Bath Echo - Issue 056 - 18/07/2023

P2 www.bathecho.co.uk Tuesday 18th July - Monday 31st July 2023

In this issue...

Top Stories P2-5

RESIDENTS are being invited to experience the Roman Baths after hours with late opening throughout the summer.

What's On P9

From 22nd July to 31st August, the iconic site will be open until 10pm, offering visitors a rare chance to see the Great Bath illuminated by torchlight, explore the museum at a relaxed pace, and enjoy a drink under the summer evening sky.

Health P12 Education P13

Community P10 Business P14

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Once the site of one of the great religious spas of the ancient world, the Roman Baths has been attracting visitors for nearly 2,000 years, when Romans flocked to the city of Bath to bathe and worship at the site of the only natural hot thermal springs in Britain. Today the historic site is one of the UK’s top attractions. Latenight opening offers the chance to extend a day out and enjoy the iconic site with friends and family this summer.

Councillor Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council, said: “Summer Lates offer a wonderful opportunity to explore the Roman Baths after the daytime crowds have left, and experience the magical atmosphere beside the Great Bath as

Enjoying the torchlit Great Bath at the Roman Baths | Image courtesy of B&NES Council

the sun begins to set.

“If you’re a local resident, don’t forget that you can visit for free with a Discovery Card, and enjoy one of Bath’s most famous sites out of hours.”

Throughout Summer Lates, the historic site will stay open until 10pm with last admission at 9pm. A pop-up bar beside the Great

Bath will open from 11.30am daily, selling Champagne, prosecco and soft drinks.

The Roman Baths Shop, which offers a variety of gifts, will stay open late for visitors. For those who want to combine their visit to the Roman Baths with a glass of fizz, or dinner in the grand Pump Room restau-

rant, a variety of packages will also be available.

To book tickets, visit www.romanbaths.co.uk.

Admission to the Roman Baths is free for residents of Bath and North East Somerset with a Discovery Card.

Advance booking is recommended.

30,000 Discovery Cards issued across B&NES

A 60-YEAR-OLD has appeared in court after a man died from stab wounds sus tained at a property in Combe Down on Sunday 9th July.

Michael Sloan has been charged with the murder of 55-year-old David Christian at an address in Drake Ave nue.

A post-mortem established that Mr Christian died after receiving a number of stab wounds.

Sloan, of Drake Avenue, appeared before magistrates on Tuesday 11th July, and was remanded in custody ahead of a hearing at Bristol Crown Court the following day.

Emergency services were called to the address on Drake Avenue following reports of a man being

injured following an altercation with another man.

Inspector Jon Nash, of the Bath Neighbourhood Team, said: “Our immediate thoughts are with the family of the man who died as they come to terms with their loss.

“Detectives from our Major Crime Investigation Team are leading the investigation and while their enquiries are at an early stage, they are confident this was an isolated incident.

“We will provide updates when available but should anyone have any specific concerns, I’d encourage them to approach an officer or contact the neighbourhood team via our non-emergency number 101.”

Crossword P7 Where

MORE than 30,000 people have signed up to take advantage of the benefits of the free Discovery Card scheme in the past year.

The scheme, which was relaunched last June, offers residents free entry to the Roman Baths, Victoria Art Gallery, and Parade Gardens, as well as access to exclusive discounts at visitor attractions, restaurants, spas and other experiences across the region.

The Discovery Card is free to apply for and available to all residents of Bath & North East Somerset, including students at Bath’s two universities.

Councillor Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council, said: “We’re proud to be able to offer our residents free entry to the world-class attractions

in our care through the Discovery Card scheme.

“Last year more than 14,000 residents visited the Roman Baths for free. This access to local history and heritage is an important part of the council’s mission to improve local lives and is a unique benefit for our community.

“It’s a huge success to have signed up 30,000 residents in the first year of the new Discovery Card –but there’s still more to be done. “We want every resident to be able to access and enjoy the benefits of the Discovery Card and would encourage anyone not yet subscribed to visit our website to sign up.”

Sainsbury’s

60-year-old charged following fatal stabbing

Birthday Bus scheme begins following delays

RESIDENTS across the West of England will now be able to claim free bus travel during their birthday month after the scheme went live following earlier delays.

Locals can visit the Birthday Bus website to apply for a free month of birthday travel, with every resident in the region offered the chance to take part, thanks to the initiative from Metro Mayor Dan Norris.

Whether you use your Birthday Bus pass for the daily commute or a weekend trip out, the scheme is offered to help during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

The scheme is also designed to assist in the region’s wider ambition to increase bus passenger numbers and cut carbon emissions. It is hoped Birthday Buses will act as a catalyst for bus travel in the West of England and North Somerset regions to boost the number of passengers and, with a whole month of free travel, encourage a long-term shift in travel behaviour.

Mayor Dan Norris said: “I hope Birthday Buses encourage new people to hop 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.

“If you try it, I think you might like it. Maybe even grow to love it! We really need more people using buses to cut congestion, pollution and noise – and meet our important and very ambitious 2030 net-zero targets.

“I hope this will also be a help to residents during this unprecedented cost-of-living crisis. So please sign up today for your free Birthday Bus pass.

“We can’t keep trying the same things on buses and hoping for different outcomes by magic.

What’s great about Birthday Buses is it’s innovative and new.

“It’s about growing passenger numbers so that we can have a sustainable bus network.

“It’s also helpful for data collection so we can track which new passengers are using buses, how many people make a switch, and long-term changes in bus use.

“This in turn will assist in attract-

City road closed off after man found dead

ing even more passengers so as to make further improvements to the bus network.”

It is hoped the £8 million birthday bus scheme will mitigate the economic impact of congestion which costs the West of England £300 million a year and, is responsible for around 300 early deaths a year.

The scheme had earlier been delayed due to awaiting final signoff from the Government.

You can sign up or find out more on the Birthday Bus website at www.birthdaybus.co.uk

If you are unable to apply online at home, you can sign up to the scheme by:

Witnesses sought after man exposes himself

Police have launched an appeal for witnesses after a man exposed himself in Bath last month. Officers were made aware of a report of an unknown man involved in an act of public indecency in Bathampton Meadows on London Road East.

The incident happened at around 1.30pm on Thursday 8th June.

The man is described as white, in his 50s, and of slim build with dark hair.

If you saw anything, or have any relevant footage to identify the individual, contact 101 and quote reference 5223134477.

Man dies after falling into river near Larkhall

• Applying at public internet points such as libraries;

• Email the technical support team who will help to submit your application at birthdaybus@talktosam.co.uk;

• Post your application information to the technical support team. Simply put “Freepost SWSAL” on an envelope, no postage payment required.

• If you need help during your application, or have problems with your card, you can call 0300 300 0032. The paper application form can be found at: www.birthdaybus. co.uk/files/west_application_ form.pdf

Locals given chance to sponsor a leaf in memory of a loved one

RESIDENTS who would like to celebrate a special occasion or honour the life of a loved one are being given the chance to sponsor a special leaf at the Botanical Gardens.

tres long and will be extended around the gardens as the project develops.

A police helicopter was seen over Bath on Monday 10th July, after a man was seen falling into the river near Larkhall. Police say they were called to Grosvenor Bridge Road at around 9am after receiving a report of a concern for welfare. A member of the public reported seeing a man fall into the river. Officers were deployed to search the area, along with the National Police Air Service (NPAS) helicopter.

A body was located, which police have said matched the description of the man. His death is not being treated as suspicious. In a statement, a police spokesperson said: “His next of kin have been informed and our thoughts are with them at this time. His death is not being treated as suspicious and officers are preparing a file for the coroner.”

RUH launches search for new governors

Eight new governors are being sought at the Royal United Hospital in Bath to help shape its services and plans for the future. The hospital trust is seeking five public governors and three staff governors, and nominations are now open.

THE closure of George Street in the centre of Bath on Saturday 1st July was due to the death of a man at a hotel, police have revealed.

Police closed off George Street for a number of hours from the junction of Broad Street to Bartlett Street.

Firefighters were seen in hazmat suits and breathing apparatus, and Avon Fire & Rescue’s Environmental Response Unit was at the scene. Police have now confirmed they were called by the ambulance service following a

concern for welfare at the Travelodge hotel.

A man in his 20s was declared deceased at the scene.

A statement from the police said:

“Police were called by the ambulance service to a hotel in George Street, Bath, at around 1pm on Saturday 1 July due to a concern for welfare.

“Sadly, a man in his 20s was declared deceased at the scene.

“His death is not being treated as suspicious and officers are making enquiries on behalf of the coroner.”

A fence has been installed by Bath & North East Somerset Council to offer another option for people wanting to celebrate someone or something special.

People can sponsor a heartshaped leaf which will be fixed to the fence, which is designed to look like rambling sweetheart ivy. Each sponsored ivy leaf can be engraved with a short message and a second leaf is given to the sponsor to keep at home as a memento. The cost is £250 per leaf, and the income will be used to protect and improve Bath and North East Somerset’s parks and open spaces.

The fence is currently three me-

Councillor Tim Ball, cabinet member for Neighbourhood Services, said: “The delightful Botanical Gardens date back to 1887 and feature one of the finest collections of plants in the country.

“This project is a chance for you to become part of the story of the Gardens. Sponsoring a leaf that will be on display in the Gardens is a way to pay tribute to that special someone or give a meaningful gift that lasts. You will also be helping to fund parks projects, including additional tree planting to help tackle the climate emergency, enhancing the beautiful landscapes we enjoy in Bath and North East Somerset for generations to come.”

Those interested should email parks@bathnes.gov.uk.

There are public governor vacancies across the North East Somerset, Mendip, South Wiltshire, North Wiltshire and the Rest of England and Wales constituencies, where current governors have come to the end of their terms.

A governor helps to ensure that the RUH delivers services that meet the needs of patients, carers, staff and local stakeholders. Governors do this by creating stronger links with the communities that the RUH serves by reflecting patient and public views and interests. No formal qualifications are required, just enthusiasm, a willingness to ask questions, be open to ideas, and a desire to make a difference by getting involved in your local hospital. For more information on how to nominate yourself, and to complete a nomination form, visit: www.cesvotes.com/ruh23

Metro Mayor Dan Norris launching the initiative | Photo © WECA

George Street was closed off for a number of hours

41-year-old man jailed over sexual offences

A 41-YEAR-OLD man who exposed himself in a female toilet block in Keynsham and caused a child to watch a video of him performing a sexual act has been jailed.

Jody Hawkins was sentenced at Bristol Crown Court on Thursday 29th June after pleading guilty to seven offences.

The 41-year-old came to the attention of police in another part of the country in May last year when a teenage girl was contacted directly by Hawkins. During that call, he initiated a sexual conversation and encouraged the victim to perform a sexual act on herself, while he played a pornographic video of himself.

The girl refused, hung up and the matter was reported to the police. In late October, Hawkins then committed a number of offences against four other victims.

On one evening he was found in a female toilet block in Keynsham exposing himself to a woman. He then showed another woman an inappropriate private photograph of himself a few minutes later and again exposed himself. That same evening two 16-yearolds reported Hawkins had tried to engage in a sexual conversation with them and showed them the same photograph.

Hawkins, of HMP Bristol, pleaded guilty to the following offences:

• Inciting a child to engage in sexual activity

• Sexual activity in the presence of a child

• Causing a child to watch a sexual act

• Two counts of indecent expo-

Concerns raised over proposed parking charge increases

sure • Two counts of intentionally causing fear/harassment/ alarm/distress

Hawkins was sentenced to two years and four months imprisonment for five of the seven offences. He was later sentenced for the two harassment charges at Bristol Magistrates’ Court.

He was also made the subject of a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and given a restraining order to prevent any contact with his victims.

Detective Constable Heather McGowan, said: “Jody Hawkins has been shown to be a sexual predator that deliberately targets vulnerable victims and I welcome the prison sentence he has received today. The victims in this case have all shown tremendous strength and courage throughout this investigation and court process. Hawkins’ will no doubt have a continued negative impact on their lives, but I hope his jail sentence will give them the peace of mind they deserve.

“I would like to thank the members of the community in Keynsham who came forward with information to support this investigation. I would also like to thank the CPS and the trial barrister for their support in bringing this offender to justice.

“We would always encourage any victims of a sexual offence to come forward to the police. You will be believed, you will be offered support that you may need and crimes will be fully investigated.”

John Wimperis Local Democracy Reporter

CONCERNS have been raised for people in Bath unable to afford less polluting cars as the council introduces emissionsbased car park charges.

From September, the cost of leaving your car in a car park in the city centre will depend on how much pollution your engine emits, as Bath and North East Somerset Council aims to discourage the driving of polluting vehicles in the centre with the aim of improving air quality.

Drivers of electric cars and the least polluting petrol cars will continue paying the current rate, but anyone who drives diesel or a car which emits more than 131g of CO2 per kilometre will pay extra.

The council’s parking services team manager Andrew Dunn told the council’s Climate Emergency and Sustainable Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel on 6th July: “The focus of the proposals is about pedestrian safety.”

He added: “They are designed to reduce pollution to protect the most vulnerable. They are also designed to incentivise the displacement of more polluting vehicles from our city centre to more sustainable alternatives, such as the park and ride sites, and in these cases the prices will remain unchanged. This will also help to reduce congestion on the network.

“Of course any reduction in

Our Monthly Talks

emissions from the tailpipe of a vehicle will also have a beneficial impact on the climate emergency as well, but that is not the core reason for these proposals.”

“This is not about raising revenue.”

But Moorlands councillor

Jess David said: “I have some concerns about the cumulative impact on households across [Bath and North East Somerset] with the emissions based parking charges applying to residents parking zones and to car parks. You know how these things add up.”

She added: “It notes in the annex that it may be that lower income households may have an older car which emits more carbon dioxide, so therefore they will be increasingly paying these charges.

“So I think it’s important for the council to look at that so that we can think about what we can do to better support these people, whether there’s targeted schemes to help them upgrade their vehicles or whether there’s any other way to soften the impact of these wellintended schemes.”

polluting vehicles — those with a diesel engine over 2951 cc — would actually pay ten pence more than that.

Oldfield Park councillor Ian Halsall asked what was being done to ensure people were not confused, or without the right money.

He said: “I don’t know what my emissions are. I’m sure many people don’t know what their emissions are.”

Mr Dunn said: “It is really complex and the last thing we want to see is customers frustrated when they come into the car park.”

He added that people would not need to know the emissions of their vehicle, just their number plate, as the parking machines or MiPermit would use DVLA lookup to check the emissions of their vehicle and tell people how much they would be charged.

Mr Dunn said: “A visitor planning to come to Bath from … can already find out their parking charge in advance, helping them to steer them to those sustainable options because, really, we want them at the park and ride.”

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* Learning new things and sharing your skills

About u3a in Bath

There are 450,000 of us in the UK and 1,300 in Bath. We are in “u3a in Bath” and our members are all retired or semi-retired. We take part in a range of educational or recreational activities. See the complete list of over 100 interest groups on our website u3ainbath.uk

Come and join us

You can join us by going to our website www.u3ainbath.uk and completing the online application form or you can download the application form from the website and send it to Membership Secretary, u3a in Bath, PO Box 4040, Bath BA1 0EJ

You can also join in person at one of our monthly talks at The Pavilion. Membership fee is only £15 per person per year.

Monthly Talks are usually held on the first Thursday in the month (except August) and start at 10.30 a.m. Doors open at 9.45 a.m. for coffee. Admission is free for members but a donation of £2 for non-members.

Talks take place at: The Pavilion, North Parade Road, Bath BA2 4EU

Upcoming Talks are:

7 September 2023

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Chaplin

5 October 2023 ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE IN THE POST-COVID ERA by

Graham Cope

2 November 2023 WHAT DIPLOMATS DO AND IS IT WORTH DOING?

By Francis Cornish DMG LVO FRSA

Mr Dunn said that they would look at this further.

He said: “It’s a modest increase of 11p per hour on average but, yes, disproportionately those less able to change their vehicles will be affected.”

Under the plans, the amount it costs to park a car will increase with how many grams of CO2 per kilometre it produces. All diesel cars — even the least polluting — will pay at least another 50p than they do currently.

Draft versions of the new signs to be installed at pay and display car parks state that a two hour stay will cost “£3.40 up to £4.60” but the proposed charges listed in another council document suggests that the most

Vehicles not registered with the DVLA, such as foreign-registered cars, would be charged the top rate; but if the DVLA cannot be accessed due to a system error, all cars would be charged the lowest rate.

Commenting on the proposal to charge the top rate to foreign registered cars, Lambridge councillor Saskia Heijtjes said: “I don’t have a problem with this but I think communication around this is very important.”

She added: “You can imagine a visitor from mainland Europe coming with an electric car and being really surprised at how much they have to pay.”

Mr Dunn said that the council would be putting information on the website and was working with Visit Bath to make more people coming to the city aware of the planned changes.

He added that the council had data on regular uses of the city’s car parks and was engaging with them.

Mr Dunn said: “Not only will they be aware of the charges, they will have an opportunity to give their views as well.”

An online consultation is set to run until Thursday 3rd August.

Prices to park will vary depending on the emissions from your vehicle

New provider to take over West of England e-scooter scheme

E-SCOOTERS available to hire across the West of England will have a new look this autumn, following a change in provider. The region’s e-scooters will also be changing colour, from coral to green, and will be branded WESTscoot.

Following trials over the past few years with Voi, the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) has negotiated a new contract with a different provider, TIER, that will take over the running of the scooters.

The contract is expected to bring in an estimated £9.7 million to WECA over the next four years. The money raised will be ringfenced to be reinvested in future West of England transport improvements.

Other benefits for residents include clauses in the contract to address parking concerns, and 100 brand-new e-scooter parking racks to help keep the fleet tidy.

Alongside 4,000 WESTscoot e-scooters, there will also be 1,500 WESTbike e-bikes, and 20 WESTcargo e-cargo bikes available to hire.

Dan Norris, Metro Mayor of the West of England, said: “WESTscoot must build on the successes of e-scooters in our West of England region which has been one of the most successful trials anywhere in Europe.

“But it must also address the legitimate concerns residents often voice over poor and irresponsible e-scooter parking.

“Given our very ambitious West of England net-zero 2030 target, it is vital that these bright green electric WESTscoot, WESTbike and WESTcargo e-vehicles become a common and welcome sight across our region, for they are an important means to allow residents to reduce car use or give it up completely if they should so choose.

“TIER are extremely keen to do a great job for our brilliant region and I’m pleased about their green credentials as the first micro-mobility company to be fully climate-neutral.

Fred Jones TIER Vice President in Northern Europe, commented:

“I believe with WESTscoot, the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority is setting out an important example of how shared electric personal vehicles and existing public transport options can work together to reduce carbon emissions and congestion in our urban centres.

“The expansion of the service to include e-bikes and e-cargo bikes makes it easier for the people of West of England to choose to leave their car at home and pick the perfect vehicle for their journey, whether that is

Builder prosecuted after failing to carry out work

A BUILDER has been fined more than £1,500 and ordered to pay compensation after failing to carry out promised work following a prosecution by B&NES Council’s Trading Standards Service.

On 5th July 2023, at Bath Magistrates Court, 54-year-old Martin Williams of Whiteway Road pleaded guilty to two offences under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008. He was convicted after the council’s Trading Standards Service began an investigation into Williams after receiving complaints from two of his customers. Williams failed to follow through on promised and paid-for work at the properties of two Bath and North East Somerset residents and then failed to return money he had taken as a deposit for this work.

He must now pay fines totalling £1,538 and costs of £1,596.

Williams was also ordered to pay compensation of £4,640 and a victim surcharge of £438.

Councillor Tim Ball, cabinet member for Neighbourhood Services at Bath & North East Somerset Council, said “Householders should be able to trust contractors they employ to safeguard any monies paid to them for materials and to complete the job in line with the specification. “Whilst it is understandable that contractors are finding the increasing costs of building materials difficult to manage, consumers are entitled to rely on the quotation they have been given and any contract agreed upon.”

The council runs an approved trader scheme called ‘Buy with Confidence’ where residents can search for local busi-

commuting, going to see friends or even doing the weekly shop.

“We are proud to have been selected as the operator for this UK-leading flagship service and look forward to the full launch this autumn.”

Swedish firm Voi, the existing West of England operator, will continue to run the current e-scooter until the autumn. While welcoming the new contract and the benefits it will bring to taxpayers, Metro Mayor Dan Norris has already expressed concerns that TIER has significant funding from venture firm RTP Global which was founded by entrepreneur Leonid Boguslavsky.

Mr Boguslavsky was listed in the 2018 US Treasury socalled ‘Putin list’ and has been photographed with the Russian president.

Mr Norris said: “There has been a rigorous procurement process under current laws. I, of course, appreciate that in a global world, international companies have investment from far and wide.

“But I find it troubling officials tell me we have to shrug this off, and legally cannot delve into such ethical challenges.

“That’s why I wrote to the Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy to say that

Europe and Asia and RTP Global has never received an investment from a Russian institution.”

Regarding the US Treasury list from 2018, the spokesperson said: “As confirmed by the U.S. Department of Treasury itself, this is ‘not a sanctions list and the inclusion of individuals … does not and in no way should be interpreted to impose sanctions on those individuals.’

“Leonid Boguslavsky is also not included in the “List of Oligarchs” who have ties with the Russian government.

nesses which have been vetted and approved by Trading Standards.

Anyone looking for a local business to carry out some work on their property is encouraged to visit www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk.

Anyone who thinks they might have fallen victim to a rogue trader, should report it to the Citizens Advice Consumer Service, who work in partnership with Bath & North East Somerset Trading Standards. You can telephone 045 40 40 506.

Before agreeing to any work, your local Trading Standards team recommend that you:

• Read reviews of traders and if possible use the Buy with Confidence Approved Trader Scheme.

• Ask at least three approved traders for quotes.

• Never pay up front and never pay cash.

• Say no to doorstep sellers.

• Always get a detailed written quotation/contract.

• Check the builder’s references and even pay visits to the references.

• Ask your neighbours, family or friends for personal recommendations of builders who have worked for them and carried out a good job.

The Buy with Confidence directory is available free of charge to local residents from Bath & North East Somerset Council’s One Stop Shops in Lewis House, Manvers Street, Bath,The Hollies, Midsomer Norton and the Civic Centre in Keynsham.

It is also available to view online via http://www.bathnes.gov.uk/services/ trading-standards/buy-confidence or by calling 01225 396759.

previous investments; one in 10 companies the firm has previously invested in have become multi-billion dollar businesses and include tech companies such as Datadog, DeliveryHero, and Cred.

“The vast majority of the founder’s net worth was created from tech investments in US,

“To draw up this list, Congress required the Secretary of the Treasury to designate individuals who qualify as ‘Russian oligarchs’. “When creating the list, the qualification of ‘oligarch’ was defined as a person having an estimated net worth of $1 billion or more. As a wellrecognized investor in technology companies, and having featured in the annual Forbes’ billionaire list, Leonid was included in this list created by the U.S. Treasury in 2018.

“Leonid does not have any ties with the Russian government and has never received an investment from a Russian institution. He holds Canadian citizenship and lives in Italy.”

Pictures from the Past In The News

The Roman Baths

Kirsten Elliott Akeman Press

THIS paper is publicising the summer evening openings of the Roman Baths. As the article says, the iconic site will be open until 10pm from 22nd July to 31st August, ‘offering visitors a rare chance to see the Great Bath illuminated by torchlight, explore the museum at a relaxed pace, and enjoy a drink under the summer evening sky.’

It was not always thus. Indeed, in 1880, as the excavations were ongoing, one resident, calling himself a Man of Business, wrote to the paper saying ‘there surely was no need of such extensive and expensive exploration to unearth an old Roman bath, of little or no interest save to the antiquarian.’ Which just goes to prove how wrong you can be. However, the site did look shambolic as old houses were demolished. We are not sure why there was a basket of umbrellas by the baths – perhaps they thought that visiting dignitaries or even the general public needed protection from the weather.

By 1894 there was some semblance of order, with an official overseeing visitors. However, the picket fence over which interested parties could gaze would hardly have the approval of the Health and Safety Executive today. The presence of a chair is another puzzle.

In the same year that this photograph (top right) was taken, the council decided something must done to present the discoveries to the world properly. It held a competition with sealed entries. Unfortunately, Major Charles Davis, who had done so much to reveal the baths, had managed to upset a lot of people in his career.

His was the design first chosen, but he had forgotten to put his card in the envelope. Although praised for his idea of putting a roof over the Great Bath (as he knew there had been originally) the ensuing uproar allowed his enemies to get the design thrown out, and it was given to JM Brydon, who had already carried out extensions to the Guildhall.

So instead of a complex with an excellent concert room and a roof over the bath, there was an unauthentic Roman style

atrium topped by Victorian statues and a concert hall which was so bad, acoustically, it was not fit for purpose and is now used as the entry hall.

Now the stone has mellowed, it does not look too bad, but when new, it must have looked unconvincing, even to the most hardened anti-Davis conspirator.

COLUMN | Mark Shelford, Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner

LAST week, the Home Office announced that all 43 territorial police forces across England and Wales and the 14 Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) Areas will begin implementing a transformative new approach to rape investigations and prosecutions, improving support for victims and putting the focus on the suspect.

This comes after the huge success of a 2021 pilot scheme initially launched in Avon and Somerset Police and subsequently, a further 18 forces.

The programme, known as Operation Soteria, brings together police forces and prosecutors with academics to use evidence and insight to change the way rape and sexual offences are dealt with.

Working closely with Avon and Somerset Police and other police forces, leading academics have

developed two new National Operating Models; one for the investigation of rape and one for the prosecution of rape.

All police forces and CPS Areas in England and Wales have committed to implementing them, ensuring there is a victim-centred, suspect-focused and context-led approach.

The rolling out of the initiative, and the successful delivery of it in Avon and Somerset, is a huge step forward in how these types of crimes are investigated.

It is great to see all forces across the country signed up to Op Soteria. However, there is plenty more work to be done to improve outcomes for victims and strengthen the policing response to rape and serious sexual offences.

Next, I would like to take this opportunity to highlight the devastating effects of courier fraud. This type of fraud occurs when

fraudsters contact victims by telephone pretending to be a person in a position of authority such as a police officer or bank official.

Victims are asked to cooperate in an ‘investigation’ by attending their bank and withdrawing money, foreign currency from an exchange or purchasing an expensive item to hand over to a courier for examination who will also be part of the scam.

At the time of handover, unsuspecting victims are promised that the money they’ve handed over or spent will be reimbursed but, in reality, there is no further contact and the money is never seen again.

Recent data from the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau shows that individuals aged 70 or older lost over £12.6 million to courier fraud last year.

I urge family members to be

vigilant and educate their loved ones about the risks, including unexpected phone calls, couriers, and visitors.

Remember, banks and police will never send couriers to collect cash or personal information and, if targeted, report to Action Fraud and your bank.

Avon and Somerset Police has joined all five police forces and PCCs in the South West and the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU) as part of the region’s ongoing work to target and disrupt organised crime groups harming our communities through drug supply.

Avon and Somerset Police is the top out of all forces for the number of operations focused on drug supply disruptions, and all five police services in our region are in the top 10 and have been

for the past two years.

In Avon and Somerset, officers have seized over £3million worth of cannabis and arrested 20 people in relation to crimes linked to the illegal cultivation of the plant. This operation continues to go from strength to strength. We collectively continue to make our communities safer by targeting the criminals bringing drugs and violence to our region as well as protecting the vulnerable they seek to exploit as workers or as users of the drugs they supply.

Taking a regional approach really does make a difference; so much so, that the number of county lines in our region is decreasing as criminals are having to change the way they operate. The message is clear, the South West is no place for drugs or drug dealers.

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What's On

Spoil Me

Rondo Theatre

19th – 22nd July, 8pm

Featuring a hilarious cast of actors, buckets of fast-paced action and an electric soundtrack, Spoil Me is a poignant celebration of love and selfdiscovery.

Julius Caesar: The Musical

The Mission Theatre

21st & 22nd July, 7.30pm

All roads lead to Rome with Bristol Shakespeare Festival's riotously daft take on the original political thriller. Find out if you're Team Brutus or Team Julius.

Tickets: £12

Summer Solos: Emma Hocking

Bath Abbey

24th July, 1pm

Emma has been one of the leaders in the Abbey Girls Choir and has been a member since 2018. She has sung solos and impressed all with her musicianship and sheer joy of music making.

Become a Conservation Hero

Beckford’s Tower

27th July – 31st August

Every Thursday morning, you can join “Conservation In Action” activities in

Horrible Histories: Terrible Tudors

Theatre Royal

20th – 22nd July

From the horrible Henries to the end of evil Elizabeth, hear the legends (and the lies!) about the torturing Tudors. Find out the fate of Henry's headless wives and his punch up with the Pope.

Candlelight Bath

Guildhall

21st July, 7pm & 9pm

Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations never before used for this purpose. Discover the music of Hans Zimmer's best works.

Flower Flutters

Victoria Art Gallery

25th – 28th July

Join in with some summer holiday crafts inspired by the Kaffe Fassett and Candace Bahouth exhibition. Create a flower pin badge and also add to the paper quilt just like Kaffe.

Outdoor Theatre: Romeo & Juliet

Dyrham Park

28th & 29th July, 6.30pm

Watch the timeless love story, Romeo and Juliet. A play about the power

Tuesday 18th July - Monday 31st July 2023

Activities programme for over 55's

Oliver!

Kingswood Theatre

20th - 22nd July

Come and see the hugely talented students and multi award winning Bath Theatre School bring a professionally staged version of Oliver to local audiences.

The Big Build American Museum & Gardens

22nd – 24th July, 10.30am – 4.30pm

Brick America is launching with a 3-day, Big Build event. You are invited to work alongside LEGO artist, Warren Elsmore, and his team, to create a giant model of the Hollywood Sign.

Treasure Boxes

No.1 Royal Crescent

26th July, 10am - 12.30pm

Throughout the summer, there will be running free activities for children in the servants’ hall. What would you put in a museum if you had one? Make a mini collection box to take home.

Green Woodworking Workshop

Bath City Farm

29th July, 9.30am - 1.30pm

The course with Joe Keppie-Bray will include learning about the types and

Garden Theatre Festival

The Holburne Museum

21st July – 5th Aug

The Garden Theatre Festival is back for its third year. Expect two weeks of performances from nationally renowned companies, in the open-air thrust stage space, with something for all the family.

Summer Lates

The Roman Baths

22nd July – 31st August, 6 - 10pm

Experience the Roman Baths in a new light with Summer Late opening. Enjoy a rare chance to see the Great Bath by torchlight and explore the museum and collection at a relaxed pace.

When We Died

Ustinov Studio

27th July, 8pm

Faced with the body of the man who raped her eleven months ago, When We Died is a striking new play about one woman’s choice to confront her trauma and tell her story, on her terms.

Mal Webb & Kylie Morrigan

The Bell Inn

31st July, 9pm

Aussie surrealists, and about the only people who get to use a loop pedal at

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

Over 300 women take part in Dorothy House Midnight Walk

MORE than 300 women came together on Saturday 17th June to raise funds for Dorothy House Hospice Care, as part of this year’s Midnight Walk event. Dorothy House provides end-oflife and palliative care to those in the community, providing patients and their families with the support they need, when it is needed the most.

Participants were greeted at Bath Pavilion with a glass of prosecco on arrival, sponsored by the Great Wine Co. and served in a bright pink biodegradable champagne flute.

There was music provided by Bath Rock Choir, and a speech from two of the hospice’s trustees, who also walked to raise funds.

Cheryl Sprinkler led the crowd through her classic ‘Mojo Moves’ to get everyone ready to take on the late-night 5K.

Mulberry, EmmyLondon and Bowood donated raffle prizes and the total raised from the raffle alone exceeded £1,000 on the night.

The final figure raised through sponsorship monies and donations is yet to be announced, but the event has already raised over £40,000.

Kate Bullman walked in memory of her Mum Patti who was cared for by Dorothy House.

Kate said: ‘’The support that Dorothy House gave to us as a family was incredible and something I had no real understanding of the value of until I met them.

“From family counselling to their honest and caring advice in the days before her death, they were true angels on earth.

“I am certain that without our dedicated nurse we would not have had the confidence to make the critical and timely decisions we did, which enabled Mummy to die at home, with us, which is what she had wished for. For that I will be forever grateful to this amazing charity”

An army of over 65 Dorothy House volunteers lined the streets to cheer on the walkers and provide support along the way.

Tracey Smith who has been volunteering with Dorothy House for a number of years, said: “Volunteering at the Dorothy House Midnight Walk

Locals urged to count dead bugs on their number plates

WEST of England Metro Mayor

Dan Norris is encouraging drivers in Bath not to wipe away bugs from their number plates this summer, as part of efforts to measure the insect population.

Insects across the country are dwindling at a high rate, falling by around 64% over the last 20 years, due to issues including pesticide use and polluted rivers.

is a wonderful experience; the atmosphere is amazing and the Bath Rock Choir made it even better…. they were phenomenal.

“I find it incredibly rewarding to know that I’m part of the Fundraising Team and am helping this brilliant charity to continue to care for more people in need.”

Clare Way, Community and Events Fundraiser at Dorothy House added: “It is amazing that the Midnight Walkers have raised over £40,000 so far for the Hospice.

“We are really pleased and grateful to everyone who took part in this event. Thank you to everyone who walked, volunteered or contributed towards making it such a huge success.”

Mayor Norris is asking drivers to take part in the annual Bugs Matter Survey, backed by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, to help better understand the challenges the insect population is facing by measuring the number of bug splatters.

The idea is that Bath and North East Somerset drivers clean their number plates before their journeys before counting, photographing, and reporting the number of bugs at the end. All drivers will need to do is download the Bugs Matter App, which is available for free, then use the app’s “Virtual Splatometer”.

The survey runs until 31st August so there’s plenty of time for “citizen scientists to do their bit for the West’s crawly creatures”, the Mayor said.

Mr Norris is also encouraging residents to take as many bugfriendly actions as possible this summer, having curated a list of five simple steps to help the

West’s insects, like gardening without bug-harming pesticides. Schoolchildren are being given a summer challenge to build “bug hotels” out of simple items like plastic drinks bottles and string, to give the pollinators a home. Dan Norris said: “Bugs matter in Bath and North East Somerset. But they’ve had a rough old few years – with the climate crisis, habit loss and pesticide use just some of the challenges they face. And that spells trouble for our region. Luckily, through steps like taking part in this vital survey so we can build a better picture of the health of our insects.”

You can download the apps at: www.buglife.org.uk/getinvolved/surveys/bugs-matter/

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Warning issued over dangers of open water swimming

RESIDENTS across Bath and North East Somerset are being urged to heed water safety advice, ahead of the upcoming summer holidays and warmer temperatures.

Open-water swimming is increasingly popular, but poses risks which are not always visible. Residents and visitors are encouraged to be mindful of the dangers of strong currents and hidden underwater objects that could cause serious injury, especially if jumping in from height.

Rivers and canals can also carry infections, including Cryptosporidium and Giardia, that cause diarrhoea and vomiting.

Ahead of the summer season and World Drowning Prevention Day on 25th July, Bath & North East Somerset Council is asking people to keep themselves safe by heeding local safety signage that warns of the dangers and to

follow top tips if going into the water.

These include:

• Don’t swim on your own

• Check the water quality information on the gov.uk webpage

• Avoid bathing on higher-risk days such as after heavy rainfall or during strong currents

• Cover cuts with a waterproof plaster and consider a wetsuit

• Use sun cream even if it’s a cloudy day

• Avoid swallowing or splashing water into your mouth

• Avoid drinking alcohol before or during swimming

• Stay calm, float and call for help if you get into trouble

• Wash your hands with soap after swimming

• Beware of underwater obstacles such as rocks and weeds

If you become unwell after swimming, call 111 or visit www. nhs.uk to seek medical help. Stay off school or work and do not

swim again until you’ve not been sick or had diarrhoea for at least 2 days.

If you also have a high temperature or do not feel well enough to do your normal activities, try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people until you feel better.

Becky Reynolds, Director of Public Health and Prevention, said: “Our rivers and waterways are wonderful and we want to encourage people to enjoy visiting them safely, however open water swimming can be dangerous and there are risks involved. Please don’t swim alone and don’t get in at all if you can’t swim.”

“Risks range from hidden dangers because you can’t see any obstacles that might be beneath the surface, to waterborne infections that cause nasty stomach bugs.

“So, if swimming in open water this summer, please follow our top tips to reduce your risk of

illness or getting into difficulty.”

The National Water Safety Forum’s latest annual report shows that in 2022 there were 226 deaths in the UK from accidental water fatalities, and 60% of these happened in inland waters such as canals, rivers, lakes, quarries and reservoirs.

Ben Thompson, Temporary

Group Manager at Avon Fire & Rescue Service, said: “We want people to enjoy the water this summer, so it’s vitally important that you take heed of safety advice. Think about the hidden dangers of water, consider the safety measures you need to take, and please call 999 if someone gets into difficulty in water.”

Photo courtesy of Dorothy House Hospice Care

New Mediterranean restaurant to open on Walcot Street

A NEW Mediterranean restaurant is set to open on Walcot Street in Bath following the sale of Aqua, the former Italian restaurant and bar.

The site is set in St. Michael’s Church House, a Grade II listed building which features a high vaulted roof, stained glass windows and various period features.

The former Aqua restaurant had been owned and operated by Ben Smithson since 2008.

Mr Smithson said: “We enjoyed a wonderful fifteen years in the beautiful chapel restaurant.

“We made the decision to part ways with the business to focus our efforts in different areas, but Bath will always remain close to our thoughts.”

The new owner, Hidir Dersuniyelioglu, has exciting new plans for the business, which will be called Pomegranate. He said: “Our vision for Pomegranate is to create a culinary haven where the vibrant flavours of the Mediterranean come to life.

“We are deeply passionate about showcasing the rich tapestry of Greek and Turkish cuisines, and we believe that Pomegranate

will be a true celebration of these culinary traditions.

“With our carefully crafted menu, we aim to transport our guests to the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean, offering an unforgettable dining experience and warm hospitality that these cultures are renowned for.

“As we prepare to open our doors, we extend a warm invitation as we look forward to welcoming

Ceremony held to welcome trees at Elizabeth Park

FIVE new trees planted as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy project have been welcomed at a ceremony in Elizabeth Park on Bath Riverside.

Councillor June Player, who represents Westmoreland, recently cut the ribbon on the five liquidambar trees, which were planted in March. Their planting was part of a landscape scheme proposed by the community group Riverside Community Voice (RCV).

the community to our table.” Nicholas Calfe, Director at Christie & Co who handled the sale, added: “The sale of Aqua in Bath is a clear indication of the demand we have for leasehold hospitality businesses, particularly in desirable locations. We were pleased to achieve the full asking price and look forward to seeing the new concept come to life.”

Chair of the group, Paddy Doyle said: “24 beautiful trees were planted in March at the instigation of RCV Garden Group and the agreement of the leaseholders and Pinnacle Property Management who care for the site. More planting is to follow.

“The Queen’s Green Canopy is an integral part of this programme and will in time provide a beautiful memorial to Queen Elizabeth II, in whose honour this park is named.”

Councillor June Player said: “The five liquidambar trees have a glorious and stunning orangey

red brown foliage in the autumn and they will really add visually to the area.

“They have a sweet and slightly amber aroma and I look forward to sitting beside them enjoying the birds, bees and butterflies that will be attracted to them.”

The ceremony took place during the Riverside Community Voice Summer Party, with over 150 residents enjoying the weather and music from Magpie and the Shiny Things.

A

Village groups invited to apply for £2,000 of funding

COMMUNITY projects

and groups in the village of Peasedown St John are being given the opportunity to apply for up to £2,000 of funding.

Local councillors Gavin Heathcote and Karen Walker have been allocated the money by Bath and North East Somerset Council, known as the Ward Councillors’ Empowerment Fund.

This year, each B&NES Councillor has been allocated £1,000 to spend in their communities, so local initiatives can receive funding, giving many of the projects that rely on volunteers that extra financial support.

Cllr Gavin Heathcote said: “There are many worthy groups and projects in Peasedown St John

that could do with some extra cash. I’m looking forward to working with them to decide how the money can be spent.”

The Ward Councillors’ Empowerment Fund is open to one-off and new aspects of existing projects that give demonstrable benefit to the community to improve the social, economic or environmental wellbeing of a particular area.

Cllr Karen Walker added: “In the past, this funding has helped pay for new defibrillators, brand new signage for either end of the village, and for children’s play days held on The Green and Beacon Field.

“The funding that we’re allocated really does go towards supporting the grassroots projects that need

it the most!”

Funding is open to any group operating in Peasedown St John, Carlingcott or Braysdown. With £1,000 each, Gavin and Karen have a degree of flexibility over how and when the money is spent. They’d like to hear from anyone who’d like to apply by Friday 15th September.

Based on the number and content of applications, there may be an opportunity for further applications to be made later in the financial year.

To request an application form, contact Cllr Gavin Heathcote on 07557 683834 or email gavin_heathcote@bathnes.gov. uk, or Cllr Karen Walker on 07968 401447 or email karen_walker@bathnes.gov.uk.

COLUMN | Wera Hobhouse, Liberal Democrat MP for Bath

AS your MP, it has been a privilege and a pleasure to see the power of community involvement in promoting positive change across our city over recent weeks.

I was immensely proud to welcome Bath Philharmonia's young carers orchestra to Parliament. So many talented and inspirational children highlighted the challenges that they as young carers face and how music can help them overcome barriers. It was a reminder of the importance of supporting young carers

in music education settings nationwide and ensuring they are not overlooked in national plans. The Bath Philharmonia project provides young carers with a safe place to build relationships with their peers while developing their musical talent, as they often miss out on opportunities to spend time with friends.

We also celebrated the 75th birthday of one of our most important institutions, the NHS. The creation of the National Health Service is one of the UK Parliament's greatest achievements and it

gives me great pride to represent a constituency that has such fantastic, hardworking NHS staff within it. However, whilst celebrating this momentous occasion, it is important to remember that we cannot take the NHS for granted, and we must protect it. This occasion should renew our vigour to defend this vital institution that has touched so many lives.

I continue to be inspired by the passion and commitment of our community. Attending the National Parliamentary Prayer

Breakfast with members of Bath Abbey was a moving experience. Our discussion emphasised the power of forgiveness in public life and the importance of kindness and understanding in our public discourse. In these times of divisiveness and hostility, it is more crucial than ever that we embrace these values and work towards a more united and compassionate society.

I was also thrilled to visit the

Bath Organic Group's garden on the Upper Bristol Road. It is so important that we recognise the critical role of community involvement in promoting sustainable farming practices and protecting our British farming community. We cannot allow our agricultural standards to be compromised, and we must fight for the protection of our wildlife, especially as regulations come under threat as we navigate the difficulties of Brexit.

The interior of the former Aqua restaurant | Photo © Christie & Co / Aqua

tombola and cake stall at the event raised £700 for the Carers’ Centre on the Lower Bristol Road.

Cllr June Player cutting the ribbon for the new trees | Photo courtesy of Riverside Community Voice

Cllr Gavin Heathcote and Cllr Karen Walker have £2,000 to spend

Sulis Hospital set to become regional orthopaedic hub

John Wimperis Local Democracy Reporter

A HOSPITAL in a Somerset village is set to become a hub for orthopaedics operations in the South West, able to operate on 1,500 joints a year.

Bath’s Royal United Hospital bought the private hospital Circle Bath in Peasedown St John in 2021, renaming it Sulis Hospital. Now Paul Doyle, transformation director of Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon, and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board’s elective care programme, has told Bath & North East Somerset Council that the facility will become a hub for elective surgery in the South West. He told the council’s children, adults, health and wellbeing policy development and scrutiny panel: “It currently does a combination of private treatments but also increasingly an amount of NHS work, and what we have been successful in doing is securing some national funding to extend that facility

and convert it into an elective orthopaedic centre.

“So part of it will be focussed solely on doing orthopaedic work: so hips, knees, shoulders, other joints.”

He added: “We will be turning it into what we call “cold sites” so there’s no emergency care up there, but what that enables us to do is move patients through that hospital incredibly quickly.”

The facility will be solely focused on elective work, specialising in orthopaedic operations.

Two new modular theatres will be built at the hospital, bringing the total number up to six, and allowing the hospital to carry out about 1,500 joint operations a year.

One temporary additional theatre is currently running at the site as a “proof of concept.”

Mr Doyle said this would improve the continuity of service for RUH patients, as wider services are currently provided at Combe Park where the service is often closed down for several months due to winter pressures.

He said: “Moving it up to

Peasedown will enable that service to run all the way through the year, so we will be able to see more patients.” But he said the hospital would also become a “regional hub” for elective operations.

Visually impaired patients to benefit from extra help during their stay

whole patient experience is an important component for us too.

“We all know that small things can make a big difference and we hope that visually impaired inpatients at the RUH will really benefit from these boxes.”

Bob’s daughter, Lorraine Allington, said: “Dad would be very proud to see what we’re trying to achieve with this project. His final will said ‘remember the blind’ and Bob’s Boxes is doing exactly that.”

He said: “We will be bringing in patients from Swindon, from Salisbury, but also from North Devon and indeed we are also talking to Cornwall at the moment about patients that might come up as well.

“So that facility will be used not just to service the local population but will also be servicing the wider South West region.” Mr Doyle said it's expected the facility will be operational from June 2024.

Robotic investment improves precision

INPATIENTS at the Royal United Hospital that are visually impaired are set to benefit from additional support and equipment during their stay. The special initiative is being led by the family of Bob Brown, who was blind and spent the last few weeks of his life in hospital in the south of England.

Bob, who became blind at the age of 67, spoke of how isolated and alone he felt during his stay in hospital, so his family decided they wanted to do something to help other people in a similar position, and the Bob’s Boxes project was born.

Thanks to the fundraising efforts of Bob’s family, the RUH, daughter Becky’s local hospital, is getting three new boxes stocked full of useful equipment to make hospital stays more

comfortable for people with visual impairment.

The first boxes will contain things like a talking clock, which tells the time and date at the push of a button, a digital radio, a nonslip cupholder and a device for recording voice messages.

The content of the boxes may change if patient feedback suggests other equipment would be useful. Bob’s daughter

Becky Wych said: “We hope that these boxes will help visually impaired patients to have more independence during their stay in hospital.

“The items in the boxes are all things that my dad used in his day to day life.

“The boxes are just one element of the work that we have been doing. Raising awareness and training of staff to enhance the

Bob’s wife, Diana Brown, added: “Bob was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa in his early 40s and his eyesight slowly deteriorated, leaving him completely blind when he was 67.

“Despite this, we still enjoyed many holidays together and Bob loved sport, especially football and horse racing, which he listened to on his radio every day.

“I think he’d be so pleased to see what we’re doing and the help this will give people in a similar situation to him.”

Sharon Manhi, RUH Lead for Patient & Carer Experience, said: “We are always looking at what more we can do to support patients with visual impairment/ blindness in the hospital and the items in the boxes, such as penreaders and anti-slip cup holders, are simple everyday solutions.

“We will continue to work with families and patients to add to the boxes items of equipment that they might use in their own homes.”

PATIENTS across Bath and North East Somerset are set to benefit from a significant investment in robotic surgery across the local health system, which will improve precision and safety.

The investment has seen the purchase of a surgical robot at the Royal United Hospital in Bath, which is now in operation, Two more robots will also benefit patients in the wider region, meaning people will be less likely to have to travel long distances for important surgery. Robotic technology has been developed over many years and is already in operation in other parts of the NHS.

It means surgeons can operate with higher levels of precision, and perform complex procedures with minimal access, while ensuring the highest levels of patient safety.

The first procedures using the new surgical robot have already taken place at the RUH.

Cara Charles-Barks, Chief Executive of the Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust, said: “I’m delighted that we have launched robotic surgery at the RUH. This will not only benefit the people we care for, with less invasive procedures and faster recovery times, but it also gives us an exciting opportunity from a recruitment and retention perspective. It’s an amazing development for our community in Bath, Swindon, and Wiltshire.”

Duncan Murray, Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust Deputy Chief Medical Officer, said: “The outcome benefits to our patients of having local access to robotassisted surgery have already been well described.

“Furthermore, providing this state-of-the-art technology within our hospitals will ensure we strengthen and sustain our surgical teams in the future by continuing to attract the best clinical staff across a range of surgical specialities.”

Bob’s daughters and wife alongside hospital staff | Photo © RUH

Surgeons will be able to carry out more complex procedures with minimal access

An operating theatre at the Sulis Hospital near Bath | Photo © Sulis Hospital Bath

University of Bath named as one of the world’s top 150 universities

THE University of Bath has been named one of the top 150 universities in the world, climbing more than thirty places to the 148th position. The university climbed 31 places in the QS World University Rankings 2024, up from joint 179th.

The ranking is the University’s highest in the survey since 2010, making it among the top 10% of universities worldwide, according to QS.

Published by higher education insights and analytics provider

QS Quacquarelli Symonds, the ranking is a key measure of universities’ quality and effectiveness and helps students around the world to make choices about study destinations.

A total of 2,963 institutions were evaluated and 1,499 were included in the ranking – 91 of which are in the UK. The ranking rated the performance of institutions in areas such as research and discovery, employability and outcome, learning experience, global engagement and

sustainability.

In the analysis, Bath scored particularly highly for its reputation among employers for “providing the most job-ready graduates”, and in measures relating to its attractiveness to international students and academic staff.

Other areas where Bath saw enhanced performance include its reputation for academic excellence amongst global academics and research citations per faculty, a measure of the impact and quality of research carried out at the institution.

Professor Ian White, University of Bath Vice-Chancellor and President, said: “I am truly delighted to see our recognition globally begin to match our excellent reputation in the UK.

“I am particularly pleased to see our strong strategic focus on highquality research, learning and teaching, and excellent graduate outcomes, acknowledged internationally.

“I offer my sincere thanks to everyone in our community, and to our partners and supporters

Student finalist in poetry competition

around the world, for enabling us to build a welcoming and high-quality institution that is equipping students with the knowledge and skills our societies need and addressing the important global challenges we face through research that makes a real impact.”

The University of Bath is also The Times and Sunday Times University of the Year 2023. Earlier this month it was named the 5th best university in the UK in the Compete University Guide 2024 ranking. It was also placed 7th in the Guardian University Guide 2023. In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023, Bath earned top 100 global placings for six subject areas, including Architecture & the built environment, Business & management studies, Development studies, Psychology, Social Policy & Administration. The University was equal 7th worldwide for Sports-related subjects, showcasing the strength of the Team Bath Sports Training Village.

A STUDENT at the Royal High School in Bath was selected as one of only 10 Key Stage 3 finalists to perform at the Grand Finale of a national poetry competition.

Year 9 student Florence Cooney took part in ‘Poetry by Heart’ at Shakespeare’s Globe in London.

Celebrating its 10th year anniversary, ‘Poetry By Heart’ is a prestigious poetry speaking competition founded by former Poet Laureate Andrew Motion and current co-director Dr Julie Blake. It is open to all schools and colleges in England and earlier this year, all schools taking part including the Royal High School held first stage heats for all students in Years 7, 8, 9. Each student was required to choose a poem they love, learn it by heart and perform it in front of their English class.

Florence was selected by Royal High School Bath’s English department to be put forward

for consideration for the national competition.

On Monday 26th June, Florence performed her poem ‘Morning Song’ by Sylvia Plath in front of the packed theatre at Shakespeare’s Globe. The competition was judged by a number of poets, including Sir Andrew Motion and Daljit Nagra.

Commenting on her experience, Florence said: “It was so brilliant to have been selected as a finalist and to get the chance to perform at the Globe. It was totally nervewracking but very exciting. I loved having my mum there with me. She was as excited as I was and was amazing throughout the whole process. She studied English Literature at university so loves poetry too and was just so helpful and really supportive. It was also so nice to meet the other nine finalists and share this experience with them. “Everyone was just genuinely so nice and supportive of each other.”

Self-storage facility on Regency Laundry site approved

John Wimperis Local Democracy Reporter

PLANS for a new self-storage facility in Bath that could help support 100 jobs have been given the go-ahead.

Vanguard was granted planning permission to redevelop the former Regency Laundry site on the Lower Bristol Road at Bath and North East Somerset Council’s planning committee on Wednesday 28th June.

Head of property at Vanguard, Mike Lamplough, told the committee that the facility would help to tackle the “chronic shortage” of industrial space in Bath.

He said: “Self-storage is very attractive to business customers. At our Bristol store which we built in 2019, they account for more than 50% of the utilised space.” He added: “We estimate that more than 100 people are employed by businesses operating from our Bristol store. The council want to retain employment use on this site in Bath and we expect the numbers to follow the same trend.”

But the Bath Preservation Trust

objected to the size and design of the building with chief executive Alex Sherman telling the council: “The standardised, anywhere, off the peg approach proposed very clearly would not contribute positively to local distinctiveness or the site’s townscape context.”

Despite reservations about the design, councillors voted to grant planning permission for the plans.

Shaun Hughes, councillor for Midsomer Norton North, said: “I think the Lower Bristol Road has taken more than its fair share of residential in recent times.

“I am very happy that this is going to remain some sort of commercial site.”

Lansdown councillor Lucy Hodge said she approved of how the site would be used but added:

“I not happy about the design really and I really would like to see our committee aiming for better design.”

She added that the height of the building could reduce sunlight in neighbouring gardens.

The new building will be taller than the current disused laundry building, but will be set further back from the road. The sides of the building will have metal

cladding, while the front will be mostly glass with a section of Bath stone.

The development will see the widening of the bank to the Marl Brook stream which runs along the western side of the site, and the planting of native tree species along the eastern side to help screen the building from properties on Lorne Road.

A large solar array will also be

installed on the roof, providing power for the site as well as feeding back into the grid.

Like their premises in Bristol, the new Bath facility will have a plane suspended above the entrance lobby. Asked what it could be, Mr Lamplough said: “We haven’t decided yet.”

He added: “We’ve got the Lightning [in Bristol] and the Hunter in London. It will be

something else.”

But one neighbour who submitted a comment on the council’s planning portal said:

“I think it’s distasteful to have a weapon of war design to kill people hung in the entrance. “Why not a peaceful plane? Or a reconnaissance plane?”

“I’d find it distressing to look out at guns and missiles pointing at my home.”

How the new Vanguard facility will look | Image courtesy of Designscape Architects

Lidl store “should not go ahead” says MP

BATH’S MP, Wera Hobhouse, has said the new Lidl store on the London Road “should not go ahead” due to the impact it could have on local heritage and the environment.

The German supermarket group revealed back in May that it was planning to create a bespoke store beside Bath RFC’s Lambridge training ground.

A public consultation was later held, with members of the public saying the development would cause an increase in traffic and impact the ecology of the site.

The multi-million-pound store could create around 40 new jobs in the community.

Final plans for the site were submitted to Bath & North East Somerset Council last month.

Speaking about the proposed development, Mrs Hobhouse said: “Following the formal planning application’s submission for the proposed Lidl on the London Road, I felt it necessary to outline my opposition to this specific development once more.

“I appreciate that Lidl have engaged with residents through a public consultation and I am grateful that the organisation also consulted me on the plans.

“However, I still feel that the proposal is one that should not go ahead and I will be submitting a formal letter of objection against the specific development.

“I must stress again, the decision for planning approval lies with the B&NES Council planning committee. As Bath’s MP, my concerns remain, however.

“The proposed site which lies along the river has significant biological diversity. It is also located at the gateway into our unique World Heritage City which has two UNESCO accolades.

“The area surrounding the proposed development is one of

Site visit planned over controversial scheme for historic cottage

John Wimperis Local Democracy Reporter

COUNCILLORS are set to pay a visit to a historic Bath cottage as they deliberate whether to allow its owners to replace it with two modern houses.

low density housing and green spaces and there are no other commercial outlets nearby.

“Protecting our city’s extraordinary heritage and nature sites, as well as the distinctive character of the local area must continue to be ensured.

“I have not been convinced that these priorities will not be deeply compromised if the specific proposed development were to be given the green light.

“I recognise that the ongoing costof-living crisis impacts those on the lowest incomes most acutely. Discount food stores enable people to make real savings in their household budgets.

“As I have said previously, I am open to working with Lidl, or any other retailer, to ensure that an adequate supply of affordable food is an option for all.”

Speaking after the planning application was submitted, Lidl GB’s Regional Head of Property, Glen Stidever, said: “This planning submission follows a detailed and sustained piece of proactive engagement with the community, local heritage and architectural stakeholders, as well as local businesses.

“We are grateful for the significant number of responses we have received for this site and strongly believe our planning application also carefully addresses considerations including biodiversity, heritage, highways and local businesses.”

It has already been ruled that Waterworks Cottage can be demolished without needing approval, but plans to build two “unashamedly modern” homes on the site still require planning permission.

The plans came before Bath and North East Somerset Council’s planning committee on Wednesday 28th June, but councillors on the committee voted to defer their decision in order to visit the site.

Westfield councillor Eleanor Jackson said there were “a lot of unanswered questions” about the application and proposed the site visit.

She said: “This site is on the threshold between what you might call the suburban area and … rural area, and it’s only by standing there you can judge where the balance lies.”

Lansdown councillor Lucy Hodge seconded the proposal, adding: “It’s a very unusual site.” But Oldfield Park councillor Ian Hansall said: “It seems unreasonable on the residents to be kept waiting again and again and again, or the neighbours. It’s also not fair on the applicants if we were to defer again.”

The planning row over the 1850s cottage on Charlcombe Way has raged for over two-and-a-halfyears now as neighbours and councillors clash with owners Jeremy and Darah Flavell who own architectural design firm Three Point Design and hope to replace the cottage with two three-bed houses on the site.

They propose one house at the top of the site off Charlcombe Way, designed to appear as one storey from the road, but with a lower ground floor as the site slopes down the hill; and another smaller house at the bottom of the site.

The Flavells originally planned to build three houses on the site but planning permission was refused by the council, a decision upheld by the planning inspectorate which judged that this would be an overdevelopment of the site which forms a transition between the City of Bath and the rural countryside.

Tom Rocke, planning agent for the Flavells, addressed the committee at the start of the meeting. He said: “The application before you today is very different. It responds positively and effectively to the only issue identified by the inspector and to member’s concerns regarding overdevelopment of the site, as well as to your declared climate and ecological emergencies.”

In addition to reducing the number of dwellings to two, he said that the sizes of the houses had been reduced and that they would have zero operating emissions, an improvement over

the current cottage which cannot be made more energy efficient. But the cottage’s next-door neighbour Chris Parkin said the new plans still failed to address the issues.

He told the committee: “It constitutes significant overdevelopment of the landscape, destroying the gradual and harmonious transition from urban to rural and radically changing the street scene and character of the area.”

He added that the footprint of the houses would still be five times that of the current cottage. His comments were echoed by Joanna Wright, who addressed the meeting as ward councillor for the area.

She called it “cramped and contrived” and urged the committee to refuse the planning application or to visit the site to judge the impact. The planning committee voted 4-3 in favour of deferring their decision in order to go on a site visit.

Mr Parkin welcomed the decision. He said the site was “complicated” and added: “The only way to properly appreciate that is through a site visit.” The plans will come back before the committee at a meeting after councillors have visited the site.

Residents encouraged to help shape transport plans

PEOPLE who live in and around the Somer Valley are being encouraged to help shape the future of public transport provision for their area.

A consultation has been launched asking locals to make choices as they give their views on proposals to make taking the bus an easier and more pleasant experience as well as changes to walking and cycling routes.

The proposals cover transport between Midsomer Norton, Radstock, Westfield and other West of England towns and villages, on to the region’s two cities in Bath and Bristol.

Residents are encouraged to have their say while taking on board that all the projects will

bring with them trade-offs and compromises.

Local people are being asked for views on extending specific bus lanes, new and upgraded cycle lanes as well as changes to bus stops, along the A362, A367 to Bath and A37 to Bristol.

Residents first gave their views on the ‘Somer Valley Links’ project in late 2021 and this feedback has shaped the updated proposals.

Responses showed that their priority is to make improvements to cycling and walking, with 70% rating safety along the route as poor. The plans are part of a wider £540 million programme from the Mayoral Combined Authority, led by Mayor Dan Norris, to improve public transport across

the region.

The project is being delivered in close partnership with Bath & North East Somerset Council.

Locals can attend three in-person drop-in sessions to learn more about the proposals and ask questions. These are:

• Wednesday 19th July (3pm to 8pm) – St Luke’s Church Centre, Hatfield Road, Bath

• Monday 24th July (2pm to 7pm)

– Farrington Gurney Memorial Hall

For more details about the proposals, visit www. haveyoursaywest.co.uk.

All feedback will help to finalise the ‘Somer Valley Links’ designs. The consultation is open until midnight on 6th August 2023.

The routes across the Somer Valley | Image courtesy

The Guildhall in Bath

Designs for the Lidl store on the London Road | Image © Lidl GB

“No fixed plans” for separate door at new council development

John Wimperis Local Democracy Reporter

THERE are “no fixed plans” for affordable housing tenants to use a separate door at a major development in Bath, the council has stated.

Bath & North East Somerset Council submitted plans last month to build 351 homes, split across four apartment blocks, on the city’s old gasworks as part of the Bath Western Riverside development.

The planning application had stated that any affordable housing in the largest of the apartment blocks would be accessed from a separate entrance and stairwell, but now the council have said there are “no fixed plans for such a move.”

The affordable housing statement submitted with the plans had said that most affordable housing was anticipated to be in the three smaller blocks: B, C, and D. But it said: “Any affordable housing proposed in Block A will be served from its own separate entrance and stair core to avoid any management complications.”

Now the council has stated in a press release: “The outline application includes affordable housing and market housing designed as a mixed community and fully integrated into the current phase one development and the proposed Berkeley site.

“No fixed plans have been made for a proposed separate entrance in one block of the proposed scheme which if included would

ensure service charges could be directed at those who need to pay them.”

Asked for a comment on whether this would be changed, a council spokesperson said there was “nothing more to add.”

When first reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, previous Mayor of Bath and former Liberal Democrat councillor Rob Appleyard posted on Twitter that he was “surprised” and expected the comment about the separate entrance was missed when the planning application was discussed. He posted: “This concept was attempted many years ago and got thrown out, totally goes against the concept of equality. There are ways of managing shared space in terms of maintenance, etc.”

The Bath Western Riverside development is a major area of development in the city and it was recently visited by Michael Gove, the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

SouthGate’s summer installation raises cash for Lily Foundation

Matt McCabe, the council’s cabinet member for Built Environment & Sustainable Development who joined him on the visit, said: “We are committed to building new and affordable homes across our area and took the opportunity to show the Secretary of State what we have already achieved, with great support from Homes England, and what we hope to achieve in our outline plans for the second phase at Bath Western Riverside on the former gas works site.

“In phase two we want to see a flexible community and business space with a mix of tenures, which include market and affordable homes for rent and shared ownership with are all designed on exceptional building performance standards based on Passivhaus principles and a fabric first approach.

“The outline plans also promote low car use in line with our ambitions to build a sustainable future for Bath and North East Somerset.”

Views sought on ‘Pollinator Project’

RESIDENTS in the village of Peasedown St John are being asked for their views on a new ‘Pollinator Project’ aimed at improving wildlife habitats.

B&NES Council has been awarded funding by the West of England Combined Authority to improve habitats for wildlife and people.

The local authority will be using some of the funding to create new pollinator-rich habitats at eight sites across the district.

One of those proposed sites is Orchard Way in Peasedown St John. A consultation event was recently held in the village, asking

residents for their views on how they’d like to see the green spaces along and around the site being better utilised.

Cllr Gavin Heathcote (Independent, Peasedown), who attended the event, said:

“The Park’s Department wants to find ways to improve wildlife habitats in these areas through new flower-rich meadows, food forests and flowering shrubs and trees, whilst also providing attractive, well-maintained spaces where people can meet, and children can play.

“Nature is collapsing at an alarming rate. In the UK, around

97% of species-rich grasslands have been lost since the 1930s, and one study found a 76% decrease in insect abundance since 1989.

“Longer grass and more shrubs are generally better for wildlife than short grass, but we recognise some of the concerns that people have when the grass is cut less often. This is why the council is carrying out this consultation.”

The consultation follows work that has already been done in Peasedown St John to protect and look after the local environment. More information is available at: https://bit.ly/3Df6uny

Crossword answers - Issue 055 (04/07/23)

THE SouthGate Bath shopping centre has once again been transformed with a special installation for the summer, raising money for The Lily Foundation.

St Lawrence Street and The Place have been decorated in a canopy of pinks, blues, purples, and yellows, with butterflies dotted throughout.

The Lily Foundation is the UK’s leading mitochondrial disease charity and the largest charitable funder of mitochondrial research in Europe.

Along with providing essential support to patients and their families, the charity also funds scientific research in order to advance the search for effective treatments and cures.

In addition to the summer canopy, SouthGate Bath has also revealed a butterfly selfie point in the shape of The Lily Foundation logo, giving customers the chance to snap a picture and make a £2 contactless donation to the charity to help support its work. Guy Henderson, centre director at SouthGate Bath, said:

“Our summer transformations at SouthGate Bath always prove hugely popular with visitors, so we’re very excited to reveal our latest design.

“Along with bringing a smile to visitors’ faces and brightening up the streets of Bath city centre, it means a lot to us to be able to support an important cause too.

“We hope that the scheme helps to raise awareness and vital funds

Across: 8 Tasmania, 9 No exit, 10 Brunei, 11 Nut brown, 12 On and off, 13 U S Navy, 14 General interest, 18 Helmet, 20 Got worse, 23 The Devil, 24 Bremen, 25 In-laws, 26 Sheridan.

Down: 1 Barren, 2 Eminence, 3 Indigo, 4 Magnifying glass, 5 Instruct, 6 Neuron, 7 Midwives, 15 Elephant, 16 Activism, 17 Rhodesia, 19 Median, 21 Tables, 22 See-saw.

to bolster the amazing work that the team at The Lily Foundation do.”

Sarah Moore, Corporate Fundraiser for The Lily Foundation, said: “The Lily Foundation feel so privileged that Guy and the amazing team at Southgate Bath have chosen to support us this summer.

“The beautiful colours linking in with those of The Lily Foundation will certainly raise much-needed awareness of mitochondrial disease which can affect anyone at any age.

“There is currently no cure and no treatment, and the prognosis is very poor, especially for those diagnosed early in life.

“Being a Bathonian myself, and having lost two daughters to this dreadful disease, Harriet aged 18 months and Kimberley aged four years, it is an honour to see The Lily Foundation’s name up in lights in my hometown. Thank you so much.”

The display will be in place throughout the summer until early September and visitors are encouraged to take photos and share them with @SouthGateBath on Facebook and @southgate_ bath on Instagram, using the hashtag #SummerAtSouthGate.

How the proposed site could look | Image © B&NES Council / Stride Treglown

The installation at SouthGate Bath | Photo © SouthGate Bath / British Land

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