Bath Echo - Issue 055 - 04/07/2023

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Tuesday 4th July - Monday 17th July 2023

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COUNCIL ACCUSED OF BEING “DEVIOUS”

Truespeed fined £16,000 over safety failings during install works P2

Five-month £1.3m project to help protect river with storage tank P8

Funding row over local bus services continues - P3

PARENTS URGED TO TALK ABOUT KNIFE CRIME - P3

Digital appointment reminder system introduced at RUH P11

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Truespeed prosecuted over safety failings

In this issue...

Top Stories

Tuesday 4th July - Monday 17th July 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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THE Bath-based internet service provider Truespeed has been fined £16,000 and ordered to pay more than £5,000 in costs after being found guilty of safety failings.

Truespeed was found guilty of two street works offences at a hearing in Taunton Magistrates Court, following a case brought

by Bath & North East Somerset Council.

The company was found to have breached Section 60 and 65 of the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991.

The court heard how Truespeed carried out street works in Peasedown St John late last year to install a fibre broadband cable in Braysdown Lane.

The site was inspected by a Bath & North East Somerset Council Street Works Inspector, who found an open excavation with numerous safety failings.

Truespeed did not attend the hearing and was fined by the court for the street works that were left unsafe.

As well as the £16,000 fine, Truespeed was also ordered to pay £5,793 to cover Bath & North East Somerset Council’s costs, as well as a £2,000 victim surcharge.

Following the court hearing, Councillor Manda Rigby, cabinet member for Transport said: “Our Inspector found the state of the site left by Truespeed unsafe and unacceptable.

“We want to be clear that we take all breaches like this very seriously indeed and if necessary, won’t hesitate to prosecute companies that put our residents at risk.

“We are pleased with the court’s judgement, which serves as a reminder to all utility companies operating in our district that we will hold them accountable for the standard of their work on our highways.”

Bath & North East Somerset Council employs Street Works Inspectors, who monitor the standard of works undertaken by utility companies and ensure they are carried out to an acceptable standard.

The site was left “unsafe and unacceptable” | Library image

The council receives more than 12,000 requests to work on highways each year.

In a statement, Simon Wall, Chief Network Delivery Officer, Truespeed said: “We accept B&NES’s decision and will not be contesting the outcome.

“We can confirm that this was an isolated occurrence, involving a single road crew working for a contractor on behalf of Truespeed. This specific crew did not adhere to the mandatory compli-

ance policies that were in place and are no longer associated with the contractor.

“We have taken this issue seriously and put in place a performance improvement programme for the contractor with additional supervision to prevent a recurrence.

“We will continue our mission to upgrade the telecom infrastructure of the Southwest and to ensure communities across the region have access to high-quality, reliable, ultrafast broadband.”

Homeowners sought to Care company opens showcase their houses new branch in Bath PEOPLE in Bath who have added energy-efficient features such as solar panels, heat pumps and water recycling to their homes are being invited to showcase their properties.

The call comes ahead of the Green Open Homes B&NES weekend in November.

The open homes event, which is being led by Bath & West Community Energy (BWCE) in partnership with Bath & North East Somerset Council, Buro Happold, Bath Preservation Trust and Transition Bath, will take place on Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th November.

The event aims to showcase a variety of housing types, including listed buildings that have introduced a range of solutions from low-cost DIY methods such as draft proofing and smart power controls to more extensive options, such as wall insulation and triple glazing.

Visitors will be able to see and

examine the technology and ask questions to learn about different solutions, the installation process and the prospective energy savings to gain an understanding of how they could improve the energy performance and sustainability of their own homes.

Councillor Sarah Warren, deputy leader and cabinet member for Climate Emergency and Sustainable Travel, said: “Too many people will again face hard choices this winter with the costof-living crisis and seeing how other people are saving money is vital to our work to help tackle fuel poverty. We were a partner in the previous Open Homes events and are pleased to be involved in re-starting this event because we saw how it empowered residents to save energy, which in turn helps us meet our climate emergency commitments.”

Those interested in joining the event can find out more at: https://bit.ly/3NtLiPE

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A HOME care company has launched a new branch in Bath, to support residents and their families across the city and the surrounding area.

The Alina Homecare branch will serve the Bath, Corston and Keynsham areas, as well as Peasedown St John, Paulton and Radstock.

Services available include assistance getting ready, bathing and ensuring medication is taken when required.

Carers with the business undergo

rigorous training through the Alina Homecare Academy.

Speaking about the opening, Branch Manager Glenn said: “The highly trained Alina Homecare Team are dedicated to delivering high quality, personalised care for clients, making us a perfect choice for local families choosing homecare for their loved one.

“It can be daunting finding the best care at home services for you or your loved one, especially if care is needed urgently, so let us do the work for you.”

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Issue 055

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Your City, Your News - Bath Echo

Row sees council accused of being “deceptive” John Wimperis

Local Democracy Reporter

A LOCAL government funding row over who should pay for bus services erupted into a war of words between top regional politicians on Friday 16th June.

The row between Bath and North East Somerset Council and West of England Metro Mayor Dan Norris has seen almost 20 “supported service” bus routes in the area axed, as both the local authority and the mayor insist it is the other’s responsibility to pay for them.

Instead of coming to an agreement at the West of England Combined Authority’s committee meeting on Friday 16th June, the row saw the meeting briefly devolve into an argument.

Mr Norris called Bath and North East Somerset Council’s actions “a disingenuous, mean-spirited, deceptive, devious thing to do.”

Sarah Warren, who was representing Bath and North East Somerset Council at the meeting accused him of “misrepresentation.”

The exchange followed multiple members of the public giving statements about axed bus services, which Mr Norris said had been “effectively cut by real terms cuts from local councils.”

The Metro Mayor cannot raise his own taxes and relies on being paid a “transport levy” from the councils which make up the authority, which he was claiming they had cut.

Ms Warren said: “In Bath and North East Somerset Council’s case that is not true. We have increased our contribution by 30% in this financial year.

“And you have also said that supported services are the responsibility of local councils and that is not true.

“You are the leader of the transport authority. The transport authority is responsible for bus services.”

But Mr Norris claimed: “I have responsibility for public transport … but the one area where I don’t is about subsidised buses and the transport levy.”

He added: “Bath and North East Somerset Council determined which buses would run to get you over the election period. So you made an extension where there were going to be bus cuts to get you past that.

“I didn’t choose the routes, because if it had been done by me it would have been based on evidence. You chose the routes which left North East Somerset devastated frankly.”

All supported services within the city of Bath have been protected

LIN’S LEISURE TRIPS

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by the council until next year, but almost all in North East Somerset stopped running in April, with some key services funded for a few more months.

But three of these, the 82 between Paulton and Radstock, and the 179 and 768 between Midsomer Norton and Bath, were cut last month, leaving older people relying on Dial-aRide services to get to the shops and appointments, and younger people having to leave hours early to get to summer jobs on time.

But Ms Warren said: “The evidence your officers put forward to this council would have left [Bath and North East Somerset] with only two buses in the whole of [Bath and North

*Lin’s Leisure Trips offers outings for both able-bodied and disabled people. Local pickups for all trips.

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Plans for Peasedown roundabout progress

Metro Mayor Dan Norris said Councillor Sarah Warren should be “ashamed"

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News in Brief

East Somerset] so we would have been in a much worse position.”

She added that it was “absolutely not the case” that the council had made real terms cut in their transport levy.

Mr Norris acknowledged they had made a 30% increase this financial year, but claimed it was still a cut because the transport levy was not increased last year despite inflation in the bus sector of 40%.

He said: “It’s still a cut. It’s such a disingenuous, mean-spirited, deceptive, devious thing to do.

You have been so untruthful about it, Sarah, you should be ashamed.”

She replied: “This is a misrepresentation. And that is all I will say.”

Proposals for a new roundabout in the village of Peasedown St John near Bath will soon go on display, after nearly 20 years of lobbying for its installation.

Since 2005, councillors past and present have been calling for funding to be made available to make safety improvements to the Bath Road junction with the A367 bypass. Changes have now been made to the way funding is allocated to road infrastructure projects, with £16.5 million set to be spent on projects across the West of England, with a proportion allocated for Peasedown St John.

Full planning will begin in 2024, with works expected to start on the new roundabout in mid-2025.

FareShare launches urgent donation appeal An urgent appeal for food donations has been launched

by FareShare South West, with families potentially being put at risk if their numbers do not increase. FareShare South West, the region’s biggest charity fighting hunger and food waste, is calling on farmers, food producers and retailers to help get good-to-eat food, that may otherwise go to waste, to its network of 400 charities.

Police working “all year round” to reduce knife crime John Wimperis

Local Democracy Reporter

POLICE in Bath and North East Somerset say they are working to reduce knife crime in the area, and are encouraging parents to talk to their children about the consequences of carrying a knife.

Following the death of Mikey Roynon, 16, from a stab wound in Bath last month Chief Inspector Ronald Lungu, of the Bath Neighbourhood Policing team said: “I hear the community’s concerns about this and other recent incidents and would like to reassure them we are doing everything we can to tackle knife crime in Bath, as well as in other towns and cities across our policing area.”

The team have carried out “reassurance patrols” in the Weston area, but the police say their work to reduce knife crime goes much wider.

An Avon and Somerset Police spokesperson said: “We work all year round to tackle knife crime and keep our communities safer. We can and will always use our powers to stop people carrying weapons in public.

“Using intelligence, we conduct stop and searches where we’re concerned there might be weapons involved. We confiscate weapons and prosecute people for carrying them.

“But we also know enforcement is not the only answer – we can’t police our way out of serious violence and knife crime, the causes are complex and multi-faceted.

“We are working alongside communities and other partners to improve the life outcomes of our young people, as we rec-

ognise that many of the people involved are vulnerable and need support.”

The Neighbourhood Policing Team have hosted pop-up stands to increase awareness and understanding, and delivered talks on the dangers and consequences of carrying knives in schools and youth clubs.

They said: “Educating young people is also an important part of our response.

A small majority of young people feel that carrying a knife is a way of keeping themselves safe, and while we know that only one in 100 young people actually do carry a knife, we’re committed to educating all young people about the dangers of knives.

“In the last six months, the neighbourhood team delivered 137 engagement sessions in schools across Bath and North East Somerset.

“Of these sessions, the ones delivered in secondary schools often include education around knife crime.”

They also work with local shops to tackle the selling of weapons to people under 18, and carry out patrols in high-demand areas, with the intention of deterring those intent on crime or violence and targeting known habitual carriers.

The team is calling on people to surrender any weapons at any of Avon and Somerset Police’s 17 weapon surrender bins, which include bins available at Bath and Radstock Police Stations, and Keynsham Police Centre.

The spokesperson stated: “Our work to tackle knife crime requires the support of our communities. We need you to continue to share your concerns and information about issues in your local area.”

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Tuesday 4th July - Monday 17th July 2023

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Council launches crisis Birthday bus scheme falters after fund for residents delayed government sign-off BATH & North East Somerset Council has launched additional one-off payment support to help residents struggling with the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

Data shows that £2.2 million of help was provided by the local authority’s Welfare Support Team to residents in need in 2022.

Financial support for debt, accommodation, household items and food was provided to 4,783 households, totalling more than £316,000.

Using the Household Support Fund, a grant provided by the Department for Work and Pensions, more than 9,000 households were supported with energy rebates and more than £900,000 was issued in free school meal vouchers for more than 4,000 children.

The council distributed £297,000 to low-income Pensioner households, £400,000 to low income working-age households and £238,000 was provided to support Citizens Advice and Age UK B&NES in delivering energy support to households in fuel poverty.

The figures come as the council’s Welfare Support Team marks a decade of helping more than 23,500 families in financial crisis, having distributed £3.7 million of crisis support grant payments over the past ten years.

Additional support for local residents struggling financially is now available from the new Discretionary Fund which is a one-off payment to help with energy, bills, and other living costs.

To qualify, residents must have a permanent B&NES address, be over 18 and on a low income, not have sufficient money to pay for essentials and not have savings over £2,000.

The council is using its allocation of the Department for Work and Pensions Household Support Fund to finance the scheme, which means that the number

of awards that can be made are limited. Applications will be assessed in order of receipt.

Residents who think they qualify for the Discretionary crisis fund should visit https://beta.bathnes. gov.uk/apply-discretionar ycrisis-fund.

Anyone unable to access the online application form can request a paper copy or complete it over the phone by calling The Welfare Support Scheme on 01225 477277 (Option 1).

Residents across the area have also been supported by a wide range of partners working through the Community Wellbeing Hub. During 2022-2023, Citizens Advice B&NES helped 5,746 people and dealt with 16,650 advice issues of which 70 per cent related to debt, benefits and utilities such as gas and electricity.

The Community Wellbeing Hub received 1,803 referrals during 2022-2023, distributed 278 help packs and worked with organisations to provide almost 50 warm spaces during the winter months.

In the same period, 497 people accessed the Village Agent service for support and advice.

Village Agents link people with advice and support and operate in the parished areas of Bath & North East Somerset as well as Combe Down and Foxhill.

Council leader, Councillor Kevin Guy said: “The cost-of-living crisis unfortunately is still very much with us and the impact of rising interest rates mean many people will continue to see their budgets squeezed in coming months.

These figures for the past year reflect the urgent and effective response that the council and our partners have made to the costof-living crisis, but also the depth of need out there. It is distressing that more and more people including working families and pensioners need help with the cost of living as a result of rising food prices and energy bills."

Alex Seabrook

Local Democracy Reporter

WEST of England residents promised free bus travel during their birthday month have been unable to apply for passes shortly before the new scheme starts.

The website for passengers to apply for a birthday bus pass is not yet live, delaying the start of the scheme.

The £8 million plan was announced in May by Dan Norris, metro mayor of the West of England, as a way to encourage more people to travel by bus. People living in Bristol, South Gloucestershire, Bath and North East Somerset, and North Somerset will be able to apply for a pass online.

But without a functioning website, nobody can currently apply to get a pass and benefit from the free travel.

The controversial scheme has now been criticised by opposition politicians, after the delays to its launch.

Councillor Mark Weston, leader of the Conservative group on Bristol City Council, said: “I find it surprising that after much misplaced fanfare around this controversial idea to provide limited free bus passes from next month, more has not been done to ensure that the basic mechanics to administer the scheme are in place.

“Unless the travelling public are able to easily apply, access or take advantage of this blatant electioneering freebie, I fear the major rationale behind it — of encouraging people to make more use of local buses — will be severely undermined.

“As previously stated, I believe this transport initiative is misconceived and unlikely to represent value for money.

“Following the unveiling last month, it has also emerged that other West of England Combined

Metro Mayor Dan Norris launching the initiative | Photo © WECA

Authority leaders were in the dark over this plan.

“I would remind Mayor Norris that the regional forum was designed to be a collaborative venture and not something to be treated as a personal fiefdom.”

Delays to the launch are due to the government, according to the metro mayor.

The combined authority is still waiting for the Department for Transport to sign off the money needed to pay for the free travel.

The cost of the year-long plan is estimated at £8 million.

Mr Norris said: “We are still awaiting government signoff to release the money for the scheme. Department for Transport officials have indicated that they do not require any further information.

“I hope we can get a speedy resolution so the scheme can launch and you can enjoy free travel during this cost-of-living crisis, reduce pollution, tackle congestion, and crucially we can begin the process of gathering data and encouraging behaviour change, which is what birthday buses is all about."

Residents interested in taking part in the scheme will need to supply their address, their date of birth and a digital passport-style photo via the online form at www. birthdaybus.co.uk.

Applicants under 18 will additionally be

required to show proof of age.

The West of England Combined Authority has not yet confirmed how people without internet access are able to take advantage of the free travel offering.

Residents have been told to apply at least 7 days before the first day of their birthday month but they can still apply after that – right up to the 15th day of their birthday month and still get a pass for the rest of that month. The scheme will be valid on all participating buses across the West of England region for the whole of a resident's birthday calendar month.

This includes services on First Bus, Stagecoach, Bath Bus Co, Big Lemon and CT Coaches.

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

T

HE recent announcement on interest rates - coupled with rising costs for things like food – will see make balancing household budgets still more difficult.

Our message throughout the cost-of-living crisis is that “help is out there”. This is thanks to a strong network of partners across our area who are working to support our communities. These include food banks, food pantries, Citizens Advice B&NES, Bath Mind, Age UK B&NES, Village Agents, St. John’s Foundation and all the organisations involved in the Community Wellbeing Hub, which you can contact on 0300 247 0050.

The council have launched a

new Discretionary Fund - a oneoff payment to help with energy, bills, and other living costs.

To qualify residents must have a permanent B&NES address, be over 18 and on a low income, not have sufficient money to pay for essentials and not have savings over £2,000.

The council is using its Department for Work and Pensions Household Support Fund allocation for this, meaning that the number of awards that can be made are limited. Applications will be assessed in order of receipt. If this applies to you or someone you know you can find more information here beta.bathnes.gov.uk/apply-discretionary-crisis-fund or call

the Welfare Support Scheme on 01225 477277 (Option 1).

I’d like to thank all the partners who are involved in our local response to the cost-of-living crisis.

A big thank you also to everyone who gives their time to help others. For example, Shared Lives households open their homes and provide brilliant support for people from their local community who need some extra help.

Shared Lives needs more households to provide care and is urging people to consider becoming paid carers.

With the current economic challenges, we need to support local businesses, arts, community, and cultural organisations by repurposing vacant spaces and attract-

ing footfall to local high streets.

Our Vacant Unit Action Project, currently running in Bath city centre, Twerton, Keynsham and Midsomer Norton, is breathing new life into vacant spaces, On June 19th the Armed Forces Day flag was raised in Parade Gardens and it was an absolute honour to be joined by Normandy veteran Stan Ford, from Bath.

22nd June was Windrush Day and we are inviting people to share their invaluable experiences and connections with the Windrush generation, whether that is personal anecdotes, family ties or other stories.

These stories represent a signif-

icant chapter of our history and I am very much looking forward to reading them.

Finally, I would like to highlight a key local project to promote all the work that is going on locally to tackle the climate emergency. If you’ve added energy efficiency features such as solar panels, heat pumps or water recycling to your home, then there is an opportunity to showcase this as part of the Green Open Homes B&NES weekend in November.

You can find more information by following us on social media or at www.bathnes.gov.uk .and by signing up to our weekly e-connect newsletter.

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Tuesday 4th July - Monday 17th July 2023

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Pictures from the Past In The News Bath’s lost memorial to a war in Russia Kirsten Elliott Akeman Press

LIKE many other people in Bath, we at Akeman Press were gripped by the news coming out of Russia and Ukraine over the weekend of 25th and 26th June.

However, the interest in war in Russia was far greater in the city between 1853 and 1856, when the Crimean War was raging.

Many families had menfolk in

the Crimea, then part of Russia, not all of whom returned, so, after peace was declared, there was a successful campaign for a memorial in the city – only to be removed during another war.

The memorial was laid out with due ceremony in Royal Victoria Park in September 1857 and consisted of two cannons captured at Sevastopol. The government presented trophies to many cities and, as Bath had contributed liberally to the

Patriotic Fund which provided assistance to the widows, orphans and other dependants of members of the armed forces, the city received this gift.

Despite poor weather in preceding days, the clouds cleared on the day of the ceremony and to cheers, military music, musket fire, and even the firing of one the cannons, the guns were installed.

There they remained until January 1942.

Turning a deaf ear to requests which began in 1940 from the government and even local residents to donate them for munitions, the council hung grimly on to them. It was pointed out that other towns were donating their Crimean trophies, and in addition, Russia was on the Allies side. Eventually, the council capitulated and the guns were taken away.

However, recent research suggests they were not used and no one is sure what happened

Two cannons were sited in Royal Victoria Park until 1942

to them. One theory is that they were used in foundations for Sharpness Docks. Some might argue it was just as well that they went. They looked strangely incongruous among the deck chairs and people relaxing in the sunshine. But they were a memorial to many from Bath who died, and with the loss of the

cannon, the dead of the Crimean War have been rather forgotten.

There is an impressive memorial to the fallen, an obelisk, stands quietly in the Abbey Cemetery, well out of town.

Yet today, war in the area around Crimea has come back to haunt us all, with an outcome that no one can yet see.

COLUMN | Mark Shelford, Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner

R

ecently, Chief Constable Sarah Crew made an announcement regarding institutional racism in Avon and Somerset Police.

This is about vital work to change the culture of policing following the results of many reviews and reports, including those conducted by Macpherson and Casey, which also looks at wider issues of misogyny, homophobia and general police conduct and standards.

Culture change is not something that happens overnight; it takes a minimum of five to 10 years and involves looking at many areas within the service. This includes improving our vetting and selection processes, retention, and progression of staff, how police complaints are handled and, crucially, the training given to the workforce within the wider police family.

I have let the Chief Constable know I support her and have full confidence in her leadership.

This is a challenging issue to face.

However, through initiating and continuing these uncomfortable and difficult conversations, the Chief Constable is demonstrating openness, courage and willingness to be held accountable by the communities that she and our police officers and staff serve.

It's important to note that institutional racism is not just about policing alone. Policing is one element of the criminal justice process and, as the chair of the Local Criminal Justice Board, this is about our joint work with the wider Criminal Justice System (CJS) agencies like the Crown Prosecution Service, Courts, Prisons and Probation to tackle racial disproportionality within our respective organisations.

Such work is already underway

with the recommendations in the Identifying Disproportionality in the Avon and Somerset Criminal Justice System.

I will continue to update you on this area of work and, as your PCC, support the scrutiny and accountability of the Chief Constable on these issues as Avon and Somerset Police continues towards its vision to deliver outstanding policing for all of our communities.

Recently, I have been out and about talking to local businesses about their police and crime concerns and, as part of this work, I joined the virtual Business Crime Forum for Avon and Somerset.

The Business Crime Forum for Avon and Somerset was set up to ensure there is an open dialogue between Avon and Somerset Police, business crime reduction partnerships and business groups to help reduce crime

against local businesses.

As part of the most recent meeting, concerns were raised from the retail community regarding anti-social behaviour, theft and even intimidation.

From feedback, I know many people do not report when such incidents happen as they do not want to waste police time. However, the policing service need to be aware of when and where such issues are taking place to make a positive, proactive impact and make our communities safer. I encourage you to please report when crime happens either by dialling 999 in an emergency or, for non-emergencies, by calling 101 or reporting online.

Last month, I visited Bath and met with the local B&NES Neighbourhood Policing Team and CrimeStoppers to support their

current cannabis cultivation awareness campaign. The campaign aims to highlight the harm and exploitation of drug and associated crimes has on vulnerable individuals and the wider community.

I then had a tour of Bath City Farm to learn about their facilities and offer to local community members including team-building activities and volunteering opportunities.

Earlier this year, the Farm received a grant from the Commissioner’s Crime Prevention Fund to support extensive CCTV to not only deter criminal activity but enable the Farm the ability to identify those committing vandalism and crime on the farm site. I would highly recommend a visit to their lovely farm whilst the weather is still great.

Issue 055

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Your City, Your News - Bath Echo

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8 Smallest state down under (8) 9 You can't get out this way (2,4) 10 Sultanate in Borneo (6) 11 Kind of ale (3,5) 12 Switch positions (2,3,3) 13 Victorious WWII force at Midway (1,1,4) 14 Broad appeal (7,8) 18 Knight cap? (6) 20 Or go West, badly weakened (3,5) 23 Old Scratch (3,5) 24 Hanseatic port on the Weser (6) 25 They are acquired on marriage (2-4) 26 Author of "The Rivals" (8)

1 Sterile (6) 2 Lofty place (8) 3 Dark blue powder (6) 4 An enlarger (10,5) 5 Coach (8) 6 Impulse transmitter (6) 7 Delivery professionals (8) 15 Type of seal (8) 16 Efforts to change society (8) 17 Appeared with Nyasaland on stamps, once (8) 19 Dividing line in a triangle (6) 21 Turn these to gain an advantage (6) 22 Oscillate (3-3)

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Five-month £1.3m project to help protect river with storage tank MORE than £1 million is to be spent on a scheme to help protect the River Avon in Bath by reducing the operation of storm overflows by easing pressure on the sewage system.

The £1.3 million scheme, which will take around five months to complete, will see a new storage tank built below ground in the car park of Bath RFC’s Lambridge rugby training ground.

It will help prevent flooding by hosting increased flows from combined sewers, which carry both wastewater from homes and businesses and rain run-off from buildings and surfaces, during periods of heavy downpours.

Overflows are designed as relief valves to protect homes from flooding. Currently, if there is too much rainfall in the system, the overflow can automatically discharge sewage into watercourses.

However, the extra storage means that once the weather recedes, the stored water can then be returned to the sewer system for its journey to a nearby water recycling centre, where it is treated before being safely returned to the environment.

The Lambridge work is part of Wessex Water’s £3 million a month investment to reduce how often storm overflows operate.

If approved by regulators, the company plans to treble that sum to £9 million a month to continue tackling the issue.

It follows earlier environmental protection work carried out by the water company on the same stretch of river several years ago, when new equipment was installed at Kensington Meadows, within the car park of supermarket Morrison’s further down London Road, to improve the screening of wastewater from a nearby storm storage tank.

Wessex Water project manager Jonathan Barker said: “The new storage will allow more than 125,000 litres of storm water to be held when there are periods of intense rainfall and then gradually returned to the sewer system for onward travel to a water recycling centre for treatment. By installing

it we are aiming to reduce the potential for flooding and cut the automatic operation of a nearby storm overflow by around threequarters as we continue our drive to protect the ecology and health of the waterways in our communities.’’

The scheme, which is taking place within the car park of the Lambridge site, is expected to be completed by the start of January next year.

More than £150 million is being spent between now and 2025 to help complete nearly 100 projects that will reduce the operation of storm overflows by a quarter, while supporting the environment. Wessex Water’s Storm Overflows Improvement Plan also includes measures to boost the monitoring of overflows across the region.

MP celebrates 10th anniversary of the Forest of Imagination MP Wera Hobhouse recently visited the ongoing Forest of Imagination event at the city’s Assembly Rooms, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary.

Mrs Hobhouse spoke with activists including Forest of Imagination co-founders Dr Penny Hay and Andrew Grant as well as local Sixth Formers about climate education and wellbeing.

The MP was impressed by the thought-provoking and captivating artwork showcased at the event and has urged the public to take the opportunity to discover the Forest while it is still available.

Forest of Imagination is an annual free event that brings the community together to celebrate culture and biodiversity.

This year, the event is a partnership between the House of Imagination, Grant Associates, Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, Bath Spa University, National Trust and the RSA, alongside the creative, cultural and educational community of Bath and the surrounding area.

The event aims to embed the Forest of Imagination into the longer-term identity of the city and establish it as a showcase for

the creativity of the community.

Wera Hobhouse, who is the Liberal Democrat Energy and Climate spokesperson, commented: “Visiting the Forest of Imagination was an absolute joy. I had engaging and fruitful conversations about climate education and wellbeing amid the beautiful and thoughtprovoking local art.

“Helping everyone to have access to climate education is a crucial part of our shift to a green future.

“It can offer valuable insight into climate change and ensure that younger generations can grow up with a strong connection to nature. I urge you to take the opportunity to discover the forest at Bath Assembly Rooms while you can.”

Penny Hay, Professor of Imagination at Bath Spa University said: “It is vital that we embed nature connection, imagination, the arts and wellbeing at the heart of our education system – I propose that every city/nation needs a Commissioner for Future Generations with these as central themes, working alongside young people to co-design more hopeful futures.”

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What's On

Tuesday 4th July - Monday 17th July 2023

The Haunting of Richard the Third

A Streetcar Named Desire

Trine Hahnemann

The Bookbinder

Masonic Hall – Old Theatre Royal 4th July, 7.30pm The eve of the Battle of Bosworth Field: Richard the Third passes an uneasy night, visited by spectres who lead him through the journey of his life.

Tickets cost £15.

The Mission Theatre 4th - 8th July, 7.30pm Tennessee Williams’ masterpiece set in the jazz-soaked streets of New Orleans is a powerful and iconic portrayal of love, lust and loneliness.

Presented by Next Stage Theatre Co.

Topping & Company Booksellers 5th July, 7.30pm Danish chef and food writer, Trine Hahnemann is welcomed back to the bookshop. Trine is an advocate for sustainable solutions, organic sourcing, and simple food cooked with love.

The Egg 6th - 8th July From award-winning New-Zealand company Trick of the Light Theatre (The Road That Wasn’t There) comes a story of mystery, magic and mayhem.

Tickets £10, age 8+.

A Summer Musical Finale

Bath Carnival

Flower Arranging Workshop

Tanabata Family Event

Bath Abbey 7th July, 7pm The young choristers of Bath Abbey Melody Makers and Wells Cathedral Song Squad united bring you a lively mixed repertoire in a concert that will celebrate the end of their musical year.

Sydney Gardens 8th July, 10am - 10pm A free party celebrating carnival arts.

There’s a special lineup for their ten-year anniversary, which sees the return of acts from the last decade as well as new guests taking to the Main Stage.

Bath City Farm 8th July, 10am – 12.30pm Guided by the farm's knowledgeable and experienced staff, you will learn how to work with flowers and decorative plants to create your own posy or table centrepiece to take home.

Museum of East Asian Art 8th July Celebrate the enchanting Japanese Tanabata Festival, also known as the Star Festival. Join them for origami and Tanabata wishing strip activities, along with a captivating trail.

The Mikado

Bath Digital Festival

Dirty Bath

Lucie Rie: The Adventure of Pottery

The Theatre Royal 10th – 15th July Sasha Regan’s all-male Gilbert & Sullivan stars are pitching their tents at Theatre Royal Bath for The Mikado.

Expect plenty of cheer and tuneful earworms from a sensational cast.

Various Locations 10th – 14th July The 5-day long festival brings people and technology together to explore the thriving digital scene in Bath. The festival provides the local community with a platform that to grow their skills.

Clore Learning Centre 13th – 29th July Behind its beautiful façade, Bath is hiding a past that is riddled with tales of debauchery, villainy, and depravity. Let the Natural Theatre Company take you through Bath's murkier waters.

The Holburne Museum 14th July 2023 – 7th Jan 2024 This major exhibition celebrates Lucie Rie, one of the most accomplished and influential potters of the twentieth century. Featuring work produced across six decades.

Rob Lamberti: Perfectly George

Nick Cope’s Family Show

Stuart Goldsmith – Spoilers

Festival of Archaeology

The Forum 15th July, 7.30pm Featuring the incredible voice of Rob Lamberti, alongside long-time members of George Michael’s original band, the show has wowed audiences around the country and Europe.

Komedia 16th July, 2pm Nick Cope has been writing and recording his unique songs for children and their families for over 10 years, he performs with his guitar and animations to sell-out crowds all over the country.

The Hop Pole 17th July, 8.30pm Stuart Goldsmith takes on the climate crisis, and on some performances works out how to feel OK about it. Open-hearted and honest, this is a work in progress show.

Activities programme for over 55's Maintaining an active mind active body is incredibly important. It helps to boost the immune system and protect against cognitive decline, allowing us to live healthier lives.

St John's offers a daily programme of activities and events, designed to support wellbeing and independent living, whilst creating a thriving community of mature adults.

Classes include: Ballet Stitching and Needlework Carpentry (Bath Shed) Cook and Eat Tai-Chi and Yoga For more information or to book a class, contact our Good Living team: goodliving.enquiries@stjohnsbath.org.uk 01225 486401 bit.ly/StJohnsActivitiesProgramme

VIEW THE FULL PROGRAMME

Prior Park (National Trust) 17th - 28th July Join a team of archaeology volunteers as they dig for the Bason of Water conceived by John Wood as shown on the Anthony Walker drawing from 1750.

See the dig and speak to those involved.

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Community

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

Crowdfunder launched Bath City Farm marks after school break-in species milestone A CROWDFUNDING page has been launched following a break-in at Bathampton Primary School in Bath in which toys and resources were destroyed.

Staff at the school arrived on Monday 12th June to discover the resource sheds had been broken into, with equipment damaged.

Fencing at the site was broken, and a fire extinguisher had been used to vandalise an outdoor learning space.

Sports equipment was also scattered around the school grounds, and children’s models were broken.

A fundraiser has now been launched by the Friends of Bathampton to replace and repair damaged property and install new security measures, including CCTV. Headteacher at the school, Naomi Boyce, said: “We are all shocked and saddened that someone would do this to our wonderful community school.

“The damage was not only distressing for our children to see

News in Brief Parents warned over dangers of water Avon Fire & Rescue Service has urged parents to make sure their children know how to stay safe and enjoy the water this summer after performing over 15 rescues so far this year.

Over 300 people accidentally drown in the UK and Ireland every year, and many more suffer injury, sometimes life-changing, when they survive drowning.

Figures show that around 25 per cent of primary pupils leave school unable to swim, and experts fear that as a result of the pandemic, many young people now lack the ability to swim or self-rescue.

Email Subscriptions We send out daily news update emails, as well as a weekly newsletter. Sign up today!

Photo © Bathampton Primary School

when they arrived at school, but also it means that lots of toys and sports equipment are now out of use.

“It is no secret that education budgets are tight, so unexpected expenses like this puts additional pressures on budgets.

“However, parents and local residents have demonstrated fantastic support and true community spirit to enable us to recover from this distressing and unfortunate incident.”

More than £1,200 has so far been raised towards a goal of £2,500.

You can donate to the fundraiser at https://bit.ly/3r7zNFQ

BATH City Farm has reached a special milestone after recording more than 1,000 species on its 37-acre site in Whiteway.

The news comes as the charity launches a campaign to encourage visitors to reconnect with nature at the Farm and do their bit for the natural world at home.

Bath City Farm was recently featured in this year’s Springwatch programme on BBC2. Local artist Marian Hill and ecologist Mike Williams were filmed at the site talking about their collaboration on a spotters guide, part of a Buzz and Scuttle project to promote a connection with nature.

Farm Trustee and ecologist Mike Williams has spent the last seven years surveying the different species found across the Farm.

A total of 1,094 species have now been recorded.

Highlights from the survey, which includes recording the different trees, birds and beetles, include: • 55 species of birds including Red Kite and Firecrest;

• The ponds have Great Crested Newt, Palmate Newt and Common Frogs, and Slow Worms are abundant in the wider site; • Nearly 250 species of plants and fungi growing wild on the farm.

Highlights include Pyramidal Orchid, Ivy Broomrape and Veiled Oyster Mushroom; • Almost 750 species of invertebrates, including 21 species of butterflies, 53 species of hoverflies and nearly 200 species of beetles.

Finds also include the rare and tiny Horseshoe Ladybird and a small rove beetle not seen in the area for over 100 years.

The Wasp Spider, which has only recently arrived in Bath, and the Scarce Chaser Dragonflies have also been recorded.

Mike Williams, said: “As far as I’m aware, no other site in the Bath area has had this many species recorded on it.

“The Farm has a lovely mix of habitats, including woodland, meadows, ponds and hedgerows.

“It has been farmland since at

Family Notices Cahill, Margaret Eileen Passed away peacefully in Linden House, Lymington, Hampshire on Monday 12th June 2023, aged 83.

A service in her memory will be held at New Forest crematorium, New Milton, Hampshire on Monday 10th July at 11.00am.

Family flowers only please, but those wishing to donate in Margaret's memory can do so to Parkinson's UK c/o Moodys Funeral directors (01425) 612 261.

Family Announcements If you would like to announce a birth, death or marriage in a future issue, we'll be happy to help. If you'd like to book a notice with us, email our team via advertise@bathecho.co.uk or call 01225 589789. least the Domesday Book in 1086, and probably before that; and many of the fields have retained their names of the last few hundred years, including Lower Lamb Sleight and Maiden Furlong. It’s nice to think that some of the wildlife we have here today descends directly from what was present back then, nearly a thousand years ago.”

£54k donation helps fund Wizzybug wheelchairs MORE disabled children will receive state-of-theart ‘Wizzybug’ powered wheelchairs thanks to a grant of £54,000 from Somerset Freemasons to the Bath-based Designability charity.

Designability provides free powered wheelchairs for disabled children aged 14 months to five years who have conditions that affect their ability to walk, such as cerebral palsy, spinal muscular atrophy and muscular dystrophy.

Children are loaned the Wizzybug for as long as they need, and the wheelchairs are designed for indoor and outdoor use. They are small enough to fit through standard doorways and can be easily transported in smaller cars.

Nine children will be receiving a Wizzybug thanks to the Freemasons’ grant.

Each Wizzybug costs £6,000 for the full lifecycle of the loan, which includes the parts and materials, maintenance, support staff costs through the life of the loan, travel and transportation costs.

There is typically no NHS funding for powered wheelchairs for children younger than five years and Designability currently has a waiting list of 65 children.

Parents, carers or children’s therapists can apply for a Wizzybug in the UK online or via an application form.

A thorough clinical assessment

Anna-Kate Taylor with Vince Baughan, Adrian Robson, Graham Puddy and Steve Collings | Photo © Les Pickersgill

is conducted before a child is accepted onto the loan scheme, to ensure that it will fit that child’s specific needs.

Once the application is approved by the in-house Occupational Therapy team, a handover appointment is arranged and each Wizzybug is tailored to the child including seating changes, location and sensitivity of the joystick, and what grip they use.

Wizzybugs are refurbished after each hire and usually retired after three families.

Wizzybug-powered wheelchairs were designed by Designability

and have been provided to families across the UK since 2011.

In over ten years, they have helped more than 1,000 disabled children to gain independence and mobility.

The grant from Somerset Freemasons comes through the Masonic Charitable Foundation, which is funded by Freemasons, their families and friends, from across England and Wales.

Genevieve Arney, Director of Fundraising and Communications from Designability, said: “We’re very grateful to Somerset Freemasons

for their generous grant. Getting a Wizzybug is great for the children concerned but also has fantastic benefits for the whole family who can engage and interact in a way they couldn’t before.”

Graham Puddy from Somerset Freemasons, said: “I’m very pleased we’ve been able to help Designability provide their wonderful Wizzybugs to children who need them. By making them mobile, these wonderful machines transform the lives of the children and their families and they’re also great fun, as any child who’s used one will agree.”

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Health Digital appointment reminder system introduced at the RUH

Unit to help patients on their return home

THE Royal United Hospital has introduced a new digital appointment service to help teams stay in touch with patients.

In response to feedback, patients will now receive automated text messages and/ or email reminders before their appointments, letting them know the time, date and location.

Last year, over 35,000 appointments were missed at the RUH, around 6.4%.

Reducing this will ensure that staff can use their time most efficiently, ultimately helping patients to be seen more quickly.

Chief Medical Officer Andrew Hollowood said: “The NHS has ambitions to empower people to manage their own experience of health and care, and we’re committed to that at the RUH. “We’ve had lots of feedback from the people we care for that having more digital options matters to them – as technology develops elsewhere in our lives, it’s what people have come to expect.

“It has taken time for us to move the thousands of clinics we run onto the new platform but it has been well worth it already.

“If you’re coming to hospital please check that we hold your most up-to-date contact details, so that you can benefit from the full range of improvements we have made.”

PATIENTS who need a period of recuperation before they go home from hospital are to be offered a stay in a Homeward Unit at St Martin’s Hospital.

The 16-bed facility will allow patients to get better through a range of therapeutic interventions including help with mobilisation, support with healthy eating, getting enough to drink and increased interaction with other people on the ward.

The unit, operated by local provider HCRG Care Group for Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board (BSW ICB), will also help to avoid the deconditioning and hospital-based infections that can sometimes affect patients that spend too long in acute hospital beds.

The team on the Homeward Unit will work with patients and their families or carers to ensure they are in the best possible position to leave the hospital and begin their journey home.

Patients recently discharged from the Homeward Unit have praised the support they have received, the standards of food and the welcoming and friendly staff.

Emily O’Hara, Head of Operations at Bath & North East Somerset Community Adult Health & Care Services for HCRG Care

It's hoped the new system will reduce the number of missed appointments

In addition to the appointment reminders, some telephone appointments have been moved to video consultations using the new service.

The next phase of the project will see letters being sent digitally and securely, with appropriate safeguards in place for people who are unable to receive a digital version. This will enable faster communication between the RUH and patients, while also reducing paper use and postage costs.

Patients will soon be able to request for appointments to be cancelled or rescheduled in just a few clicks on their mobile phone or computer, and fill in pre-clinic

assessments to ensure time spent in appointments is as effective as possible.

More details about future improvements will be shared with patients later this year.

Consultant Respiratory Physician Professor Jay Suntharalingam said: “It’s been great to be involved in this project which makes the most of recent technological advances to bring care closer to patients.

“The video functionality is straightforward and the quality is very good.”

Text message reminders will come from the number 07860 039092 and emails will come from no-reply@drdoctor.co.uk.

Group said: “Prolonged stays in hospital are not good for patients and how well they recover, especially for those who are frail or elderly and the Homeward Unit at St Martin’s Hospital is all about helping people to be their best selves, get better and return either to their home or the place they call home.

“Our dedicated and caring colleagues will help them to achieve that goal by helping them to do as much as they can for themselves in a calm and relaxed environment where they will have time and space to properly recuperate. We’re incredibly proud to have been able to support the community, working together with BSW ICB to launch this new ward.”

Tracey Vines, newly appointed Ward Manager on the Homeward Unit added: “We know that, for those patients who are well enough, getting home, or to the place that they call home, is the best thing for them.

“Our Homeward Unit is all about helping our patients to achieve that by giving them the tools they need to improve their walking, getting around and building their confidence in a nurturing environment that will prepare them for the next stage in their recovery.”

Seven-year strategy to improve health and wellbeing A NEW strategy hoping to improve the health and wellbeing of residents across Bath and North East Somerset over the next seven years has been launched.

The “Bath and North East Somerset Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy: Our Vision for 2030” sets out four priorities which together will help people have the best start in life, live well in caring, compassionate communities, and make it easier for people to live physically and emotionally healthy lives.

It will pilot new models of healthcare like Integrated Neighbourhood teams, to make it easier for residents to access the right care and support when and where they need it; focus on affordable warmth support for those people living in homes most at risk of cold and damp and provide intensive support for disadvantaged children who are doing less well at school.

These are all actions that evidence shows will help improve health and wellbeing outcomes for people and help establish the

right foundations to reduce some of the unfair outcomes some residents experience.

The four priorities set out in the strategy are: • Ensure that children and young people are healthy and ready for learning and education – so that all children get the best start in life and have the same chances to live healthy and well lives.

• Improve skills, good work and employment – working to reduce the impact of poverty, low wages and poor-quality work on our health and wellbeing.

• Strengthen compassionate and healthy communities – so people feel supported and less lonely in their communities. Residents will be better equipped with the right resources to maintain and improve their own physical and mental health.

• Create health-promoting places – affordable, warm and safe housing is central to good health and wellbeing.

The strategy would ensure the

wider built environment is designed and built to make it easier for everyone to be healthy and well.

Bath and North East Somerset follows the national trend of increasing numbers of children and young people receiving support for social, emotional and mental health needs, and pressures on the healthcare system have made it challenging for residents to access the care they need.

The difference in life expectancy between the most deprived and least deprived areas of Bath and North East Somerset is 11 years for women and seven years for men.

Residents have played a key role in identifying the priorities through public consultation held in Autumn 2022.

The Health and Wellbeing Strategy is led by the B&NES Health and Wellbeing Board and will be delivered through

partners that work together to improve the lives of residents.

Councillor Paul May, Chair of the B&NES Health and Wellbeing Board, said: “This new strategy sets out an ambitious challenge for the next seven years: to improve the health and wellbeing of residents and tackle inequalities.

“We want people to feel supported in our communities so that they can improve their overall health. An important part of this is making sure that health and care services can be easily accessed near people’s homes.

“We also want to ensure that wider issues such as jobs and housing are meeting people’s needs, because we know that people with lower incomes are more likely to report their health to be poor and also that work can impact health and wellbeing.

“Affordable, warm and safe housing is also central to good health and wellbeing and is a

priority to be tackled.

“The strategy will give our partnerships a common language and act as a point of reference for all organisations that support the health and wellbeing of residents in B&NES. “Thank you to everyone who has had their say to help shape this important plan.”

The priorities are also based on information from the B&NES Strategic Evidence Base, previously known as the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment or JSNA. They draw from information gathered by partners from health, social care, local authority, higher and further education, public services, and community and social enterprise groups.

The Health and Wellbeing Board has worked to make sure that the strategy influences and is influenced by the B&NES, Swindon and Wiltshire (BSW) Integrated Care Strategy, the B&NES Economic Strategy, the B&NES Local Plan, and the BSW Health Inequalities Strategy.

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Education 10-hour drumathon sees youngster raise more than £5,000 A STUDENT at King Edward’s School has raised more than £5,000 after undertaking a tenhour Drumathon on Scoliosis Awareness Day. Georgia Gale, who is in Year 7, raised much-needed funds for Scoliosis Awareness UK and The British Scoliosis Research Foundation.

Georgia, who was diagnosed with scoliosis at the age of nine, has been using back braces to help with the curvature of her spine, but will be undergoing surgery later this month.

She said: “I found out I had scoliosis when I was 9. I never knew what it was until the doctors told me about it. It is where the spine has a curve in it and for me I have two curves so my spine looks like an ‘S’.

“The doctor talked about back braces and recommended I wear one. The idea was that the back brace could prevent my curve from worsening so that I wouldn’t need surgery.

“I’ve had 4 different back braces over the past 3 years. They are uncomfortable to wear and I have to wear it for 18 hours a day. I still do lots of sport and my favourite

thing to do is drumming!

“After about 2 years of wearing the back brace, my curve progressed significantly in a short space of time due to a huge growth spurt – it went from 50 to 70 degrees in only 4 months.

“This meant that surgery was the right option and I’m now having my surgery in late July.”

The King Edward’s student decided to hold the special drumathon event to raise money for ongoing research into scoliosis, including prevention and the causes behind the condition.

Georgia continued: “My surgeon told me all about the surgery and the risks, including paralysis, and I was scared. Surgery was never something I thought of or something people talked about often, making it even more frightening.

“During surgery they fuse my vertebrae and insert metal rods, lengthening and straightening my spine. I will need to build up having the energy and strength to stand up by myself, walk upstairs and sit for a long space of time.

“My surgeon told me it will feel very strange at first. I hope that

Year 7 student Georgia playing the drums | Photo courtesy of King Edward’s School

I’ll be back to doing sport after a year but I’ll need to learn to move differently as my spine won’t bend like before. I have been drumming for 4 and a half years, it’s my favourite thing to do! I’m currently doing my grade 6 and am going to do my exam in the summer before my surgery because I won’t be able to drum for quite a while afterwards.

“I have also been playing in a band

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for about 2 years now, which has been an amazing experience! I did this through music workshop in Bath. I love it there because all the people are great and it’s such a lovely community.

“I decided to do a Drumathon for Scoliosis UK because there is so much we don’t know about scoliosis treatment like new surgeries and back braces, how to prevent it and where it comes

from. With Scoliosis UK they rely on funding from charities so all the donations you give will be really appreciated by Scoliosis UK. Also not forgetting all the nurses, doctors, hospitals and people around the world who help people like me with scoliosis.”

You can donate to Georgia’s JustGiving page at: https:// bathecho.uk/3NO1hcu

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Curo manager receives Law firm team raises over £6k for third consecutive award charity with London bike ride

Alan Mapston, Senior Site Manager at Curo | Photo © Curo

A SENIOR Site Manager at Curo has been recognised with a third consecutive win in the National House Building Council’s Pride in the Job Award competition.

Alan Mapston was given another Quality Award for his work at Curo’s flagship development, Mulberry Park in Bath.

When complete, the site will comprise 700 homes, community facilities and open spaces.

Having worked as a Site Manager for over two decades, Alan said that the NHBC Awards remain among the most prestigious awards for professionals in his field. The judging process

celebrates the role of site managers in making sure that homes are delivered on time, on safe sites and to the highest quality standards.

Talking about what it means to receive the award once again, Alan said: “It was brilliant to receive this again for the third year running. Winning one of these awards shows that you have done your job to the best of your ability and brought out the best from your team. My assistants play a big role in achieving the standards required to win, which is also great for their personal development.”

MORE than £6,000 has been raised for Cancer Research UK thanks to a team from local law firm Stone King which cycled from Bath to London.

The intrepid cyclists covered the 155-mile distance on 10th and 11th June, helping to raise vital funds for the cancer charity.

Nine riders took part, setting out from the firm’s Bath office at Upper Borough Walls and finishing at its London office in the Barbican.

So far, the team have raised £6,255, boosted by a £1,500 donation from the firm’s charitable arm, the Stone King Foundation.

The fundraising ride was the brainchild of Stone King Chair Alison Allen, who had treatment for cancer last year.

Alison said: “We know that this disease affects one in two of us and I am extremely fortunate to benefit from the huge amount of research that has gone before me.

“Thankfully, for many people today, cancer is not a death sentence because of the lifesaving research funded by charities like CRUK and this ride

The group of Stone King fundraisers in London | Photo © Stone King

is a positive demonstration of that.

“However, I am also acutely aware that I am one of the lucky ones and there are so many people who are not as fortunate; there will be many others within the family of Stone King and beyond who have been affected by cancer. The ride was tough going at times but made so much easier by the camaraderie in the

team and the welcome support during the event from Lee Coley and Katherine Neylan.”

The Stone King team was Alison Allen, Philip Askew, Andrew Banks, Ollie Daw, Sophie Pughe, Frances Reynolds, Jamie Telling, Jessica Ventham and Peter Woodhouse.

There is still time for you to support the riders, and you can do so at: https://bit.ly/3XsLX8H

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Issue 055

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Your City, Your News - Bath Echo

Politics Driver shortage sees a third of WESTlink journeys unfulfilled

Former councillors awarded honorary titles

John Wimperis

Local Democracy Reporter

A THIRD of journeys currently requested through the WESTlink app are not being fulfilled, Metro Mayor Dan Norris has said.

The on-demand minibus service, which does not follow set routes but takes people on requested personalised journeys, was launched in April as a joint venture by the West of England Combined Authority and neighbouring North Somerset Council.

Travel can be booked through an app, online, or on the phone, but the service is unable to deliver many of the requested journeys due to a shortage of drivers.

Mr Norris told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “The demands that people are making through the app, it can only fulfil about two-thirds of those demands.”

He said that the service was currently short of 24 drivers, with seven new drivers set to receive training.

Asked when the service would be fully running, Mr Norris said:” That’s really hard to say because I have been amazed at how long it’s taken to recruit on main bus routes.

“We have now done that. We are now on a trajectory that’s positive on the main bus services.”

He said that, for the first time, more drivers were being recruited than were leaving but added: “It’s too early to say when we’ll be out of the woods.”

But Mr Norris, who was himself unable to book travel on WESTlink on a “difficult day” for the service earlier this month, insisted that the service was still in its early stages.

He said: “We are looking at what’s working well, what needs

One of the WESTlink buses | Photo © John Wimperis

improvement. We are trying to discover what it is people like; what is it people want more of?”

WESTlink automatically tries to find the best route, as it picks up multiple people from different locations and takes them to different destinations.

It works best when a group of people all want to go to another location, the Local Democracy Reporting Service was told.

In line with this, the combined authority has signed up some companies to promote the service among their staff, but it has not yet granted Bath and North East Somerset Council’s request to advertise WESTlink in areas of North East Somerset where local buses have been cut.

Writing to the Metro Mayor on 7th June to ask him to publicise WESTlink, the council’s deputy leader Sarah Warren said: “Your failure to deliver an effective marketing and communications campaign means that our residents and communities remain largely unaware of this service. You are putting at risk their ability to reach vital health, employment, education and leisure facilities, and the success of the pilot, which you have only committed to fund for two years, throwing into doubt the future of public transport in our more rural areas.”

But Mr Norris said: “We can’t promote them until we know they are running reasonably effectively and well.”

He has insisted that WESTlink, which only runs 7am – 7pm six days a week, is not intended to replace recently-axed bus services.

Publicly-supported buses in North East Somerset were slashed after a funding row between Bath and North East Somerset Council and the Metro Mayor over whose responsibility it is to pay for them.

Bath and North East Somerset Council insists that, as transport authority, the Metro Mayor should fund the routes.

But Mr Norris, who relies on a transport levy paid by local councils to pay for the supported buses, says that Bath and North East Somerset Council need to increase their contribution to keep all the routes going.

He said: “At the moment the bus services that have been subsidised or supported have been chosen by [Bath and North East Somerset Council], and consequently North East Somerset has been the big loser.”

The council, who are funding Bath’s supported buses for another year, have insisted that they had to use their money to keep buses running in the city as it is not served by WESTlink.

Cllr Sarah Moore with former councillors from across the district Photo © B&NES Council

TWELVE former councillors have been recognised at a special ceremony at the Guildhall after collectively devoting more than 200 years of their lives to public service.

The former councillors were awarded the title of Honorary Alderman and Alderwoman by the Chair of Bath & North East Somerset Council, Councillor Sarah Moore.] The title of Honorary Alderman or Alderwoman is the highest award that can be given to a councillor in recognition of exceptional service to the council and the people it represents.

Those awarded were: • Rob Appleyard - 16 years, Lambridge • Sarah Bevan - 20 years, Peasedown • Neil Butters - 16 years, Bathavon South • Sally Davis - 24 years, Clutton & Farmborough • Doug Deacon - 16 years, Timsbury • Michael Evans - 12 years, Midsomer Norton North • Andrew Furse - 24 years,

Kingsmead • Paul Myers - 12 years, Midsomer Norton Redfield • Lisa O’Brien – 8 years, Keynsham South • Vic Pritchard – 27 years, Chew Valley • Brian Simmons – 16 years, Keynsham North • Chris Watt – 20 years, Midsomer Norton Redfield.

Councillor Moore said: “I was especially delighted to present these awards as one of my first duties as chair because every single Honorary Alderman and Alderwomen deserve recognition for the many years of dedicated service they have given to the people of Bath and North East Somerset.

“Each one of them has made a positive difference to their own wards and the wider district to help improve people’s lives.

“It was wonderful to hear their final speeches, their thanks to officers and their encouragement to new councillors.

“On behalf of the council, I’d like to thank them all and congratulate them.”

water being pumped underground, heated by the earth and back up into our homes to provide warmth. That’s a scheme I am incredibly proud to have championed locally.

I’m doing all this because I believe in it passionately, as does the leader of the Labour Party Sir Keir Starmer. He recently gave a speech saying “We’re going to throw everything at this: planning reform, procurement, longterm finance, R&D, a strategic plan for skills and supply chains … Pulling together for a simple, unifying priority: British power

for British jobs. This cannot be a re-run of the 1980s, this is the race of our lifetime, and the prize is real.”

I’m with him. I want all of us in the West of England to be safe and positive about our future, and we can be - because our region is second to none when it comes to new ideas and being resourceful.

We certainly don't need to be scared but we do need to be aware. And then we need to act wisely based on the evidence.

Let’s make sure we can all enjoy summer to come, by being careful and thoughtful now.

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

J

UNE has seen a series of scorchingly hot days. No doubt there will be more to come before we reach the Autumn.

A hot summer weekend used to be something most smiled about, because it was quite rare and very welcome. We’d be straight outside, lapping it up. Racing to the beach, or the park, chugging cold drinks and ice-creams. They were joyful days to remember. But today greater knowledge and evidence tells us the is also a more serious side to the sun-cream and barbecue season, because days like these are becoming much more common and hotter.

They’re not so much fun any more, because these hot days are regularly becoming really uncomfortable. It’s more than just being too hot to sleep, or too drained to work – it feels different, because it is.

These long hot summer days are telling us something. We had a particularly vivid warning last summer when new record temperatures were set. There’s no running away from the fact that more hot days like these mean we need to act now and quickly to stop the world getting even hotter.

I am totally committed to our ambitious 2030 net zero tar-

gets we have set for our region.

That’s why, in the last 18 months I have done a huge amount to try to make sure we do all we can to reach them. I set up a £60m Green Recovery fund which is – amongst other things - planting 113 acre woodlands, creating the tallest wind turbine in the country and training people to work on our housing stock to make it fit for the future.

You’ll hear more about ‘green jobs’ soon – it’s a whole new strand of important, well paid and rewarding work for people to get into.

And I wrote recently about the energy we’re going to gather from

P16

Tuesday 4th July - Monday 17th July 2023

www.bathecho.co.uk

In Other News...

Hospital expands support for armed forces community THE Royal United Hospital has expanded the support it provides for people who are serving in the armed forces, reservists or those who are veterans.

A brand new role, a welfare officer, from the charity Defence Medical Welfare Service, has been introduced to ensure that patients who are from the armed forces community can access the wide range of additional services that are available to them.

This service also extends to those with family connections to the forces.

The extra help can include referrals for health-related needs such as mental health, substance misuse and physical wellbeing.

The RUH can also help with supported referrals for other factors that affect a person’s welfare, including education and training, housing, employment and much more.

Fiona Leslie, who is working as the RUH’s Defence Medical Welfare Officer, said: “People serving or who have served in the military are exposed to lots of very different challenges and

experiences that most of us will never come across as civilians.

“They, and their families, sacrifice so many aspects of their lives to serve the nation, so the least we can do is support them and their family members and carers when they need it.

“There is a lot of support out there for a wide variety of welfare needs, but people have to be aware of it and able to access it, and that’s what I can help with.

“It’s better for the RUH too, as having the right support means that people don’t need to stay in hospital longer than necessary or have an unnecessary readmission because support when they are discharged isn’t in place.”

The RUH is an accredited Veteran Aware hospital, a Gold member of the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, and has worked closely with the Defence Medical Welfare Service to enable this latest improvement.

There is no minimum length of service which makes someone a veteran and eligible for this extra support, it can be just one day.

Patients will now be asked about their armed forces status as a

RUH Chief Executive Cara Charles-Barks with veteran staff and some who currently serve | Photo © RUH

standard question when they come to the RUH and, with their permission, can be put in touch with Fiona.

Patients can also contact Fiona directly using the contact details on the RUH website.

Cara Charles-Barks, RUH Chief Executive and Honorary Colonel

Plans submitted to convert former Twerton pub into 6-bed home John Wimperis

Local Democracy Reporter

AN “old-style” pub in Bath could be turned into a six-bedroom house.

The Full Moon in Twerton dates back to 1872, although the Grade II-listed building is an amalgamation of a terrace which is even older.

But the pub closed down in 2020 and now plans have been submitted to Bath and North East Somerset Council to turn the vacant premises into a six-bed house.

Writing in a planning, design, and access statement submitted with the application for listed building consent, Bath Architect Robert Kann said: “The Full Moon public house has been in intermittent use over the last 30 years, with a series of successive owners attempting to run a successful business from the premises.

“The unfortunate situation is that the decline in the standard of presentation and services at the site has led to a long and slow

decline in its value and use as a pub.”

But the pub was popular on match days because of its proximity to Twerton Park, and it got great reviews on Google.

One punter wrote: “Me and the Missus were exploring the area and happened upon this pub. An old-style, gritty pub, reminded us of our past. Friendly landlady and locals. Go on, have a pint!”

But after six months on the market, with 11 viewings and one offer which did not proceed, it was bought by Lee Clark who now hopes the old pub could become a home.

Under the plans, the main bar would become an open-plan kitchen and dining room. The gents would become a utility room and potting shed, and the ladies would become bicycle storage.

The first-floor conservatory would be demolished and an extension would be built over the main bar, which Mr Kann stated is in keeping with the building’s original layout.

In total, the first floor of the house

The proposals would see the creation of a six-bed home | Image © Google

would have six bedrooms, one of which would be used as a home office, and three bathrooms.

Mr Kann said: “It is considered that the proposed layout respects the plan form of the heritage dwelling and its historic use and development.

“The ground floor layout makes minimal changes to the existing layout, whilst increasing its suitability for residential use.

“The proposed first floor extension reinstates a historic feature of the building and reinforces the plan form of a double-depth first floor.”

of 243 (The Wessex) Field Hospital said: “We’re committed to listening to the people we care for, and acting on what matters most to them.

“Being part of the armed forces community is a really important part of people’s identity, and it’s essential that we recognise

that people might have slightly different needs as a result of this.

“I’m delighted that our support has been expanded – it’s part of our responsibility to ensure that we’re delivering the best possible care.

“We will continue listening, learning and responding.”

Julian House launches Bath Beast cycle event A NEW cycling event is being launched to help raise money for local charity Julian House, challenging the most dedicated of cyclists.

The Bath-based charity is joining forces with Pulse Events and colleagues from its Bike Workshop to challenge hundreds of cyclists this September with The Bath Beast event.

With three challenging distances, all starting and finishing at Bath Racecourse, the longest route of 100 miles will take in the scenic sights of the Westbury White Horse and Gare Hill plus views of Shearwater Lake.

Event fundraiser for Julian House, Rachel Avent, said: “Julian House have wanted to organise a cycling event for some time and teaming up with the Bike Workshop and Pulse Events now makes this possible.

“The route is longer and tougher than a lot of bike events out there and being one of the last events in the cycling Sportive season means there’s time to train and take on this challenge whilst raising money for Julian House

Crossword answers - Issue 054 (20/06/23) Across: 2 Test tubes, 8 Plea, 9 Iraq, 10 Arabist, 11 Pick-up, 12 Uses, 14 Eggs, 15 Condor, 16 Afro, 18 Older, 21 Unify, 23 Try it, 25 Lotus, 28 Idly, 29 Island, 31 Erie, 32 Ladd, 35 Nectar, 36 Adheres, 37 Raid, 38 Lilt, 39 Abdominal.

Down: 1 Albino, 2 Talked-of, 3 Shapiro, 4 To a head, 5 Bringer, 6 Situ, 7 Rate, 13 Scooted, 15 Crucial, 17 Fly, 19 Leo, 20 Emu, 22 Ill, 24 Roll-call, 25 Lurched, 26 Theorem, 27 Signs in, 30 Nearly, 33 AAAs, 34 Dada.

too.”

The event will take place on Sunday 17th September and features three routes.

The 100-mile (160km) and 70mile (112km) distances are both designed to challenge the most dedicated of riders and the 25mile (40km) route will provide an opportunity for cyclists wanting to discover the hills around Bath.

Chris Quenon, Social Enterprise Manager for Julian House Bike Workshop added: “The best cycling events are ones where you can challenge yourself and in doing so benefit communities around you. It’s a win win situation – although it’s not a race! The Bath Beast is a great opportunity for Julian House to have its own charity bike ride, hopefully it will inspire many riders to take part.”

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