safe, socially distant, joyful events set to take place in the city this Christmas. We can’t wait for people to come along and see their own artwork on display.

“Anyone is welcome to send in a design using any medium and any style they like, abstract or realistic, digital, watercolour, collage, whatever they wish. We are looking for bright, festive designs to welcome people into the city.

“We will be showing the artwork online and then flying the flags high in the city streets as part of the magical Bath at Christmas.”

David Dixon, Director of Marketing at Minuteman Press Bath, said: “Here at Minuteman Press, we believe that it is more important than ever to stop and reflect on what for many has been a difficult year. We deserve a little joy this Christmas more than any other, and there’s no better way to celebrate than with some joyful art for all to enjoy on our streets.”

Details about how to enter can be found at bathbid.co.uk/ christmas-art-competition.

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Community Charity launches campaign to get wheelchairs to youngsters BATH-BASED charity Designability are urgently appealing for support to reduce the waiting time disabled children are facing for their Wizzybug powered wheelchairs.

The Coronavirus pandemic has meant that the small, national charity had to put Wizzybug appointments on hold for months.

The waiting list to get one has grown in that time and families are now facing a wait of over 7 months to be able to benefit.

Designability provide Wizzybugs free of charge to families across the UK. Although they have been able to restart appointments, they are struggling to keep up with demand and the backlog created by Covid-19.

Kathryn Earle, Children’s Occupational Therapist at Designability, said: “This year we have all had to put a lot of important things on hold and have been waiting to be able to see loved ones, return to the workplace and much more.

“But the wait for a powered wheelchair for a child who is unable to move themselves independently is something we do not want to delay any longer than we have to.

“Most children move on from Wizzybug by 5 years old so waiting 7 months or more could mean that some children will have almost outgrown it before they have even received it.

“As a small charity, we need to be able to fund the extra resource we need to get the waiting time

down quicker. We want to be able to see more children and build more Wizzybugs sooner rather than later.”

Wizzybugs provide children with the vital opportunity to develop their spatial awareness and movement skills and ensure that they don’t miss out at playtime.

Kirstie Blanchard is mum to Franky, 2, who has cerebral palsy and is waiting to get a Wizzybug.

She said: “We can’t wait to get the Wizzybug for our son Franky as this will give him a whole new lease of life.

“He is a twin and will be able to keep up with his brother when we are out and about. It will give him some new found independence. I cannot wait to see the smile on my boy’s face when he is finally able to sit in his Wizzybug. Most of us take getting from A to B for granted but hopefully soon Franky will be able to do just that.”

To date, the charity has given 846 children in the UK their first taste of freedom and independence.

Wizzybugs benefit children with disabilities like cerebral palsy, spinal muscular atrophy, spina bifida and muscular dystrophy, as well as children who have amputations as a result of illness.

If you would like to support the charity to get Wizzybugs to disabled children sooner, visit: https://designability.org.uk/ we-dont-want-to-wait/, email fundraising@designability.org. uk or call 01225 824103.

Kat Earle, Children’s Occupational Therapist, in full PPE, with three Wizzybug powered wheelchairs

Over 400 take part in Circuit of Bath Walk

Residents encouraged to join celebration of Black History

ORGANISERS of this year’s Circuit of Bath Walk in aid of Julian House have welcomed the “brilliant support” provided by around 450 people who took part.

The sponsored circular walk, which took place on Sunday 27th September and celebrated its 19th year, saw families, friends and colleagues taking in some of Bath’s most beautiful countryside and surrounding villages to raise vital funds for Julian House.

Senior Community & Events Fundraiser Jessica Gay said she was delighted that so many people took part in the event, despite the obvious challenges this year.

She said: “We are so pleased that so many people took part in the event and the 20-mile walking challenge. This year has been so difficult for many, and for that reason we are even more grateful to see such support.

“Due to Coronavirus, Julian House has had to cancel or postpone all of our other fundraising events for the year and until recently we had closed our char-

THE history, accomplishments and experiences of black people will be celebrated throughout October in Bath and North East Somerset as part of a national event.

Bath & North East Somerset Council is highlighting a range of activities and information that residents can access as part of Black History Month throughout October.

The highlights of how the council and other local organisations are marking Black History Month 2020 include: • A webinar, ‘Black Lives Matter in B&NES’, will take place on 19th October. Council leader, Councillor Dine Romero, will be working with young people from Boys in Mind & Black Families Education Support Group to host the webinar on their reactions to the Black Lives Matter movement and their ideas for promoting a more inclusive society. It will be open to young people and adults to attend.

• The winners of the council’s anti-racist writing competition for

ity shops and bike workshops, which will result in a massive loss of over £200,000 to our income.

“This year we put in many essential COVID measures to keep our walkers, volunteers and staff safe during the event and we are pleased the event ran very smoothly and participants really enjoyed the day.

“We had brilliant support from families, and friends in their support bubbles, as well as those from local businesses including colleagues from Actual Experience, MEA Consult and Bristol University Press, who were taking part with colleagues that they haven’t seen for 6 months!” Mark Saint, Director at MEA said: “In a first world economy/country, housing should be a human right.

The system has failed and, sadly, we see evidence of that every day in Bath. The work of Julian House in supporting these individuals is commendable.”

Jessica added: “It’s a fantastic achievement that 80% of all who attended completed the full 20 miles!"

young people will be announced during October. The winning entries raise awareness of racism and its impact and will be posted on the council’s website and social media accounts.

• This year the council renamed its Community Leader of the Year Award in honour of Beryl Dixon MBE, advocate for the Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) communities in Bath and across the South West who sadly passed away in 2017.

The first winner was Sarah Oughton from SWAN Community Transport.

• During October the Bath Record Office will be highlighting black community history and the contributions that black and other minority ethnic communities have made to B&NES over the centuries.

• Bath and North East Somerset Libraries will be signposting inclusive novels and e-Audiobooks throughout the month.

• Fairfield House in Bath, the residence of Emperor Haile Selassie during the five years he spent in

exile, is offering schools a choice of two fun and impactful assembly presentations about Bath’s most eminent resident.

They can be delivered virtually by a presenter or by teachers using prepared slides. Contact info@ houseofhismajesty.com or call William Heath on 07973 115024.

Councillor Dine Romero, council Leader, said: “Black History Month is an important opportunity to celebrate the diverse community we have in Bath and North East Somerset. It’s important we all value and recognise black history.

“We are committed to tackling racism and promoting equality.

Part of that is listening to all our local communities and valuing the contributions they make, so I’m particularly looking forward to our webinar with young people later in the month.

“I’m also pleased that every year when we hold our Community Awards, they will highlight how Beryl Dixon laid the foundation for local BME groups and her legacy will live on in B&NES.”

Tuesday, 13th October 2020

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Education Minister launches West of England Institute of Technology GILLIAN Keegan, the Minister for Apprenticeships and Skills, ‘virtually’ opened the new West of England Institute of Technology (WEIoT) on Thursday 8th October.

The official WEIoT launch brought together all the education institutions and employers that have been involved in bringing it to its fruition.

In 2019 the first Institutes of Technology (IoT) were selected through a government-led competition and 12 were awarded – the WEIoT was one of these.

The WEIoT is a consortium of education providers and key employers across the West of England.

It has been led by Weston College and includes the University of the West of England, Bath College, Gloucestershire College, and Yeovil College as well as a network of key local employers, including; GKN Aerospace, Airbus, GE Aviation, Renishaw, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Trust, St Monica Trust, Jisc, Mayden Academy, National Composites Centre

(NCC), North Somerset Council, Leonardo, Rolls Royce and Bamboo Technology.

Speaking ahead of her visit, the Apprenticeships Minister said: “I’m looking forward to launching the West of England Institute of Technology and speaking to some of the employers, including GKN Aerospace Services Limited, Mayden Academy and University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, who have worked so hard to bring it to life.

“Institutes of Technology will be the pinnacle of technical training, offering higher technical STEM education and training in key sectors, such as advanced manufacturing and engineering, construction and infrastructure, and digital which will be even more important as we build back better from the pandemic.

“By collaborating with businesses, IoTs can deliver the technical knowledge and practical workplace skills employers are demanding – like nowhere else.

Laurel Penrose, Principal and Chief Executive of Bath College, said: “Bath College is delighted

The virtual launch of the institute | Image courtesy of Bath College

to be part of this ground breaking initiative. The opportunities this will bring to our students through the collaboration with employers and fellow Colleges and university is significant as it brings together the expertise of industry, state of the art resources and strength and depth of Further Education skills delivery.

In December 2019, the consortium appointed Claire Arbery as the Director of the WEIoT.

Claire has been pivotal to the mobilisation of the project, Claire commented on the importance of the investment for the area: “The WEIoT funding has created opportunities for the educational partners to invest in cutting edge technology to provide their learners and employers with facilities to drive forward the developments needed to help build recovery. The focus on technical skills and education offered by the collaborative

approach will bring wider benefits and the IoT will be able to support learners who may not have thought that higher level skills training was for them using our digital connectivity to its full potential.”

The West of England Combined Authority contributed £500,000 towards the project, to be used to support the digital capability toolkit for the WEIoT, so that all FE partners can be upskilled to deliver digital lessons.

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Health Full charges for parking at RUH set to resume Stephen Sumner

Local Democracy Reporter

FULL parking charges are set to be reintroduced at Bath’s Royal United Hospital in the coming weeks.

The hospital trust suspended the charges in March as it restricted visitor numbers to prevent the spread of coronavirus, giving free access to staff.

In July, as the lockdown eased, the fees came in at half the normal level to help manage demand.

The number of people parking at the hospital continues to grow, so more controls are now needed.

Brian Johnson, the trust’s director of estates and facilities, recently told trust board members: “We’re proposing to make changes to car parking over the coming weeks.

“Through the Covid pandemic we’ve suspended a number of car parking services. We suspended all parking charges and opened up our staff car parks to provide

free access for all staff.

“That doesn’t necessarily mean staff can always park because we have a limited number of spaces across our estate, available on a first come, first served basis.”

He said the charges were reintroduced at half the normal level to encourage staff to use the staff car parks. They were also asked to walk or cycle in.

Mr Johnson added: “We’re now moving into a new phase where we need to better manage parking on site.

“We’re looking to reintroduce some of the previous measures – our staff permit system and closure of the staff parking barriers, while encouraging staff to use park and stride and other forms of active travel.

“We’re also considering at what point in the coming weeks we may reintroduce the full parking charges for our visitor car parks.”

Parking charges at the RUH include: • 20 minutes are free.

some cases even fatal.

Dr Julie Yates, Lead Consultant for Screening and Immunisation at Public Health England and NHSEI South West said: “Flu can be extremely serious and can lead to hospitalisation, permanent disability or even death. There is evidence that getting flu and COVID-19 at the same time can also increase the risk of becoming very seriously ill or dying.

“That’s why it’s more important than ever this year that staff and care home residents get vaccinated, to help reduce transmission of flu and protect against the double threat of flu and COVID-19.”

Director of Primary Care and Public Health Commissioning in the South West, Ian Biggs said: “This is anything but a usual year and we all want to protect ourselves, staff and those close to us from the flu. Every year it hospitalises and kills thousands.

“We are fortunate to have access to the best protection available, the flu jab. It’s essential that all health and social care workers in South West get their flu jab so they’re fighting fit to care for others ahead of what will no doubt be a busy winter. As well as making every effort to stop the spread of coronavirus in our hospitals and communities, we must do the same for flu.”

with Karen Bray PLANNING WELL FOR WINTER

The Royal United Hospital in Bath

• Up to one hour is £1.00 • Up to two hours is £1.50 • Up to four hours is £2.00 • Over four hours and up to £24 hours is £3.00 • And lastly a seven day ticket will cost £7.50.

The charges have not increased

since 2011.

The income covers the costs associated with providing onsite parking.

Extra income raised through car parking is invested straight back into the hospital and spent on direct patient care and services.

Health and care Former GP takes up workers encouraged to Non-Executive Director receive free flu jab role at hospital trust PUBLIC Health England (PHE) is urging all health and social care staff to receive their free flu vaccination to protect the most vulnerable people across the South West.

Frontline staff are at higher risk of catching and passing on flu due to their contact with patients and those they care for.

To help increase uptake in the social care sector, for the first-time, as well as social care staff being able to get a vaccine at a pharmacy or via a GP, pharmacists will be able to vaccinate both residents and care home staff at the same time. This approach means all frontline social care workers will be able to get a flu vaccine to protect themselves and the people they care for.

This is important as staff who get flu require time off work, putting pressure on services at what can be the busiest time of the year.

In some cases, infections only result in mild or unnoticeable symptoms, meaning staff then unknowingly pass the virus to vulnerable people that they come into contact with.

Flu is very different to a normal cold and can confine the fittest of people to bed. For older people or those with long-term health conditions, the effects of flu can be much more serious, and in

Mental Wellbeing

A FORMER local GP with 30 years’ experience of working with the local community has been appointed as a new Non-Executive Director to the Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust.

Dr Ian Orpen, also formerly the Clinical Chair for Bath and North East Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group, will play a key role in bringing an independent perspective to the boardroom and use his professional skills and insight to support the governance and strategic development of the Trust.

Dr Orpen said: “I’m delighted to be taking up the role of Non-Executive Director. As a local GP I have seen first-hand the critical role that an effective local hospital plays in direct patient care and its place at the centre of the local health and care system for expertise and specialist care delivery.

“Through my time as a Bath GP, and seven years as the Clinical Chair of BaNES CCG, I have wealth of experience within the local care system and have developed a very good understanding of the workings of the RUH, both the challenges it faces as well as the opportunities available too, as we move through the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I am particularly excited by the RUH’s Improving Together organisational development programme, which aims to drive

improvement at all levels in the Trust, empowering staff and defining and aligning common goals.

“I’m keen to see how this can be expanded into the wider health and care community beyond the RUH as we break down some of the traditional barriers and develop different ways of working in our system.

“I’m thrilled to be taking up this role with the RUH and look forward to doing what I can to help support and guide the Trust moving forward.”

Trust Chair Alison Ryan said: “We were looking for someone with an understanding of the challenges we face as we go forward, both in Bath and the wider health system, who had passion for healthcare and our community and who had expert insights.

“Dr Orpen admirably fitted the bill on all counts and we are delighted he will be joining us.”

Autumn and winter can be tough for many of us at the best of times, with low mood often accompanying the darker evenings and colder weather.

Now, with the added anxiety and isolation of the pandemic, we need to take even more care of ourselves than usual over the next few months.

A useful framework for thinking about this is the Five Ways to Wellbeing. These are: Be active, Take Notice, Keep Learning, Give, Connect.

Many of these overlap, of course.

We can "take notice" of the autumn colours as we take our regular walk to "be active" - and perhaps also "connect" with friends and family safely outdoors.

And when we choose to "give" our time and attention to someone else, we are most helpful when we "connect" by really listening to them - which means we "keep learning" new perspectives.

B&NES' Wellbeing College (tel 0300 247 0050) has more information about the five ways to wellbeing, plus a range of relevant courses - most of them free on their website at https://www. wellbeingcollegebanes.co.uk/.

Even when we know it's important, it can be hard to focus on self-care. We may feel too busy, or perhaps we are already feeling low and unmotivated. When I'm working with clients who want to improve some aspect of their lives, I encourage them to take very gentle baby steps. Here's a little exercise that can help with that: Thinking about one of the elements of wellbeing, how happy are you with that area of your life, on a scale of one to ten? Whatever the score is, jot down the positives which make it better than zero (and you're not allowed to give yourself a zero - you can find one little thing you are doing right).

Now, look at the element that has the lowest score and imagine if your score was just one point higher than it is, what would you be doing differently? Spend a few moments thinking about what that would be like. What difference would it make to your life, and to how you feel?

Karen Bray (MBACP) is a counsellor with a private practice in Bath. Her website is at www.karenbray.co.uk

Tuesday, 13th October 2020

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Business £8m skills programme Bowel Cancer UK launches new online shop thanks to Bath business to help create postcovid workforce BOWEL Cancer UK has launched its new-look online shop, to raise money to help stop more people dying of the disease and provide support for those affected by it.

The charity has partnered with Bath-based agency blubolt, which has designed the web page and shop for Bowel Cancer UK for free. blubolt co-founder and creative director Chris Mattingly lost his wife Amy to bowel cancer in April 2018.

Since then, his company has joined forces with Bowel Cancer UK to help raise awareness of the disease and provide support and expertise on a pro-bono basis.

Chris said: “Bowel Cancer UK has been close to our hearts for the last few years and it has been important for us as a company to do what we can to support them.

“Helping with their new eCommerce website was the ideal opportunity for our team to collectively use our talents to give back in a meaningful way.

“The team at Bowel Cancer UK have been an absolute pleasure to work with and we really hope their new online shop helps with their fundraising efforts.”

Amy was only 31 when she was diagnosed with advanced stage bowel cancer in 2017. She had lost her baby, Leo, to stillbirth at

The new Bowel Cancer UK online shop

six months in January 2017, and weeks later spoke to her GP after having nausea, loose stools and abdominal pain, and blood in her poo.

After being referred for a colonoscopy for suspected IBS, Amy had to wait a number of months for the procedure, during which time she had to visit A&E, as her pain was so bad.

She was eventually diagnosed with bowel cancer, but unfortunately chemotherapy and surgery to remove her tumour were unsuccessful.

Helen Read, Stewardship Manager at Bowel Cancer UK, said: “We’re so grateful to Chris and

the blubolt team for generously giving their time and creative expertise for free to design this important website.

“We hope that everyone will visit the shop and buy something from our new range. More than 268,000 people in the UK are living with bowel cancer, and supporting the charity in this way will help to raise funds for those affected by the disease.”

Bowel Cancer UK’s online shop sells a range of products, including their brand new Star of Hope t-shirt, designed by luxury fashion designer Nigel Hall.

For more information, visit bowelcanceruk.org.uk/shop.

A MAJOR new skills programme is being launched by the West of England Combined Authority to help businesses understand, plan and respond to their workforce needs.

Workforce for the Future is a free service that will help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to identify and address their skills needs, by upskilling and retraining employees, in areas such as digital, or support them to source and bring in new staff, including apprentices or work placements to drive their business forwards.

The programme, led by WECA and co-funded by the European Social Fund (ESF), will help SMEs develop their workforce, looking at current and future needs.

Workforce for the Future is part of a package of measures that WECA has put in place to help kick-start the regional economy following the coronavirus outbreak.

This includes a range of business support, skills and employment initiatives.

West of England Mayor Tim Bowles said: “Backing our businesses with the skills they need to emerge strongly from the pandemic and protecting and securing decent jobs is at the heart of

my plan for our economic recovery.

“Our Workforce for the Future programme is a flagship part of that plan.

“Workforce for the future will help us adapt and evolve to the changing world and seize the opportunities that digitalisation and new technology present, supporting our businesses and shaping our talent pool to meet the needs of tomorrow.”

Workforce for the Future will help businesses to: • Develop a more motivated, skilled and qualified workforce.

• Increase digital skills and expertise, and foster innovation.

• Capture the financial benefits of improved performance and elevated productivity.

• Attract new talent, improve staff retention and develop future leaders.

• Boost business resilience and flexibility to overcome future challenges.

• Increase diversity and inclusivity in the workforce • Safeguard jobs and support employees through change.

The Workforce for the Future service is available to SMEs with less than 250 employees based in the West of England.

Housing associations work together to build affordable homes BATH-BASED Curo is to work with Alliance Homes and Magna Housing to help speed up delivery of new homes in the region through its Strategic Partnership with Homes England.

The funding arrangement was secured jointly with Swan Housing Association last year.

The Curo/Swan Strategic Partnership with the government’s housing agency consists of a grant allocation of £51.1m to build 1,067 new affordable homes across South West and South East England by March 2024, in addition to each partners’ existing development plans.

The programme will comprise a mix of homes available for social rent, affordable rent and shared ownership.

Alliance Homes and Magna Housing will work alongside Curo as delivery partners to ensure these much-needed new affordable homes are made available as quickly as possible for people in the South West.

Curo are already working on three affordable housing developments that are part-funded by money from the Strategic Partnership.

In Bristol, they’re delivering 14

new homes on a former disused garage site at Victoria Avenue, while works on another 32 affordable homes have just started in the city’s Old Market district.

In North Somerset, 17 new homes will be delivered by November 2021 in Weston-super-Mare.

Curo will also start construction works on another 57-home affordable housing scheme in January next year, in the Lawrence Weston area of Bristol.

Curo Chief Executive, Victor da Cunha, said: “We’re delighted to announce our delivery partnership with Alliance and Magna. This is great news for people across our region who have been priced out of the housing market and who will benefit from the delivery of more new affordable homes more quickly.

“We’re committed to working in partnership with the government’s housing agency, local authorities and our peers to build the homes our region needs.

“Alongside homes funded through the joint Curo/Swan Strategic Partnership with Homes England, Curo’s delivery pipeline will see the addition of almost 1,700 new homes in our region over the next five years.”

Alliance Homes’s Louise Swain, Magna Housing’s Selina White, and Curo Chief Executive Victor da Cunha

Alliance Homes and Curo operate across the same area in the West of England, including North Somerset, Bristol, South Gloucestershire and Bath & North East Somerset.

Alliance Homes Chief Executive, Louise Swain, said: “This delivery partnership with Curo ensures we can continue to create more

high-quality affordable homes for people who need them.

“This pipeline of grant funding will support our strategy of delivering 2,000 new homes over the next ten years.”

Magna Housing own and manage homes across Somerset and Dorset.

Chief Executive Selina White said:

“We’re excited to join this delivery partnership and help accelerate our affordable house-building programme. We’re looking at innovative solutions to help us build more and we’ve already ordered 45 high quality modular homes and more will be delivered through this strategic partnership with Homes England.”

14

Puzzles

Solutions can be found on our website at www.bathecho.co.uk

Crossword - Win ÂŁ25!

Across 1 Scent (5) 4 Dutch canal city (9) 10 Lively interest (10) 11 Small margin (4) 12 Serious warning (3,5) 13 Animosity (6) 14 Tropical fruit (10) 16 Unspecified in number (4) 18 Singles (4) 20 Place to research (10) 23 Throughout (6) 25 E.g. Aldrin (8) 26 Knave (4) 27 Matrimonial lady-in-waiting (10) 28 Gun dog (9) 29 Customary (5)

Tuesday, 13th October 2020

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Codeword

Down 2 Weed (9) 3 Lift up (7) 5 Intended (5) 6 Hardens metal (7) 7 Christens again (7) 8 Item with exchange value (5) 9 Dozing (6) 15 Tennis high ball (3) 17 Salty cocktail (9) 19 Slacker (7) 20 Readable (7) 21 Subscriber (6) 22 Vacuum flask (7) 24 Long-continued practice (5) 25 Connected series of rooms (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 23rd 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

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Tuesday, 13th October 2020

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Politics Residents given more time to share MP calls for extension views on liveable neighbourhoods of parental leave during coronavirus pandemic

THE deadline for Bath & North East Somerset Council’s online consultation on its proposals for liveable neighbourhoods has been extended to give residents more time to have their say.

Liveable neighbourhoods are part of the council’s plan to tackle the climate and ecological emergency and to improve health and wellbeing across the area.

The council has developed three strategies that it wants people’s views on and would form the basis for liveable neighbourhoods.

They are: • Low traffic neighbourhood strategy • Residents’ parking schemes strategy • On-street electric vehicle charging strategy Liveable neighbourhoods aim to reduce the dominance of vehicles in residential areas while maintaining vehicle access to homes and businesses and prioritising residential parking.

This can be done through a range of measures including vehicle restrictions, traffic calming and one-way streets.

The online consultation has been extended by four days and will now run until Sunday 18th October.

Residents can read a summary of the plans and take part in the online survey at www.bathnes. gov.uk/liveableneighbourhoods.

Councillor Joanna Wright, joint Cabinet Member for Transport Services said: “Our liveable neighbourhoods proposals are so important to improve air

Liveable neighbourhoods help reduce the dominance of vehicles

quality, create better conditions for walking and cycling and help people to rely less on their cars.

“If adopted they would help improve people’s health and wellbeing as well as tackle the climate and ecological emergency.

“We want as many people as possible to give their views on our strategies, so we’ve arranged to extend the deadline for a few more days before we must begin considering the responses. Please have your say if you haven’t already.”

Liveable neighbourhoods usually group residential streets together across a 1km2 area around key amenities, such as schools, shops and surgeries, and bordered by a main road.

To reduce through traffic and rat-running, a range of vehicle restrictions can be used.

This ranges from modal filters such as bollards and attractive planters to one-way streets, traffic calming, speed restrictions and also residents parking schemes to reduce commuter parking.

There will be opportunities for communities to request individual liveable neighbourhoods once all three strategies are finalised and the project is launched.

Those with no internet access can request paper copies of the summary and survey by calling Council Connect on 01225 39 40 41. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, there will be no public events in this instance.

BATH MP Wera Hobhouse has called on Government to extend parental leave by three months for new parents during the coronavirus pandemic.

The MP has made the call due to “the impact that the loss of access to vital services, including health visitors, will have on families”.

Speaking in Westminster Hall, Wera Hobhouse asked the Government to reconsider their decision to not extend parental leave and pay, citing statistics that show that “68% of parents have said their ability to cope with pregnancy or caring for their baby has been affected by lockdown restrictions”.

Wera was speaking in her role as Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Adverse Childhood Experiences and supporting calls made by a parliamentary petition, signed by a quarter of a million people across the UK, to extend parental leave by three

months throughout the Pandemic.

Wera Hobhouse said: “I am disappointed in the Government’s response to this petition. Far too many new parents have felt unsupported through what should be a time for them to bond with their newborn child.

“Depression before, during, and after birth is a serious condition. It can go unrecognised and untreated for nearly half of new mothers.

“The constantly repeated narrative that motherhood is meant to be wonderful leaves many women feeling unable to talk to health professionals about their emotional state.

“Covid-19 has only made things worse. It left many new parents feeling abandoned. I urge Ministers to reconsider this decision and extend parental leave and pay for families during the pandemic.”

Last issue's puzzle solutions Crossword

Congratulations to James Matthews who won £25 in our last issue!

Across: 9 Extremist, 10 House, 11 Solve, 12 Palestine, 13 Accelerate, 14 Ends, 16 Limpopo, 19 Student, 21 Owns, 22 Measurable, 26 Afterlife, 27 Conga, 28 Ganja, 29 Expensive.

Down: 1 Mess hall, 2 Italic, 3 Rebellion, 4 Kipper, 5 Athletes, 6 Shush, 7 Audience, 8 Renews, 15 Lubricant, 17 Monotony, 18 One-sided, 20 Teenager, 21 Orange, 23 Sleepy, 24 Bandit, 25 Trial.

Sudoku Easy

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16

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In Other News....

Mead Lane moorings to be removed by the end of 2022 Stephen Sumner

Local Democracy Reporter

MOORINGS between Bristol and Bath prized by hundreds of boaters are set to be removed by the end of 2022 despite no evidence they are damaging the riverbank.

Liveaboard boaters said the facilities in Mead Lane in Saltford are irreplaceable and vital for their access to healthcare and education.

Rebecca Sarll threatened legal action against Bath and North East Somerset Council if it pressed ahead with the plans without considering the impact on boaters.

But residents branded the authority “negligent” for allowing mooring in Mead Lane and said it was “imperative” they were taken away.

The 48-hour moorings will be removed from the start of November and the 14-day moorings will be relocated by a target date of 31st December 2022.

Ms Sarll told cabinet members on Thursday 8th October: “The council has spent tens of thousands of pounds on reports and surveys and reviews that all say the moorings should remain.

“It is only the residents’ view that is affected by these decisions – for hundreds of boaters, it is the safety and security of our homes.”

A survey by Atkins last month found “no indication that mooring is adversely affecting bank stability” but Ms Sarll said the council was ignoring the findings and instead taking residents’ claims “at face value with zero data to back them up”.

She added: “The council has to understand the lives of those that their decision will affect, as removing the moorings will lead to legal action.”

Around a third of the moorings in Mead Lane are for stays of up to 48 hours and are favoured by leisure boaters, with the other two-week moorings used by liveaboard boaters, who need to keep moving throughout the year under their licence conditions.

Council officers recommended removing the 14-day moorings at Mead Lane once suitable alternative locations can be found.

But Ross Fender said the Atkins report “can’t be any clearer” in recommending that the existing moorings should be improved.

The report said Mead Lane was “possibly the only place on the river where mooring for 14 days is practical and legitimate” and it was unlikely anywhere else on

the River Avon is as suitable for mooring.

Mr Fender said: “It would be crazy to spend vast amounts of money again investigating [alternative mooring sites] when the homework has already been done. Mead Lane is safe, it’s proven, it’s been tested.

“You have a responsibility to base your decisions on the report you have paid to be professionally compiled, comprehensively detailed and exhaustive in content – act on fact.”

The proposals to remove the Mead Lane moorings followed years of escalating tensions.

Residents accused boaters of criminal activity, staying longer than they were allowed, running their engines for extended periods, damaging the riverbank and littering.

Boaters said they had been harassed by residents monitoring their movements and discriminated against – issues they said they do not face elsewhere on the waterway.

Neighbourhood Watch coordinator Elisabeth Evans said all residents had ever tried to do was “protect this area for the greater community to enjoy”.

She said terminating the moorings was “imperative” and called for a “swift solution”.

The recommendations to

A boat at Mead Lane in Saltford | Photo © Stephen Sumner

cabinet had proposed a “longterm aspiration” to remove the moorings.

Councillor Paul Crossley, the cabinet member for community services, proposed a target date of December 31, 2022, for removing the moorings adding: “Some will say it’s prolonging the agony but this can’t be done quickly.”

The council budgeted £35,000 this year for “Mead Lane activity” and a £25,000 recurring sum from 2021/22.

Cllr Crossley also proposed charging boaters for mooring at Mead Lane from March 1 next year so the council has money to invest in new moorings in

alternative locations.

He said the cabinet’s vote was the start of the process and offered to meet with boaters – something he admitted he had not yet done.

Mooring in Mead Lane will be banned between November and the end of February. The council will work with the Canal and River Trust jointly fund a river warden to lead on enforcement, and work with the police to review the parking restrictions in Mead Lane. The cabinet unanimously agreed the recommendations.

Future decisions on the moorings will be delegated to Cllr Crossley, in consultation with the council’s director of environment.

Canal & River Trust launches campaign to slow down cyclists

Gold awards for Bereavement Services

THE Canal & River Trust has launched an online campaign appealing for people riding bikes on towpaths to “take it easy” and slow down.

A short video and animation has been produced to remind those visiting the nation’s canals to “Stay Kind, Slow Down”.

The campaign will target social media posts at cyclists living in urban and busy areas along the canal network.

Dick Vincent, from the Canal & River Trust, said: “We know that the canals played a really important role this spring and summer during lockdown, particularly in urban areas where many people don’t have back gardens, as people stayed local and discovered these amazing wildlife corridors on their doorstep.

“We want people to visit, including cyclists, but ask them to be considerate to pedestrians, boaters, families and others using the towpath.

“Unfortunately, whilst most people are kind and courteous, we too often hear of people cycling too fast.

“Those on foot have priority on our towpaths and, quite simply,

AN online book of remembrance set up during the coronavirus pandemic and an electric vehicle are among the projects that have led to two gold awards for B&NES Council’s Bereavement Services.

The service has achieved combined gold in the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management awards for Best Value under its Charter for the Bereaved, which demonstrates excellent service to the public that is designed to meet their needs. The council’s virtual Book of Remembrance is a way for people to pay tribute to their loved ones in a real hand-bound book of remembrance, which can be viewed online at any time from anywhere in the world.

The electric vehicle is being used by staff as a more sustainable way of travelling between sites in and around Bath and supports the council’s goal to become carbonneutral by 2030.

The award also reflects the introduction of other new measures including: • Ensuring parents who have suffered the loss of a child are aware of support services including the charity SANDS;

Photo © Canal & River Trust

those on bikes who need or want to travel quickly should use a route away from the canal if they prefer not to take it slow and steady.”

Dick continued: “We welcome cycling on canal towpaths. They remain one of the safest trafficfree places to travel but they can be narrow and popular with others on foot, so it is not a place

to travel quickly.

“We are urging people to ‘Stay Kind Slow Down’.

“We want people to cycle safely so they cause no harm to themselves or others.

“Pedestrians and those accessing the water have priority so if you’re in a hurry, then a route away from the towpath will be more appropriate.”

• Provision of above-ground vaults as an alternative to inground burial or scattering; • Floral tributes being displayed for five days after a funeral.

Councillor Paul Crossley, cabinet member for Community Services, said: “This award is fantastic news for our Bereavement Services and is testament to the hard work and dedication of the team in what has been an especially trying year for anyone who has suffered a loss. Congratulations to the whole team on their big achievement.”

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