Bath Echo - Issue 053 - 06/06/2023

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Tuesday 6th June - Monday 19th June 2023

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GREEN LIGHT FOR EXPANSION

B&NES Council's new leader and cabinet announced P3

City's carnival to expand following concerns - P2

APOLOGY OVER CYCLE LANE FOI MISTAKE - P2

More than 240 people take on Walk of Life charity fundraising event P10

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Bath Carnival set to expand despite concerns

In this issue...

Top Stories

Tuesday 6th June - Monday 19th June 2023

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Pictures from the Past

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Crossword

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What's On

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Community

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Health

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Education

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Business

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Politics

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John Wimperis

Local Democracy Reporter

MORE people will be allowed to attend Bath Carnival, after a licensing battle which saw nearby residents try to restrict its numbers.

The number of attendees allowed on the Sydney Gardens site will increase from 3,000 to 4,750 but, as a condition, stricter rules have been put in place by Bath and North East Somerset Council about how the event is stewarded.

Carnival organisers were called up before the council in a licensing hearing on Wednesday 18th May after Pulteney Estate Residents Association objected to their application to increase the number of people allowed on site.

Ceris Humphreys, vice chair of the association which represents people on Great Pulteney Street and other roads near the carnival, lodged the objection on the grounds of public safety, prevention of harm to children, public nuisance, and prevention of crime and disorder.

Central to the residents association’s case was the claim that Sydney Gardens had been unsupervised by event stewards while the parade was taking place, something carnival organisers denied.

Ms Humphreys told the licensing subcommittee that she had gone into Sydney Gardens to look for carnival stewards to report an issue to but, despite walking around the site, had not managed

to find one.

She said the entrances she used were unmanned and she had come across St Johns Ambulance personnel, a man manning a bouncy castle, and a man picking litter — the latter of whom told her all stewards were out on the parade — but nobody was actually stewarding the event.

Festival coordinator Stu Matson said: “Bath Carnival takes the safety of its patrons very seriously, And we refute the claim that there were no stewards on site at the time of the event.”

He said: “We had 15 on site at all times, of whom five were SIA [licensed security guards].”

Rob Deadman, who manages RS security which provided the personnel for the event, said: “It’s a very good event and it’s very well run.”

He insisted: “Everything was covered.”

His witness statement said the company provided 11 SIA staff, six of whom went out on the procession and five remained on site.

Challenged Ms Humphreys’ testimony, he said: “I just find it hard to believe that you couldn’t see eleven people within the confines of that garden with hiviz.”

He added that Bath Rugby’s Dunnie, Tom, and Gabe had joined teams on the gates later on to help monitor the numbers with clickers.

Mr Matson said the number of people on site peaked at 2,875, a number monitored by calling the people with clickers at several

Photo © Jeremy Richards / Shutterstock.com

points throughout the day.

After the marathon licensing hearing, which stretched to almost four hours including long periods of closed session in which councillors deliberated privately, councillors decided to allow the carnival to increase their numbers.

But additional conditions were imposed to address the concerns about stewarding.

The headquarters on site will be signposted, with a plan of the site located at each entrance and exit; volunteers and staff on site will need to carry the details of organisers to contact if needed; and people on the gates will be contacted half hourly to log the number of people on site.

Ms Humpreys said: “We are really pleased that our concerns about the absence of meaningful monitoring of people entering and leaving have been taken into account.”

Mr Matson said he was also

“really pleased.”

He said: “The main thing for us is we can continue to deliver a safe event for everyone that wants to be there and remain as inclusive as possible.”

Tim Ball, who has held the council’s cabinet portfolio for licensing, added: “The licensing committee took a balanced view … and came to a balanced decision taking into account the resident’s concerns as well.”

The Bath Carnival will take place on 8th July.

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Ambulance service apologises after FoI mistake THE South Western Ambulance Service has apologised after it gave incorrect information in a Freedom of Information request on traffic schemes implemented by B&NES Council.

Earlier this year, a member of the public questioned whether the ambulance service had been consulted with by the local authority on plans to create cycle lanes along the Upper Bristol Road in Bath, and the introduction of trial low-traffic neighbourhoods in the wider area.

A response in May from the ambulance service incorrectly said that it was not aware of the proposals and had “not been engaged on the plans”.

Concerns were raised over the potential for delays to emergency vehicles travelling along the Upper Bristol Road, with segregated cycle lanes meaning drivers were less able to pull over to the side of the road to let them pass.

The South Western Ambulance Service has now said the local authority did consult with them ahead of the works, and has apologised to the council and the member of public who submitted the FOI request.

Councillor Manda Rigby, Transport spokesperson for the Bath & North East Somerset Council Liberal Democrat administration, said: “Incorrect claims are being made that Bath & North East Somerset Council did not consult with the South West Ambulance Service Trust on road schemes – specifically the Upper Bristol Road cycle scheme and the Southlands through-traffic restriction trial, which form part of our Liveable Neighbourhood programme.

“These claims are untrue but are being widely shared on social media and through other outlets.

“I want to make clear that as a statutory consultee, the ambulance service is always consulted on highways schemes as are the other emergency services where the proposal might affect emergency services.

“For the record, the council wrote to SWAST twice in early 2021 on its proposals for cycle schemes including the Upper Bristol Road.

It drew particular attention to the plans for separating the cycle lanes from other traffic lanes.

“In response SWAST offered no direct objections and in fact highlighted there were alternative areas for their vehicles to pull over.

The cycle lane along the Upper Bristol Road in Bath

“In relation to the trial at Southlands, SWAST was sent information and invited to comment on the Experimental Traffic Regulation Order for this trial scheme last November.

“Regrettably these facts were not provided by SWAST in its response to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to a member of the public who is now sharing this incorrect response.

“SWAST has acknowledged this and are planning to issue a correction directly to the person who submitted the FOI request.”

A spokesperson from the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust said: “We can confirm that the information provided as part of a Freedom of Information (FOI) request regarding consultation by Bath and North East Somerset Council was incorrect, and the council did consult with us on the forementioned schemes.

“We would like to offer our sincere apology to Bath & North East Somerset Council and to the member of the public who submitted the FOI request.”

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Your City, Your News - Bath Echo

Council's new leader and cabinet announced

Bath & North East Somerset Council's new cabinet

FOLLOWING the elections earlier this month in which the Liberal Democrats retained control of Bath & North East Somerset Council, the new leader and cabinet members have been announced.

Councillor Kevin Guy retains his role as Leader of the Council after first being sworn in back in May 2021.

Cllr Guy was appointed at the local authority’s Annual Meeting which took place on Thursday 25th May. The Lib Dem administration also announced their Cabinet members, along with their portfolios.

The Bath & North East Somerset Council Cabinet are: • Councillor Kevin Guy

Council Leader • Councillor Sarah Warren Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Climate Emergency and Sustainable Travel • Councillor Dave Wood Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Council Priorities and Delivery • Councillor Mark Elliott Cabinet Member for Resources • Councillor Paul Roper Cabinet Member for Economic & Cultural Sustainable Development • Councillor Alison Born Cabinet Member for Adult Services • Councillor Paul May Cabinet Member for Children’s Services

Balloons taking off from the Royal Crescent on Saturday 27th May

• Councillor Manda Rigby Cabinet Member for Highways • Councillor Tim Ball Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Services • Councillor Matt McCabe Cabinet Member for Built Environment & Sustainable Development.

The following cabinet project leads, who will provide support to cabinet members, were also appointed: • Leader and Built Environment & Sustainable Development: Cllr Deborah Collins • Council Priorities and Delivery and Highways:

Cllr Lucy Hodge • Climate Emergency and Sustainable Travel: Cllr Oli Henman • Highways: Cllr Joel Hirst.

In addition to the cabinet roles, the Annual Meeting appointed a new Chair of the Council, Councillor Sarah Moore.

The Vice-Chair of the Council is Councillor Karen Walker.

Speaking about how the new cabinet roles will serve people across the district, Councillor Guy said: “We are proud of our track record running Bath and North East Somerset Council for the last four years and our new

cabinet team will continue to deliver on our ambitious vision for all communities across the district.

“We want to be an exemplar council for climate action, invest in cleaner, safer streets and provide more travel choices.

“We continue to prioritise affordable houses in the right locations and we will focus our efforts on ensuring the whole area continues to thrive economically.

“Looking after our vulnerable children and adults and ensuring support for mental health and wellbeing will also be a key focus over the next four years.”

Work to get underway on two more residents’ parking zones WORK is set to get underway on two more residents’ parking zones in Bath, with plans for them to go live at the end of July.

The new zones will be introduced in the Oldfield Park and Westmoreland, and Walcot, Snow Hill and Claremont Road areas.

The aim is to tackle anti-social driving and commuter parking in residential streets and improve people’s health and the local environment as part of Bath & North East Somerset Council’s ongoing “Liveable Neighbourhoods” programme.

Works to install the Walcot, Snow Hill and Claremont Road zone are scheduled from Monday 12th June to Tuesday 20th June.

This will include temporary road closures and parking suspensions to allow for the painting of new road markings and erection of signage.

New signage and lines are scheduled to be installed in the Oldfield Park and Westmoreland area from Wednesday 21st June to Friday 28th July.

In both areas, residents will not need a permit to park in the zones until the official launch date on 31st July, but can apply for permits from 3rd July.

Letters with details about the

zones and their installation are being posted to all residents in the zones.

Councillor Manda Rigby, cabinet member for Transport, said: “We are serious about tackling congestion, air pollution and our climate emergency and the zones help to address these important issues.

“Earlier this year we successfully installed five residents’ parking zones and these two are the next phase.

“The seven zones, which were proposed by ward councillors on behalf of their communities, are part of our wider Liveable Neighbourhoods programme.

“In deciding to go ahead with the schemes we listened and talked with residents, businesses and organisations.

“Many residents said they found it challenging to park near their homes because of commuter parking, but businesses have raised concerns about the impact of the final design on trade.

“We are working with the Oldfield Park Community Alliance and Genesis Trust about how we can mitigate any potential impacts, using this information to inform any future reviews of the schemes.

“I recognise the changes may affect other areas and I want

to remind people that they can request their own RPZs, via ward councillors, if they are witnessing significant parking pressures from commuters and other users.”

Residents were initially invited to share their views on the proposals during informal public consultations in autumn 2021 and spring 2022.

There was further opportunity to comment on plans revised in the light of that feedback received during formal consultations in June 2022 and autumn 2022.

Under the new RPZ policy, the annual permit cost varies depending on a vehicle’s emissions but, as a guide, a permit for an average eight-yearold 1.6L petrol or diesel family car would normally cost in the range of £100 to £125 per year.

Permits for smaller, newer cars would typically be less. Residents can also purchase visitor permits regardless of whether they own a permit themselves.

To help manage the costs of permits, and to ensure that money is not wasted when permits are not required, permits can be purchased in durations of 1, 3, 6 and 12 months.

The proposed RPZs and single yellow lines will operate between

Both zones will come into force on Monday 31st July

8am to 6pm, 7 days a week, not including bank holidays.

Double yellow and disabled parking bays will be in operation at all times, unless a sign indicates otherwise.

Blue badge holders can park in any permit bays for as long as they require across the Bath and North East Somerset area.

Permits are limited to two permits per property. Properties with one off-street parking space are limited to one permit, and properties with two offstreet spaces are not eligible for

permits.

Application for permits via MiPermit will open from 3rd July for both areas.

More information on eligibility, the cost of permits and how to apply is available on the council’s web page at https://bit.ly/45B20EW Residents seeking further information, or information in another format such as easyread, Braille, or in another language, can email LNPilots@ bathnes.gov.uk or call an advisor on 01225 394025.

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Tuesday 6th June - Monday 19th June 2023

Contractors appointed for Beckford’s Tower refurbishment

Beckford's Tower in Bath | Photo © Colin Peachey / Shutterstock.com

BATH-BASED contractors Emery Brothers Ltd have been appointed to work on Beckford’s Tower as part of efforts to restore and repair the historic landmark.

The Beckford Tower Trust (BTT) is undertaking the essential work, thanks to funding from grants from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Historic England amongst others, to ensure the attraction is preserved for the future.

Emery Brothers Ltd is a well-

known family-run firm with 75 years of trading experience. The company has gained renown for their expertise in restoration work, regularly undertaking projects involving historic buildings.

Notably, Emery Brothers played a significant role in the major refurbishment of the Grade I Listed Bath Abbey as part of the ‘Footprint’ project.

They previously conducted the sensitive restoration of Beckford Tower’s golden lantern, so have existing knowledge of the

building’s special conservation requirements.

Emery’s appointment follows the appointments of Architects Thomas Ford & Partners, and digital interpretation specialists ZubrCurio and Calvium.

Repair work and refurbishments will begin this month and be completed by early 2024, with the Tower reopening to the public in March 2024.

Claire Dixon, Director of Museums at the BPT and the lead for the Beckford Tower

project said: “As a local firm with experience of historic restoration work and existing knowledge of Beckford’s Tower and its conservation needs, Emery’s are the ideal candidates to take this exciting project work forward.

“This appointment enables us to launch the final phase of the project, which is now fully funded thanks to generous support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Historic England, Art Fund and various other public and private funders.”

Felix Emery, Contract Manager for Emery Bros. Ltd said: “We are delighted to have been awarded the contract for the works at Beckford’s Tower and look forward to playing our part in restoring another Bath landmark and securing its future for another generation.”

Built between 1826 and 1827, Beckford’s Tower was intended to house the collections of books, furniture and art of writer and collector William Beckford.

Having sold the Gothic Revival Fonthill Abbey in 1822, William Beckford relocated to Bath and began the construction of his Tower on Lansdown Hill.

Riding out from his townhouse in Lansdown Crescent every morning before breakfast, Beckford enjoyed the quiet and solitude of the Tower and the views from the Belvedere at the

top.

Now owned and run by Bath Preservation Trust, the iconic landmark is a Grade I listed building and is the only museum in the world dedicated to Beckford’s life and work.

In 2019, the Tower was added to Historic England’s national Register of Heritage at Risk.

The “Our Tower: Reconnecting Beckford’s Tower and Landscape for all” project will transform the museum, open up the landscape, provide accessible experiences and also provide digital resources alongside a new learning programme and opportunities for volunteering and community engagement.

Beckford’s wealth was secured from his ownership of plantations and enslaved people and the project will enable better interpretation of Beckford’s story based on the wider exploration of his connections with the Transatlantic Slave Trade.

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Resident worried for health after “botched” bridge repairs John Wimperis

Local Democracy Reporter

A MAN has been left worried for his health and his house after repairs to a Bath bridge ten years ago caused water to run into his house ever since.

Casey Nolan has lived in the “toll house” at the end of the Widcombe footbridge by Bath Spa station for the last 20 years.

Though the front door and top room of the house, where in once people would pay the ha’penny toll, is at bridge level, most of the house is underneath the bridge.

The nineteenth-century footbridge had been refurbished in 2013, creating a problem of rainwater pooling on the bridge.

Further works to fix this were carried out by Bath and North East Somerset Council in 2015, with a trench drain to stop the puddles cut into the bridge — which also forms Mr Nolan’s roof.

He said: “It was a quick fix.”

It was never waterproofed, he says, and patches of damp have appeared on the walls and ceiling of his living room directly under the drain.

He added: “Those patches aren’t getting any smaller.”

Mr Nolan has been speaking

to the council about the issue, but said: “I’m not being kept informed, hence my frustration.”

He added: “They have come up with a solution but everything’s gone quiet.”

Consultants WSP were paid almost £18,000 by the council to investigate the issue, and they recommend works the council could do to fix the issue — but that was now 18 months ago.

In the meantime, Mr Nolan is concerned both for the impact that the damp problem could have on his health, as well as for what it might mean for the structure of the house, being concerned that there may be more water damage on the masonry behind the drywall.

Mr Nolan said: “When there’s really heavy rain I can hear it dripping.”

He added: “We don’t know what’s going on behind there and they seem reluctant to carry out those investigations.”

A survey of the house was carried

Casey Nolan, with his pug Remington | Inset: Mr Casey's home | Photos © John Wimperis

out on 14th April but the council have said an asbestos survey needs to be carried out before they can look behind the drywall.

But Mr Nolan questioned why it was taking so long. He said: “They have considered the engineering side; they have not considered the human side.”

He added that he had been speaking to his ward councillor on Bath and North East Somerset

Council, Alison Born, about the issue.

She said that she was aware of the issue and that various council departments were involved.

She said: “I have requested a meeting with those departments in early June so that I can better understand what actions need to be taken and by whom.

“I’m sure it’s in everyone’s interests that there is a proper understanding of what needs to be done and that the work is

undertaken as soon as possible.

“I assume that it would be better for Casey [Nolan] if any work is done over the summer months.”

Mr Nolan said that the house had not been a “happy place” for him and he was keen to move, but said: “I have had an offer on the house but I can’t in good conscience sell it because I know there’s a problem.”

Mr Nolan has now submitted a complaint to the local government ombudsman.

Kidney charity partnership to offer financial support WESSEX Water and Bristol Water have joined forces with charity Kidney Care UK to support more than 200,000 people with chronic kidney disease across the South West.

Kidney Care UK provides a range of various services to help millions of people with kidney disease across the UK. Through their collaboration and partnership with Wessex Water and Bristol Water, thousands of people will be able to receive financial help and extra support through the Watersure scheme and Priority Services Register.

In addition, they will be able to receive targeted support from

the charity including assistance with benefits, financial hardship grants, free counselling, and free community support from the charity’s network of patient support and advocacy officers.

People with kidney disease have been disproportionately affected by the cost of living crisis, particularly when it comes to utility usage and costs.

Kidney Care UK found that when it asked over 1,000 people with kidney disease about the rising costs of living, almost two-thirds (60%) said this was something that they worried about all of the time.

There are more than 4,600 people

in the Wessex Water and Bristol Water supply area who have had a kidney transplant or are on dialysis either in a hospital or at home.

Home dialysis is very energy intensive and requires a considerable amount of water usage.

This treatment relies on a machine doing the work of your kidneys and filters your blood for hours at a time.

Home dialysis machines can use as much as 7,502 litres a week.

That works out as the equivalent of almost 80 showers a week, on top of usual water usage.

Laurie Cuthbert, Director of

Fundraising, Marketing and Communications at Kidney Care UK, said: “This is an exciting relationship to transform the support that our kidney community will receive in the South West of England.

“We are pleased to be working in partnership to help support more of the 216,962 people living with chronic kidney disease in this region to enable them to receive support appropriate to their condition.

“The partnership will allow all three organisations to raise greater awareness of chronic kidney disease more generally and be supported with

community awareness days and drop in clinics at dialysis units across the Wessex and Bristol network area.”

Kate Robbins, head of customer policy at Wessex Water, commented: “We’re delighted to be partnering with Kidney Care UK. “We know that many people living with chronic kidney disease need to use more water, or could benefit from extra support during an emergency such as a water outage.

“Through this partnership, we will be able to reach more of our customers to raise awareness of the help available to them.”

COLUMN | Councillor Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council

A

S you may know, my own Liberal Democrats won an historic second term at the council elections on May 4th.

I would like to thank everyone who voted and congratulate all the councillors elected. Serving our constituents is an honour and privilege. I have wasted no time in establishing the new cabinet and setting our direction, building on what we have achieved over the previous four years and now ploughing ahead with the massive mandate you have just given us at the ballot box.

We will use this mandate to continue to improve people’s lives.

We are ambitious for Bath and

North East Somerset. We want to see the right houses in the right places; we will be doing even more to tackle the climate emergency; and we will be extending transport choices and improving communities through our liveable neighbourhoods programme.

This is a community-led programme which will see public realm improvements in 15 residential areas of Bath and North East Somerset over the next few years. It aims to improve residential streets and encourage safe, active and more sustainable forms of travel, such as walking, wheeling and cycling.

Improvements suggested by

communities include better crossings on busy roads and walk-to-school routes and wider footways to help children and people with buggies and mobility aids get around. We will work closely with local communities as we develop our proposals.

In addition, we will shortly be implementing two new Residents Parking schemes- in the Walcot, Snow Hill and Claremont Road zone, and the Oldfield Park and Westmoreland zone.

Residents will be kept informed of these changes, with the “go live” date expected to be 31st July.

The decision to go ahead with these schemes follows extensive

public consultation.

We have listened to and talked with residents, businesses and organisations.

Many residents said they found it challenging to park near their homes because of commuter parking, but businesses have raised concerns about the impact of the final design on trade.

We are working with the Oldfield Park Community Alliance and Genesis Trust about how we can mitigate any potential impacts, using this information to inform any future reviews of the schemes.

The 5 Resident Parking Schemes

we introduced earlier this year have proved highly successful and are supported by local residents and businesses alike.

Finally I would like to thank everyone who reads these columns. A thriving local press contributes to a healthy democracy and adds to the various ways that we inform our residents. If you would like weekly updates on what the council is doing please subscribe to our e-connect newsletter. You can also follow us on social media.

For more information please go to www.bathnes.gov.uk.

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Tuesday 6th June - Monday 19th June 2023

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Pictures from the Past In The News Save our buses Kirsten Elliott Akeman Press

IT doesn’t take much to see that better public transport is the way forward if we want cleaner air, fewer traffic jams, leaving more parking for disabled people.

On top of this we should remember there are still many people who do not have access to a car. A good country bus service isn’t just desirable – for many it’s essential. Yet we were recently treated to the unedifying spectacle of B&NES council leader Kevin Guy and the West of England Mayor Dan Norris squabbling over who should pay for conserving bus routes, as 90 year old Ms Harrington from Westfield discovered. She presented a petition to Mr Guy, demanding the retention of the No 82 bus service only to be told that it was up to Dan Norris to pay for it – who had told her it

was up to Mr Guy to pay.

Needless to say, Jacob ReesMogg, never one to miss the chance to leap on a passing bandwagon, had helped with the petition – perhaps he should have been reminded that it was the deregulation of buses, brought in under Margaret Thatcher’s Conservative government, which had – as one expert eloquently put it – ‘provided a masterclass in how not to run an essential public service, leaving residents at the mercy of private actors who have total discretion over how to run a bus route, or whether to run one at all’.

So today we take a look at the happy days when country areas were well served by buses, and even used for outings to tourist destinations.

The first picture comes from the collection of Pauline Forrest, whose father was the driver on this bus to Marshfield.

Recollections of her childhood can be found in a slim volume

called Childhood Memories – Growing Up in Kingsmead and Weston, obtainable from Akeman Press and good bookshops.

Pauline recalled that ‘near the Old Bridge at the bottom of Southgate Street was a large open space where the country buses started from‘.

Known as Riverside Parking at the time, the junction of Churchill Bridge with Lower Bristol Road now fills the site. In 1935, it was officially designated as a bus station dedicated to country buses, rather than them using Grand Parade.

However, by the mid 1950s the buses were back at Grand Parade.

Here we see two double-deckers, one bound for Trowbridge and the other for Colerne, while between them, a single-decker is going to Larkhall Square.

However, in the early days of buses, they were such an attraction that outings to places such as Burrington Combe were eagerly booked up.

Looking at the state of the road, and considering how winding and steep the route is, it must have been quite a white-knuckle

Left: A bus to Marshfield Below: Visiting Burrington Combe

ride for those on the top deck – but it did not deter many, all dressed in their Sunday best, to take the trip.

Above: Buses at Grand Parade

COLUMN | Mark Shelford, Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner

I

hope everyone enjoyed the most recent bank holiday weekend with friends and family and, most importantly, stayed safe.

Last Thursday marked the start of Volunteers Week, a special time to recognise and appreciate the incredible contributions of volunteers across the country.

Having recently recruited 19 volunteers for our four independent panels, I understand the impact volunteering has on our community. We are still actively recruiting dedicated individuals to join our Independent Custody Visitors (ICV) Scheme, who play a vital role in safeguarding the rights and well-being of individuals in police custody.

We are looking to recruit into our schemes at Bridgwater, Patchway and Keynsham custody suites.

If you have a strong sense of justice, a desire to make a positive impact, and the ability to commit some of your time, we invite you to be part of our team.

Please email opccvolunteering@ avonandsomerset.police.uk.

I was busy out and about around the region last week. My Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner (DPCC) Claire Hiscott and I attended the Royal Bath and West Show last Wednesday. It was an excellent opportunity to connect with our region's rural communities and discuss their policing concerns.

As PCC, I am dedicated to work-

ing closely with these communities and implementing targeted strategies to address their specific needs. In addition, last Friday was a productive and engaging day for me. I had the pleasure of meeting Councillor Dr Eleanor Jackson of the Westfield Ward, where we had meaningful conversations with local residents about their concerns regarding anti-social behaviour (ASB) in their area. I heard first-hand accounts to understand the impact of ASB on individuals and communities.

Rest assured, we are committed to working tirelessly to create safer neighbourhoods and ensure that our residents' concerns and voices are heard and acted upon.

Together, we can make a real dif-

ference in tackling ASB and fostering a sense of security and well-being for everyone in our community.

I also had the privilege of being on Radio Bath, engaging in an important conversation about the increasing issue of fraud. The discussion shed light on the various forms of fraud that affect our communities and the measures we must take to combat them effectively.

It was also an opportunity to reflect on Operation Sceptre, a significant initiative to tackle knife crime and raise awareness about its devastating consequences.

Finally, I continue to encourage local organisations and commu-

nity groups to apply for the Commissioner’s Crime Prevention Fund, set up by the Office of the Police Crime Commissioner (OPCC) in partnership with Somerset Community Foundation and Quartet Community Foundation.

This worthwhile funding aims to reduce anti-social behaviour through community projects and activities across the region, making our communities safe.

I would like to congratulate and thank all the local community groups and organisations previously awarded this fund. They have delivered some fantastic crime-reducing initiatives and activities.

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Your City, Your News - Bath Echo

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Across

Down

1 Injured one (8) 5 Mexican vacation destination (6) 10 Fencing moves (7) 11 Old pals' get-together (7) 12 To a small degree (9) 13 Blue dye (4) 16 Gets back (7) 18 Rare plants (7) 19 Amusingly ironic (3) 20 Generally (2,1,4) 22 Quite large (7) 24 Grape-skin brandy (4) 25 Travel schedule (9) 29 Impresario's goal? (4,3) 30 Lithuanian capital (7) 31 Heavy hammer (6) 32 In which Jud Fry dies (8)

1 Intersects (4) 2 Rising suddenly (7) 3 Like a double rainbow, maybe (10) 4 Where the Owl and the Pussycat went (2,3) 6 Border (4) 7 Tuscan wine (7) 8 Bewildered about unsold pens (10) 9 Hospital conveyances (8) 14 Gym machines (10) 15 Neopolitan buffalo cheese (10) 17 Result of using 14 Down, perhaps (8) 21 Place in order (7) 23 Tortilla meal (7) 26 Kim ---, of "Vertigo" (5) 27 Poker-like card game (4) 28 30% of the Earth's surface (4)

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What's On

Tuesday 6th June - Monday 19th June 2023

Jack Whitehall: Settle Down

The Corner Shop Goblin

Garden Grooves

Festival of Nature

The Forum 7th June Comedy superstar Jack Whitehall is back with his highly anticipated new live show. Following three arena tours, Jack is eager to get back on the road doing what he does best.

The Egg 8th – 10th June Bath Spa Productions brings Hans Christian Anderson’s story to life in this lively, funny, and exciting production where Phillip the parrot talks nonsense (or is it?) and potatoes fly.

American Museum & Gardens 9th June, 5.30 - 9.30pm Join the American Museum in its spectacular gardens for a summer’s evening of music from Iain Ballamy Trio and American-inspired food and drink.

Tickets available via EventBrite.

Various Locations 9th - 18th June Returning for its 20th anniversary. It’s a crucial year for taking action for the environment and The Natural History Consortium and partners have put together the biggest festival yet.

Bitton Beer Bash

Roman Holiday

The Gathering on the Green

Flamenco Express

Avon Valley Railway 9th & 10th June Enjoy a selection of beers from around the country with over 25 beers available.

Enjoy your drinks on the station platform, or purchase a diesel train ticket and enjoy them onboard.

Theatre Royal 10th June – 1st July Italian chic, European glamour and the timeless music and songs of the legendary Cole Porter combine in a glittering new stage musical based on the bittersweet movie comedy.

Bloomfield Green, Bath 11th June, 1.30pm The Gathering on the Green event for 2023 - a popular annual free family fun day. Music, refreshments, stalls, prizes, children's games, in the Green's centenary year.

Chapel Arts Centre 11th June, 8pm Flamenco Express returns to Britain with a new cargo of raw, heart-wrenching flamenco – with ‘sizzling soloist’ La Joaquina, guitar virtuoso Chris Clavo and Antonio El Pola.

Forest of Imagination

WIG! Pride: Heroes and Villains

Bath on the Beach

Pub in the Park

The Assembly Rooms 14th June – 14th July Marking 10 years as an inclusive, contemporary arts event, Forest of Imagination returns in 2023 to showcase Bath as a City of Imagination in direct response to the climate emergency.

Komedia 15th June, 7pm For this year’s WIG! PRIDE, the theme is heroes and villains, with headliner PRINX SILVER – come as the campy avenger the world needs, or the queer coded super villain the world deserves.

Royal Victoria Park 16th June – 13th August Home to the biggest beer garden in the city. Entry is free and the venue is open every day 10am to 10pm (adults only after 6pm) offering summer cocktails, walk-in spaces, street food & games.

Royal Victoria Park 16th – 18th June The ultimate food and music festival.

Hosted by Marco Pierre White, Matt Tebutt, Jimi Famuwera and Leyla Kazim, there's award-winning restaurants, live music, more chefs and delicious food.

Summer Fayre

Bath Festival of Motoring 2023

Organ Recital

Why Our Reading Tastes Changed

Bath City Farm 17th June, 10am – 3pm Help celebrate summer with a range of live music and entertainment at the farm. There will be live music, games, face painting & children’s crafts.

Free event, no need to prebook.

Walcot Rugby Football Club 17th & 18th June The Bath Festival of Motoring will feature an extensive programme of parades, exhibitions, demonstrations and super car rides, with competitions, live music and family activities.

St. John the Baptist Church 18th June, 2.30pm – 5pm The annual Organ Recital by members of the Wiltshire & Bath Organists' Association. Admission is free, with a retiring collection in aid of Church Funds, and refreshments will be offered afterwards.

BRLSI 19th June, 7.30pm Join Kate Macdonald of Handheld Press for a talk to unpick the mysteries of changing literary taste in twentiethcentury fiction, and hear unfortunate truths about the publishing industry.

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Tuesday 6th June - Monday 19th June 2023

Community 240 people take on Walk of Life fundraiser

Share your news with us Email: news@bathecho.co.uk

Locals to be offered free bus travel during their birthday month

Taking on the Walk of Life fundraiser | Photo © Walk of Life / RUHX

MORE than 240 people took part in the Walk of Life on Saturday 20th May, raising vital funds for the Royal United Hospital.

The sponsored walk, which took place along the Kennet & Avon Canal, was organised by RUHX, the official charity of the RUH. Walkers completed either a 26.2mile marathon challenge from Bishops Cannings or a 10-mile challenge from Bradford On Avon along the canal towpath, crossing the finish line at The Holburne Museum in Bath.

To date, over £26,000 has been raised from the event, and RUHX expects this to rise over the coming weeks.

Laura Snell, Events & Community Manager, RUHX said: “Thank you so much to everyone who took part in the Walk of Life. You really have gone the extra mile

for your local hospital. You are all superstars!

“Walking a marathon or 10 miles in the blazing sunshine is no easy feat and we have been so inspired by you all.

“Whether you walked to remember a loved one, as a thanks for care you have received, to get active or support a great cause – your efforts mean we can do more for the RUH, its patients and staff. We’d also like to say a big thank you to our dedicated volunteers whom help make the event possible, to everyone that sponsored and donated, and to our committed event sponsor Savills.”

Registrations for the Walk of Life 2024 will open soon.

To find out how to get involved or to register your interest, email fundraising@ruhx.org.uk.

Bath Building Society launches tree nursery BATH Building Society has become the first business in the city to host a tree nursery on its premises, after partnering with More Trees BANES. Using the garden at the back of their Wood Street branch, the building society will grow saplings to be planted in Bath once they are established.

They will be growing crab apple and oak trees and have sourced the seeds locally with the help of dedicated volunteers from the More Trees organisation.

The scheme will also see the trialling of air pruner pots and boxes, to see how well they perform. This new system helps the trees to develop good quality root balls and prevents them from becoming pot-bound.

Kevin Gray, Chief Executive of Bath Building Society, said: “We intend to plant 1,200 trees in the City before we are 120 years old

next year and by helping More Trees with the nursery they have more space to grow even more saplings to plant in our great City.

“Volunteers from the Society planted 300 trees in the Fox Hill area of Bath earlier in the year in partnership with More Trees.

“The tree planting was funded by us as part of the 120th anniversary of the Society’s founding.

“Despite the fact that the full benefits of this project will take decades to come to fruition, our sincere hope is that our little contribution will steadily grow to help the environment and to improve the future amenity of Bath for its citizens.”

Sandra Tuck, Development Manager from More Trees, commented: “We are delighted to be working with the Society.

“They have been really positive about trying out this new growing method for us.”

Metro Mayor Dan Norris launching the initiative | Photo © WECA

METRO Mayor Dan Norris has unveiled a new initiative that will offer free bus travel to all residents in the West of England throughout the entire month of their birthday.

With a budget of £8 million, the scheme aims to revolutionise travel behaviour and boost the number of passengers in the region.

Scheduled to begin on 1st July 2023, the “birthday buses” scheme will run until 30th June 2024, ensuring that every resident’s birthday falls within the initiative’s coverage.

By providing a full month of complimentary travel, it is hoped there will be a significant and long-lasting shift towards bus usage. Currently, public transport accounts for less than 10% of regional commutes, leading to congestion that has an economic impact.

The Metro Mayor estimates that congestion costs the West of England £300 million annually.

Beyond the financial toll, the adverse effects on air quality are equally concerning, with 300 premature deaths linked to pollution in the region each year, while transport contributes to 44% of carbon emissions.

In launching the scheme, Metro Mayor Dan Norris said: “If you’re already a bus user, this is a free month of travel to help during this frightening cost-of-living crisis. It could see current bus users better off by one twelfth of the bus costs they shell out annually.

“But I hope birthday buses also give more people who aren’t already regular bus passengers the perfect opportunity to jump on the bus and try it out – perhaps for a regular commute, to go to the shops, a restaurant, or

to spend their weekends enjoying the amazing attractions and great beauty of our region.

“We really need more people using buses to cut congestion, pollution and noise – and meet our important and very ambitious 2030 net-zero targets.

“If you’re not a regular on the buses, please give it a go – you’ve literally got nothing to lose, and a lot to gain. If you are a car owner, think how many times you could avoid filling up at a petrol station during the month of your birthday?

“I hope, with a whole birthday month to try the bus for free, the public comes to like, and even love, bus travel and then continue to use it into the future.

“Other places in the UK have tried free bus travel for a day, or a weekend, but this is very different. It’s about encouraging lasting behaviour change. Trying a whole month of free birthday bus travel could mean the travelling public never look back!

“I’m delighted to launch this ground-breaking scheme, and look forward to seeing as many people as possible making the most of this fantastic opportunity to travel across the West of England by bus in their birthday month for free.”

Covering over 350 square miles, the scheme encompasses the cities of Bristol and Bath, along with the surrounding areas of North East Somerset and South Gloucestershire. Bus companies such as First and Stagecoach have already pledged their support, joining forces with the initiative.

Additionally, the region’s WESTlink bookable minibuses will also participate, providing residents with more flexibility.

To ensure a smooth transition and

manage the increased demand, the scheme will be implemented in a phased manner.

By offering the promotion to a twelfth of the West of England’s population at a time, bus companies can effectively handle the influx of new passengers and maintain the quality of service.

Throughout the year, the Metro Mayor plans to collect data to assess the impact of fare reductions on passenger growth and the overall demand for public transport.

This information will contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the effectiveness of such initiatives and pave the way for future improvements in the region’s transportation system.

Dan Norris added: “People rightly say buses are important.

Affordable transport is critical in this cost-of-living crisis. That urgent behaviour change of an ongoing kind is key to overcoming the climate emergency.

“This initiative to give free bus travel in the month of a passenger’s birthday is a UK first.

It is innovative and new. It allows our brilliant region to show the rest of the country how to take on the big challenges of our time.

“I wish every West of England resident many happy returns – and singles!”

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Issue 053

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Your City, Your News - Bath Echo

Health Residents to benefit from “Virtual Wards” initiative A HEALTHCARE initiative is set to revolutionise patient care in Bath and North East Somerset by offering acute clinical services in the comfort of people’s homes.

NHS@Home Virtual Wards, a collaborative effort between HCRG Care Group, the Royal United Hospital, and local health and care organisations, aims to alleviate pressure on local services while providing highquality care.

The innovative service allows suitable patients to receive comprehensive care, assessment, monitoring, and treatment within their own homes, mirroring the experience of being admitted to a hospital ward.

A dedicated team of doctors, nurses, paramedics, therapists, and other healthcare professionals provide a wide range of interventions, delivering clinical advice and treatment through both remote and faceto-face consultations.

Patients who meet the criteria for home-based care can be referred to the NHS@Home Virtual Wards service by their primary care physician or other healthcare providers.

Once enrolled, patients will receive scheduled visits from the dedicated team tailored to their individual needs. In addition to in-person care, patients will have access to continuous support and guidance.

Crucially, individuals receiving care through the NHS@Home Virtual Ward service will remain in the familiar surroundings of

Eligible patients will receive treatment in their own homes

their own homes or place of care, benefiting from a personalised care plan designed to address their specific needs.

Emily O’Hara, Head of Operations at HCRG Care Group and Bath & North East Somerset Community Adult Health & Care Services said: “We know that treating people in their own homes can be really beneficial and means patients will not be waiting around in Accident and Emergency departments for a long time before starting their treatment, separated from their loved ones or away from familiar surroundings and routines.

“Patients being cared for like this are also less likely to decondition through long periods in bed as they would on a hospital ward.

“This programme also presents some tangible benefits for our under-pressure hospitals as it helps to free up beds during

periods of intense pressure and means patients are much more involved in their own care.”

Dr Mark Luciani, GP Lead for Ageing Well, Frailty, Dementia & End-of-Life and Paediatric Palliative Care at BSW Integrated Care Board said: “Whilst the service offered through NHS@ Home Virtual Wards is not new, the pandemic resulted in more innovative methods being used by local teams.

“This service allows patients to receive the care they need in familiar surroundings but with support from the most appropriate health and care professionals.

“This is an exciting development in bringing healthcare closer to home for people and enabling closer working between different teams across hospitals, community services and primary care.”

Support event for families affected by drug and alcohol use DEVELOPING Health & Independence (DHI) is preparing to host its annual Reach Out conference, for families and carers affected by the drug or alcohol use of a loved one.

Recognising that each person struggling with substance misuse impacts at least five others around them, the Bath-based charity aims to address the isolation and lack of support faced by those dealing with a loved one’s drug use.

By challenging societal stigma, the conference speakers will share their personal experiences of living with someone who uses substances.

The Reach Out conference provides a safe and inclusive environment for individuals to connect with others going through similar situations.

Avon and Somerset’s Chief Inspector Ronnie Lungo, who works closely with DHI in the community, will join a panel to discuss harm reduction strategies and the importance of naloxone, an emergency medicine that can save lives during opioid overdoses.

Avon & Somerset Police recently partnered with DHI to provide naloxone training to police officers on the beat.

The Reach Out conference will be held at Somerdale Pavilion, located on Tiberius Road in Keynsham, on Thursday 15th June 15th.

Rosie Phillips, Chief Executive of DHI, said: “‘Problems with drugs and alcohol affect many people, no matter what their background, job, family situation, or income is.

“Inexplicably there is still significant stigma attached to the families and carers of those who misuse drugs or alcohol, and many suffer anxiety, depression and poor health because of the stresses and strains in their lives.

“Too often they suffer in silence.

We need to challenge these stereo types and provoke people to think differently.”

Someone who benefited from the support offered by DHI said: “DHI and the FAM Service has helped my wife and I to understand and learn about addiction and gain the skills needed to cope with the day-to-day crisis of the impact that entails.

“Taking the spotlight off them, turning it back on us, helped us to focus on our needs. Thus, enabling us to support and nurture ourselves and our boys, better.”

Sculpture for RUH’s new Dyson Cancer Centre installed RENOWNED sculptor Hamish Mackie has overseen the installation of his specially commissioned ‘Swifts’ sculpture at the new Dyson Cancer Centre in Bath.

A crane made a temporary return to the site at the Royal United Hospital to lift the 80-kilogram bronze artwork into place.

The sculpture, perched atop a limestone base donated by Stoke Hill Mine, will create a serene and welcoming atmosphere for patients and their loved ones during their stays and treatments.

Hamish said: “It’s always a very special moment to see a sculpture leave the confines of my studio and settle safely in to a new home. “‘Swifts’ was specifically designed for the Dyson Cancer Centre, as a symbol of hope and optimism, and will form the focal point of a first floor courtyard.”

The sculpture was commissioned by a generous supporter of the RUH’s charity RUHX, who was

also on hand to welcome the ‘Swifts’ onto site.

Hamish explained: “We wanted to create a sculpture that would celebrate the life of a special loved one, and those of all the other patients at the Dyson Cancer Centre. A pair of dancing swifts in the sky seemed to hit exactly the right note.”

Art at the Heart (AATH) is the RUH’s art and design charity and AATH manager Hetty Dupays who is overseeing the art and interior design of the centre said: “The plinth the ‘Swifts’ rests on is a piece of 150 million-yearold limestone, in the distinctive honey colour that Bath stone is so famous for.

“The Dyson Cancer Centre has been designed around a land, water and sky theme which incorporates natural light, external spaces, greenery and artwork, all of which are known to have a positive effect on healing and patient experience.

“This sculpture and plinth are

a beautiful marriage of sky and land and together make a really special addition to this wonderful building.”

The stone plinth was prepared by Wells Cathedral Stonemasons in Cheddar, who donated their time and expertise.

The installation was facilitated by construction partners Kier, ensuring a seamless joining of the sculpture and plinth.

The Dyson Cancer Centre, which will open later this year, will serve as a cancer services hub for half a million individuals in the South West, consolidating various cancer services under one roof.

The ‘Swifts’ sculpture will be covered and protected as courtyard landscaping takes place, ready to greet patients when the site officially opens.

The centre was partially funded as part of the Government's New Hospitals Programme.

Hamish Mackie, Jan Witt and Hetty Dupays with the new sculpture Photo courtesy of the RUH

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Tuesday 6th June - Monday 19th June 2023

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Education Council urged to form strategy to tackle high student rents John Wimperis

Local Democracy Reporter

THE UNIVERSITY of Bath’s student union president has asked Bath and North East Somerset Council if they will work with the university to tackle high student rents.

Addressing the council’s annual meeting on Thursday 25th June, its first meeting since the local elections, SU president Alexander Robinson said: “I come in support of the tens of thousands of student residents who live within Bath and North East Somerset and make up roughly one third of the population of the city of Bath.

“Students contribute significantly to the local economy in Bath, through spending in local businesses, renting, working, or in the cultural capital that makes Bath such a vibrant place to live.”

But he warned that students were facing high rents, explaining: “At the moment universities find themselves renting buildings from private companies through nominations agreements in order to house students in the

city, often at high rates which are passed on to students.”

In Centurion House on the cricket ground development, he said students are paying £220 a week for a single room — a total of £11,000 a year. But this was far from the highest rents students could pay.

He said: “In the private sector over the road at Student Castle, rooms start at £330 a week — that’s £17,000 a year.”

Mr Robinson asked the council to look at what had been done in Nottingham, where the city council is working with universities on a “Student Living Strategy,” and to form a group with the university to work on something similar. He said their strategy aimed to improve “quality, safety, affordability, and location of accommodation.”

He said: “All residents here in Bath and North East Somerset would benefit greatly from this type of collaboration.”

Council leader Kevin Guy said he would be “more than happy” to meet with Mr Robinson, and his successor as SU president, to discuss the idea.

University of Bath SU President Alexander Robinson with community officer Blake Walker | Photo © John Wimperis

Uni students study science behind brewing beer at Electric Bear

Students visiting Electric Bear | Photo © Bath Spa University

STUDENTS from Bath Spa University had a special field trip to a brewery to find out more about the processes involved in making beer.

The second-year students, studying Biology in Society and Applied Microbiology, visited Electric Bear in Bath to discover what’s involved in brewing and find out more about the context of the industry.

They were also able to taste some of the beers brewed on the Brassmill Lane site.

Field trips are a key part of the

Biology curriculum, giving students the opportunity to see first-hand how the topics they study can be applied to realworld situations.

Dr Samantha Lane, Senior Lecturer in Human Biology at Bath Spa University, said: “We run a range of field trips for all of our Biology courses across the academic year.

“These may be related to the development of particular skills such as habitat surveys and wildlife photography, or they are used to expose students to

working environments, such as in the food and drink industry.

“In this case, students had carried out lab based fermentation reactions on a small scale, and then this trip enabled us to project those processes into an industrial environment, where students could see and taste them being applied.

“They could also speak to those employed in this sector, opening up potential graduate destinations, which students might otherwise not have thought of.”

Free school meal holiday vouchers to continue into 2024 BATH & North East Somerset Council has announced that families in the region who receive benefit-related free school meals will continue to receive support into 2024.

Families will be helped with food costs during school holidays until the end of Easter next year, thanks to recent Government funding.

Parents and carers have recently been offered supermarket vouchers worth £15 per child to assist with food expenses during the halfterm holiday.

Upon receiving the initial email, families must respond within 48 hours to confirm their interest in receiving the supermarket vouchers.

A second email will then be sent, containing the necessary links to access the vouchers. It is important that the vouchers are converted within two months of receiving the initial email.

If anyone has not received an email from the council, they are encouraged to email freeschool_ mealvouchers@bathnes.gov.uk or call 01225 477277 (option 1).

It is advised to check junk or spam folders before contacting

the council.

Councillor Paul May, spokesperson for Children and Young People, Bath & North East Somerset Council Liberal Democrat Administration, said: “It’s only right that this funding is used to help children who are most in need.

“Many families with children in receipt of free school meals struggle with extra food costs in school holidays, so these vouchers will give them peace of mind and make family budgets a little easier. It’s also worth bearing in mind that anyone in emergency need can access other types of local food support via our Welfare Support Team and the Community Wellbeing Hub.” Families who qualify for benefitrelated free school meals but have not previously claimed a voucher can make a claim through the council’s free school meals vouchers web portal.

For those in need of further support, a list of foodbanks, food pantries, community cafes, and community fridges can be found on the B&NES Food finder website.

Have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch with our news team - news@bathecho.co.uk

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Business

Tuesday 6th June - Monday 19th June 2023

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Wessex Water to spend millions to improve storm network BATH-BASED Wessex Water has unveiled plans to triple its investment in storm overflows as part of the water sector’s largest overhaul of the sewerage network since the Victorian era.

Wessex Water invested £69 million in the past year as part of efforts to protect rivers and beaches in the region.

This significant investment was part of measures to address the challenges posed by heavy rainfall and to mitigate the impact of storm overflows.

Currently, the water company spends approximately £3 million per month on improving storm overflows, which are designed to activate during or after heavy rain to prevent flooding of properties.

Wessex Water has also made substantial investments in advanced treatment methods at water recycling centres to remove phosphorus and other nutrients, thereby further enhancing river ecology.

However, the company aims to go even further by proposing to triple its investment, with plans to spend £9 million per month on additional improvements to storm overflows from 2025, subject to regulatory approval.

The water recycling centre at Saltford | Photo © Wessex Water

Matt Wheeldon, Wessex Water’s Director of Infrastructure Development, said: “We know our customers care passionately about protecting watercourses, whether or not they use them for swimming or recreation, and we share their passion.

“That’s why we’re investing unprecedented amounts to help improve river and coastal water quality, including reducing how often storm overflows operate and minimising the environmental impact of our treatment processes.”

Data from the Environment Agency indicates that storm overflows account for less than 1% of the factors contributing to rivers in the Wessex Water region not achieving good ecological status.

This is due to the heavy dilution of discharged water by rain or groundwater.

Progress has already been made, as overflow discharges decreased considerably in 2022 due to prolonged dry weather and the company’s investment in infrastructure upgrades.

Wessex Water says it recognises that water quality can be influenced by various sources, including wildlife and agricultural run-off.

In response, the company has collaborated with farmers on catchment partnerships to develop cost-effective solutions.

Mr Wheeldon said: “We would love to stop all storm overflow discharges immediately but unfortunately there is no quick fix – eliminating them completely would mean re-plumbing a sewerage system which has been built in this way for over 150 years.

“The solutions we’re rolling out include separating out rainwater to stop it entering sewers and constructing large storage tanks to contain the combined rain and sewage for later treatment.

“Beyond this, we have further plans for nature-based solutions such as natural wetlands and reed beds.

“It is vital that regulators support these schemes to help reduce carbon impacts, minimise bill rises for customers and greatly improve river water quality.”

To enhance transparency and meet the demand for more

information from river users, Wessex Water developed an Artificial Intelligence (AI)powered mobile application.

The app utilises data from sensors installed in bathing and recreational waters to predict bacteria levels, providing realtime water quality information to the public.

The company has already implemented the AI app at locations such as Warleigh Weir near Bath and Baltic Wharf in Bristol, where water quality forecasts are provided for shellfishery and recreational businesses.

Wessex Water is also working with local authorities and community groups to extend the app’s coverage to more than 50 other popular river locations across the region. This collaborative effort aims to provide comprehensive information on water quality, temperature, and river flow.

Over the past two decades, Wessex Water has upgraded nearly 600 storm overflows, and its ongoing investments are expected to reduce the operational hours of storm overflows by approximately 25% by 2025.

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Issue 053

P15

Your City, Your News - Bath Echo

Politics Renewed call for landowners to help Royal Crescent with nature recovery extension planned LANDOWNERS and leaseholders across the Bath area are being encouraged to contribute to nature recovery as part of efforts to tackle the climate emergency.

Bath & North East Somerset Council’s “Call for Nature Sites” scheme aims to help boost biodiversity and support the local authority’s response following its declaration of an Ecological Emergency in July 2020.

There are opportunities for landowners of suitable sites to benefit from new funding options and new projects for nature.

The scheme will allow the council to collaborate with landowners and introduce them to nature recovery opportunities.

Councillor Kevin Guy, Leader, Bath & North East Somerset Liberal Democrat Group, said: “The council has a key role to play in helping to create more and better-connected space for nature.

“The Call for Nature Sites will see us collaborating with landowners across Bath and North East Somerset to manage land more positively for nature for the long term, helping us to tackle the Ecological Emergency and

John Wimperis

Local Democracy Reporter

There are opportunities for landowners to benefit from new funding options

become Nature Positive as an organisation by 2030.”

Habitats could include: • Grassland • Woodland • Orchards • Wetland • Lakes and Ponds • Scrub • Hedgerow • Rivers and Streams If you have a question, email nature_recovery@bathnes.gov. uk.

The Bathscape partnership is also looking for owners and managers

of grassland in the Bath area that could be transformed into flowerrich meadows.

Bathscape runs a free advisory service and training sessions for landowners and managers of suitable sites.

Landowners can check if their land is within the boundary on the Bathscape website (https:// bit.ly/3IIEmMU).

If you have any questions or would like to contact them about meadow creation within the Bathscape area, email info@ bathscape.co.uk.

OWNERS of one of the buildings in Bath’s Royal Crescent are applying to build an extension on the Grade I listed landmark.

No. 14 sits near the centre of the iconic crescent and is divided into flats.

Now its owners want to extend the basement flat into the garden and have applied to Bath and North East Somerset Council for planning permission.

An existing small extension to a utility room would be replaced with a glass corridor at the side of the garden, leading to a new en-suite bedroom outbuilding, which architects Watson, Bertram & Fell said in a planning statement would “visually enhance the external appearance of the garden.”

The bedroom extension would be built in a timber frame, framed by wrought iron columns outside.

The glass corridor would have slimline glazing and double doors out into the garden.

The architects’ planning statement said: “The proposals

recognise the significance of the property as a grade I Listed Building within the Conservation Area and the significant and inherent values of this highly visible site.

“Therefore, the main aim of these sensitive proposals is to preserve and enhance the historical and architectural character of 13-14 Royal Crescent as a traditional and elegant terrace house.”

They added: “The proposal will retain the existing architectural features and internal building layout whilst protecting and enhancing the character and quality of the existing building.

“All works are reversible without affecting the structural integrity of the property.”

The Royal Crescent was designed by architect John Wood the Younger, whose father had designed the Circus, and it was completed in 1775, although various alterations have been made to the backs of the buildings over the centuries.

The council had previously granted planning for the extension in 2020, but the permission was not used within the three-year limit and expired.

Funding offered to reduce emissions and lower energy bills HOUSEHOLDS across Bath and North East Somerset who don’t have gas heating are being offered funding to install energy efficiency measures and low carbon heating.

B&NES Somerset Council has partnered with Bristol City Council and North Somerset Council to secure £11 million through the government’s Home Upgrade Grant: Phase 2 which runs until March 2025. The scheme will be administered by Bristol City Leap.

Eligible low-income households will receive funding and support to install a range of energy-saving and low-carbon technologies including solar panels, loft, underfloor and wall insulation, air source heat pump central heating systems and LED lighting.

Councillor Sarah Warren, deputy leader of the council and cabinet member for Climate Emergency & Sustainable Travel said: “Energy efficient home improvements can help to reduce energy costs and carbon emissions, but they

can be expensive to install, so it’s wonderful that we have secured funding from the Home Upgrade Grant: Phase Two. “It will build on the success of the scheme’s first phase, which allocated money to help 12 homeowners in B&NES to improve the energy efficiency of their homes by having a range of features fitted: from new doors and windows to heat pumps.”

To be eligible for the scheme applicants must live in the B&NES area and:

• Be the owner, landlord or private rented tenant of the property • Have electric or non-gas fossil fuel heating source such as oil or coal.

• Have a combined annual household income of £31,000 or less per year • Have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D, E, F or G (or be willing to apply for one) Interested residents will need to complete the short registration

form which can be accessed on the council’s Energy at Home website. A member of the grant administrators, City Leap team will then get in touch to confirm your eligibility for the funding and to discuss the next steps.

If you have any questions about the scheme, you can contact the City Leap team directly by calling 0117 352 1180 or by emailing domestic@bristolcityleap.co.uk.

You can check if your property has a valid EPC on the gov.uk website.

Try a whole month - maybe you won’t look back! This offer is also for you if you’re already a bus user. A free month to help during this tough cost-of-living crisis.

Plus, you can use it for extra days out too - perhaps to enjoy the amazing shops, restaurants and attractions we have locally.

It’s super easy to claim your free ‘Birthday Month Bus Pass’ – you’ll just need to go online and we’ll send you your pass in the post. More details on the way!

People tell me buses are important. That affordable transport

is critical. That behaviour change of an ongoing kind is key to overcoming the climate crisis we all face.

This initiative to give free bus travel in the month of your birthday is a UK first; it’s innovative and new. It’s the envy of the country, with the head of Bus Users UK calling it “an absolutely fabulous initiative”. It allows our brilliant West of England region to show the rest of the country how to take on the big challenges of our time.

I wish you many happy returns and singles!

COLUMN | Dan Norris, Labour Mayor of the West of England

A

S Metro Mayor, three things keep me up at night.

The first, is the horrendous costof-living crisis, with food inflation still at a 40-year high! This is frightening to the million-plus people I'm so proud to represent.

The second, is the climate emergency, with the latest research suggesting climate temperatures are rising even faster than feared.

The third, is how do we encourage voluntary behaviour change on an ongoing basis to meet the huge challenges the West faces?

With these three things in mind, I’m delighted to tell you about a special birthday initiative I'm

introducing for everyone in our region.

Starting soon, you’ll be able to ride the buses of the West of England completely free throughout the month of your birthday. This will help your pocket, the planet, and, I hope, see positive change in the way we all travel in future - to reduce congestion, pollution, noise and delays.

The plan is for this innovative offer - which applies to the vast majority of buses running in our region, including the West's bookable WESTlink minibuses - to begin for locals with a July birthday and run for 12 consecu-

tive months, until every resident has had their chance to benefit.

If you’re not a regular bus user, this month of free bus travel is particularly aimed at you. Give it a go - you’ve (literally) got nothing to lose. If you’re a car user, think how many times you could avoid filling up at a petrol station?

I hope, with a whole month to try the bus for free, we come to like (and even love) bus travel to continue to use it into the future. Other places in the UK have tried free bus travel for a day, or a weekend, but this is very different. It’s about encouraging lasting behaviour change.

P16

Tuesday 6th June - Monday 19th June 2023

www.bathecho.co.uk

In Other News...

Businesses sought to take part in upcoming Dragon Boat Race

More than thirty homes to be built following demolition of flats

How the new homes are planned to look | Image © Curo

John Wimperis

Local Democracy Reporter

The Dragon Boat Race | Photo courtesy of Designability

LOCAL charities are calling on businesses to participate in the Bath Dragon Boat Race, set to take place on Sunday 24th September at The Boathouse pub.

The fundraising event, now in its third year, promises thrilling competition as teams battle it out in a series of heats, vying for the prestigious title of top dragons.

Each crew, consisting of up to 11 members including a dedicated drummer to keep the rhythm, will navigate the waters, paddling their traditional 30-foot dragon boat along at least three

200-meter courses.

Every participant in the Dragon Boat Race will be supporting a local charity based in Bath.

This year, the chosen charities are Designability, Mentoring Plus, and Rainforest Concern, all of which are dedicated to making a positive impact on the community.

No previous dragon boat experience is necessary, making it an accessible and inclusive event for all.

The only requirements are enthusiasm, team spirit, and a minimum age of 16 for each crew

member. While fancy dress is optional, it is highly encouraged.

The dragon boats, qualified helms, and all necessary equipment will be provided by the events company overseeing the event.

To secure a spot, teams are required to pay an entry fee of £550 per boat. Additionally, crews need to raise a minimum of £650 in sponsorship for their chosen charity.

If you would like to enter a team, email fundraising@designability. org.uk or call 01225 824103 to obtain a registration form.

A HOUSING association is planning to build 32 new affordable homes on the site of flats which they knocked down after nobody wanted to live there.

Curo moved everyone out of Walnut Buildings in Radstock to assess cladding issues. But when the 113 residents were told they could return, none of them wanted to.

They were housed elsewhere and the flats were knocked down.

Now the housing association says building 32 new homes on the site, which received planning permission in March, will “cater

to the wide range of housing needs in Radstock.”

The new homes will be a mix of one- or two-bedroom apartments, and two- and threebedroom houses.

17 of the homes will be available as social housing through Bath and North East Somerset Council’s housing list, with the other 15 for sale through shared ownership.

Curo plans to manage the homes “in perpetuity.” The housing association states that heat pumps, solar panels, and “energyefficient building materials” will be used.

Each home will have storage for two bicycles and a parking space, and some will have chargers for electric cars.

First anniversary of World Heritage Centre celebrated THE Bath World Heritage Centre in York Street recently celebrated its first anniversary, bringing together staff and volunteers to mark the occasion.

With support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the centre serves as a gateway for individuals to connect with Bath’s culture, history, and heritage.

It provides an opportunity to explore well-known Bath landmarks, as well as discover lesser-known places throughout the city.

Since its opening on 9th May 2022, the centre has welcomed over 72,000 visitors.

Councillor Kevin Guy, Leader, Bath & North East Somerset Liberal Democrat Group, said: “It has been wonderful to welcome so many people to the World

Heritage Centre during its first year.

“Our staff and volunteers have enjoyed sharing their knowledge of Bath and helping people discover the city’s unique heritage, from spotting hidden details in the Circus and Royal Crescent, to learning about the extravagant funfairs that took place in Sydney Gardens.”

People from all backgrounds have walked through its doors, including locals seeking to learn about the heritage on their doorstep, as well as international visitors from countries like India, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand.

The centre offers an array of interactive exhibits and displays designed to engage, educate, and inspire visitors.

Professor Barry Gilbertson, Chair

Staff and volunteers celebrate the first anniversary of the heritage centre

of the City of Bath UNESCO World Heritage Site Advisory Board, said: “We have been determined to increase awareness of our two World Heritage Inscriptions, the reasons for the Inscriptions in 1987 and 2021, and the importance of World Heritage to Bath’s economy.

“72,000 visitors in our first year of opening is an amazing

achievement. By comparison, that number is very close to the capacity of Old Trafford stadium in Manchester!”

Staff and volunteers are readily available to answer questions and assist visitors in maximising their experience.

Free walking trails and guides are provided to help guests explore all that the city has to offer, and a specially designed mobile app adds an element of fun to the visit.

Stuart McLeod, Director of England – London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “It’s fantastic to hear that the first year of the Bath World Heritage Centre has been so successful.

“Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, we were able to support creating an

Crossword answers - Issue 052 (23/05/23) Across: 1 Jobs, 3 Film, 6 Death, 10 Regretful, 11 Crown, 12 Sunburn, 13 Spangle, 14 Loss, 16 Fiasco, 18 Ifs, 21 Mum, 22 Trench, 23 Beta, 25 Loosens, 27 Enliven, 29 Crime, 30 Hailstone, 31 Mamba, 32 Busk, 33 Ears.

Down: 1 Jerusalem, 2 Begun, 4 Infantile, 5 Melts, 6 Dictator, 7 Alongside, 8 Hinge, 9 Debug, 15 Symbolism, 17 Societies, 19 Stainless, 20 Et cetera, 24 Flash, 25 Locum, 26 Sahib, 28 Viola.

engaging learning experience that shares the fascinating history of Bath to locals and tourists alike. Its success is a testament to the team.

The centre’s team of 52 volunteers has collectively contributed an impressive total of 2,237 hours to the World Heritage Centre.

Many of these volunteers also lend their time to other roles within the city, such as serving as Mayor’s Honorary Guides, Bath Welcome Ambassadors, and volunteering at Bath Abbey and the Victoria Art Gallery.

This newspaper is produced using paper from sustainably-managed forests.

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

ISSN 2632-7805 © Media Bath Limited 2023