Bath Echo - Issue 073 - 08/03/2024

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Friday 8th March - Thursday 21st March 2024

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Issue No. 073

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Mum settles negligence claim against Bath hospital P2

BATH PRESS SITE SOLD FOR £14M Development of homes and offices to begin - P3

NEW ORGANISER TO TAKE OVER BATH HALF - P3

Name change for iconic store as new owner takes over P6

Social shed project given permanent home at Bath City Farm P13

Inside: Archive photos, our £20 crossword competition & lots more!

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Mum settles negligence claim against RUH

In this issue...

Top Stories

Friday 8th March - Thursday 21st March 2024

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Pictures from the Past

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Crossword

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Food & Drink

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What's On

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Community

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Education

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Health

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Business

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Politics

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Sports Fixtures

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Becky Feather Reporter

A MOTHER whose surgical wound burst open after an operation at the Royal United Hospital in Bath has had her medical negligence claim settled.

Mother-of-one Karena McAlister, 52, can no longer take part in active hobbies due to the postsurgical complications.

In February 2017, she underwent surgery to remove her ovaries as she had a large cyst. It was alleged that the wound was not closed properly, leading to the stitches unravelling.

Despite heavy bleeding she was discharged, but continued blood loss and sickness meant she was rushed back into hospital the following morning. She then underwent an emergency operation to re-stitch the surgical incision, which caused adhesions and has left her with life-long chronic pain.

The failings triggered the hospital to investigate but when the subsequent report contained multiple factual errors, despite photo evidence showing the contrary, Ms McAlister approached Lime Solicitors.

With the law firm’s support, she has now settled her medical

negligence claim against Royal United Bath NHS Foundation Trust and received an apology.

Ms McAlister, of Wiltshire, said: “I was very active beforehand – I used to go wakeboarding, cycling, swimming and running - but it all stopped overnight. Even simple things like hanging the washing out, changing the bedding and vacuuming – I can’t do them any more due to the pain.”

Her partner Gary Harvey said: “The ward let Karena down; the care she received was dreadful. They should never have discharged her so late at night when she was still bleeding and in pain. I’ll always blame myself for agreeing to take her home. She was in agony and it was obvious the stitching had come undone – you only needed to look at the wound.”

He added: “The investigation post-operation was incorrect. If the hospital had just apologised at the time, that truly would have been sufficient. But they couldn’t acknowledge that the care was suboptimal and verging on neglect. As a result, Karena will have to suffer for the rest of her life.”

Lime Solicitors instructed a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist to assess the standard of surgery. He relied on documents within the medical

Karena McAlister with her husband Gary | Photo supplied

records, which supported a finding that the knot was tied insufficiently, which likely allowed it to unravel.

The trust denied liability, suggesting the “knot snapped”.

However, there was no evidence to support that assertion and Lime Solicitors’ expert had never come across this in 30 years of practice.

Despite prolonged litigation, a settlement was achieved during a mediation hearing in April 2023, a few weeks before the scheduled trial. The trust subsequently provided a letter of apology to Ms McAlister.

Viral Dagly, medical negligence associate at Lime Solicitors, who supported her throughout

her claim, said: “Ultimately, all Ms McAlister wanted was for the trust to say sorry and to ensure learning from her own experience. She had very reasonable expectations for the claim, which should have settled far earlier than it did – avoiding the anguish of preparing for trial and significant legal costs.”

An RUH spokesperson said: “We are very sorry that the care that Ms McAlister received fell below the high standards we set ourselves.

We take our responsibilities to the people we care for very seriously. We have investigated what went wrong and have taken steps to reduce the chance of this unfortunate complication of surgery occurring again.”

Man remanded in custody after stabbing

Appeal launched after motorcyclist injured

A 28-YEAR-OLD man from Bath has been remanded in custody after appearing at Bath Magistrates’ Court, charged with attempted murder following a stabbing in the city.

Matthew Jones, of Ivy Avenue, Southdown, appeared in court on Friday 1st March, and will next appear at Bristol Crown Court on 20th March.

Jones, a Sociology and History teacher at Frome College, was arrested in connection with the stabbing of a woman in her 20s in the Dransfield Way area of Oldfield Park in Bath on Monday 26th February.

The woman remains in a critical

AVON & Somerset Police have launched an appeal for witnesses after a motorcyclist was seriously injured on the A363 near Bath on Friday 1st March.

The motorcyclist was taken to hospital following the incident on the A363 Sally In The Wood near Warleigh.

Emergency services were called at around 4.30pm after reports a blue Triumph Tiger motorbike had been involved in a collision with a van heading in the opposite direction.

The rider, a man in his 30s, was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

but stable condition in hospital following the attack.

Her family are being supported by officers.

Detectives continue to investigate what happened and are currently treating the stabbing as an isolated incident.

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He remains in hospital and his next of kin are aware.

Witnesses who have not yet spoken to police, or anyone with relevant dashcam or CCTV footage, are asked to call 101 or contact the police online quoting reference 5224054453.

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Issue 073

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Your City, Your News - Bath Echo

Developer acquires Bath Press site for £13.8m Becky Feather Reporter

LEADING heritage developer City & Country has bought the 5.3-acre Bath Press site for £13.8 million, it has been announced.

The development, featuring a mix of new-build apartments, houses and office space, will keep the historic façade of the site on the Lower Bristol Road.

The land already benefits from planning permission, with City & Country planning to start work as soon as possible.

Dating back to the 1890s, the original Bath Press was home to the Pitman Press printing works, led by Sir Isaac Pitman.

The site became vacant in 2007 and was demolished between September 2017 and November 2018 in preparation for redevelopment.

City & Country is a multi-award-winning, family-owned developer with more than 60 years’ experience in restoring and converting historic and listed buildings, and the development of new homes within sensitive conservation areas.

Land and property director Simon Marner said: “This is a significant acquisition for the

Section of Two Tunnels greenway set to close for tree felling Bath & North East Somerset Council is closing a section of the Two Tunnels Greenway so that trees infected with ash dieback can be felled. The shared-use route connects Bath and the Midford Valley and is managed by the charity Sustrans.

The Lyncombe Vale section which includes the Combe Down and Devonshire tunnels will be closed between 9am and 3.30pm from Monday 11th to Friday 15th March to allow for the felling.

Signs will be in place advising of the closure. The Devonshire Tunnel is already closed until further notice because of drainage problems. The felled trees will be replaced with other native species.

Novel Wines to close store as it expands online presence Inset: The current site | How the development will look | Image © City & Country

business, with the site due to deliver more than 250 units in addition to the commercial space.

“Bath is a thriving city, known for its status as a World Heritage Site and a centre of international cultural significance, and is an

excellent fit for our brand.

“We have ambitious plans for the next five years as a business, as we continue expanding our newbuild arm and restoring heritage buildings to provide beautiful, modern high-specification homes. As with all our new-build homes, we pride ourselves in

the quality of our design and the creation of community.”

This land purchase expands City & Country’s projects across the South West region, including Factory No. 1 and The General in Bristol, the former prison sites in Dorchester and Gloucester, and Burderop Park, near Swindon.

New organiser to take over Bath Half from 2025

Taking part in the 2023 Bath Half Marathon | Photo © Running High Events

THE organiser of the London Marathon is set to take over the running of the Bath Half Marathon from 2025.

London Marathon Events (LME) is taking over as Andrew and Mel Taylor, the current organisers, step down after the 2024 event.

The Bath Half, first held in 1982, is one of the UK’s most prestigious half marathons, the largest sporting and community event in Bath and the largest charity fundraising event in south-west England.

The 2024 event will be taking place on Sunday 17th March.

Hugh Brasher, Event Director for London Marathon Events, said:

News in Brief

“The Bath Half is a wonderful event in a beautiful setting.

“We look forward to working with Bath and North East Somerset Council to grow the event over the next five years and inspire activity in local communities and schools. I’d like to pay tribute to the work of Andrew and Mel Taylor for developing the event over the past 25 years.”

Andrew Taylor, co-founder of Running High Events Ltd, organisers of the Bath Half, added: “Mel and I have been honoured to have organised the Bath Half for the last 25 years and we’re proud to have built a platform enabling charities to raise more

than £30 million since we took over management of the event in 2000. Now is the right time for us to step down and we’re delighted that London Marathon Events will be taking the event forward.

“We’d like to thank our staff, race entrants, charity and corporate partners, contractors, volunteers, council staff and councillors, and above all the community of Bath for their longstanding support for this much-loved event.”

Councillor Paul Roper, cabinet member for Economic and Cultural Sustainable Development, said: “The Bath Half is one of the country’s leading half marathons. We owe a huge

thank you to Andrew and Mel Taylor of Running High Events who have managed the race since 2000 and are now handing over the baton. I am delighted that Bath Half, which has been so successful, will continue under London Marathon Events.

“Organising a race of this size takes a huge amount of planning and resources and it is really important for the runners taking part and the residents that everything runs like clockwork.

“To have the resources and experience of London Marathon Events at our disposal is just fantastic news for the city.

“I could not be more pleased.

And I look forward to this year’s edition on Sunday 17th March when I will be running and hope to get my 16th finisher’s medal.”

Fundraising for charities will remain central to the Bath Half weekend and Enthuse will continue to be the official online fundraising partner for the event.

The 2025 Bath Half will take place on Sunday 16th March and entries will open on Event Day in 2024.

London Marathon Events is the organiser of events in running, cycling and swimming including the TCS London Marathon, Ford RideLondon, the Brighton Marathon Weekend, The Big Half, the Vitality London 10,000, the Vitality Westminster Mile, Swim Serpentine and the Royal Parks Half.

Bath-based wine merchant Novel Wines has announced that its physical store will close at the end of March, as the business expands online sales and its wholesale operations.

The award-winning retailer opened its shop on the Upper Bristol Road in Bath in 2019.

With increasing costs and the focus of the business switching to wholesale supply of its European range to restaurants across the UK, the Novel Wines team has made the decision to close the shop’s doors permanently.

Last year Novel Wines acquired competitor Croatian Fine Wines as part of its expansion and investment into the range.

Gary Shaw, interim Managing Director at Novel Wines after Ben Franks exited the day-to-day running of business at the end of 2023, said: “Like many retailers we’ve seen costs increase over the last year and reduced footfall, so it’s with sadness that we’ve taken the decision to close the shop.

“We have loved our time serving the community in Bath and will continue to do so through our online shop and via our restaurant, hotel and bar partners in the city and across the UK. “People have come through our doors from far and wide in search of the unusual and upcoming regions we champion.

“We’re excited and committed to continuing to celebrate the truly unique and to champion our connection with Bath.

“Our warehouse and operations team remain in the city and we plan to host more of our popular wine tasting events with our partners in town.”

Newspaper distribution Due to continued damage of the Bath Echo distribution units in the M&S Foodhall in Twerton, we will no longer be stocking our newspapers there. We are working to provide another location for locals to pick up their copies. Suggestions are welcome via distribution@bathecho.co.uk

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Friday 8th March - Thursday 21st March 2024

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Controversial student Major changes to stop commuters block plans withdrawn ‘abusing’ WESTlink scheme Alex Seabrook

Local Democracy Reporter

Concerns had been raised over privacy and the tranquillity of existing residents

Becky Feather Reporter

UNPOPULAR plans for a threestorey student accommodation block in Odd Down have been withdrawn by the developer.

The scheme was for a “student cluster unit” of 15 bedrooms at the rear of 9 Upper Bloomfield Road, where there are currently 14 garages and an outdoor parking area for up to eight vehicles.

Developer Westlea Holdings Ltd had said in their application to Bath & North East Somerset Council that the area surrounding the site is largely residential but with a range of local facilities.

No parking was being proposed for students, but the plans included secure covered bike storage plus two car spaces for the management’s service vehicle and for disabled users’ needs.

Lib Dem councillors Steve Hedges and Joel Hirst, who represent the Odd Down ward, had received several concerns about the application and said they were disappointed that there had been very little community engagement prior to it being submitted.

They had asked for the proposal to be brought to a planning committee to allow residents to raise their concerns in person, but the plans ended up being

withdrawn last week.

Concerns raised had included the access being too small for service vehicles, that the development would be out of keeping in the neighbourhood. The expectation that it would be a zero car development was “unrealistic and difficult to enforce” in an area already at parking capacity, with the loss of any more risking a “devastating impact” to the local shopping area.

The ward councillors also highlighted the impact to neighbours, saying the privacy of back gardens would be permanently “blighted” by the development.

“In addition, the height of the development and expectation of parties and the like which students’ development have will impact the tranquillity of the existing residents.”

The councillors said the overall balance of the neighbourhood has historically been for families but that has been eroded by the growth in numerous HMOs (houses in multiple occupation) and two purpose-built student accommodation blocks at the end of Oolite Road on the Wellsway.

The proposed development would further shift the balance in an area not geared up for students, they added, and highlighted that the area is poorly served by public transport to the university sites.

MAJOR changes to the WESTlink minibus service are planned next month to stop commuters from “abusing” the scheme.

The dial-a-ride minibuses operate across the North East Somerset and Bristol region, but some users are booking trips far longer than intended, causing the service serious issues.

WESTlink was launched in April last year, and is known as “demand-responsive transport”.

Passengers book a trip on an app, and a bright green minibus picks them up and in theory takes them to existing bus routes, for a £2 fare.

But the service, set up by the West of England Combined Authority, has faced several problems including a shortage of drivers.

From this April, the transport zones will be made much smaller, to stop passengers from booking excessively long trips, such as to Bristol Airport.

Bob Scowen, interim head of integrated transport operations at the combined authority, said: “There are changes to zones, and there also changes to what you can do. If an alternative bus service exists already, then you have to take that rather than take the whole journey from A to B on the minibus. There’s also some improvements to throughticketing arrangements.”

He was speaking to councillors on the West of England audit committee, during a public meeting on Monday 4th March.

Through-ticketing means passengers will be able to book just one ticket for a journey involving more than one bus ride, instead of paying for each ride.

The scheme was “launched at the worst possible time”, according to Mr Scowen, due to a lack of bus

drivers across the country.

At the same time, almost half the subsidised bus routes in the West of England were withdrawn.

These routes were unprofitable but received public funding, until local councils decided they could no longer afford to support them.

Mr Scowen said: “It wasn’t a direct like-for-like replacement and there has been confusion, quite understandably given its timing, about what Westlink was designed to do. It was never designed to and never can replace the withdrawn fixed services in rural areas. It was designed entirely differently, for a different purpose. That’s to complement the existing network, which many rural areas had no connection whatsoever to. It’s been unfairly blamed in many ways, for something it could never deliver in the first place.

“We launched it at the very worst possible time, it was quite ambitious to launch it in three months. The truth is there was a national shortage of bus drivers, which is still actually an issue.

“To try and launch it when First Bus, the principal operator in the region, had 250 agency drivers was obviously quite challenging.

It’s now vastly more reliable than it was when we launched it.”

While the combined authority has denied WESTlink replaced the cut bus services, the scheme was introduced at the same time the services were withdrawn.

WESTlink faced teething problems from its outset, with some passengers struggling to book trips and a shortage of drivers. Transport bosses were only granted an operator licence days before the scheme launched.

The West of England Combined Authority did not run a full marketing campaign to promote the scheme, due to concerns that the shortage of drivers meant the service would not be able to

meet the increased demand that a campaign would generate.

Seven per cent of journeys taken so far have been over 10 miles in distance, but “very long journeys should not have been possible”.

Labour Councillor Tim Rippington, representing Brislington East, said: “The impression I get was that DRT wasn’t really ready at that point and it was rushed in.

“You didn’t really have enough drivers, the vehicles had to be prepared very quickly, and part of the fallout from that was the service didn’t really work in a way that it was supposed to.

“A lot of people couldn’t get the journeys they wanted, and so you kind of had a loss of confidence early on in the service.”

Liberal Democrat Cllr Toby Simon, representing Bathwick, added: “My understanding is that there were a number of users who were effectively abusing the service. Somebody was commuting from Keynsham to Clevedon.”

Another issue is that WESTlink will run out of government funding in two years. The scheme is funded from the Bus Service Improvement Plan, which expires in March 2026.

After that, the combined authority will have to make the service pay for itself, but there are “potentially pretty huge” risks that it could be scrapped after the government cash dries up.

Conservative Cllr Geoff Gollop, (Westbury-on-Trym and Henleaze), chair of the audit committee, said: “One of my concerns is that this is coming from funding that runs out.

What’s envisaged to replace this?

It seems to me that the risks of service delivery to our residents are potentially pretty huge.

Continuing a scheme that only solves the problem while the scheme is in place raises a large number of questions.”

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

W

ITH news nationally about the financial challenges facing local government, it is good to celebrate what councils can do to improve people’s lives when we invest long-term in local services.

I recently attended the official opening of the Keynsham Recycling Hub. The facility is now fully open, with an operational hub to deliver frontline services such as recycling and waste collections added to the household waste, reuse and recycling centre.

The scheme has a solar PV array and rainwater harvesting, which collects water from rooftops to be stored underground and used for vehicle washing and plant watering. There is also a re-use shop.

The public recycling centre in Midland Road is still open and will remain open until an alternative site is in place.

I am also proud of the investments recently agreed in the council’s budget. This includes £5m for council house building and £5m into supported housing to help reduce out-ofarea provision. We will also see an additional £5.8m into social care, and an increase of £2.9m in investment in the Local Highway Improvement Programme. We are reinvesting £2m of Clean Air Zone revenue into the first phase of Scholars’ Way in the south of Bath. This will connect educational establishments for cyclists, pedestrians and other users of active travel.

In setting the budget, we have

always prioritised the protection of our most vulnerable residents, maintenance of front-line services, and delivery of our priorities.

Across our area we need new, affordable homes and good quality jobs. However, they need to be in the right places, addressing the climate and ecological emergencies and making sure the right transport infrastructure is in place.

Getting this right is the job of the Local Plan.

Adopting a Local Plan is a lengthy process. Until April 8th we are consulting on options for development, including for an estimated 14,500 new homes needed up to 2042. Of those, more than 6,000 will be built on sites, mainly brownfield sites

in Bath, that are already committed for development via planning permission or allocated in the current Local Plan.

The issues raised in comments and feedback will be considered and a Draft Local Plan will be subject to further consultation this year. This is then examined by an independent planning inspector. If approved by the inspector, a new Local Plan would be adopted by the council early next year. This will then determine planning applications until 2042. Of course, people can respond online but printed copies are at Bath Central Library; Keynsham Library; Midsomer Norton Library; Bath Housing, Welfare and Advice Services,

the mobile library and all community libraries. Keep an eye out on social media for information on drop-in sessions too - the details have been reported in the Bath Echo. We are very keen to hear your views.

Finally, we have been named as a finalist in the Most Improved Council category for the Local Government Chronicle (LGC) Awards. We will find out in June if we have won, but this nomination reflects the improvements we have made to address resident priorities. For example, FixMyStreet is a great way to report issues and see when things have been fixed by our teams. You can report issues at fix.bathnes.gov.uk.

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www.bathecho.co.uk

Name change for iconic Bath store as new owner takes over

New sales manager Alex de Montford (left) with Maurice Cousin, the former owner

Becky Feather Reporter

ONE of Bath’s most well-loved small businesses changed ownership and its name on Friday 1st March.

The quirkily named Knob Connection at the top of Broad Street in the city centre is now known as Bath Homeware.

The Knob Connection has been trading through thick and thin since July 1995 when it took on Knobs and Knockers, then based in Northgate Street.

Maurice Cousin ran the business, providing an impeccable service to customers needing a bespoke solution to their home interior needs.

The new owner is Simon Taylor.

Seeing that the Knob Connection was for sale and at risk of closing, he said he could not let the 29-year-old business fall by the wayside.

Simon is a renewable energy engineer with an interest in manufacturing things of a high quality. The shop has a full range of bespoke architectural hardware, and design solutions

can be found for almost any interior fixture or fitting.

Bath Homeware will continue to offer high quality furnishings and fittings for windows, doors and cabinets, as well as locks and latches and all sorts of home accessories.

The shop remains a treasure trove of antique and contemporary interior items and is adding new products, including interior décor and lighting.

Meanwhile Maurice and his longstanding assistant Leasil Rule will now have a well-deserved break as they hand over to a new team.

Friday 8th March - Thursday 21st March 2024

Grants offered to help engage youngsters in STEM projects COMMUNITY funding is being offered to help organisations inspire more young people from marginalised and deprived backgrounds to learn about technology, science and engineering.

Registered charities and nonprofit companies could get up to £5,000 each from National Grid Electricity Distribution to engage children in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) activities.

Unregistered community organisations can apply for up to £2,000.

National Grid’s Community Matters Fund is offering £250,000 worth of grants to boost engagement and take learning beyond what’s currently covered by the national curriculum.

Successful projects will need to meet at least one of the following themes: • Open the eyes of a new generation to the possibilities of a career in STEM, for example, projects that bring the area to life in a lively and engaging way.

• Inspire further confidence and widen the skills of those already interested in STEM, for example via hands-on workshops and interactive experiments.

• Break down barriers with access to tools, time, and resources for those for whom STEM’s potential may be unfamiliar, for example, launching afterschool coding clubs or giving access to 3D printers.

Ellie Patey, Community Engagement Manager for National Grid Electricity Distribution, said: “Big challenges facing schools around resources, time allocation and funding

have proven major barriers to engaging kids with this vital area of learning.

“National Grid is committed to widening the appeal of these exciting subjects which can lead to fulfilling and rewarding careers.

“We’d particularly welcome Bath and NE Somerset-based projects focussed on supporting young people from disadvantaged or underrepresented backgrounds for whom STEM feels unfamiliar, out of reach or even intimidating.

“Inspiring the STEM leaders of tomorrow not only supports National Grid’s wider objectives to deliver a clean, fair and affordable energy future, but also plays a part in meeting the anticipated 400,000 roles needed between now and 2050 to reach the UK’s net zero targets.”

Applications close on Wednesday 27th March. Grants for successful applicants will be distributed in April. You can apply via https:// localgiving.org/communitymatters-fund-2024-stemeducational-support/ National Grid Electricity Distribution has awarded £10 million through its Community Matters Fund to groups in the South West, the Midlands and South Wales since the fund’s launch in 2021.

spect, tolerance and openness.

The Bath Inter Faith Network (IFN) has been instrumental in creating a dialogue between people of different faiths which practises these very things.

That is why I was frustrated by the government’s announcement to withdraw its funding for the network. With tensions across the UK rising in recent months, this decision could be divisive and dangerous. In Parliament, I urged the government to rethink their plans, especially as they would leave Bath with nothing to replace the IFN’s incredible work.

The final week of February marked Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2024. I led a Parliamentary debate to raise awareness for ARFID - Avoidant/ Restrictive Food Intake Disorder.

Cases of ARFID have increased sevenfold over the past five years; yet, eating disorder sufferers are being abandoned by this government. Years of Conservative neglect have run our NHS services into the ground, leaving many people waiting over three years to get treatment for their eating disorder. Tragically, these delays can lead to completely avoidable deaths. The government must urgently do better to support people with eating disorders, and hardworking Bath charities like SWEDA, to get them the treatment they deserve.

It is always a pleasure to represent you in Parliament. Please do not hesitate to get in touch with me at office@werahobhouse. co.uk and I will do my best to ensure your voice is heard.

Photo courtesy of National Grid

COLUMN | Wera Hobhouse, Liberal Democrat MP for Bath

T

HE past month has been full of exciting and insightful events both in Bath and Westminster. But above all, I enjoyed chatting to residents about the changes they want to see in our community and how I can champion them in Parliament.

During February, I advocated on behalf of parents and children in Bath who, after a slew of closures to nurseries last year, were left scrambling for childcare alternatives. In Parliament, I demanded that the government stop cutting corners on funding and ensure that childcare in the UK is free and available to all. Quality care during a child’s first years is especially important for their development. What’s more, nurseries are a lifeline for working parents, allowing them to be confident that their children are happy, playing with friends and cared

for, without sacrificing their careers.

St Michael’s Junior School is one example of an exceptional school in Bath that recognises the importance of play for children’s development. I recently visited the school to congratulate them on being presented with a Platinum award by Outdoor Play And Learning organisation (OPAL). Great play can drastically improve children’s mental and physical wellbeing and St Michael’s has expertly demonstrated this by offering enriching and imaginative play opportunities.

The quality of education on offer in our city is impressive at every level. Our world-class University of Bath is no exception. I recently visited the University to meet the bright minds that make up the Liberal Democrats Society and the Politics Society. With a

General Election on the horizon, political participation among students is so important. It was encouraging to see so many engage with the local and international issues of the day.

Hearing people of all ages discuss the issues that matter most to them is invaluable, and I was glad to continue these conversations at my ‘Meet the MP’ event with Walcot and Lambridge residents. They raised critical questions ranging from the war in Gaza and the housing crisis to environmental issues and current planning applications. Hearing the concerns of our community is essential to inform how I can best represent Bath in Parliament.

Although these discussions can sometimes highlight differing opinions within our community, I am grateful that we always approach complex topics with re-

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Pictures from the Past Bath in Colour Bath the Floral City Kirsten Elliott Akeman Press

AMONG items in the Akeman Press Archive there are now many scanned slides, taken by several different photographers.

Unfortunately, the slides have not always kept their colour very well, but Photoshop allows us to restore them to how they first

appeared.

Over the next few weeks, we will look at various aspects of Bath in colour, but with spring now on the way, we begin with a colourful display of flowers.

Bath has a proud record in the Britain in Bloom competition, starting its winning ways in 1964, when the city was the National Winner of the very first competition.

The city’s Parks Departments looks after most of the main displays, such as these baskets and tubs in Stall Street in 1968.

The Parks Department’s workers even created unusual decorative props, to enliven the flora displays, such as this row of quaint lamp-posts in Old Bond Street, also photographed in the late 1960s by Colin Hamilton.

Northumberland Place was always a riot of colour, the designs coming from Leslie Towers of Leslie’s Menswear and many of the plants coming from Eileen’s seed shop.

This view, taken by Jean Fry, is from 1970 and shows the two shops, Leslie’s just

being visible at the far end on the right.

Some of the most spectacular displays were in Moorland Road, when local hairdresser Barry Cruse worked tirelessly to brighten up the area, and give it pride in itself.

In the 1990s, it wasn’t just the shops on Moorland Road which participated – in side streets, almost every front garden sported tubs, window boxes, and hanging baskets. Barry has since earned an MBE for his efforts in making Bath bloom.

Baskets and tubs in Stall Street in 1968

Floral lamp-posts in Old Bond Street in the late 1960s

Northumberland Place in 1970

Floral displays in front gardens just off Moorland Road in the 1990s

COLUMN | Mark Shelford, Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner

D

URING my tenure as the Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset, I've unfortunately had to address numerous fatal stabbings, a responsibility that weighs heavily on my heart.

The recent tragedies, particularly the devastating details surrounding Mikey Roynon's death and the recent stabbings in Bristol, compel me to speak out.

The thought of these teenagers, with their futures ahead of them, being robbed of their lives is truly gut-wrenching. The impact on their families, as well as the families of those perpetrating these acts, is immeasurable.

Regrettably, incidents like these

are not isolated, with nearly 49,000 similar occurrences recorded in England and Wales in the year ending September 2023 - an intolerable statistic.

We cannot allow this cycle of violence to persist. It's imperative that we intervene early to steer young people away from such destructive paths.

While commendable efforts have been made by authorities and charitable organisations, there are instances where their outreach fails to reach those who are most vulnerable. It's crucial that we delve into why this is happening.

Presently, much of our support systems kick in after young

people have already left full-time education, potentially too late to make a significant impact. They find themselves navigating life with limited qualifications, which can hinder their prospects for finding employment or resisting the allure of criminal activities.

The toll of criminalisation extends far beyond the individual, affecting entire communities both emotionally and psychologically, not to mention the substantial financial burden it places on society.

According to the Youth Violence Commission report of July 2020, the projected costs associated with youth violence over the next decade could reach a staggering

£10 billion if current trends persist.

I refuse to succumb to despair.

With concerted effort and resource allocation, we can change this. We must embrace bold reforms. While we have the necessary resources at our disposal, what's lacking is the collective commitment to effectively allocate them towards bolstering youths' resilience against gang culture.

Today, I’m starting a conversation about what can be done. I advocate for the integration of youth services into the national curriculum, leveraging initiatives such as the Duke of Edinburgh

Award and Cadets.

These programmes not only cultivate valuable skills, physical activity, and community involvement but also foster self-worth and resilience.

Having benefited from such programmes myself, I endorse their expansion and the research shows their positive impact. But is voluntary participation in them actually a barrier? Do you believe that youth services should be integrated into the National Curriculum? I urge you to engage with your local Police and Crime Commissioner and Member of Parliament to voice your support!

Issue 073

P9

Your City, Your News - Bath Echo

Crossword

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Complete our crossword for your chance to win £20!

Across 8 "You're fat", revised, is far more polite (5,3) 9 Being professionally looked after (2,4) 10 Blocked (10) 11 Islamic cleric (4) 12 Elegant and fashionable (6) 14 Cause of summer sneezes (3,5) 16 Well maintained (2,4,9) 18 Gain control of oneself (3,1,4) 19 Electrically-operated switches (6) 20 Egyptian played by Liz (4) 22 Anxiety (10) 24 Wide street (6) 25 Annoying (8)

Down 1 About to fall over (3,7) 2 Undiluted (4) 3 Sweet (6) 4 "You couldn't be more wrong!" (4,3,8) 5 Idealistic and unrealistic (4-4) 6 Fortuitous (10) 7 Operatic solo (4) 13 Hunt for bargains (4,6) 15 Coral reefs, for example (10) 17 Thrown off course (8) 19 Grand Prix participants (6) 21 Zero, on court (4) 23 Classic war game (4)

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Food & Drink

Melissa Blease Sponsor our new Food & Drink section! Get in touch via advertise@bathecho.co.uk

Food Writer

Tasty Dates For Your Diary Just when you thought that good times at super-stylish Japanesethemed restaurant and bar Robun (George Street) couldn't get any better... they go and open a brand new Karaoke Bar! Rock on to top-notch karaoke tunes, chow down on Tokyo Tapas and sip the kind of cocktails that make every party go with a swing every Friday - Sunday evening, whether you're planning a mictakeover or not. Sign up for the Robun newsletter and earn a complimentary cocktail sharer when you book a Karaoke Package for 4+ in March or April. www.robun.co.uk The next Supper Club at gorgeous forward-thinking plant-based diner Rooted Cafe (Newbridge

Road) takes place on Friday 15th March. Indulge in a bespoke feast created from the very best local, seasonal produce resulting in a vibrant menu inspired by the café’s multicultural British heritage. www.rootedcafe.co.uk Gear up for St Patrick's Day at Independent Spirit (Terrace Walk) on Friday 15th March in the company of whisky expert/ curator Stefanie Holt, who will be hosting a guided tasting through a selection of enticing drams from the Glendalough Distillery in the Wicklow mountains of Ireland (£25pp). https://bit.ly/3Tkktl5 Experience the very best wines/

food from the Tuscany region of Italy at the Tuscan Wine Supper at Walcot House (Walcot Street) on Wednesday 20th March.

Guest winemaker Elena Possolini and Walcot sommelier Yoann will host a guided tasting of exceptional Tuscan wines accompanied by a seasonal 4-course supper on the tantalising Tuscan theme (£80pp). https://bit.ly/3Vmrgwb Get cheesy at the Electric Bear Brewing Co (Brassmill Lane, Newbridge) on Thursday 21st March, when the Taproom will be dominated by a mouthwatering Cheese and Craft Beer Pairing session hosted by the amazing Cheese Connection folk. Ah, cheese and beer; if that's not the

perfect combination of flavours, who knows what is? (£25pp). https://bit.ly/3V4ZvIm The brand new Bath & West Food and Drink Festival takes place at the Bath and West Showground (Shepton Mallet) on Saturday 23rd/Sunday 24th March and puts the illustrious British Cheese Awards front and centre of the festivities.

Expect tasting opportunities a-plenty plus a bierkeller area, a designated Kids' Zone and much, much more at this deliciously exciting weekend showcasing and celebrating the very best of the south west.

Tickets cost just £6 (free for kids aged 15 and under). https://bit.ly/49DycZY

Is it Easter yet? Not quite!

But those lovely folk at New Macdonalds Farm (Kingsdown, on the Neston Estate) have got a very good Good Friday planned for us already.

Get down on the farm between 11am-2pm on Friday 29th March and enjoy fun-filled, familyfriendly activities including an Easter Trail (with prizes!), kiddy crafts, meet'n'greet opportunities with various farm animals and much more (children £5pp; adults go free!). https://bit.ly/4c0lbeA Melissa regularly reviews restaurants across Bath and the surrounding area.

Read more at: www.theprandialplayground.uk

Recipe: Pasta with Goats Cheese, Mushroom and Thyme Spring may be just around the corner, but we haven't shaken off the comfort food mood just yet.

This satisfying, speedy pasta dish combines a velvety mushroom sauce with earthy, fluffy goats cheese, piquant sun-dried tomatoes and tender spinach, offering the perfect bridge between cosy fireside supper and brighter springtime lunch.

I've used farfalle as my pasta of choice here because those lovely little bow tie shapes hold the sauce so well, but fusilli will do the same job.

Don't like that distinctively grassy goats cheese flavour? You're not alone! Feta, blue cheese or mozzarella all work well in this dish.

Adding a splash of wine to the mushrooms just before they brown and spritzing a squeeze of lemon juice across the finished dish just before serving adds further vibrancy.

Ingredients (serves two)

Method

• 150g farfalle

• Cook the pasta for 1 minute less than the instructions on the packet.

• 200g closed cup brown mushrooms, sliced

• While the pasta is cooking, sauté the mushrooms in the butter and olive oil until they start to release their juices, adding the garlic and thyme after around 2 minutes.

• 125g sun-dried tomatoes • 150g spinach, lightly steamed • 170g goats cheese, chopped • The leaves picked from 3-4 sprigs fresh thyme • 200ml crème fraîche • 1 clove garlic, crushed

• Splash in the wine into the pan and allow to reduce for around a minute, then add the crème fraîche and allow it to heat through before adding the sun-dried tomatoes.

• Add the cooked pasta to the pan with a little bit of the cooking water to help thicken the sauce.

• 1tbs each of butter and olive oil; a splash of

• Stir well to thoroughly coat the pasta in the sauce, then gently stir the chopped goats cheese and separated strands of spinach through the whole mixture.

white wine; lemon juice to taste

• Serve immediately, in warm bowls.

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What's On American Road Trip

Friday 8th March - Thursday 21st March 2024 Bath Craft Fair

Così fan tutte

St Mary's Church 9th March, 7.30pm The Handful Chamber Choir presents a double bill of choral masterpieces by two giants of the Baroque era - Handel’s Dixit Dominus and Bach’s Magnificat, first performed in the 18th century.

Weston Free Church 9th March, 12-4pm Find a gift for Mother’s Day or Easter and support local crafters. Featuring over 20 stalls selling cards, decorations, jewellery, accessories, ceramics, and more! There's also a free Easter trail.

Christ Church 10th March, 6pm Cardiff Opera's combination of exquisite singers and masterful orchestra present the beautifully sublime music of Mozart.

The opera will be sung in Italian, in a semi-staged performance.

Play Time: Paws for Thought

Rent

Howlin’ Ric & the Rocketeers

The Egg 12th March, 10am, 11.30am & 1.15pm Go along for a fun, relaxed participatory theatre session with The Last Baguette theatre company. There’ll be silliness, play-acting, games and music... Expect to play, move, watch and laugh.

Rondo Theatre 13th – 16th March Based on Puccini’s opera La Bohème, Rent is a rock musical that narrates the story of a group of impoverished young artists struggling to survive and create a life in Lower Manhattan’s East Village.

Chapel Arts Centre 14th March, 8pm Leeds-based Howlin’ Ric & the Rocketeers play vibrant and authentic rock and roll, roving from raucous rhythm and blues right through to dreamy popcorn love songs.

The Land and Us

JS Bach St John Passion

Bath Half Marathon

My Garden of 1,000 Bees

Bath City Farm 15th March, 7.30pm In Conversation with author Marchelle Farrell. Visit Bath City Farm for an evening of conversation and listen to a reading from Marchelle Farrells’s book ‘Uprooting’.

Bath Abbey 16th March, 7.30pm Join Bath Minerva Choir and a host of international soloists led by James Gilchrist as the Evangelist for Bach’s superb masterpiece in Bath Abbey, under the baton of Gavin Carr.

Queen Square 17th March One of the longest established and most popular 'big city' road races in the UK. The largest sporting and community event in the city, and the largest charity fundraiser in the south west.

Sydney Gardens Community Pavilion 17th March, 2.30 – 4.30pm Enjoy a 55-minute documentary about bees, a story of surprise and revelation.

A wildlife filmmaker spends his time during the pandemic filming the bees in his urban garden.

Anna Jones with Easy Wins

Wellness with Nathan Hill

The Price

Josh Pugh – Existin’ La Vida Loca

Topping & Company Booksellers 18th March, 7pm Anna Jones gives her golden rules for Easy Wins in the kitchen with supersimple recipes that are bursting with flavour and kind to both the planet and busy schedules.

Mr B’s Emporium 19th March, 6.30pm Novelist Nathan Hill will chat about his new novel, Wellness – exploring marriage, middle age, our tech-obsessed health culture, and the bonds that keep people together.

The Mission Theatre 20th – 23rd March New York, 1968. Two long-estranged brothers meet to dispose of their late parents’ possessions. But as they haggle over the best price, old tensions rise to the surface.

Komedia 20th March, 7.30pm Brand new stand-up show from viral sensation Josh Pugh. Josh returns following a sell-out debut UK and Ireland Tour with a show about enjoying yourself and doing your best.

American Museum & Gardens 9th March – 31st December The American Museum & Gardens celebrates an epic journey through the diversity of American landscapes, history and culture in a new, familyfriendly, special exhibition for 2024.

The Woman In Black Theatre Royal 11th – 16th March The Woman in Black brilliantly delivers atmosphere, illusion and horror!

Experience the thrill and excitement of this international theatre event that has been seen by over 7 million people.

Dixit Dominus

AMERICAN ROAD TRIP 9 March – 31 December

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Issue 073

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Your City, Your News - Bath Echo

Community

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

Social shed project given Films mark Ukraine permanent home at Bath City Farm invasion anniversary A PROJECT created to tackle social isolation and loneliness has found a permanent home at Bath City Farm, helping ensure it continues into the future.

The ‘Bath Shed’ project will be based out of a workshop made of converted shipping containers, which arrived at the site on Thursday 29th February.

The concept of Sheds has existed in the UK since the 1980s, following the worldwide success of the Men’s Shed movement as a social place for people to meet and participate in practical activities.

The first group in Bath came together five years ago to form a shed.

Although the Bath Shed, as it is now known, did not have a permanent base, both men and women started getting together at various places in the city for craft, DIY and building projects that mostly involved carpentry.

The Bath Shed is for men and women over the age of 50.

As well as improving social connection and combatting isolation and loneliness,

The new shipping containers Photo © Bath City Farm

participants have done a lot for community projects, including creating a mud kitchen for the Southdown Methodist Church and making bug and bee hotels and bird boxes.

The group have been nomads for the past three years, with sessions held at the St John's Foundation and the Salvation Army and local cafés.

After many years of discussions, Bath Shed will be making its new permanent home at Bath City Farm. £40,000 has already been raised towards the build and the group is now seeking to raise a further £20,000 to complete the fit-out and provide a warm space with all the required services.

A crowdfunding campaign has been launched to help generate funds.

With a permanent place to call home, those involved aim to reach out to more people in the Bath area with further sessions.

Martin Sharratt, the secretary of the Bath Shed, said: “We’re so excited by the thought of having our own place at last.

“We hope that by being based at Bath City Farm our members can also be of help to the Farm, mending things or building things on the site.”

Brendan Tate Wistreich, Bath City Farm Director, said: “The Shed project is so aligned with the values and mission of Bath City Farm, it was a no-brainer to host the project here.

“We are excited to work with Bath Shed to expand the offer of community services delivered from our unique farm setting.”

If you are interested in joining the Bath Shed, contact Martin Sharratt on bathshed@outlook. com. Membership costs £30 per year, with materials, teas and coffees £3 per session.

A SERIES of short films have been released celebrating Ukrainian guests living in Bath and North East Somerset, while highlighting the second anniversary of the Ukraine war.

B&NES Council also lit up Pulteney Bridge as part of a national campaign to raise awareness of the 24 months of war since the Russian invasion.

The four films capture the experiences of the guests finding sanctuary in the area and building new lives under the council’s Homes for Ukraine scheme, which has so far seen more than 380 guests matched with more than 200 hosts.

The films can be viewed on the council’s YouTube channel.

The second anniversary of the war on Saturday, 24th February, was marked nationally by the Government’s #SlavaUkraini campaign to remind people of the impact of the war on Ukrainians.

It featured a series of real Ukrainian people's stories from 24 months of war, told in 24 seconds, highlighting the ways in which they have fought back

against the horrors of war in their own ways.

Kateryna, who came to Bath from Ukraine, said to her host Rosemary: “What does it mean to be in a safe country? It means life…We have lived together one year and you are our godmother here.”

Richard, who hosted Tetiana, said: “The major reason why we wanted to take someone in was, ‘let’s do something'!

“My wife and I can do this because we’re very lucky and we’re very privileged – we felt this is an appalling situation that Ukraine are in and we’re someone who can help.”

Councillor David Wood, Deputy Leader at the council, said: “These impactful films are remarkable reflections of how the people of Bath and North East Somerset have welcomed Ukrainian guests with open arms and supported them to find sanctuary in a safe place. Two years on from the Russian invasion as the war in Ukraine continues, there are still Ukrainian people in need of a safe place to stay.”

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Education

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90% of B&NES children Principal and Chief Executive of awarded first choice for Bath College resigns secondary school Becky Feather Reporter

More than 1,600 pupils were offered their first-choice place

MORE than 90% of families across Bath and North East Somerset have been offered their first choice for which secondary school their child will be starting at this September.

Of the 1,878 applications received

by B&NES Council for admission into the 2024/2025 academic year, 1,818 children (96.8%) received one of their overall preferences.

A first preference school place was offered to 1,692 pupils (90.1%), with 99 offered a place at their second preference school.

Twenty-seven children received an offer for their third preference and none were offered fourth or fifth preference.

Sixty children have not been

offered a place at any of their preferences and have instead been offered a place at their next nearest school with a place available, which is known as a referral.

All Bath and North East Somerset pupils who made an on-time application were offered a place.

Councillor Paul May, cabinet member for Children’s Services, said: “It’s fantastic to see that, once again, we have been able to offer so many pupils their preferred secondary school place. I hope those embarking on this exciting next step in their education journey enjoy the last few months at primary school before their next adventure.”

JAYNE Davis, of Bath College, has stepped down from her position as Principal and Chief Executive, it has been announced.

Chair of Governors Andy Salmon said that over the half-term break she had notified them of her decision to resign from her post.

He said: “Jayne has given the college a huge amount over a significant number of years. She has dedicated her working life to supporting our students and advancing our work and efforts, and the Board of Governors, on behalf of our whole community, would like to thank her for considerable contribution.

“While acknowledging all that Jayne has achieved, it is also important that we look to the future. That is why we have taken the decision to put in place some immediate steps to help ensure that we continue to move forward with pace and purpose.

“We are delighted that we have secured the services of Martin Sim as our new Principal and Chief Executive on an interim basis.

“Martin has had an impressive career, not only leading a

Racing team launches campaign to inspire next generation STUDENTS from the University of Bath have launched an outreach campaign to inspire the next generation of engineers.

Four members of the successful Team Bath Racing Electric (TBRe) went to Ralph Allen School last month to give a presentation to Year 7 and Year 8 pupils.

Abigail Adrian, Benjamin Fall, James Wainwright and Oliver Oldrey spoke about the different types of engineering, what’s involved and how the team use problem-solving skills to design, build and compete with a race car created from scratch every year.

The presentation also involved interactive elements to engage the pupils and encourage them to think critically about their surroundings. Afterwards, the youngsters had the opportunity to ask questions.

TBRe is based at the University’s Faculty of Engineering and Design and takes part in Formula Student events across Europe.

Different universities test their

Bath College's campus in Bath is located on Avon Street | Photo © Bath College

number of respected colleges, but also taking on a national role as Further Education (FE) Special Adviser with the FE Commissioner.

“Jayne is now stepping back from her duties, with Martin joining us full time after Easter. In the interim the Executive Team, Chair of the Corporation and Board of Governors will work closely with internal and external stakeholders.”

Jayne Davis had served as Deputy Principal since 2016 and took up the role of Principal and Chief Executive in September 2021. She started her career as a lecturer in economics.

Last month, Ofsted published

their report on Bath College following an inspection last October.

The college was told it needed to make improvements.

College leaders spoke of their disappointment and highlighted the “significant pressure” that the four-day inspection placed on staff.

The further education college’s previous two Ofsted reports, published in 2018 and 2013, had rated it as Good.

After the publication of the report last month, Chair of Governors Andy Salmon said the focus was now on addressing the challenges swiftly and building on the strengths.

School reveals resource base plan for pupils with autism Becky Feather Reporter

The TBRe team during their presentation | Photo © University of Bath

engineering ability by seeing who can design the fastest and most reliable car. Bath is one of Europe’s best-performing teams, coming third in Portugal’s event in 2023.

Founded in 2015, the team has grown from its initial nine members to a huge operation involving more than 50 individuals across different engineering disciplines.

Sub-teams are responsible for the manufacturing and testing of the various components, including the car’s electronics, powertrain, chassis and aerodynamic package.

Students from the university’s

School of Management also assist with the business operations of the team, from finding sponsors to funding the car’s construction to managing the logistics of transporting the car and team to international competitions.

This is the first time an outreach campaign like this has been run by the team, and it was met with enthusiasm.

Oliver Oldrey, who is responsible for launching the campaign, said: “I felt we demystified engineering and inspired the year groups to consider it as a career.”

If you would like the team to visit your school, contact Oliver at oo532@bath.ac.uk.

PALLADIAN Academy Trust, which runs Ralph Allen School at Claverton Down Road, has submitted a planning application to Bath & North East Somerset Council for a new resource base for pupils with autism.

The extension to an existing block at Ralph Allen will accommodate up to 20 pupils with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder).

The 350sqm first-floor vertical extension is proposed to the school’s existing Design & Technology and IT teaching facilities. The project will also address areas in the existing building which are in need of refurbishment or upgrade.

A resource base enables pupils with additional needs to be supported on a more individual or small group basis but also

enable them to integrate into the mainstream curriculum and social life.

The development will not increase the number of students at the school, and the planned admission numbers will remain the same.

Although the resource base needs to be accessible, it is not intended for pupils with a physical disability as it is planned to primarily support those with ASD. The planning application reference is 24/00398/FUL and the deadline for comments is 20th March.

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Health

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New clinic to provide fertility support

£23 million luxury care home in Odd Down officially opened

A NEW fertility clinic has opened at the Sulis Hospital in Peasedown St John, providing local fertility advice and diagnosis for people in Bath struggling to have a baby.

The new clinic provides initial specialist consultations and diagnosis of why it may be proving difficult to conceive, with follow-up treatment, if required, taking place at the Bristol Centre for Reproductive Medicine’s (BCRM) state-of-the-art clinic at Aztec West in north Bristol.

The Bath clinic is run by Dr Sarah Armstrong, a consultant gynaecologist and specialist in reproductive medicine and surgery.

She has previously worked at St Michael’s Hospital in Bristol and the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford, and is an experienced practitioner, researcher and lecturer on fertility issues.

Sarah said: “The launch of our clinic in Bath is good news for anyone living locally who might be having difficulty conceiving a baby naturally.

“BCRM treats heterosexual couples, single women and samesex couples, and we consistently have the best IVF success rates in the south west of England and Wales, making us one of the top fertility clinics in the UK.

A £23 MILLION luxury care home, which features a cinema, café, hair salon and gym supported by an in-house physiotherapist, has officially opened in Bath.

More than 100 guests, including the city’s Mayor Councillor Dine Romero, were invited to experience Hallmark Midford Manor, a new 80-bed residential, dementia and nursing home.

Local businesses and care professionals enjoyed a taste of the food on offer at the home on Frome Road and watched demonstrations from some of the home’s 80 new team members, as well as viewing the facilities which include 14 luxurious suites in a unique retirement living setting called The Residences.

Residents have access to a premium suite with a kitchenette and exclusive amenities, such as a cocktail bar and terrace, fine dining and concierge services.

Other features at the home include a sensory room to support residents living with dementia, a craft room, and a celebration area for family gatherings and special events.

Outside, there is a summer house, a gardening club area with raised planters, and a play area for use by visiting grandchildren and St Martin’s Garden Primary School,

“Patients can have their initial consultations and diagnostic scans to find out why it might be proving difficult to conceive a baby carried out in Bath.

“Then if any surgical procedures are needed, such as egg retrieval or embryo transfer, they will attend our Bristol clinic which is very easy to access: close to the M4/M5 junction north of Bristol and with plenty of free parking.

“Every patient is unique, so the treatment suggested will depend on the nature of the fertility challenge they are facing.

“It is possible that for some their issues may be resolved after an initial consultation with me.

“Once a pregnancy is established, follow-up appointments will be with the patient’s usual GP or their local maternity hospital.”

The most recent data published by the UK’s independent regulator, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), revealed that for women aged under 38, BCRM provides the highest chances in Bristol of having a baby with IVF or ICSI treatment, per embryo transferred.

The Bath BCRM clinic is housed in the RUH-owned Sulis Hospital (formerly Circle Bath Hospital) on Foxcote Avenue in Peasedown St John.

Cllr Dine Romero with Aneurin Brown, Jenny Mann and Avnish Goyal CBE Photo © Hallmark Care Homes

which is next door.

The afternoon event concluded with speeches and a performance from a string quartet.

Commissioning manager at Hallmark’s Midford Manor, Jenny Mann, said: “We had a fabulous time introducing our new home to the Bath community and 80 dedicated team members, who are passionate about supporting residents to thrive in later life.

“Much thought and consideration has gone into Midford Manor to help residents live active, independent and fulfilled lives.

“We have lots of spaces in which residents and their loved ones can enjoy quality time together

and make new memories.

“We are excited to see what the future holds for Midford Manor and would like to thank the local community for the incredible warm welcome we have received to date.”

Mayor Dine Romero added: “It was a joyful afternoon having a look around the home and meeting the team.

“I was particularly interested to hear that children from the local schools are involved with the lives of residents and to learn of Hallmark’s commitment to local produce. I can tell the residents are truly going to have a fantastic time living here.”

RUH decreases carbon footprint thanks to nitrous oxide change

Changes to prescription ordering system

THE Royal United Hospital is reducing its emissions thanks to a staff-led project to decommission its entire nitrous oxide gas pipeline system.

Nitrous oxide has been used in hospitals for over 175 years as part of anaesthesia but it is a potent greenhouse gas, estimated to be nearly 300 times worse than carbon dioxide for the environment.

A significant proportion of the nitrous oxide emissions at older NHS hospitals is due to waste from manifolds and the associated old pipework.

The RUH Nitrous Oxide Working Party, made up of medics, estates staff, porters and sustainability experts, started surveying the N2O use in 2022 and discovered that routine N20 orders far exceeded what was needed.

The group led the RUH Trust in decommissioning three cylinder manifold systems and replacing them with portable N2O cylinders to be used in all theatres.

They trained 75% of staff to use the portable cylinders in three weeks in time for all three manifolds to be decommissioned.

This simple switch has cut emissions by 2%, equivalent to

PEOPLE who currently use the Prescription Ordering Direct system, which is being gradually wound down, are being advised of changes that have recently come into effect.

Prescription Ordering Direct (POD) is no longer accepting prescription requests sent in via email or through the POD form on the ICB website.

Patients who had previously ordered their medicines online are advised to continue doing so via the NHS App, which can be downloaded free on any tablet or smartphone. In addition, phone lines into POD will now open at a slightly later time of 10am and close earlier at 3pm.

It was previously announced that Prescription Ordering Direct, which allows patients at some GP practices in the region to order regular medication over the phone or via email, would close fully on or before 30th June.

The decision means that patients who use the service will soon need to order their prescriptions either via the NHS App or by contacting their practice directly, which is how most people currently arrange regular medication.

As it stands, POD is currently

The team who worked to deliver the project | Photo © RUH

a SpaceX Falcon 9 flight to the international space station, and will save the trust £7,000 a year.

For mothers in labour, Entonox, otherwise known as “gas and air”, is still readily available for those that need it.

Abigail Mann, Clinical Fellow in Anaesthesia at the RUH, said: “Anaesthetic gases currently make up 2% of the NHS’ carbon footprint and N2O is responsible for 80% of this, so it has been brilliant working alongside so many different colleagues at the RUH whose expertise and energy has helped to make this switch to

a more environmentally-friendly way of working so seamless.”

Brian Johnson, Director of Estates and Facilities at the RUH, added: “This is a really positive step forward in our efforts to reduce our carbon footprint at the RUH. “Changing behaviours is critical to the success of many of our sustainability projects so I wanted thank everyone at the Trust who have demonstrated real enthusiasm and interest in progressing our ambitions to reducing our carbon footprint as rapidly as possible as we work towards net zero carbon by 2045.”

open as normal, and patients who have not yet been contacted by their GP practice with advice on how their prescriptions will be managed in the future, should continue ordering in the usual way.

The changes will allow POD colleagues more time in the working day to ensure the overall transition process, in which prescribing is handed back to GP practices, is managed as effectively and as safely as possible.

All POD-using patients will be contacted by their GP practice in the coming weeks with details of how their prescription needs will be managed once POD has closed. Some GP practices may begin processing patients’ prescriptions sooner than others, so people are being asked to be patient while waiting to hear from their surgery.

Meet Your Neighbours We’ve put the

kettle on ready.

Relax in luxurious comfort

Enjoy award-winning residential, dementia & nursing care

With room for a furry friend

Pop by for a chat with the team, take a tour, and see what’s possible.

Hallmark Midford Manor, Bath, BA2 5RE

01225 568 314 h a l l m a r k c a r e h o m e s . c o. u k

P18

Friday 8th March - Thursday 21st March 2024

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Bath-based Wessex Water retains top customer service award WESSEX Water has once again been recognised for its customer service excellence following an independent assessment.

The water and sewerage company has retained the Customer Service Excellence (CSE) quality mark award, an accolade it first picked up in 1996, after a glowing report from the Centre for Assessment.

The report said: “Quality and continuous improvement are of the highest importance to Wessex Water and the organisational culture is one of prioritising the customer experience.

“Externally, in January 2023 Wessex Water were rated second highest in the UKCSI list of 20 most improved organisations and rated third in the utilities sector on ‘customer satisfaction and trust’ – this is an amazing achievement for a relatively small organisation. Everyone at Wessex Water is engaged in the drive for continuous improvement.

An approach of seeing challenges and learning points as an opportunity to improve is encouraged.”

The report also recognised that Wessex Water delivers the highest standards of drinking water, as

Bath BID introduces new system to help tackle crime

Reports of shoplifting have risen considerably in recent years

The company is based in Claverton Down | Photo © Wessex Water

measured by the DWI’s quality compliance index, and is one of the top performing companies in regulator Ofwat’s measure of customer experience (C-MeX).

In turn, there is praise for going the extra mile to help customers in vulnerable circumstances.

Wessex Water has committed to being the first company to eliminate water poverty by 2030, ensuring nobody spends more than 5% of their disposable

household income on their water bill, and is expanding its industry-leading affordability assistance programme.

The report added: “The work you do to expand your insight and constantly update your understanding of all your customers is extensive.

“At every opportunity you are seeking to reach those who are most disadvantaged for whatever reason of vulnerability.”

A NEW system has been introduced by the Bath Business Improvement District (BID) to help tackle crime and shoplifting in the city centre.

Following a successful trial period, the DISC system has been launched for Levy Payer businesses.

As part of the Safe and Secure Bath’s Business Crime Reduction Partnership (Bath BCRP), Bath BID has taken another step to bring businesses together to combat crime.

Bath BID Levy Payers will have free access to the DISC system to submit GDPR-compliant reports on crime and shoplifting

happening in their businesses.

DISC is the UK’s leading crime prevention engagement platform, used in over 500 towns, cities, and areas across the UK and by the police.

The app allows businesses to communicate with each other and report crimes that happen in their business or surrounding areas.

The launch of DISC was marked by an introductory meeting at Komedia Bath, with over 50 daytime and nighttime economy businesses in Bath.

Many city centre businesses have requested access to the service and will be enrolled shortly.

Restaurant closes after Small businesses invited to apply for less than a year heat pump grants

Photo © Nigel Jarvis / Shutterstock.com

THE Milsom, a restaurant and hotel located at the top of Milsom Street in the centre of Bath, has permanently closed after being open for less than a year.

The gastro pub, which was operated by the Metropolitan Pub Company, part of Greene King, opened in the Grade II listed building, formerly a bank and the Loch Fyne restaurant, in May 2023.

Offering a nine-bedroom hotel and contemporary restaurant, initial reviews for The Milsom were positive, however recent criticism was raised over the quality of the food, waiting times and poor service.

The restaurant was inviting

reservations for Valentine’s Day on Instagram on 28th January.

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Pub Company said: “We can confirm that the Milsom in Bath closed on 5th February.

“Making the decision to close a business is never an easy one.

“We are aware that this will be disappointing news to the local community and our loyal customers, and would like to thank those who have enjoyed visiting us.

“We look forward to welcoming them into our other pubs in the area soon.”

The company said it was working with its staff to find alternative roles at pubs in the local area where possible.

Air source heat pumps are environmentally friendly

SMALL businesses and charities across Bath and North East Somerset are being invited to apply for grants to replace old heating systems with environmentally-friendly alternatives.

West of England Metro Mayor Dan Norris has launched a new heat pump scheme, which offers eligible firms and charities a oneoff grant of up to £30,000 towards the cost of buying and then installing air-to-water, groundto-water or water-to-water heat pumps so they can cut costs in the long term.

The scheme is designed to help move organisations away from relying on inefficient gas, oil

and electricity-powered heating, used by over 90% of businesses and charities.

Nameless Media, a digital media firm, recently installed a brand new heat pump thanks to a £15,000 Mayor’s green grant.

Speaking from Nameless Media’s Grade II listed HQ, built in the 1700s, Dan Norris said: “Firms in Bath and NE Somerset are battling with a cost-of-doingbusiness crisis. That’s why I’m stepping in to help them invest to ensure bills stay low for good.

“There’s enormous demand for heat pumps as they’re three or four times more energy efficient than gas boilers, and with these green grants, they’re affordable

to install too.

“While ministers continue to row back on Net Zero, the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, which I lead, has a relentless focus on helping firms go green to save on energy bills.

That’s vital if we are going to slash those emissions at pace.”

Installing a heat pump will see Nameless Media cut costs by over £5,000 each year and cut their greenhouse gas emissions by 4.5 tonnes, according to the Metro Mayor.

Nameless Media’s CEO, Jaya Chakrabarti, added: “As a micro social enterprise committed to human rights and environmental justice in supply chains, living our values was crucial.

“The West of England Mayoral Combined Authority grant, covering nearly 60% of our heat pump costs, was a game-changer.

“Their support was invaluable, especially in navigating the challenge of finding suppliers, allowing us to switch from costly, inefficient storage heaters to a sustainable, cost-effective heating solution.

“This has empowered us to contribute meaningfully towards helping achieve Net Zero.”

Grants are available on a first come first served basis.

Issue 073

P19

Your City, Your News - Bath Echo

Politics

Planning Round-up

DIY waste limits introduced at recycling centres Becky Feather Reporter

RESIDENTS in Bath and North East Somerset are being notified of new limits on how much domestic DIY waste they can recycle at once and how often, due to a change in government legislation.

Recycling of domestic DIY waste will continue to be free of charge at the council’s recycling centres in Bath, Keynsham and Midsomer Norton, however no more than the equivalent of two 50-litre bags of plasterboard, rubble, soil and ceramics is allowed to be disposed of in a single visit.

The number of visits is also limited to four single visits per household in any four-week period.

The council introduced the changes on Monday 4th March.

The council had permitted a maximum of six black sacks per week of this type of DIY waste to be disposed of free of charge, which did not comply with the

There is now a limit of two 50-litre bags per visit for DIY waste

Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) legislation.

This legislation was updated

by DEFRA to ensure that waste regulations are applied fairly and that residents can continue to dispose of small-scale DIY waste from their own home improvement works for free.

DIY waste is considered to be plasterboard, rubble, ceramics and soil from construction or demolition works, including

preparatory works at home, arising from work carried out by ordinary householders with no specialist skills.

This differs from waste created by builders working on people’s homes, which is classed as commercial waste and should not be taken to recycling centres.

Cllr Tim Ball, cabinet member for Neighbourhood Services at the council, approved the changes in a single-member decision.

He said: “Disposal of DIY waste

from residents at our recycling centres has always been and will continue to be free, but the new legislation more clearly sets out the limits on the volume brought in any one visit and also the frequency of the visits.

“This will not restrict householders in carrying out small-scale renovations and improvements to your homes as you will still be able to bring your DIY waste to us without charge.

“However, the waste must meet the government criteria for domestic waste which is two 50-litre bags per visit and a maximum of four visits per household in any four-week period.

“Our recycling centre staff will be on hand to assist you with the changes when you visit.”

Residents in Bath and North East Somerset who have waste in excess of the limits are encouraged to hire a skip or use a licensed waste removal company.

The Midland Road recycling centre and the one at Old Welton in Midsomer Norton are available to access by appointment only.

Council's Heritage Services sees income boost HERITAGE Services at Bath & North East Somerset Council has seen a significant financial boost, with income and profitability set to exceed prepandemic levels this year.

A report to the local authority’s cabinet on Thursday 7th March said the service, which manages the council’s heritage sites including the Roman Baths, Victoria Art Gallery, and the Fashion Museum, will return a £10.4m profit during 2023/24, rising to £12.2m in 2024/25.

The money will be used across the district by contributing to the council’s wider activities.

Bath has benefitted from the strong return of American tourism to the UK, and it is anticipated the return of the Chinese market in 2024/25 will contribute to further growth in tourism throughout the region.

Whilst overall visitor numbers remain lower than peak prepandemic figures, actual income returned to the council is now the highest on record and is predicted to continue to grow in 2024/25.

The focus of visitors to create memories in special places has seen the Roman Baths prosper in a challenging visitor economy.

The report said that across the past year, the city centre site has consistently exceeded budgeted visitor figures and shown increased spending in the museum shops.

Torchlit evening opening throughout the summer and a focus on the 2,000 years of history have delivered on visitor aspirations for an immersive, unique and memorable experience.

A strong programme of popular exhibitions at Victoria Art Gallery has also led to a 30% increase in exhibition visitors in the past year.

Councillor Paul Roper, Cabinet Member for Economic & Cultural Sustainable Development, said: “Bath is well-known worldwide as a city of outstanding heritage and the Roman Baths is the jewel in the city’s crown.

“It is hugely encouraging to see our heritage sites continuing to offer a world-class visitor experience and excelling in a difficult visitor economy.

“The strong return of the US market has contributed to growth over the past year, and we expect that trend to continue into this year with the return of Chinese visitors.”

Plans to turn Grade I listed city hotel into a private house Plans to turn a 15-bed townhouse hotel in Grade I listed Great Pulteney Street into a house have been lodged with Bath & North East Somerset Council.

The proposed changes to the fivestar Windsor Townhouse, which is No 69, include minor alterations to floor layout, including removal of modern partitions to restore the building’s historic value.

Both planning permission and listed building consent are being sought for the conversion of the six-floor building which already has a residential flat.

The planning reference is 24/00655/FUL and the deadline for comments is 28th March.

Newbridge care home conversion plan Bath & North East Somerset Council has granted planning permission to change the use of a 20-bed care home at Newbridge into a private home. Newbridge Towers at 169 Newbridge Hill closed as a care home in January 2022. Although the change of use will result in the loss of a care home in B&NES, the council’s adult social care team, who were consulted, said the home had been residential whereas the unmet need in the district is for nursing and dementia care homes; the building was not appropriate for use as a nursing and dementia care home use due to small rooms, narrow corridors, and the lifts being too small.

The conversion of the detached four-storey building will give it 10 en-suite bedrooms and other features including a games room, gym, and cinema/theatre room.

Road closed for new crossing installation Work to install a new zebra crossing on Lansdown Road is under way. Lansdown Grove has now reopened, and resurfacing and lining works will be carried out overnight between Monday 11th and Friday 16th March.

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

I

T won’t come as a surprise to Bath Echo readers that I am a big bee fan.

But why do I sing the praises of these striped heroes?

Because they help put food on our tables. Did you know one of every three mouthfuls of the tasty West of England food we all know and love depends on these black and yellow legends? They are also vital in seed production for plants growing in woods, grasslands and wetlands. Plus, the bees that nest in the earth have a secret superpower to improve soil health.

In fact, after years of debate and scientific research, one environmental charity said bees are the most important living beings on

planet earth.

But our region’s unsung heroes have had a tough few years.

In the UK, habitat loss and bee-harming pesticides mean we’ve already lost around 13 species since 1900, and another 35 face the same fate. It’s one of the reasons I recently teamed up with big regional firm Yeo Valley in Blagdon to call on ministers to stop a bee-killing pesticide from being used. It’s vitally important we do everything we can to help these creatures stay busy and earn their stripes. Helping pollinators is a way of supporting each other – it’s a win-win!

That’s why I’m proud to announce my West of England Bee

Bold Awards 2024 are back with a buzz and they’re bigger and better than ever before. From schools to museums, factories to shops, all pollinator-loving organisations across the city are being encouraged to take part.

Whether it’s creating a blossoming green patch in your business’s premises or helping build some nature-friendly allotments in your local patch, the Bee Bold Awards recognise all “pollinator pal” organisations doing their bit to back the region’s vital bee buddies.

We had some brilliant winners last year, not least the buzz-worthy Middle Ground Growers.

They’re rolling out a really unique

p o l l i nato r- f r i e n d ly farming model they’ve developed providing fresh food for the Bath community while regenerating the environment - across the West region. Or how about Curo Social Housing who do lots of great work in Bath, and triumphed in the “Space for Nature” category, or Keynsham Girls’ Brigade who won in the “People for Nature” category? But I know there are so many others going above and beyond to support our bees. The Bee Bold Awards are a key part of my push to make our region the Bee and Pollinator Capital of the UK. We have already delivered

312,000 square metres more bee-friendly habitat, but I know we can go further. With the Bee Bold Awards 2024, we’ll give the West of England’s bee-rilliant businesses, groups and organisations helping meet bees’ needs the recognition they deserve. You’ve got til April to apply. Go to https:// www.westofengland-ca.gov. uk/what-we-do/environment/ bee-and-pollinator-capital/beebold-awards and get that application in. Let’s make the West of England region a force to bee reckoned with when it comes to backing our region’s pollinator legends to do what they do best.

P20

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Friday 8th March - Thursday 21st March 2024

In Other News

Sporting Fixtures

More than £40,000 awarded to help cut carbon GRANTS of more than £40,000 have been awarded by the Bath & West Community Energy Fund to reduce carbon emissions and tackle fuel poverty.

This year, the fund is supporting 10 local charitable and community organisations in Bath and the surrounding areas.

Community-owned Bath & West Community Energy (BWCE) develops renewable energy projects and is set up to provide benefit the local community.

For the tenth year running, BWCE has given a portion of its surplus income from renewable energy generation to the independently run BWCE Fund for the benefit of local communities.

Quartet Community Foundation administers the grant programme on behalf of the BWCE Fund.

The grants will be used by local charitable and community organisations on a range of important projects, intended to cut emissions, reduce energy bills and help with the cost of living crisis.

Sophie Hooper Lea, Chair of Trustees for the Bath & West Community Energy Fund, said: “Like so many of us, local charities are becoming more environmentally conscious and want to play their part in reducing carbon emissions in their own organisations and within local communities.

“The BWCE Fund provides funding for projects that are climate friendly, which often has the added benefit of saving money as organisations face soaring costs due to inflation and the cost of living crisis.

“Since 2015 the BWCE Fund grant programme administered by Quartet Community Foundation has awarded 101 grants worth over £310,000.

“Those grants have all gone to local organisations doing

More Trees B&NES will receive £5,000 | Photo courtesy of BCWE

vital work to benefit our local communities as well as the environment.”

Angela Emms, Philanthropy Manager at Quartet Community Foundation, added: “Charities

The 10 B&NES projects offered funding are:

covers the critical first steps of the process.

• £750 to Freshford & Limpley Stoke Home Energy Group to purchase a thermal imaging camera to support home energy surveys.

• £4,900 to Friends of Marksbury School PTA to provide a contribution towards the cost of a new low-carbon air to air heating system and energy education programme.

• £4,500 to Genesis Trust to provide energy-saving items for people affected by poverty and disadvantage to be distributed by Bath Foodbank and Life Projects.

• £5,000 to More Trees for Bath & North East Somerset Funding to insulate their new hub in Twerton. This building will become their HQ and provide space for tree seed processing, workspace, training, networking for staff and volunteers plus education including schools.

• £5,000 to Transition Bath toward the cost of a freelance worker who is helping to develop the organisation’s plans and strategies, grow projects, recruit volunteers, organise events and support fundraising.

• £5,000 to Bath Community Kitchen to tackle food waste and poverty by providing free meal events in the areas of highest deprivation in Bath, using surplus food from local suppliers.

• £3,755 to Bath Share & Repair to take their ‘HOW TO Reduce Waste Project’ into the rural schools that their Repair Cafés serve in those locations.

• £2,100 to Bishop Sutton Village Hall to reduce gas energy use by introducing new thermostats that can adjust the heating in different zones in the hall by local or remote control.

• £4,500 to Climate Hub Bath and North East Somerset to support an exciting and expanded programme of activities and events in 2024 and to support their continued growth and development as an organisation.

• £5,000 to Cycle Chippenham to create a cycle path as a cut-through between two dead-end roads, using some unused land. This grant

are increasingly feeling the ongoing impact of rising costs and rising demand.

“We’re delighted to continue to work with the BWCE Fund to award these grants to groups across the B&NES area.

“The increased support provided through the BWCE Fund enables these projects to protect the environment while enabling people to reduce their fuel bills and energy consumption in a low-carbon way.”

Grainne Moher, from Genesis Trust Bath, who received a grant, said: “We are delighted to receive a BWCE grant this winter to help us distribute vital items to help people keep warm during the colder months.

“Items will be distributed through Bath Foodbank and Life Projects, both of which support people in crisis. We are keen to supply items that will be of most use to individuals and families instead of supplying a standard ‘kit'.

“We are working with local suppliers wherever possible, and the grant will help provide items such as hot water bottles, flasks, solar chargers, hand warmers, hat/scarves/gloves and blankets.

Thank you very much to BWCE for this vital support.”

Richard Higgs from More Trees Bath & North East Somerset, who also benefitted, said: “This funding is extremely welcome as it means we can insulate our new hub to a really high standard, saving us costs and importantly keeping our carbon budget low.

“The new hub will be our HQ and is central to our work in growing climate-resilient trees that are used across Bath and North East Somerset in places that deliver huge benefit to local communities.

“Our volunteers will be so pleased to have a warm and cosy base that is also saving energy.”

Crossword answers - Issue 072 (23/02/2024) Across: 2 Raspberry, 8 Cede, 9 Omar, 10 Outlook, 11 Dynamo, 12 Ella, 15 Daybed, 16 Bureau, 17 Snip, 18 Plugs, 21 Tufts, 23 If not, 25 Edits, 27 Trio, 28 Usable, 30 Idioms, 32 Baku, 35 Tastes, 36 Sumatra, 37 Pike, 38 Maid, 39 Decadence.

Down: 1 See you, 2 Red alert, 3 Stood up, 4 Bitty, 5 Reopens, 6 Yoke, 7 Dail, 13 Lenin, 14 Amputee, 16 Bathtub, 19 Lad, 20 Get, 22 Flick, 24 Fearsome, 25 Endemic, 26 Sustain, 29 Lies in, 31 Opted, 33 Amir, 34 Used.

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