Bath Echo - Issue 057 - 01/08/2023

ECHO

Tuesday 1st August - Monday 14th August 2023

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Issue No. 057

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STAFF THREATENED WITH HAMMER

Duke of Edinburgh makes special visit to BRLSI on Queen Square P2

Warning issued over dangers of swimming with contact lenses P12

Council calls out aggressive behaviour - P3

CRITICISM OVER LACK OF GULL ACTION - P3

School fined £50,000 after exposing pupils to radioactive gas P13

Inside: More top stories, opinions and what's on + our £20 crossword

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Royal visit for the BRLSI on Queen Square

In this issue...

Top Stories

Tuesday 1st August - Monday 14th August 2023

www.bathecho.co.uk

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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 Duke of Edinburgh has made a special trip to the Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution (BRLSI), its first royal visit in 199 years.

The Duke of Edinburgh visited the BRLSI, on Wednesday 19th July, following a graduation ceremony for the University of Bath at Bath Abbey.

The Duke was escorted to the institution’s home in Queen Square

by Professor Ian Gadd, the current Chair of the Board.

Along the way, he learned about BRLSI’s history, activities, and ambitions as well as its plans for its bicentenary next year.

BRLSI is an educational charity founded by Georgian scientists, naturalists, and intellectuals in 1824.

It holds over 120 talks each year, covering all aspects of science, literature, the arts, and world affairs, and hosts many exhibitions, drawing on its extensive palaeontological, geological, and ethnographic collections.

Thanks to its digital programme, which began during lockdown, BRLSI is now able to make its programme of activities and events more accessible than ever before.

Royal patronage was conferred

on the Institution by King William IV in the 1830s and continued under Queen Victoria, but this is the first formal visit by a member of the Royal Family to the Institution since its foundation.

The Duke of Edinburgh was met by staff, volunteers, and directors of the Board. Accompanied by Collections Manager, Matt Williams, the Duke was given a tour of the current BRLSI exhibition ‘Riches of the Earth.’

The Duke then toured the BRLSI vaults, where he saw an 1854 calotype photograph of the former Institution building on Terrace Walk made by Francis Lockey, amongst other antiquities and items.

During a tea and cake reception, the Duke talked with a range of volunteers about their contributions to BRLSI’s activities and community outreach and also met past and current members of the Board of Directors.

He also heard more about the plans for the Institution’s future, including a 12-month series of activities and events to mark its bicentenary and its hopes of redeveloping its space at Queen Square to become a ‘cultural hub’ for the city of Bath.

The Duke of Edinburgh during the visit | Photo © Joe Short / BRLSI

At the close of the visit, Professor Gadd presented the Duke with a BRLSI publication, Innovation and Discovery, which celebrates Bath’s history of innovation and discovery in science, medicine and technology.

Professor Gadd, a professor from Bath Spa University, said: “We are honoured to have hosted His Royal Highness.

“This was a very special occasion

Staff praised for “amazing actions” POLICE have praised the “amazing actions” of staff at the Morrisons supermarket on the London Road in Bath following an incident in which a man seriously injured himself.

Avon & Somerset Police were called just before 12.45pm on Thursday 20th July, reporting a concern for welfare at the store.

Upon arrival, officers found that the supermarket had been closed and staff were administering first aid to a man who had injured himself.

Nobody else was hurt in the incident.

The man, who is in his 30s and from the city, was taken to hospital by ambulance at around 1.40pm. The Wiltshire Air Ambulance attended the scene, with the critical care team assisting paramedics by land en route to the Royal United Hospital.

The man’s injuries were de-

Photo © Nigel J. Harris / Shutterstock.com

scribed as serious but not life-threatening.

Officers remained in the area until about 4pm, making enquiries and providing a visible presence to reassure the community.

Neighbourhood Inspector Jon Nash said: “I want to highlight the amazing actions of the Morrisons staff, supported by members of the public.

“As well as calling us to report

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their concerns for this vulnerable man’s welfare, they treated him with compassion and dignity.

“They administered first aid and attempted to ensure his wellbeing and that of other members of the public by evacuating and closing the store.

“I’m in no doubt that their actions, along with those of ambulance and NHS staff, saved his life.”

for the Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution as the first royal visit in our history, and we were delighted to have the opportunity to show how the Institution is one of Bath’s historic and cultural jewels, to celebrate the hard work and enthusiasm of our volunteers and staff, and to talk about our exciting plans for the bicentenary year and beyond.”

News in Brief New membership scheme at city farm A membership scheme is being launched by Bath City Farm, helping residents across the city support the charity and its work with vulnerable people in the community. Membership is free for residents who live in the wards of Twerton or Southdown, and for all other residents starts from £3 per month for an individual membership, known as The Cockerel. Other types of membership include The Brace, joint membership from £4 per month, and The Herd, a family membership, from £5 per month.

Benefits of becoming a member include £5 worth of vouchers to spend at its café, a packet of wildflower meadow seeds, a regular newsletter known as ‘The Barn’ and for local residents, the opportunity to vote at the Annual General Meeting.

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Issue 057

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Your City, Your News - Bath Echo

Woman seeks further action on gulls Council calls out violent following “vicious” attack behaviour towards staff John Wimperis

Local Democracy Reporter

A BATH woman who suffered a “vicious” seagull attack has criticised the council for cutting their spending on tackling the nuisance birds.

Debbie Andrews warned that attacks by gulls are on the rise across the city at a full meeting of Bath and North East Somerset Council on 20th July.

She told councillors: “I was attacked recently walking out of M&S with unopened food. As I was putting it in my bag I felt a heavy thud on my back.

“I only realised what it was when a wing hit me across my head and the bird actually bent over my shoulder to peck through the plastic and managed a bite out of the food.

“Two women checked I was ok as it was such a vicious attack.”

She said that a gull had attacked her friend while walking in the Oldfield Park area of Bath and had drawn blood, visitors to the city eating outside in Kingsmead Square had meals snatched off their plates, and one elderly man had his bread snatched from his trolley in the Lidl car park.

She said: “It’s infuriating to know that funding has been withdrawn from trying to solve this problem.

I’d like to know why.

“When will funds be released to help solve a problem that is only going to get worse?”

The council has cut £20,000 from the budget to tackle gulls, which had also funded free advice for people on dealing with the birds.

Ms Andrews warned that Oldfield Park risked becoming “a permanent gull retreat.”

She said: “There is no peace as the gull problem in many Oldfield Park streets has become intolerable. For the last four years I have had gulls around me at the back and front of my house so there really is no escape.

“I spent money on my garden

when I retired but we don’t eat outside as the gulls gather.

Gardening is a mind over matter fight to block out the noise.”

She said her family had to keep windows closed during the warm summer months to block out the noise and risked having to wash laundry again if it was hung outside.

June Player, councillor for neighbouring Westmoreland, said: “Would you like the council to petition Natural England, on behalf of residents, to allow egg and nest removal to be reinstated?”

Ms Andrew said she would.

Council staff have previously warned that their “hands are tied” over tackling the gull problem as the birds are protected.

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A NEW campaign has been launched aimed at raising awareness of the violent and aggressive behaviour faced by staff at Bath & North East Somerset Council.

Examples of behaviour towards council workers include a worker being driven at, a female colleague followed back to her workplace and threatened with physical violence and another member of staff being threatened with a hammer.

The campaign is linked to a new Violence, Aggression, Threatening and Challenging Behaviour (Staff Safety) Policy which is being rolled out by the local authority.

Staff have also reported being sworn and shouted at, being trolled on social media and receiving persistent aggressive calls, visits or emails.

Councillor Kevin Guy, council leader, said: “Most people treat our staff with respect and they value the many services they provide to help improve people’s lives.

“Yet our staff sometimes face the risk of work-related violence, aggression, threatening or challenging behaviour from a small minority of the public.

The Guildhall in Bath

“None of our staff should ever have to experience this as part of their job.

“As an employer the council is committed to providing and maintaining a safe working environment and safe systems of work for all staff which includes contractors and volunteers.

“We are taking a zero-tolerance approach towards unacceptable behaviour and the aim of the policy and campaign is to provide information to stop, control and respond to customers who are behaving in a violent, aggressive, threatening or challenging manner.

“We all deserve to be safe at work and be treated with respect.”

Project sees launch of new artist’s space and gallery A PROJECT launched to support local high streets across the area has seen the opening of an artist residency and exhibition space in Twerton.

The space at 106 High Street will offer free residency for local artists who might not otherwise be able to access studio space.

It has been designed with flexibility in mind and will be used as a venue to showcase art as well as host other activities.

The facility is currently being used for a range of art including ceramics, hat making and oil painting.

Artist residencies are for a set period, with studio space, business development and funding support agreed at the outset.

The opening of the new space comes after the launch in October 2022 of Creative Twerton at 107 High Street, which already offers free creative sessions, free lunch and refreshments on a drop-in basis.

Both spaces are part of the Bath & North East Somerset Council-led Bath Local Centres High Street Improvement Scheme, with support from the Vacant Unit Action Project.

The projects are funded by the West of England Combined Authority’s ‘Love our High Streets’ and ‘High Street Recovery’ funds.

The units benefit from further funding and support from Little Lost Robot CIC, Bath Spa University and Creativity Works.

Little Lost Robot CIC manages the space.

Twerton High Street has also benefitted from a new sensory garden, planters and hanging baskets as part of the high street improvement scheme.

Residents have been involved throughout, from the initial idea of a sensory garden, to taking part in the planting itself.

The new planters are decorated with local children’s art.

The other streets being improved under the scheme are Mount Road, Moorland Road and Weston High Street.

Councillor Paul Roper, Cabinet Member for Economic and Cultural Sustainable Development, said: “Reanimating vacant units makes our high streets more vibrant and welcoming for everyone.

“The opening of this second arts space is a welcome boost for Twerton High Street and it’s exciting to see the creative work that is already happening there.

“I look forward to seeing a broader range of activities on offer for the community as use of the space develops.”

Metro Mayor Dan Norris said: “I’m proud my West of England Mayoral Combined Authority has funded this space for local artists to set up and do what they do best, and which will provide lots of brilliant opportunities for all residents as well.

“As Mayor, I’m committed to backing those projects to help get our high streets firing on all cylinders again, that bring pride to our area and that give talented West of England residents the opportunities they need to thrive in our great region.”

Ruby Sant, Director at Little Lost Robot, said: “We are delighted with the progress of our creative Twerton arts spaces.

“We have had a brilliant year here already offering a comprehensive, free to access arts program, alongside creating work for Kew Gardens and Hampton Court Palace.

“We are looking forward to supporting our resident artists to grow their practice and setting up a textile maker space from September.”

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Issue 057

Council proposes “cost effective” bus route network John Wimperis

Local Democracy Reporter

BATH and North East Somerset Council have sent the Metro Mayor proposals for a “costeffective” network of bus routes which they are urging him to fund.

The two have had high-profile clashes over the funding of the buses, with Mr Norris accusing the council of being “disingenuous” and “meanspirited” at a West of England Combined Authority Committee meeting last month.

He insists that it is the council who is responsible for finding the money to keep the bus services running.

He said their transport levy contribution to the West of England had only been enough to fund some bus services, which the council had selected itself.

Ms Warren dismissed his comments at the committee meeting as “misrepresentation.”

Speaking at cabinet, she said: “In this financial year we have increased our contribution by 30% to £1m, recognising the significant increases in costs to provide bus services.

Unfortunately, however, the prices of our bus services increased by around 200%.

“Like other councils, [Bath and North East Somerset] has no significant funding for buses over and above that which is already transferred annually to [the West of England Combined Authority] as our transport levy. The remainder of our budget is fully committed to other purposes.”

Ms Warren said that Mr Norris should use some of the £57m Bus Service Improvement Plan funding from the government to fund the routes.

Originally ringfenced against being used on supported bus services by the government, they have now indicated the money may be able to be used to support

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buses, although Mr Norris has warned “the devil will be in the detail.”

Meanwhile, people in rural North East Somerset have keenly felt the impact of the cuts.

In an address to the cabinet, Joy Arnold told councillors: “I have lived in Tunley for 60 years, during which time we have always had a bus service to and from Bath, and onwards to Timsbury and Paulton.

“The loss of the 768 and 179 bus services is a real problem for me.

“A few months ago I lost my husband, who had always driven his car which provided us with transport and for John to get to work, but regrettably I never learnt to drive.”

She told the meeting that she had always used the bus to get to work in Bath and had continued using it since retirement, but had not had a good experience with WESTlink.

She said: “It is not reliable and is therefore of no use when you have to keep appointments such as doctors, dentist, hospital etc.”

She described recently waiting for over an hour at Odd Down Park and Ride for a WESTlink to take her home from an appointment, eventually having to ask a coach driver if he could ring her daughter at work to collect her.

Mrs Arnold said: “Her boss was understanding and sent one of his van drivers out to take me home.

“I tried ringing WESTlink when I got home but only had continuous music, by now I’d had enough and gave up.

“What should have been a 15 minute bus ride home ended up taking me an hour and a half.

Luckily enough the weather was in my favour.”

In the proposals sent to the Metro Mayor, the council has proposed that the 522 bus, which was launched in April and connects Bath and Bristol via Midsomer Norton, be re-routed to connect the cities via Tunley

and Hallatrow instead.

The proposal states this would bring a good bus service back to these villages, rather than to areas with good bus services already, and make the route faster.

The proposals also suggest extending the Frome to Midsomer Norton 414 bus to Paulton, in order to replace the popular Radstock to Paulton 82 bus which was cut last month.

The proposal suggests that the Metro Mayor co-fund the route with Somerset County Council, who fund the current 414.

Other proposals include keeping the Trowbridge to Bath 94 service running by the Metro Mayor cofunding it with Wiltshire County Council; funding the Chew Valley’s 672 bus — which is due to finish on 31st July — for another year using Local Transport Fund funding; and that the Metro Mayor co-fund a new Bath to Wells express with Somerset County Council to go through villages, such as Tunley, which have lost the 179.

Finally, the council proposes using the on-demand WESTlink buses to run a timetabled service along the routes of the axed 179 and 768 services at rush hour and school times.

In the longer term, the proposals suggest a new 777 bus to serve this route at peak times.

In a letter to Mr Norris dated 11th July, council leader Kevin Guy urged him to adopt the proposals.

He said: “We all need the opportunity to travel independently, not to own a car and to travel by healthier means, and the Bus Service Improvement Plan fund was designed to support this aim.

“Both our rural bus services, and our small local bus companies, play an essential part in our communities and now require support from the West of England Combined Authority.

“We all need a public transport system we can all rely on the good of the planet and the future.”

Warning issued over mortgage email scams PEOPLE across the Bath area are being urged to remain vigilant following an increase in the number of fake emails being received purporting to be from mortgage lenders.

The warning comes after Action Fraud received 538 reports in two weeks relating to emails that claim to offer limited-time deals to low-rate mortgages.

The links in the email lead to malicious websites designed to steal personal and financial information.

Avon & Somerset PCC Mark Shelford said: “Heartless criminals are taking advantage of people’s concerns relating to their mortgages by offering rates as “low as 2.39%” to lure people into phishing scams.

“The websites set up by criminals disguise themselves as a trustworthy source in order to

steal personal and financial data for their own gain.

“We need to let as many people know that such scams are circulating to ensure we prevent people from falling victim.

“Remember, if a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”

If you have doubts about an email or message, contact the organisation directly before sharing any personal or financial information.

Do not use the numbers or addresses in the email, use the details from their official website.

Your bank, or any other official source, will never ask you to supply personal information via email.

If you have spotted or received a suspicious email, you can forward it to the Suspicious Email Reporting Service (SERS) via report@phishing.gov.uk.

Gas works underway in Monkton Combe RESIDENTS have been advised about potential disruption during works by Wales & West Utilities to upgrade over 400 metres of gas pipes in the Monkton Combe area.

The work is essential to keep the gas flowing safely to heat and power homes and businesses, keeping people safe and warm for generations to come.

The project, which began on 24th July, is due to finish by 3rd September.

There will be road closures on: • Church Lane (31st July – 18th August) • Trollopes Hill (26th August – 3rd September) Motorists are advised to allow

extra time for their travel.

Wales & West Utilities' Simon Lee is managing this work. He said: “We have planned this work during the school holidays to minimise inconvenience to local road users. While most of the gas network is underground and out of sight, it plays a central role in the daily lives of people across the Bath area. Whether it’s heating your home, making the family dinner or having a hot bath, we understand how important it is for your gas supply to be safe and reliable and there when you need it. We know that working in areas like this is not ideal, but it really is essential to make sure we keep the gas flowing.”

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

W

ITH the school holidays well under way it is great to see our city buzzing with visitors. From the fantastic Bath Carnival a few week ago, to events in our parks and university graduation ceremonies, there is a huge amount of summer activity – all of which is great for our local economy and brings vibrancy to the city.

We are also blessed with wonderful free spaces for everyone to escape into to enjoy some peace and quiet.

Our parks team and friends’ groups work really hard at maintaining these gems and it has been great to see their efforts recognised with seven prestigious Green Flag awards - one more

than the previous year. Sydney Gardens was a winner for the first time in this year’s national awards which recognise the country’s best parks.

Haycombe Cemetery, Henrietta Park, Hedgemead Park, Bloomfield Park, Alexandra Park and Royal Victoria Park have retained their Green Flag status.

Maintaining the parks including cleaning up after people is just one of the many, many services the council provides to help improve people’s lives.

Council staff do a great job in sometimes very challenging circumstances and so it is very distressing when we learn about unacceptable behaviour towards them.

Examples of unacceptable behaviour over the past year include one worker being driven at, a female colleague followed back to her workplace and threatened with physical violence and another member of staff threatened with a hammer.

Staff also report being sworn and shouted at, being trolled on social media and receiving persistent aggressive calls, visits or emails.

So, you may see posters appearing at our offices, depots and in our libraries as we raise awareness of the violent and aggressive behaviour staff frequently have to face by a minority of people.

Most people treat council staff with respect and I know they value the many services the council

provides. As an employer the council is committed to providing and maintaining a safe working environment and safe systems of work for all staff because we all deserve to be safe at work and to be treated with respect.

It is a privilege to welcome visitors to experience our historic city but it is just as rewarding to see the growing number of residents who are making the most of their FREE Discovery Card.

In the last year more than 30,000 local people signed up to enjoy the benefits – including 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 universities.

You can sign up for a Discovery Card online at www.bathnes.gov. uk/discoverycard and then pick it up at a variety of locations across Bath and North East Somerset.

Cards can either be provided digitally to be displayed on a mobile device, or as a physical card which is recycled and recyclable.

Please make the most of it – and enjoy the rest of your summer.

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Tuesday 1st August - Monday 14th August 2023

www.bathecho.co.uk

Pictures from the Past In The News Low Traffic Neighbourhoods Kirsten Elliott Akeman Press

IT is a sad reflection on how carobsessed we have become that efforts to reduce traffic in towns and make life pleasanter for pedestrians are met with screams of horror.

‘An attack on cars’ the opponents cry. ‘It could destroy our vibrant community,’ say business owners. Yet pictures from the past tell a different story. Here is Moorland Road in the early 1900s with not a car in sight – just one single-decker tram – but plenty of people on the pavement and many thriving businesses.

If we move on nearly 50 years, Moorland Road was still a busy shopping area with few motor vehicles, although there was a motor cycle with a side car adapted for carrying goods.

There are just two private cars, and two delivery vehicles. For anyone delivering to Moorland Road today, the task is a nightmare because of all the parked cars – as we at Akeman Press know all too well.

Where vehicles are restricted, pedestrians soon take over.

Here was Westgate Street about 1937 – the advertisement for a film called Stella Dallas dates it precisely – when there was enough traffic to warrant a policeman on point duty. Pedestrians were confined

Above: Moorland Road in the early 1900s | Below: Moorland Road nearly 50 years later

to the pavements. Despite cries that preventing cars from travelling down it would kill trade, Westgate Street – like other pedestrianised streets in the city centre – is busier than ever.

Of course, there are those who do need to use their cars, and more disabled parking spaces are needed. However, many of the parking spots that some Blue Badge holders claim they must have are places I avoided when I was the driver for a wheelchair-bound parent.

Trying to unfold a wheelchair on a slope such as Milsom Street and then keep it in place while getting the passenger into it is not my idea of fun, and the same procedure was positively dangerous in

Westgate Street with lorries and vans pulling in and out around you.

For those on foot, the worst place in Bath is now Queen Square. Originally designed for people to stroll about on wide pavements, with just the odd coach or horse rider to avoid, it was the advent of the motor car which made it the frustrating place for walkers that it is today.

Looking at this picture from the early days of motoring, no one could possibly have guessed how bad it would become, with just five seconds – shortly to be increased to six – to cross the road, and that only after waiting for ages. Many French cities have had large pedestrian zones for decades – why can’t Bath be the same?

Above: Westgate Street around 1937 | Below: Queen Square is very different to how it is today

COLUMN | Mark Shelford, Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner

I

WOULD like to start by recognising and thanking Avon and Somerset Police officers for their work keeping everyone safe at summer events across the area. Their commitment helps ensure a great and safe time is had by all.

We are incredibly lucky that Bath and the wider region is home to so many wonderful celebrations in the summer months, such as the Bath Carnival, Glastonbury Festival and the Bristol Balloon Fiesta.

I know that the police get exceptionally busy during the summer, but the community still rightfully expect a high level of service.

The Chief Constable has made assurances that, despite the increase in demand, officers will

respond in a timely way.

Moving on, I urge the local community to remain vigilant over an emerging scam involving fake emails purporting to be from mortgage lenders.

It has come to my attention that Action Fraud has received 538 reports in two weeks relating to these emails that claim to offer limited-time deals to low-rate mortgages.

Heartless criminals are taking advantage of people’s concerns relating to mortgages to lure them into phishing scams.

The websites set up by criminals disguise themselves as a trustworthy source in order to steal personal and financial data for their own gain. We need to let as many people know that such

scams are circulating to ensure we prevent people from falling victim.

Remember if a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

If you have doubts about an email or message, contact the organisation directly before sharing any personal or financial information. Do not use the numbers or addresses in the email – use the details from their official website.

Your bank - or any other official source- will never ask you to supply personal information via email. If you have spotted or received a suspicious email, you can forward it to the Suspicious Email Reporting Service (SERS) – report@phishing.gov.uk Finally, following the devastating incident of the stabbing in

Bristol, I would like to pass on my condolences to the victim’s family and friends who are being supported by specially trained Family Liaison Officers.

Incidents like this will understandably raise concern among the wider community across Avon and Somerset.

I would like to take the opportunity to reassure residents that there are numerous proactive initiatives that continue to support young people, such as educational visits from officers and doctors in schools, knife sweeps and underage purchasing tests. I am also working with Anna Firth MP to ban the sale of Rambo Knives.

The Bath and North East Somerset Violence Reduction Partnership (VRP) also works with youth groups and organisations to raise awareness of the dangers and consequences of knife crime.

Policing and partners take a public health approach to knife crime; the local multi-agency approach is led by the council and aims to provide protection and resilience in the wider community with prevention strategies.

If you have any concerns or questions relating to knife crime, please do speak to your local Neighbourhood Policing Team or contact my team via our website.

Issue 057

P7

Your City, Your News - Bath Echo

Crossword

Congratulations to Bernadette Macey for winning £20!

You can find the answers to last issue's crossword on page 16.

Complete our crossword for your chance to win £20!

Across

Down

1 They get in the way (9) 6 Long-continued practice (5) 10 Macchu Picchu builder (4) 11 Resting, like actors (10) 12 Canes (8) 13 Stretched-out rectangle (6) 14 Embellish (5) 15 Strong dislike (9) 18 Turn on the waterworks (4,5) 21 Fleecer (5) 24 Showy decoration (6) 26 Amount of sugar needed to help with medication (8) 27 Diversion (10) 28 First name in French fashion (4) 29 Worrier's malady (5) 30 Advocates of land reform (9)

2 Communication problem for musicians in narrow streets? (9) 3 Rotates around a kind of heater (7) 4 Trapped (6) 5 19th century American philosopher (7) 7 ---, coulda, woulda (7) 8 Eco-conscious (5) 9 Raring to go (2,3,2) 16 Immensely powerful (9) 17 Suffer remorse (4,3) 19 Merit (7) 20 Hazarding (7) 22 Husband of Eleanor of Aquitaine (5,2) 23 Piano (6) 25 Standard of perfection (5)

Entering our competition - via email or post For your chance to win £20, submit your full name, postal address and answers by email to puzzles@bathecho.co.uk or via post to: Crossword Competition 0108, Bath Echo, PO Box 5395, Bath, BA1 0YA The winner will be the first randomly opened entry with the correct answers on 10/08/2023.

The winner will be notified using the details they provide when entering the competition.

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P10

Tuesday 1st August - Monday 14th August 2023

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What's On

Tuesday 1st August - Monday 14th August 2023

Poor Man’s Fringe

Summer of Play

Wednesday Wonders

Encanto In Concert

Komedia 1st August, 8pm Immerse yourself in grassroots creativity at The Poor Man’s Fringe Opening Gala, the inaugural event of the alternative comedy festival that offers a refreshing take on the comedy scene.

Bath Assembly Rooms 1st – 31st August, 10am - 3pm Get creative in the Ball Room this summer, every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Try your hand at making a fan or hat, have a go in the theatre area or enjoy some colouring in.

Roman Baths 2nd – 23rd August, 6pm - 8pm Join the Collections team and their summer placement students by the Great Bath every Wednesday evening in August. Handle amazing archaeological objects on a new theme each week.

The Forum 2nd August, 3pm Walt Disney Animation Studios’ film comes to life in a UK tour for the first time ever, featuring the entire feature-length film with a full orchestra performing the score.

Fraser Anderson

Humour for Humanity

Bath Maize Maze

Rum & Reggae Racenight

Chapel Arts Centre 3rd August, 8pm Likened to Damien Rice, Bon Iver and Joni Mitchel’s melodic movement, Fraser’s poetic honesty weaves through his music. Audiences have described his performances as deeply moving.

Moles 3rd August, 7pm Join an unforgettable evening of laughter and compassion at the Humour for Humanity event, supporting Bath Welcomes Refugees. Featuring 6 standup comics, a raffle and soulful music acts.

Globe Roundabout 4th August, 10am - 4pm Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday throughout the summer holidays.

Get lost in the winding paths of the charming maize maze, surrounded by towering cornstalks.

Bath Racecourse 4th August, 4pm The Rum and Reggae racenight will be a unique Caribbean night with food, drink and music from Jamaica alongside seven exciting horse races - experience the thrill of watching live racing.

The World in 2050

Solar Observation & Planetarium

Family Fun Day

Virtuoso Musical Gems

BRLSI 4th August, 7.30pm The final talk in the World in 2050 series. What will 2050 hold for you, your friends, your family, and for society at large? Will technology change what it means to be human?

Bath Abbey 4th August, 6pm - 8pm This illuminating evening gives you the chance to get up close and personal with the nearest star in our galaxy: The Sun. Safely view the sun using specialist telescopes and discover fun sun facts.

Bath City Farm 5th August, 10am - 3pm Bring the whole family to the farm for a day of fun and games including live music, craft stalls, games, animal tours, face painting, pig racing, bouncy castle and much more. Free entry.

Holburne Museum 6th August, 7.30pm - 9pm Two accomplished musicians bring a sparkling programme of pieces written for the beloved instruments of the 19th century salon: the fortepiano and romantic guitar.

Wonder Women of Science

Sam Crockatt Trio

Chloe Gong

Six

Herschel Museum of Astronomy 8th August, 11am - 3pm Join a team of staff and students from the University of Bath creating an artwork inspired by Caroline Herschel and other wonder women in science. There will be crafts and a special trail.

American Museum & Gardens 11th August, 5.30pm – 9.30pm Enjoy a summer’s evening of music from the Sam Crockatt Trio with Americaninspired food and drink. Enjoy the music and choose from an array of light supper and refreshing drinks options.

Topping & Company Booksellers 11th August, 7.30pm Join an evening with young adult author Chloe Gong to chat about her new epic fantasy, Immortal Longings. They’ll be talking all things enemies to lovers, high stakes, and incomparable retellings.

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

Theatre Royal Bath 14th – 26th August The international smash hit musical SIX makes its royal return to Bath, following its previous sell-out success.

Think you know the rhyme, think again...

Divorced. Beheaded. LIVE.

Issue 057

P11

Your City, Your News - Bath Echo

Community

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

Dismay over “shocking” road markings for Oldfield Park RPZ John Wimperis

Local Democracy Reporter

PEOPLE living on a street in Bath have been left frustrated after confusing and contradictory road markings were painted outside their homes.

Denmark Road is one of many roads included within the new Oldfield Park and Westmoreland Residents’ Parking Zone.

Although many on the street were happy for something to be done, the new road has left people unhappy and confused.

Locals say that the parking bays on both sides of the street do not leave enough space to drive down the street; a neighbouring free car park now costs over £500 a year; some parking bays are curved, meaning cars cannot fit in them; and parking bays extend across the end of people’s driveways.

Now fixing the errors will mean a new traffic regulation order has to be secured by the council, a process which takes months and costs £4,500.

Adam Fouracre, who lives on the street, said: “It just makes you wonder what we pay our council tax for.”

Mandy Moon has lived on the street for 36 years, and now is one of several people on the street who now has a parking bay across the end of her driveway.

She said: “I’m worried I’m going to wake up and not be able to get out of my house.”

The council has painted white “H bars” across the end of these driveways to tell people not to park there, but seeing these markings within parking bays has created a confusing picture.

Ms Moon said that she had a neighbour tell her: “‘I’m really confused, am I now allowed to park outside your house?’”

Ms Moon had tried to raise the issue in the council’s consultation process.

She said: “We have done everything we can to highlight what was a problem at the beginning and it was totally ignored.”

It was only after the lines had been painted that the council acknowledged the mistake.

Further down the street, the two parking bays which follow the kerb around corners have caused more confusion. Street resident Louise Poole said: “They painted them as if the cars are curved.”

But it is the two rows of straight bays which run down each side of the street that Mr Fouracre is most worried about. He warned that there is not enough of a gap between the bays on each side.

He said: “I was shocked at how narrow it was.”

Currently, people on the south side of the street park with two wheels on the pavement, but the new parking bays denote spaces fully on the roads.

Mr Fouracre said: “If they all park up to the lines we wouldn’t get anything down here.”

Located in Oldfield Park, Denmark Road will get busier in September when students come

back to study in Bath from their summer break.

June Player, who represents the area as an independent councillor on Bath and North East Somerset Council, said she had thought it was good to do something to tackle parking issues on the street, but when she saw what was being proposed there was “no way” she would have supported it.

She said: “What really upsets me about the situation is I have now so many unhappy residents and I find that really quite distressing.”

She said that people on the street should never have been put in this position.

Many on the street had used the free car park at the end of the road as an extra place to park, but now this needs a separate permit which only covers the car park.

Ms Player said: “It’s gone from nothing to park there to £547 a year.”

She added: “I have asked them to scrub that and put it in as part of the RPZ.” Since the need for a permit, locals say the car park is barely used.

Mike Webb, who also lives on the road, said he usually only sees three or four cars parked there.

He added: “It’s just money making. What are they going to do with all this money when they get it?

“Are we going to see any benefit down our street?”

For people planning to park on the street, a resident’s parking permit is likely to cost between £100 and £162.50 a year.

Permit prices are based on vehicle emissions and could be as cheap as £50 a year for an electric

Awards for parks and green spaces SEVEN parks and green spaces in Bath have been awarded coveted Green Flags of excellence, recognising them as some of the best in the country.

Sydney Gardens is a winner for the first time in this year’s national awards, which recognise the best spaces, alongside Haycombe Cemetery, Henrietta Park, Hedgemead Park, Bloomfield Park, Alexandra Park and Royal Victoria Park which all retain their accolades.

The seven parks and green spaces managed by Bath & North East Somerset Council have been awarded the Green Flag Award for being welcoming places that are safe and secure, clean and well maintained and fulfil sustainable and conservation requirements.

They are also “well-managed” and benefit from community involvement.

The judges carried out ‘mystery shops’ at Royal Victoria Park, Bloomfield Park, Alexandra Park and Haycombe whilst Henrietta Park, Hedgemead Park and

Sydney Gardens in Bath | Photo courtesy of B&NES Council

Sydney Gardens had scheduled visits.

The Green Flag Award scheme is managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

It sets the benchmark standard for the management of recreational outdoor spaces across the UK and around the world.

Councillor Tim Ball, cabinet member for Neighbourhood Services, said: “It’s great news

that seven of our stunning parks and green spaces have received national recognition for excellence, which is one extra than last year thanks to the parks team and volunteers at Sydney Gardens. We want to ensure that our communities have access to quality green spaces and increase biodiversity across the area and we are fortunate to be wellsupported in this by the Friends groups, who work hard all year round. Thank you and well done to everyone involved.”

Residents have concerns about the markings | Photos © John Wimperis

vehicle or, for the very largest pre2001 diesel engines, up to £250.

Denmark Road local Jo Lamb added that everything had a “cumulative impact.”

She said: “It does make a difference to your quality of life.”

But the council administration has defended the residents’ parking zone plan and the road markings.

Manda Rigby, council cabinet member for transport, said: “We’ve been told by residents who have had parking zones installed, they are improving their streets.

“One of the issues which a zone tries to address is pavement parking particularly in narrow streets like Denmark Road.

“When enforcement starts residents in Denmark Road should see less pressure on spaces, however this, along with any other issue will be monitored in a rolling review of all RPZs in the city next year.

“Specifically with Denmark Road we have talked to residents and

explained how the markings work.

“The curved bay is only suitable for smaller vehicles but does provide an additional parking space and we would take a common sense approach to enforcement.

“In response to the suggestion by residents that Southview Car Park should be included, we explained, as part of the consultation, that it can’t be used because it is not a public highway and therefore different highway regulations apply. While the zones are an additional cost for residents, we have tried to mitigate this by providing different permit durations so people do not have to pay for a full year all at once.

“The permit also takes into consideration vehicle emissions which means the average cost of a permit works out at about 35 pence a day.”

The Oldfield Park and Westmoreland Residents Parking Zone will come into effect from 29th August.

Parents urged to check their homes are fire safe PARENTS and carers are being urged to take 15 minutes to check fire safety in their homes ahead of the summer holidays.

Avon Fire & Rescue Service offers a free Online Home Fire Safety Check, which features a step-bystep guide to look at individual homes’ fire safety precautions.

By answering a series of questions about various rooms in your home and habits, you will receive personalised recommendations and actionable tips to create a safer environment for your family.

Nikki Rice, Prevention Manager at Avon Fire and Rescue Service, said: “As the summer holidays approach, we know families will be spending more time at home.

“We understand that parents and carers often have concerns about the safety of their homes, especially when it comes to fire hazards around their children.

“The Online Home Fire Safety

Check provides parents and carers with a convenient way to look at their home and habits and make informed decisions to protect their loved ones.

“I encourage you to take 15 minutes to complete the check, by following the advice given, you could save a life.”

The check provides practical suggestions and resources to enhance fire safety measures.

You will also have access to personalised information that covers topics such as smoke alarms, escape plans and electrical safety.

You can find the safety check at: www.safelincs.co.uk/hfsc

P12

Tuesday 1st August - Monday 14th August 2023

www.bathecho.co.uk

Health Vulnerable patients at the RUH to Warning issued over benefit from extra care and support dangers of swimming with contact lenses

THE Royal United Hospital is developing a new strategy to ensure patients who require additional care always get the support they need.

The aim of the Vulnerable People Strategy is to make sure that patients receive care and support specific to their individual needs from the moment they arrive at the hospital until they leave, as well as any aftercare they may need once they have left.

The development is being led by Jo Baker, the RUH’s new Associate Director for Vulnerable People.

Jo said: “We are committed to doing all we can to ensure our patients receive the very best care for them in the right place and at the right time, and this includes our most vulnerable patients.

“But for the first time this new strategy will clearly set out what our patients with additional needs can expect from us and our commitment to them as individuals.

“We will build on the positive work already being done and recognise and act on what more can be done to continue to improve our services.

“The development of our new strategy is underpinned by our Trust vision ‘The RUH, where you matter’, and that means doing everything we can to make sure the Trust is an inclusive, welcoming and supportive

Photo courtesy of the RUH

environment for everyone.”

A key part of developing the strategy will be a survey, which patients, local people, RUH partner organisations and local community and volunteer groups, are all being encouraged to complete.

Jo said: “We want to hear views, experiences and ideas. We want to learn more about what is working well and where we need to improve so that we capture the right ambitions and the most important priority areas in the strategy. The feedback from this survey will play a key role in shaping our new strategy. We recognise that there are a wide range of people who could be

considered ‘vulnerable’ because of circumstances. I believe language is very important.

“One of the key questions will be around what people understand when they hear, read or see the word ‘vulnerable’. Does this clearly explain the people who need to be supported through our strategy, or should we look at using a different word?

“Please do take just a few moments to complete the survey and let us know your views – it really is important in making sure patients and vulnerabilities are at the heart of our service development and we have person-centred care and support in place.”

High clinical standards at Sulis Hospital recognised THE Sulis Hospital in Peasedown St John has been recognised as an elective surgical hub that delivers high standards in its clinical and operational practice.

The hospital, which is owned by the RUH, has received accreditation from NHS England’s Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) programme in collaboration with the Royal College of Surgeons of England.

The scheme assesses hubs against a framework of standards to help deliver faster access to some of the most common surgical procedures.

This status also seeks to assure patients about the high standards of clinical care.

The purpose of surgical hubs is to provide additional dedicated operating theatres and beds, aiming to improve the availability of planned surgeries.

These elective surgical hubs are exclusively dedicated to performing scheduled surgeries and mainly focus on high volume, low complexity (HVLC) procedures across a range of specialties such as ophthalmology, general surgery, orthopaedics, gynaecology, ear, nose, and throat, as well as urology.

Sulis Hospital Bath is the first NHS-owned independent hospital and one of 16 NHS surgical hubs nationally to be awarded the Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) accreditation.

Sulis Hospital was acquired by the Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust in June 2021, and continues as an independent hospital treating both NHS and private patients.

Jenny Anstey, Head of Nursing at Sulis Hospital said,

“I am delighted to announce that Sulis Hospital has achieved the elective surgery hub accreditation status following a thorough assessment conducted by the esteemed NHS Improvement Team during their visit earlier this year. This accreditation marks a significant milestone as we become the first NHSowned independent hospital in the UK to undergo such a rigorous evaluation process by the NHS assessors and emerge successful.

“The initial verbal feedback from the team was extremely positive, with them expressing their admiration for the exceptional clinical care provided at Sulis, describing it as ‘tip top’. The team’s dedication to delivering compassionate care to our patients has been acknowledged at a high level, positioning Sulis as a renowned centre of excellence. We will be sharing this achievement extensively with our colleagues at the Royal United Hospital Bath, across the region, and with patients and their families within our local community.”

In addition, Sulis Hospital has made significant advancements by being one of the first locations in the UK to offer same-day arthroplasty procedures.

Wearing contact lenses when swimming or showering can cause infections

LOCAL residents are being warned about the dangers of swimming or showering while wearing contact lenses, which can lead to sight-threatening infections.

Following an increase in the number of cornea infections being recorded, which reduced during the pandemic, consultants at the Royal United Hospital have appealed for people to take their contacts out when necessary.

Cornea infections, or microbial keratitis, can occur when the cornea, which is the clear window at the front of the eye, becomes infected and can be caused by bacteria, fungi or parasites.

These cornea infections are much more common in people who wear contact lenses, particularly those who use extended-wear lenses.

People who swim or shower while wearing contact lenses run the biggest risk of contracting an infection, which in extreme cases can lead to a loss of sight.

Symptoms of infections can include blurry vision, eye pain, red eyes, watering from the eye, increased light sensitivity and the feeling that there is something in the eye.

Your home.

Your care.

Your choice.

Shokufeh Tavassoli, Consultant Ophthalmologist and Cornea Surgeon at the RUH, said: “We are seeing a large number of patients with sight-threatening corneal infections because they are not aware that they should remove their contact lenses before swimming or showering.

“Other risk factors can include wearing contact lenses in a spa, steam room or if you’re doing water sports.

“With summer here and warm and sunnier weather, there will be more people swimming and spending time outside in water, so it’s really important that those who wear contact lenses are aware of the dangers if they don’t remove them.

“Corneal infections can have very nasty symptoms and in some cases can even lead to a loss of vision. So if you wear contact lenses, please do make sure you always remove them before swimming or showering to greatly reduce your risk of contracting an infection.

“Make sure you contact your optician or GP for more advice on how to use contact lenses safely, or if you have any concerns about your eyesight.”

We’re here to help you stay independent in your own home.

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Issue 057

P13 13

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Education School fined £50,000 after exposing pupils to radioactive gas KINGSWOOD School in Bath has been fined £50,000 after a number of employees, pupils and two other children were exposed to radioactive gas.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that five pupils at the private boarding school, on Lansdown Road, were exposed to levels of radioactive radon gas almost 8 times the legal limit.

Two other children, who were not pupils at the school, were exposed to levels of radon gas almost 14 times the legal limit.

Two employees were exposed to radioactive radon gas threequarters of the legal limit.

The radioactive gas radon is a hazard in many homes and workplaces and breathing in radon is the second largest cause of lung cancer in the UK, resulting in over 1,000 fatal cancers per year.

Radon is a colourless, odourless, radioactive gas that occurs in rocks and soils, some building materials and water.

Radon can seep out of the ground and build up in houses and indoor workplaces like schools.

The significant exposures to the

gas at the private school occurred in 2019.

The two employees and their two children were exposed to elevated radon gas levels as a result of working and living at the school.

The five overexposed pupils studied and lived at the school during this time.

An investigation by the HSE found that the school knew they had a radon problem as far back as 2007, when they carried out monitoring and installed some remediation to reduce radon levels.

However, from 2010 to 2018 the school carried out no subsequent radon monitoring and had no systems in place to ensure radon control measures were adequate.

Only following intervention in 2018 by the Health and Safety Executive did the school find out about their previous radon problem, and further radon monitoring and remediation was carried out to reduce radon levels.

Kingswood School Trustees Limited pleaded guilty to breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

Kingswood School on Lansdown Road in Bath

The company was fined £50,000 and ordered to pay £19,222 costs at a hearing at Taunton Magistrates’ Court on 19th July 2023.

After the hearing, HSE Principal Specialist Inspector (Radiation) Stewart Robertson, said: “The fine imposed on Kingswood School Trustees Limited should underline to everyone in the education sector that the courts, and HSE, take a failure to follow the regulations extremely seriously.”

“We will not hesitate to take

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action against companies, including schools, who do not do all that they should to keep people safe.

“Every workplace needs to consider radon as a risk to its employees and others.”

A spokesperson for Kingswood School said: “While the overwhelming majority of our school has radon levels that are similar to those across the rest of Bath, because of our location, we have a small area of our school where radon levels can exceed the minimum standards.

“To address this, in 2010 a number of measures were installed in a small number of areas to mitigate the risk of higher than average radon levels.

“Regrettably, however, after the installation of these devices, the school did not adequately monitor and record radon levels between 2010 and 2019.

“As a result of this, the courts has fined the school £50,000. We wholly accept this ruling and, at the court hearing, the judge acknowledged the genuine remorse shown by Kingswood in response to these historic failings.

“It is important to note that both the prosecution and the judge accepted that the risk of harm from this failure was low.

“We are sorry that we have fallen short in the management of this important element. Over the last four years we have already made many additional changes to ensure that our radon mitigation, monitoring and recording far exceeds recommended standards.

“We will continue to work with leading experts in the field to provide additional expertise and assurance.”

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Residents encouraged to upskill their current roles and “get on”

New landlord takes over Claremont Pub

METRO Mayor Dan Norris has called on residents across the West of England to get the skills they need as the cost-of-living crisis impacts people’s finances.

Speaking at his third annual Jobs and Skills Summit, which was held at Bath College’s Somer Valley Campus on Wednesday 12th July, Mr Norris announced an extra £6.5 million in funding for locals to upskill to progress into better-paid work and learn the tools of the trade for the green jobs of the future.

The Metro Mayor said that in an era of labour shortages, the focus on jobs and skills provision must change.

He said: “Wherever I go, employers tell me they can’t fill all their vacancies. Whether it’s bus drivers, chefs or retrofitters.

I also know there are many new green jobs on the horizon.

“That should be good news for workers. There are plenty of jobs out there – but it’s my job to make sure local people have the right skills to benefit from them.”

The Mayor says his new funding will have a “laser-like” focus on

A NEW landlord has taken over The Claremont pub in Fairfield Park with plans to bring the establishment “back to life”.

Landlord Franky Bright, who has big plans for the Claremont’s future, started off in the events industry, then worked his way up within hospitality before finally taking on a pub of his own.

Franky said: “I’ve been in the industry a long time. I’ve always enjoyed being a part of people’s good times and I love to be sociable.

“I’d moved to Bristol after university and ran various bars there before moving to Bath.

“I lived just down the road from The Claremont, and it reminded me of one of the first pubs I ran.

It’s always been well looked after and has lots of potential too.”

Since moving in back in May, Franky has already introduced new promotions and events nights for customers both old and new.

The pub has built a reputation for its stone-baked pizzas and Sunday roasts and also features an all-weather terrace.

areas of high demand.

There will be free hands-on training courses focusing on areas where there are high levels of vacancies, including in the care, bus driving and retrofit sectors.

“Jobs that let you get by aren’t enough, I want jobs that let you get on” he continued.

“That’s especially important in this cost-of-living crisis, and I’m pleased to be working with colleagues in the trade union movement to make this a reality.”

At the Summit, apprentices and those taking part in training courses were able to discuss their experiences at a series of interactive roundtables and make suggestions on how to improve skills training for the future.

The Mayor also met students who are learning to service electric cars within purpose-built, Mayoral Combined Authorityfunded workshops.

Dan Norris said: “Skills and training are a really important part of my role as Metro Mayor, and I’m proud that my Mayoral Combined Authority is helping

Metro Mayor Dan Norris during the jobs and skills event | Photo © WECA

over 10,000 people in our region every year get the skills they need to move into some really highquality and well-paid jobs that meet the needs of employers. But I know we can do even better.

“Local people deserve goodquality, well-paid secure jobs in the West.

“This Summit is all about ensuring people can go on to earn more in their current roles or go onto secure better-paid jobs to help to ease the financial pressures so many are facing.”

Franky said: “I want people to know that everyone is welcome here. We offer good service, a mix of events and cater to private events, it’s going to be fun, we just want to give everyone a great time.”

The Claremont is currently hosting fortnightly quiz sessions, as well as a DJ and live music on the last Friday of every month.

Talking about his aspirations for his first year, Franky said: “I want to make the pub a cosy, comfortable and welcoming place to be. I hope that guests will enjoy good food and drink, will socialise and play, and most importantly I want to bring the pub back to life so that everyone can enjoy what we have to offer.”

Punch Pubs & Co Operations Manager, Helena Perry added: “We’re incredibly excited to have Franky on board and I look forward to seeing his plans come to life at The Claremont. With his fantastic experience within the industry and his passion for running a great pub, I’ve got no doubts that the future looks positive for The Claremont.”

H H

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Issue 057

P15

Your City, Your News - Bath Echo

Politics

Public Notices

Call-in for Entry Hill depot site rejected John Wimperis

Local Democracy Reporter

LAND next to a Bath golf course which the council made a controversial agreement to sell to a local manufacturing company had already been “rejected” as a site for housing, a top councillor has said.

16 councillors on Bath and North East Somerset Council signed a “call-in” of the single-member decision by former councillor Richard Samuel to sell the Entry Hill Depot site, bringing it before the council’s corporate policy development and scrutiny panel on Tuesday 11th July.

Councillors criticised the decision to sell the site to local engineering firm Cross Engineering after an independent “Red Book” valuation, rather than putting it up for sale on the open market, and questioned whether it could have been used for housing.

But the committee voted to dismiss the call-in after council cabinet member economic and cultural sustainable development Paul Roper said the site had been “rejected” for housing six years ago, and the sale to Cross Engineering would create 15 jobs.

The site is next to, but not a part of, the Entry Hill Golf Course, which has faced its own controversy around its future use.

Councillor Saskia Heijltjes said councillors believed the decision on 13th April to agree to the sale was “rushed and unfair due to the local elections.”

She proposed that the sale be halted for the council to look at the environmental impact and explore the option of using the site for council housing.

She said: “There was insufficient consultation with only five days allowed for responses.

Councillors have also expressed deep concerns about transparency as the site was not listed on the market but sold by

The sign at the entrance of the Entry Hill Depot | Photo © John Wimperis

the Red Book valuation approach.

“My main concern is that the council seems to be keen to welcome a factory into a densely populated residential area of the city within a world heritage site without any regard for the ecological environment or the community.”

Also supporting the call-in, Councillor Shaun Hedges said: “The site is rare, desirable, and unique so how can we have confidence in a Red Book valuation without testing the market and understand all the interested parties and development options.

“The report seems to place weight in a capital receipt in this financial year, but surely it’s more important to find the best outcome, however long it takes.

After all, we will have to live with the result of this for decades to come.”

Councillor Eleanor Jackson added: “I think we are back again with the saga of the family silver being sold off.”

She said: “It reminds me too much of privatisation in the Thatcher– Major era when national assets were sold undervalued and we are now paying the price with privatised water supplies and private public transport. Our residents expect you to look after

our heritage, not flog it for a quick gain.”

She said that the site could be reallocated for housing in a future local plan.

But Mr Roper, representing the position of Mr Samuel who has now retired from the council, said that the site had been considered for housing six years ago and found to not be suitable.

He told the committee: “The subject site has been redundant for several years and is surplus to operational requirements.

“Its historic use has always been industrial in nature, from the initial quarry workings to its use as a corporate depot used by highways. Once it became apparent that this site was surplus to operational requirements, it seemed obvious that the council should look for alternative uses that could fulfil the council’s objectives and therefore the council’s associated housing company ADL undertook due diligence, an investigation to potentially develop the site for residential accommodation.

“A HABR architect feasibility report together with an ecological survey were produced in June to October 2017. For many reasons including ground conditions, ecology, highways issues, and contamination, ADL rejected

the opportunity to bring the site forwards for residential development.”

In August 2020, he said the council had received an unsolicited request from Cross Engineering to buy the site as “a satellite manufacturing facility to their existing premises nearby.”

He added: “The new facility at Entry Hill could add a minimum of 15 members of staff in the short term and therefore an additional [gross value added] of £1.4m a year, with potential for additional growth and well as securing the future for this valuable company in Bath.”

Councillors Tom Davis, Winston Duguid, and Alison Born had attended a site meeting to discuss having housing on part of the site but it was judged to not be feeble, he added.

Mr Roper said: “The fact that this matter has been considered informally by a number of councillors and at length by the former councillor and cabinet member for resources leading to a formal member officer board providing their steer towards a formal member decision, to my mind provides adequate transparency and governance.

“This is safeguarded further by seeking the endorsement by the head of corporate estate and a section 151 officer.

“Albeit, I do take the point that this is a high profile decision and it is unfortunate that its timing was so close to the local election and purdah period. I can only advise that the timing was not deliberate but a direct result of officer capacity.”

He added that any environmental issues would be dealt with at the planning permission stage of any building on the site, and that the felling of mature trees on the site had not been connected to the sale but due to ash dieback.

Councillors voted to dismiss the call-in and allow the decision to take immediate effect.

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR GRANT OF PREMISES LICENCE UNDER THE LICENSING ACT 2003 The Thirsty Pine Ltd applied to Bath & North East Somerset Council on 27/07/2023 for a licence to use the premises at Unit 2, Ground Floor, Royal View/Sovereign Point, Victoria Bridge Road, Westmoreland, Bath, BA2 3GG for the sale by retail of alcohol, supply of alcohol and the provision of regulated entertainment during the following hours: Monday to Sunday: 10:00 – 23:00 Notification of the application made to the Licensing Authority is available on a register at www.bathnes.gov.uk/ licensing-register.

Representations should be made in writing to: Bath & North East Somerset Council Licensing Services Lewis House Manvers Street Bath BA1 1JG or by email to licensing@bathnes.gov.uk by 25/08/2023.

Representations made will be disclosed in an open meeting should a hearing be necessary.

It is an offence knowingly or recklessly to make a false statement in connection with an application and is subject to a fine of any amount on summary conviction for the offence.

Dated: 25/07/2023

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

H

AVE you applied for your free month of birthday travel? If yes - fantastic - and thank you!

If not - please head to www.birthdaybus.co.uk. There’s nothing to lose and lots to gain.

So, what is Birthday Buses? In simple terms, I’m proud to offer all West of England residents the chance to ride the buses of our region for free throughout the whole of their birthday month.

There's no limit on the number of journeys you can make or the time of day. So, what are you waiting for?

Importantly, Birthday Buses helps your pocket during this

frightening cost-of-living crisis.

But it is also a serious plan to get our region moving and tackle the climate emergency.

I'm very keen to see new people become bus passengers. The latest figures show that the vast majority of people who used to travel on buses before Covid are doing so again. But, and here’s the catch - they are making fewer journeys. If you think about it, it makes sense. People are working from home more; doing more online shopping and there are more virtual appointments for things like speaking to a GP. So, passenger journey numbers are down and that means less fare income

coming in. That’s not sustainable.

Birthday Buses is designed to encourage new people to hop on the bus and try it out - for a regular commute, to go to the shops, or to spend their weekends enjoying the amazing attractions of our region. Because I think if you try buses, you might like them.

So www.birthdaybus.co.uk is the place to go.

Other places in the UK have tried free bus travel for a day, or a weekend, but this is different. A day isn’t enough to make or break a habit. But a month? Hopefully.

We have thought about this carefully. The month of your Birthday seemed a great time to give

you a free travel gift, but I’ve also worked closely with bus companies. The phased nature of Birthday Buses means you won’t face overcrowded buses.

We also need to make sure it’s definitely you applying, so please have a passport-style digital photo ready to apply online.

A staggering 44% of our carbon emissions come from transport and fewer than one in ten regional commutes are made on public transport.

Worse, there are a shocking 300 preventable premature deaths due to air pollution annually.

Getting people to use the car less and use the bus more is key to reaching our ambitious 2030 net-zero target here in the West, and it will reduce traffic and delays that cost our local economy £300 million a year.

Finally, I want to put our region on the map. Birthday Buses is doing just that. We’re the envy of England, with Bus Users UK calling it “brilliant”!

So please sign up now at www.birthdaybus.co.uk and tell your friends, family and workmates. And may I wish everyone many happy returns - and singles!

P16

www.bathecho.co.uk

Tuesday 1st August - Monday 14th August 2023

In Other News...

Call for reopening of pool and education at Culverhay site John Wimperis

Local Democracy Reporter

THE Culverhay swimming pool should be reopened and a commitment made to bring education back to the vacant school, a councillor has told Bath and North East Somerset Council.

Attending a meeting of the council’s cabinet on Thursday 13th July, Southdown councillor and former cabinet member Dine Romero said: “I am here tonight to ask you to confirm your commitment to vocational education on the Culverhay School site and at the same time, as it is the same site, to confirm you do wish to see the swimming pool reopened.”

Culverhay School, renamed Bath Community Academy for its final years, has largely sat vacant for the five years since it closed.

But Ms Romero said that Bath College was looking at plans for vocational education at the site.

Ms Romero said: “We know that the current mostly academic educational offer is not right for every child. We also know that we need to build up a skilled workforce for the future.

In particular in Green and renewable industries.

“So I hope you will work with Bath College to see all of these ambitions come true and to bring vocational education to Culverhay.”

She added: “The college has asked

The pool at Culverhay has been closed for a number of years

for certainty from the council on Culverhay and without this firm assurance, potential capital investment and so the project itself could be at risk.

“So please let the college know that you — we — are committed to vocational education at Culverhay.”

Ms Romero also called on the council to reopen the swimming pool on the site. Although dry sports facilities have been brought back into use at Culverhay Leisure Centre, the swimming pool remains closed.

Ms Romero said: “Swimming is a life skill as well as a great form of exercise for many more people than other high impact sports, and so should be accessible for all.

“The city centre pool and the one in Keynsham are not near enough to be a viable choice for many local families on low incomes or for older people and so now, with

Culverhay shut, they no longer go swimming at all.”

She added: “Culverhay’s aged boilers are well past their best so you could use this as a chance to try something new and radical and showcase your commitment to green energy.

“Why not create a self-sufficient system to heat the pool, a system which is reliant entirely on renewable energy?”

Council leader Kevin Guy responded: “Thank you very much, councillor Romero. And thank you for restating our Lib Dem commitment to bringing education back to the Culverhay site.”

Ms Romero invited council cabinet member for children’s services Paul May to present an update to the council’s children, adults, health and wellbeing policy development and scrutiny panel, which Ms Romero chairs, in September.

Majority of refugee hosts “satisfied” A SURVEY of residents across Bath and North East Somerset who took part in the Homes 4 Ukraine scheme has shown more than 80 percent would like to stay in touch with their guests.

The survey of hosts also found the majority were either very satisfied or satisfied with the support they’ve received from B&NES Council.

Seventy-nine hosts responded to the survey, which asked how satisfied or dissatisfied they had been with the local authority’s response to the Homes 4 Ukraine scheme, with three saying they were dissatisfied.

More than 80 per cent of respondents said they

Orchestra of young carers performs at the House of Commons

enjoyed their time hosting a family or individual, despite communication and sharing space in the house as the main challenges to hosting.

Almost 30 per cent of the hosts asked said they would consider hosting another refugee family or guest again in the future with almost the same number as yet undecided if they would host again.

One host commented: “I feel there has been a lot of support on offer for both guests and hosts.

H4U clearly care about making hosting work for all involved.”

Another said: “I have been impressed by how diligent and responsive the H4U team has been. It has been a great

reassurance to our guest, especially our second who has experienced a fake sponsorship offer which caused her considerable distress.”

The scheme is currently appealing for more host families to consider opening their homes.

So far, residents in Bath and North East Somerset have welcomed more than 350 Ukrainian guests under the government sponsorship scheme.

Hosts are paid a ‘thank you’ payment for hosting, which is between £350 and £500 per month depending upon the length of hosting.

Host families are being sought - information is available by emailing H4U@bathnes.gov.uk.

Young carers from Bath and North East Somerset in London for the event

AN orchestra made up of young carers from across Bath and North East Somerset recently travelled to Westminster to perform at the House of Commons.

The orchestra performed music created with Bath Philharmonia to an audience of MPs, peers and industry professionals.

The performance was part of an event organised at the invitation of MP Wera Hobhouse to celebrate the work of Bath Philharmonia and the impact of music-making on young carers.

The event was attended by Shadow Minister for the Arts Barbara Keeley MP, Baroness Bonham-Carter, and Liberal Democrat carers’ champions Wendy Chamberlain MP and Munira Wilson MP. Bath Philharmonia is the only professional orchestra in the UK that delivers a year-round transformational programme of creative music-making residencies for young carers.

Since 2009, Bath Philharmonia has enabled over 1500 young carers from across the South West and beyond to co-create and perform their own music.

Jess, a 12-year-old carer said: “Normally, I just don’t know how to express myself and I just try and get on with my life. The music helps get it all out.

“I can’t believe that we got to go to Westminster, and everyone there thought our music was fantastic!”

Jess is one of almost 800 young carers supported by The Carers’

Crossword answers - Issue 056 (18/07/23) Across: 1 Reliefs, 5 Survive, 9 Voyeur, 10 Long-term, 11 Revenues, 12 Radial, 13 Bangladesh, 15 Nail, 16 Stye, 18 Fairy tales, 21 Spline, 22 Gone into, 24 Alfreton, 25 Enamel, 26 Strauss, 27 Ushered.

Down: 2 Erode, 3 Iceberg, 4 Formula, 6 Up North, 7 Voted in, 8 Versatile, 10 Listening in, 14 Autopilot, 17 Eritrea, 18 Fiestas, 19 Yankees, 20 Animate, 23 These.

Centre (Bath and North East Somerset).

Its young carer service provides emotional support, and activities enable youngsters to take a break from their caring role.

Jason Thornton, Music Director of Bath Philharmonia said: “Music is a powerful tool that can help us cope with all kinds of emotions and we’d like to enable as many of the 800,000 young carers in the UK as possible to discover their own creativity through great orchestral music.”

The Lib Dem MP for Bath, Wera Hobhouse, said: “It was an absolute privilege to welcome Bath Philharmonia’s young carers orchestra into Parliament.

“These incredible children treated us to an inspirational afternoon while raising awareness of the challenges they face and how music can help them overcome these barriers.

“Too often, young carers are overlooked in national plans, and I am committed to supporting them in music education settings nationwide.

“These brave young people give so much and deserve opportunities to relax, develop, and find time to make friends, all through the power of music.”

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