Bath Echo - Issue 074 - 22/03/2024

In this issue...

Fly-tipping warning after canal waste site closed

Becky Feather Reporter

THERE are fears that fly-tipping will only get worse after the Canal & River Trust closed the Bathampton waste site which was used by hundreds of people.

The Canal & River Trust (CRT), which is a charity, says fly-tipping has made the site “unsustainable and unfit for purpose”.

It gave the community a week’s notice of the closure, which was implemented on Monday 11th March.

Local residents, itinerant boaters and long-term mooring holders say there was no consultation on CRT’s “abrupt and final decision” concerning the waste site, which is on land owned by Bath & North East Somerset Council.

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They understand that the council sued CRT for neglecting to resolve the issue of fly-tipping and that the charity was given until Friday 15th March to resolve the problem.

Those affected by the decision include business licence holders (including Airbnb boats), continuous cruising licence holders, and permanent mooring holders who bid high rates for moorings which were described as having such facilities.

A petition (https://chng. it/4QvTWJdcMB) to CRT has been signed by nearly 450 people.

Petitioners say the decision goes against CRT’s six stated priorities which include delivering the basics well and improving infrastructure resilience.

With nowhere for boaters to throw their waste, they highlight the environmental impact on the local community, including the nearby primary school, and wildlife.

They say the decision will create “a perfect storm of problems” that will burden local government, and since the facilities are on B&NES Council grounds, they have also contacted the council.

The petition says: “While we understand that the CRT has suffered a substantial funding shortfall due to a recent government decision, we – as licence-paying service users –feel that the organisation should not seek to cut costs by removing vital refuse collecting facilities

in one of the busiest parts of the network, and an area designated as a Conservation Area and one of Outstanding Natural Beauty.”

The petition says the bins in Dundas and in Bath are overburdened already and will not be able to cope with the surplus waste.

“Service users will struggle to find anywhere to throw their waste, which will result in more pollution for the environment. Realistically, some boaters will unfortunately opt to burn their waste, others will fly-tip along the canal.

“Many more service users will now have to drive to empty their bins, which will result in more pollution for the environment as well as even more congestion along Warminster Road.

“People will continue to fly-tip at the closed Bathampton facility, the village will become like the Naples of the UK due to this uncollected waste.” (A reference to the Italian city’s problems with rubbish).

The petitioners say the problem with the misuse of the bins in Bathampton has been known to CRT for a number of years: “All local leisure mooring permit holders and countless continuous cruisers have witnessed small vans emptying their waste at night or cars pulling up at all hours of the day to throw bins over the low wall and straight into

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or on top of the containers. “Some of us spend our evenings trying to tidy this up. These are easily accessible since the facilities are constantly left wide open for the world to use.”

They say the bins need to be fully contained by building a simple roof on the compound and solidifying its structure, and a proper lock needs to be built into the door which will only be accessible to British Waterways/ CRT key-holders.

“These practices are common across the network, but for some reason CRT has chosen not to implement these in Bathampton. This two-fold solution is simple and very cost-effective for CRT and its customers, since clearly paying for constant contractor collection of bulky items has not been sustainable.”

They add it would be a one-off cost that the trust could even commission service users for, as there are many professional and experienced carpenters who own boats, use those bins, and know exactly what is required.

The petition notes that mooring holders in Bathampton are particularly distraught by the removal of the waste facility, which was an important factor in attracting them to the moorings, and a determining factor in the high amounts they were willing to pay.

“For this to come at a time when

CRT has just announced a very high phased increase in licence fees, as well as a 5% increase in overall mooring fees, is deeply troubling.”

On the Canal & River Trust’s website the charity apologises for the closure of the Bathampton waste site, saying: “The flytipping that is occurring at this site is unsustainable and has made it unfit for purpose.”

It adds: “This land belongs to Bath and North East Somerset Council – please do not leave waste here after the final collection.”

It gives the nearest waste compounds from Bathampton as Dundas (2.5 miles east) and Lock 11 Horseshoe Bridge (2 miles west).

In a joint statement, the Canal & River Trust and Bath & North East Somerset Council said: “Both the Canal & River Trust and Bath & North East Somerset Council are working together to try and resolve this issue which has to balance the needs of boaters, the Bathampton community and the environment.

“The Trust is responsible for the management of the bins which are on council-owned land. Sadly the site has become a regular target for fly-tipping and other vandalism. The Trust is looking at alternative solutions including improvements to increase capacity and security at the nearby Dundas refuse facility.”

The final Biffa waste collection at the site on Monday 11th March | Photo supplied

Pools closed due to “significant” flood damage

BATH’S Georgian lido, which only reopened for swimming last year after a 20-year campaign, remains closed for the foreseeable future because of flood damage to its “floodproof” plant room.

The Cleveland Pools site at Bathwick is next to the River Avon. The Pools had been closed for almost 40 years before the reopening last September following a campaign led by volunteers and support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

In a statement, the chair of Cleveland Pools Trust Paul Simons said: “The site of the Cleveland Pools has flooded twice since the New Year following exceptional rainfall.

“The flooding issue was fully investigated and taken into consideration when designing the scheme prior to the commencement of works on site. “The project was completed in

September 2022 and when the site flooded in the spring of 2023 floodwaters were contained and managed as anticipated.

“In January ‘24 the flooding found

its way into the plant room and has caused significant damage to the installations, leaving the pools currently inoperable.

“The plant room was designed

and built to be completely floodproof.

“The Cleveland Pools Trust is now in the process of establishing the reasons for this failure of performance and is determined to find the quickest way possible to bring the pools back into use.

“At the present time it is not possible to establish a timescale for the reopening of the Cleveland Pools.

“After the enormous efforts of so many to achieve the reopening of the pools, the Trust regrets this disruption to those wishing to use and enjoy the facilities.”

The running of Cleveland Pools is managed by Fusion.

Rob Taylor, Fusion’s regional manager, said: “Fusion shares the disappointment and frustrations of the Trust around the continuing delays and are working closely with the Trust to get the pools open as soon as possible.”

Government recognises improved air quality

BATH’S Clean Air Zone (CAZ) has marked its third anniversary, helping to improve the city’s air quality by charging the most polluting vehicles.

The scheme has been recognised for improving air quality during the latest government inspection.

The Clean Air Zone was introduced in 2021 to tackle harmful levels of air pollution caused by the most polluting vehicles driving in the city.

The charge in Bath does not currently apply to private cars or motorcycles, however, private cars are charged in neighbouring city Bristol.

Since introducing the zone, the government has recognised its success and more recently acknowledged the council has sustained air quality improvements in Bath for two consecutive years.

Official air quality data from 2022 was submitted to the government’s Joint Air Quality Unit (JAQU) for independent review.

JAQU has now published its full report, officially declaring that the council has passed its ‘State 3’ assessment. It is the first charging clean air zone to reach this stage. State 3 is a checkpoint in determining if a clean air zone is achieving success by improving air quality. The checkpoint is achieved if a local authority has

no exceedances of the annual mean Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) limit value of 40 µg/m3 at valid monitoring locations for a second consecutive year.

NO2 is an invisible harmful pollutant which has a damaging effect upon public health.

Concentrations are highest at the roadside due to the high contribution road traffic has on NO2 levels.

The report confirms that there was an average reduction of 27% in annual mean NO2 concentration between 2019 and 2022. It also reveals that there were no observations of increased annual mean NO2 concentration across all 125 local diffusion tube test sites, with Upper Bristol Road 4 being the site with the largest decrease in NO2 concentration. However, the report cautions that the risk of exceedance in future years is high.

Factors that contributed to this risk are national traffic data that suggests an increase of traffic in 2023, and fleets less clean than predicted in 2022 due to the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The reopening of Bath’s Cleveland Bridge at the end of 2022 means traffic flow data for 2023 is likely

to be higher. Though, it is noted that the clean air zone is still encouraging drivers to upgrade to cleaner vehicles faster than the natural upgrade rate. The council continues to monitor air quality and traffic flow alongside promoting sustainable travel to help maintain air quality improvements.

Councillor Sarah Warren, deputy leader and cabinet member for Climate Emergency and Sustainable Travel, said: “It is great to see that all our efforts to improve air quality both inside and outside the zone continue to work. We have worked hard to improve air quality within our communities and as we approach our third anniversary of the CAZ, it is pleasing to see that we have sustained these improvements over two consecutive years and been recognised by government for this.

“Everybody has the right to breathe clean air – it is clear, we must continue to lead on building a sustainable future and work to continue to drive down pollution levels further to help protect and improve the health of our residents and visitors.”

The State 3 milestone follows the State 2 assessment which

the council announced last year. Later this year, the council will forward data collected from 2023 to JAQU for independent review.

Bath’s CAZ, the first charging zone outside London, was launched on 15th March 2021. The scheme has proved controversial since it began.

Blue Badge holders were initially exempt from paying charges, however this came to an end last year.

Blue Badge holders, wheelchairaccessible taxis, community health, education, social care workers, community transport, and people who got exemptions under the financial assistance scheme all now pay the charge. Concerns continue to be raised regarding the displacement of traffic avoiding the Clean Air Zone boundaries, along with planned Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) across the city.

The Clean Air Zone’s aim was to urgently tackle harmful levels of air pollution caused by the most polluting vehicles driving in the city. Older vehicles which do not meet Euro 6 diesel or Euro 4+ petrol emissions standards contribute more towards higher NO2 levels.

Drivers of these higher polluting vehicles pay £9 (taxis, minibuses and vans) or £100 (HGVs, coaches and buses) to drive into the clean air zone.

News in Brief

Two people injured in city centre assault

A man and a woman have been assaulted by an unknown man in Bath. Police say the incidents occurred in the Walcot Street area between 11.45pm on Friday 8th March, and 12.15am on the Saturday. The pair, who are both in their 40s, sustained facial injuries that required hospital treatment. The suspect is described as male and white.

Police say: “CCTV enquiries are being carried out but we hope someone may have seen the incident, or have relevant mobile footage, and can help us.”

Anyone with information about the incidents is asked to call 101 and give the call handler the reference number 5224061242. Alternatively, you can contact Avon & Somerset Police via their website.

Award nominations open in Peasedown

Nominations have opened for a community award in the village of Peasedown St John near Bath which honours and recognises local unsung heroes. Founded by the Peasedown Community Trust, the Community Civic Award was launched in 2021. Trust Chairman, Cllr Gavin Heathcote, said: “Peasedown St John is a fantastic place to live. “Its community spirit is secondto-none thanks to the hard work and dedication of many people who go ‘above and beyond’ to serve others.

“In 2021, Peasedown Community Trust launched the brandnew Community Civic Award – an award that highlights and applauds the outstanding voluntary service of an individual (or group of individuals) in our village.” Nominations for the 2024 Peasedown St John Community Civic Award are now open and the winner will be announced at the village’s Party in the Park Festival on Saturday 8th June.

Cllr Karen Walker added: “Any member of the community can nominate anyone, an individual or organisation, that they believe meets the criteria. We’re particularly keen to receive nominations that highlight the work of people who have gone ‘above and beyond’ to make a difference in the lives of others.”

Nomination forms can be obtained from the Peasedown Community Trust by emailing peasedowncommunitytrust@ gmail.com.

The Cleveland Pools just before it opened last year | Photo © Anthony Brown

Rapid response falls service comes to an end after seven years

Becky Feather Reporter

THE rapid response falls service which has been operating in Bath and North East Somerset since 2017 finishes at the end of March.

Health and care services in B&NES came together to pilot the specialist service for people over the age of 65 years who fall over at home.

But last November it emerged that there would be no re-tendering of the service as an alternative model to adopt a consistent falls approach across the region was being investigated.

This week a spokesperson for Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board and the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) told us: “The Bath and North East Somerset Falls Car Pilot has now concluded, and we would like to thank both current and former SWASFT and Occupational Therapist and Physiotherapist Falls team members for their unwavering commitment, collaboration, and dedication to our patients whilst delivering the service.

“From 1st April, we will

implement changes to optimise care by introducing a consistent service across the Bath, North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire area, aiming to maintain, and enhance the service to older adults who have experienced falls.

“The replacement service will be co-ordinated by the Care Co-Ordination Hub in the Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire area that brings together multidisciplinary teams, including ambulance service clinicians, senior clinicians such as GPs and Advanced Clinical Practitioners

Scheme launched to boost women’s safety

with health and social care professionals.

“The primary goal of the hub is to provide real-time access for patients to health and urgent care services within the community or secondary care.

“The hub will also allow ambulance clinicians who attend a fallen patient to direct them to onward community and therapy support when they are discharged on scene.

“People who have fallen and require emergency care should continue to call 999, to ensure the most appropriate help can be arranged for them.”

THE Walk and Talk initiative is now available to women aged 18 and over who live or work in Bath and North East Somerset.

Avon & Somerset Police are inviting women to meet with female police officers or PCSOs to show them areas in which they feel vulnerable or unsafe in their local communities.

The initiative was initially launched as a trial in Somerset in September 2023.

It was rolled out in South Gloucestershire last month and is now available throughout the force’s area.

Walk and Talk lead for Bath and North East Somerset, Sgt Michelle Munro, said: “We are pleased to

announce that we are now able to offer Walk and Talk experiences to women over the age of 18 who live or work within the Bath and North East Somerset area.

“This initiative is a way for women to share any concerns they have in their local community with a female police officer or PCSO during an informal chat.

“We will be able to answer any questions they have and can respond to any concerns they raise by increasing patrols in certain areas, or working with our partner organisations to make improvements where possible.”

To find out more, visit https:// www.avonandsomerset.police. uk/apply/walk-and-talk/

The car based at Bath's ambulance station | Photo courtesy of @BathFalls on X

Photo © Avon & Somerset Police

Thousands take to city’s streets for the Bath Half Marathon

THOUSANDS of people lined the streets of Bath on Sunday, 17th March, cheering on participants in this year’s Bath Half Marathon.

Following heavy rain overnight, the race remained dry although many runners and their families got quite muddy in the Runners Village in Royal Victoria Park.

The iconic half marathon celebrated its 42nd anniversary, with more than 8,000 participants taking on the famous race through the city.

An estimated 20,000 spectators lined the course to cheer on the runners on a day that brought communities together to celebrate the largest charity fundraising event in the South West.

Outgoing Race Director Andrew Taylor, who founded event organisers Running High with his wife Mel, said: “What a fantastic day! Congratulations to everyone who took part, and it was wonderful to see so much

support and celebration for our participants.

“Mel and I would like to thank everyone – our staff, our sponsors, our charity partners, our suppliers, and our brilliant volunteers – for all they have done to make the Bath Half such a great event.

“This was an emotional and unforgettable day for us at our last Bath Half and we know that London Marathon Events will continue to build on our work of the past 25 years.”

Omar Ahmed (Birchfield Harriers) won the men’s division in 1:04:42, followed twelve seconds later by Dylan Evans (Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers) in 1:04.54 with Alex Lawrence (Victoria Park & Tower Hamlets AC) third in 1:05.37.

Becky Briggs (City of Hull AC) won the women’s division in 1:14.24, crossing the line thirty seconds ahead of local runner

Anna Domville (Team Bath) who clocked 1:14.54 with Katie Olding

(Thames Valley Harriers) third in 1:15.16.

The Bath Half Marathon returns next year on Sunday 16th March. Early Bird entries, at £50, are now available to purchase at https://rb.gy/xusv6f

The organiser of the London Marathon will be taking over the running of the Bath Half Marathon from 2025.

London Marathon Events (LME) 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.

The Harington Club celebrates 150 years in the heart of Bath

THIS year sees the 150th anniversary of The Harington Club, which has an important place in Bath’s history.

Tucked away in a Grade II listed Georgian building in Harington Place, near Queen Square, the club was founded in 1874 as a traditional gentlemen’s club. Harington Place itself was once the site of 14th century stables used by Sir John Harington of Kelston for his troops during the Battle of Lansdown in 1643. The Harington Club was initially named The People’s Club And Institute Ltd.

In around 1890 members voted to change the name to reflect the history of the building and in honour of former resident Dr Henry Harington who was mayor of Bath in 1793.

Today, the club is one of only a few of its type remaining in the country. The passage of time has not eroded its traditional charm and the club remains a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of the city. It is still run by its members but today it is more inclusive than exclusive, offering a range of versatile memberships to all.

To celebrate its 150th year, The Harington Club will be hosting an open weekend on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th June, with live music, drinks promotions and food.

This event will be open to all who would like to explore one of

Bath’s hidden treasures.

Open throughout the week, the club offers a warm welcome and a lively social scene. Manager Jo Cross, who has worked at The Harington for 8 years likens it to being part of a big family, even hosting her own recent wedding reception at the club.

At the heart of the club is the oak-panelled bar, decorated in rich colours with comfy chairs. Real ales are on draught, light

lunches are available and there is televised sport. The club offers traditional leisure pursuits including a spacious snooker room with 2 match size tables, a full-size skittle alley and a cosy function room, currently used for hosting meetings, club lunches, dining and private hire. With pub games experiencing a resurgence in popularity, Jo is introducing a shove ha’penny table, board games and dart board for members and guests to enjoy, alongside a popular

monthly quiz. Facilities are available to hire. A full food menu and snacks can be provided. Buffets can be catered for up to 60 people or up to 20 for seated dining.

Although the club is for members and their guests, there is outdoor seating for anyone who would like to order a drink and watch the world go by.

For more details of how to become a member, and to discuss hiring facilities, contact Jo Cross at jocross161@yahoo.com

Full-size skittle alley

Match-size snooker tables

Meeting

Darts

Hire

Manager Jo Cross recently hosted her own wedding reception at the historic club

Pictures from the Past Bath in Colour

Windows and Things

Kirsten Elliott Akeman Press

WHEN Kirsten Elliott started her training as a Mayor’s Guide, her tutor, John Ede, took her on a walk looking at small details such as windows.

This caught her imagination, and some years later she not only created a walk called Windows and Things, she also took photographs to illustrate a talk on the same subject. Here are just four. A good place to start is Queen Square, where, over the years, the windows were lengthened, cutting down through the string course. They also lost their glazing bars when patent plate glass became fashionable.

Here, in one house, they were restored, showing how much better the windows look with them.

There are also some interesting architectural details here – rustication, massive keystones over the windows, relieving arches over the central doors and window on the ground floor and, above them, triangular and segmental pediments over the windows on the first floor. From windows, Kirsten turned to doors. This is one of the pair of doors at the centre of Somerset Place. It has a Gibbs surround, named after the Scottish architect James Gibbs, who popularised this style in the 18th century. It lacks a pediment but makes up for it by having an icicle carving over the door, with

its delicate Adamesque fanlight. On a later walk, which Kirsten called Windows 2 (sequels such as Star Wars 2 were very popular at the time), she turned her attention to shop windows.

This is how 29 Belvedere looked in the late 1980s. The shopfront dates from the 1870s, when Mr Harding opened a chemist shop there. Eager to impress his customers with his erudition, he had carvings of the heads of two eminent Greek physicians, Galen and Hippocrates, added to the front.

Today, the paint has been removed, as has the board, revealing the words ‘Harding’s Belvedere Pharmacy’, and the two heads have been bronzed.

It is now doubtless more architecturally tasteful, but one cannot help but admit it

that in its original state it was a colourful addition to the street.

Finally we visit 4 Cleveland Terrace to see one of the finest shopfronts in Bath. Today it is painted a more suitable Hanoverian green, but is still an antique shop.

It has what was the latest fashion in shop windows – cylinder glass – when this terrace was built circa 1830.

This allowed each window to curve round at the corner. Not only that but it also has the original tapering glazing bars with decorative bars in the small upper lights. There are shutter slots at the top of the window frame and the shutter bar keep is still intact at the side.

Very few Regency shopfronts retain so many of their original features.

How 29 Belvedere looked in the late 1980s

Queen Square, where the windows were lengthened and then partially restored

One of the doors on Somerset Place, with a Gibbs surround

Cleveland Terrace, with a shopfront featuring cylinder glass

Congratulations to Gabrielle Chambers for winning £20!

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

Across

1 Bolsters (7)

5 First of the patriarchs (7)

9 The way things are (2,2,2)

10 One's hands and knees (3,5)

11 Pau/Pamplona separators (8)

12 Word usage (6)

13 Blurred (3,2,5)

15 Indifferent (2-2)

16 Swindle (4)

19 Showed up again (10)

22 Four-wheeled covered carriage (6)

24 At peace (2,6)

25 Alert guardian (8)

26 They connect horses to carts (6)

27 Detectors (7)

28 They live between Land's End and John O' Groats, broadly (7)

Down

2 "Don't be ridiculous!" (1,3,3)

3 "Hands off!" (3,2,2)

4 Greatly desired (6-3)

6 Future tulips (5)

7 Quantities (7)

8 Passenger-protection devices (3,4)

10 Hobnobber's activity (11)

14 Top celebrity (9)

17 Pretence (7)

18 Physicians (7)

20 Bituminous pitch (7)

21 Former manager of The Beatles (7)

23 Beneath (5)

The winner will be the first randomly opened entry with the correct answers on 03/04/2024. The winner will be notified using the details they provide when entering the competition.

Food & Drink

Tasty Dates For Your Diary

Enjoy beautiful wine and food in perfect harmony at the Michelinstarred Olive Tree (Russell Street) on Thursday 28th March when Gusbourne boutique English winery ambassador Steve Kirkham will present six prestigious wines from the acclaimed estate, accompanied by Olive Tree Head Chef Christopher Cleghorn's 6-course Tasting Menu presented by chefs from Chris's brigade. Like, WOW! (£190pp).

www. olivetreebath.co.uk

Get the long Easter weekend off to a flying start at Yeo Valley (Rhodyate, Blagdon) on Thursday 28th March by touring your way through a 9-dish small plate feast curated by Yeo chef Ali Pumfrey served up in the uniquely characterful, pastoral surroundings of Yeo's Garden Cafe (£45pp).

https://bit.ly/3TgtCK0

Spring out at Beckford Bottle Shop (Saville Row) on Thursday

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

28th March when the Spring Supper Club brings six courses of seasonal loveliness-on-aplate courtesy of BBS Head Chef James Harris to the table. Think, foraged wild garlic, hand-dived scallops, agnolotti... what's agnoletti? To register your interest, email bathbottles@ beckfordbottleshop.com for exclusive ticket access (£70pp).

www.beckfordbottleshop.com

Celebrate all things gin-tastic at the Bath Botanical Gin Distillery & Herbal Apothecary (Widcombe) on Friday 29th March when the lovely folk from Savouring Bath will host a tasteful tasting journey through a selection of BBGD's small-batch distilled gins, with tips regarding how herbs can be used with alcohol for medicinal use and how herbal elixirs can help with all sorts of ailments along the way (£30pp).

https://bit.ly/3x0S4Id

Get down to New Macdonalds Farm between 11am-2pm on

Recipe: Asparagus Tart

Good Friday 29th March and enjoy fun-filled, family-friendly 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/3v86UvX

Good times at the Electric Bear Brewing Co (Brassmill Lane, Newbridge) will be dominated by pizza, pizza, pizza for all on Friday 29th March, when Jim's Pizza rocks up to serve his Neapolitan-style, handstretched pizza specialities made right before your eyes, best enjoyed with your choice from EBBC's wide selection of craft beers (of course!). The pizza party continues on Saturday 30th March, supplemented by live, acoustic dreamy folk-pop courtesy of the fabulous Jody Prewitt.

https://bit.ly/3V4ZvIm

https://bit.ly/3vjfgRi

Tingle your tongue with an informal, interactive wine tasting adventure at Town+House pub (London Road) on Friday 5th April when Angus from the wonderful Wolf Wine will take guests on a storytelling journey that explores six exceptional wines and uncorks the tales behind each bottle, accompanied by an array of splendid nibbles designed to pair perfectly with each of the selected wines. Cheers! (£30pp).

https://bit.ly/4a0vUnK

Independent Spirit – Bath's most boisterous bon viveurs (Terrace Walk) – are celebrating their 11th birthday in style on Friday

Discover the delights of Diageo's extraordinary collection of Distiller's Editions (including drams from Mortlach, Call Ila, Talisker, Oban and Clynelish) at the super-characterful Dark Horse (Kingsmead Square) Whisky Social on Wednesday 3rd April (£35pp) .

Celebrate the early appearance of this season's British asparagus with this simple yet sophisticated tart.

Ingredients (serves 4-6)

• 1 x 375g pack ready-rolled, all-butter shortcrust pastry

• 300g asparagus, woody ends snapped off and discarded

• 300ml double cream

• 2 eggs

• 50g Gruyère or nutty cheddar, finely grated

Method

• Preheat the oven to 180c/gas mark 5 and lightly grease a round, 22cm loose-bottomed tart tin.

• Line the tart tin with the pastry, prick the whole base lightly with a fork and trim the excess overhang. Cover loosely with baking paper, fill with baking beans (or uncooked rice) and bake blind for 15 minutes. Carefully remove the baking paper and baking beans from the top of the tart and slide the pastry case back into the oven for another 5 minutes, or until the pastry has turned light golden brown. Set to one side to cool.

5th April, showcasing the young whiskies and distilleries that have grown up with the Indie kids. Click on the link for tickets and a preview of the spectacular lineup (£40pp).

https://bit.ly/499MqRq

Swing along to Bath Cricket Club (North Parade) on Wednesday 17th April and sip your way through a range of gins introduced by the Bath Gin Company accompanied by live music from Bath-based jazzsters Body & Soul. This very special evening will raise funds for Children's Hospice South West (£20pp, to include your first gin and accompanying nibbles).

https://rb.gy/z32za0

Melissa regularly reviews restaurants across Bath and the surrounding area. Read more at: www.theprandialplayground.uk

Follow

• Meanwhile, blanch the asparagus in boiling water for 2 minutes, then refresh under cold water. Chop the spears into short lengths and set the tips aside for later. Put roughly half the rest of the asparagus pieces into a food processor and blitz to a thick purée.

• Pour the double cream into a large bowl along with the eggs and beat until thoroughly combined. Stir the asparagus purée and grated cheese into the mixture and season to taste.

• Arrange the remaining asparagus pieces across the base of the pastry and cover with the egg mixture. Arrange the asparagus tips across the top and bake for around 35-40 minutes, or until the tart filling has set (but still slightly wobbly in the middle) and the top has turned golden-brown.

• Leave to cool slightly (or completely, if preferred) before serving accompanied by buttered new potatoes and a well-dressed salad.

What's On

The Lover / The Collection

The Ustinov Studio

22nd March – 20th April

David Morrissey leads the cast in this compelling double bill of two works from one of the most influential British dramatists of the last century, Harold Pinter.

The Rondo Variety Show

The Rondo Theatre

27th – 30th March

An evening of comedy, music and drama. Hosted by Nat Prescott, the show will feature a range of local comedians and musicians alongside actors from the Rondo Theatre Company.

Easter Lates

Roman Baths

29th March – 1st April, 6-8pm

Experience the Roman Baths after hours. Enjoy a rare chance to see the Great Bath illuminated by torchlight, explore the museum at a relaxed pace, and enjoy a drink under the evening sky.

Bath Comedy Festival

Various Locations

1st – 21st April

Bath will be treated to performances from some of the biggest and hottest names from the world of comedy, including Chris McCausland and Ed Gamble.

Easter Egg Hunt

Prior Park, National Trust

23rd – 31st March

Make your way along the trail and find nature-inspired activities for the whole family. Start by painting your face with a fresh spring design, bring your friends and race in wheelbarrows.

J.S Bach St Mathew Passion

Bath Abbey

27th March, 7pm

In this Holy Week, hear the sounds of baroque players Rejouissance as they lead the acclaimed singers of Abbey Girls, Boys and Lay Clerks in this most uplifting and inspiring piece of music.

Easter Eggcitement

American Museum & Gardens

29th March – 14th April

Enjoy creative Easter activities and take part in an egg roll race on the terrace lawn every day. Easter trail – hunt for the colourful egg installations throughout the daffodil-filled gardens.

The Full Monty

The Theatre Royal

2nd – 6th April

Gaz and his mates are down on their luck and feel they have been thrown on the scrap heap, but they are determined to fight back and bare a little more than they ever thought they would have to.

Friday 22nd March - Thursday 4th April 2024

Jekka McVicar & 100 Herbs to Grow Topping & Company Booksellers

25th March, 7.30pm

Jekka McVicar details how to grow in the garden, in containers, and from seed, as well as guiding you through propagation, division, cuttings, harvesting and yearly maintenance.

Easter Bunny Trail

Beckford’s Tower

28th March – 14th April

The bunnies in the garden have all escaped to send you a message! Collect a trail map from inside the Tower Gatehouse and then set off to hunt for hidden decorated bunnies. Free activity.

April Throws an Egg

Bath City Farm

30th March, 11am

An epic Easter Trail and other Springtime shenanigans. A day before April even starts his shift, he’s heading over to Bath City Farm to fulfil an ancient Springtime tradition.

Family fun: Amazing Artefacts

The Herschel Museum of Astronomy 2nd – 11th April

Discover some of the amazing objects in the handling collection. From meteorites to telescopes, go along for a hands-on experience of history and science objects.

The Mars House

Mr B's Emporium

26th March, 6.30pm

Mr B's Emporium welcomes Natasha Pulley to discuss her new genre-bending novel. Utterly unputdownable, The Mars House is a novel about privilege, strength and love across class divisions.

Climate change in the Arctic BRLSI

28th March, 7.30pm

Drawing on his own research and field work in marine acoustics, Dr Philippe Blondel will present the challenges faced by Arctic marine environments, from climate change to human impacts.

Chocolate Train

Avon Valley Railway

31st March & 1st April

Celebrate Easter and see the restored locomotive from the Fry’s chocolate factory in Keynsham. Discover more about this special locomotive and see displays on its history and the factory.

Plumhall (Duo)

Chapel Arts Centre

4th April, 8pm

Plumhall (Michelle Plum and Nick B Hall) are critically-acclaimed songwriters from the UK, using a mesmerising combination of acoustic and electric instruments.

Share your news with us

Email: news@bathecho.co.uk

Dog owners encouraged to join cancer fundraising challenge

DOG owners in Bath are being encouraged to get involved in a four-legged fundraising challenge this spring in aid of Cancer Research UK. Together with their furry friends, people are asked to walk 60 miles throughout April to raise money for Stand Up To Cancer, the joint fundraising campaign from Cancer Research UK and Channel 4.

The Stand Up To Cancer Dog Walking Challenge, supported by and launched at Crufts, asks people and their canine counterparts to clock up the distance, or whatever represents a personal challenge, over the course of the month.

To help fundraisers walk in style, everyone who signs up will receive a free dog bandana.

For those who want to ensure they’re fully kitted out for the challenge, a range of products from dog beds and cushions to bobble hats, will be available from the Stand Up To Cancer shop later this month.

Cancer Research UK spokesperson for the South West,

Ali Birkett, said: “‘Walkies’ has always been a powerful word, but now we’re giving it new meaning. “With around 36,800 people diagnosed with cancer every year in the region, we’re asking the dog walking community to do something ‘paw-some’ this April that could help make the next research breakthrough happen.

“There are lots of benefits to taking part in our dog walking challenge, not least the chance to improve your fitness while raising vital funds. We need as many people as possible to take part, because the progress we make in the fight against the disease relies on every person, every pound –

Join u3a in Bath and Enjoy these Benefits

* Staying active, keep learning and having fun

* Meeting people and making new friends

* Access to online learning and training

* Free attendance to talks and learning events

* Meeting members with similar interests

* Learning new things and sharing your skills

About u3a in Bath

There are 450,000 of us in the UK and 1,400 in Bath. We are in “u3a in Bath” and our members are all retired or semi-retired. We take part in a range of educational or recreational activities. See the complete list of over 100 interest groups on our website u3ainbath.uk

Come and join us

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

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

and now every pet pooch. Now is the time to Stand Up To Cancer.” Stand Up To Cancer takes developments from the lab and accelerates them into new tests and treatments that could help save the lives of more people in the South West and across the UK. The campaign is helping to transform the landscape of cancer therapy.

Since its launch in the UK in 2012, it has raised more than £113 million, funding 64 clinical trials and research projects involving more than 13,000 cancer patients. You can sign up for the Stand Up To Cancer ‘Walkies’ challenge at su2c.org.uk/walkies.

Our Monthly Talks

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

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

Upcoming Talks are:

Thurs 4th April 2024

THE TITANIC DISASTER

by Paul Barnett

Thurs 2nd May 2024

THE SS GREAT BRITAIN

by Ian Caskie

Thurs 6th June 2024

RUNNING THE ROYAL UNITED HOSPITALS

by Cara Charles-Barks, Chief

Executive

Metro Bank seeking Easter egg donations

Donations are invited until Tuesday 26th March

METRO Bank’s Bath branch has launched an appeal for Easter Egg donations to support the Children’s Centre at the Royal United Hospital.

Donations are invited until Tuesday 26th March as part of the seasonal campaign.

Residents and businesses can take in any size Easter egg to the bank’s Stall Street store.

Zezita Vas, Bath Metro Bank Assistant Store Manager, said:

“As a community bank we want to really help everyone be able to celebrate despite the challenging

economic times.

“We invite everyone to join us in making this Easter a memorable one for those who may otherwise go without.”

The store is located at 18 – 19 Stall St, Bath BA1 1QB, and is open Monday – Saturday, 8.30am –6pm, and Sunday, 11am – 5pm.

Bath Metro Bank is also part of the Safe Space scheme – the store is available to anyone experiencing, or at risk of domestic abuse, providing the opportunity to safely call a helpline, support service or loved one.

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Consultation under way on school transport for SEND pupils

BATH & North East Somerset Council has launched a review of school travel support eligibility for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Parents and carers are being asked for their views on an updated policy to support the best way for pupils to travel to and from school.

The local authority has launched a consultation on its SEND Home to School Travel Policy to clarify eligibility criteria and make travel support choices clearer for families, in response to new government guidance published last year.

Around 520 children and young people with SEND in the district currently receive home to school travel support, which costs the council £4.3 million per year. This includes children who travel to school and other educational establishments using taxis, which in some cases are costing more than £300 a day, per child.

The council has not reviewed its policy for travel arrangements since 2016.

The proposals aim to ensure that support offered to children with SEND is applied fairly and bring it into line with that offered by other local authorities.

Children may be eligible for support under the new policy if they are attending the nearest suitable school, cannot walk even when accompanied and have a medical condition that affects travel.

Each child would be assessed for eligibility on an individual basis. There would also be more guidance on how families can get

the most out of personal travel budgets, including shared travel with other parents or paying for escorting adults.

The consultation runs until 7th May.

The council has written to parents and carers who currently receive SEND Home to School Travel support with information about the consultation and how to get involved.

Councillor Paul May, cabinet member for Children’s Services, said: “We have not reviewed our SEND travel policy for many years and we need to make sure it helps children, parents and carers receive the right levels of help within the funding we have available.

“Given the significant and rising expenditure on SEND travel which we are seeing locally and across the whole country, I want to ensure our budgets for this are both sustainable and deliver the best possible support in the most

appropriate way.”

If approved in a single member decision later this year, the new criteria would begin to be applied from September 2024.

A number of in-person drop-in events have already been held across the district. The next is on 17th April, 10am to noon, at The Soap Bar Cafe, Clutton – B&NES Parent Carer Forum.

A printed copy of the survey, information in another language or format including audio, Braille or large print can be requested via email at SENDtravel_ consultation@bathnes.gov.uk or by calling Council Connect on 01225 394041.

The consultation relates only to SEND travel support and the new policy will not affect the council’s mainstream and post-16 travel policies.

These policies can be found on the council’s school transport webpage (https://beta.bathnes. gov.uk/school-transport)

School launches campaign to raise £50,000 for hall refurb

ST Stephen’s Church School at Lansdown has launched a campaign to raise £50,000 to renovate and refurbish its hall.

As the only indoor space large enough to house all the pupils, the hall is one of the primary school’s most utilised and hardworking areas. It undergoes several transformations each day – from a breakfast club venue to a dining hall, to a PE and games area and a space for baking or cookery lessons, as well as for assembly collective worship and afterschool care.

St Stephen’s says the hall is used approximately 3,850 times a week by pupils, which over the course of an academic year adds up to just under 150,000 times. In addition, it is used regularly as a performance or meeting space, and for community events. Headteacher Claire Taylor said:

“No doubt this is a beautiful space, with its high vaulted ceilings and oak floor, but it has had significant under-investment over the years and is no longer meeting the needs of our school and our community.

“When it was first built, St Stephen’s Primary was a much smaller school, and it was unlikely the hall was used as frequently or for as many different activities as it is today.

“There are parts that are really tired and in urgent need of repair but more than that, we want to bring it up to date and make it into a space that not only the school can use effectively but where

our pupils, staff and families can gather and be proud of.”

She added: “This is the right moment, we’ve got the drive and we’ve got the ambition to raise the funds to make this space an amazing multi-purpose space environment for our school and our community.”

It is hoped that a refurbishment can be carried out to include modern projector facilities, a sound system, space-efficient furniture, general decoration and upgraded flooring.

“All this will ensure we can carry on using the hall more efficiently and more effectively, and that the space continues to play an important role for many more years,” Claire added.

The fundraising campaign is called Go For 50! Supported by the PTFA, St Stephen’s is kicking off its fundraising campaign with Grow50! Thanks to sponsors We Are Penelope, each child has been given a £5 note and can work individually or together to use their creativity and entrepreneurial skills to turn this £5 into £50.

If every class reaches its fundraising target, this will raise £13,000 towards the hall’s refurbishment.

Skills gaps to be addressed with £15 million of WECA funding

PEOPLE across Bath and North East Somerset are set to benefit from more support to gain new skills and progress in work thanks to a funding package worth over £15 million.

The investment from the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) is the largest-ever in skills training and is part of regional Mayor Dan Norris’s plans to help ensure the region has one of the most highly skilled and well-trained workforces in the country.

More than £5 million of the funding will go towards training more than 6,000 locals to plug skills gaps in the region, including courses to train up an army of retrofitters, electric car mechanics and other workers needed as the region transitions to a net-zero future.

Meanwhile, 200,000 of the region’s youngsters will get the support they need to plan their

routes into the jobs they want later on through a £1.5 million investment to support all 97 of the region’s secondary schools to improve the quality of their careers education.

Measures to get 10,000 long-term sick and unemployed locals to start, stay and succeed in work are on the way, thanks to a £1.7 million investment, a major move to tackle the major longterm sickness challenge facing the West, and the country.

Mr Norris said: “Skills and training are a really important part of my role as Metro Mayor, and ensuring as many people in our West of England region have the training they need and deserve to access good-quality, well-paid secure jobs matters greatly to me.

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“Because I know the incredible impact good jobs and skills training can have on a person’s life.

“It helped take me on an incredible journey when it came to my own career – from a child protection officer, to Parliament and now Metro Mayor of the best region in the whole country.

“Since I was elected three years ago, my West of England Mayoral Combined Authority has trebled the value of our jobs and training services for locals from £20 million to £60 million.

“We’re already helping over 35,000 residents in our region every single year through our brilliant range of programmes for locals – from youngsters in school, to people out of work looking to get back into the workplace.

“This latest funding boost for locals is our biggest investment yet and will help to give tens of

more

access to the support and training they need to develop new skills and develop their careers in the West of England.”

Transport for some young people can cost significant amounts per day

thousands

locals

The investment will provide 50,000 people with careers advice and support, and help over 35,000 people access new training, according to the regional Mayor.

Metro Mayor Dan Norris and Ian Penney, Welding Lecturer Photo © Freia Turland

Headteacher Claire Taylor in the hall

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£50 million Dyson Cancer Centre to open at the RUH next month

Get your prescriptions in early for Easter

THERE are just weeks to go until the new Dyson Cancer Centre at the Royal United Hospital in Bath begins to welcome patients, their loved ones and the wider community.

The £50 million purpose-built facility will provide a cancer services hub for over 500,000 people in the South West.

Ros Helps, RUH Lead Cancer Nurse said: “We have a busy few weeks ahead but we’re really looking forward to moving into the new building at the end of April.

“We’re proud of the care we provide at the RUH but this purpose-built centre will support us to do even more for our community.

“From the welcoming and lightfilled atrium and waiting rooms, through to the carefully designed treatment suite, modern inpatient ward, radiotherapy facilities and research lab we’ve looked at every aspect of cancer care so we can provide the best environment and experience for the people we care for.”

A key feature of the new centre is the Macmillan Wellbeing Hub, funded by Macmillan Cancer Support, which will provide a welcoming, non-clinical space designed around the needs of patients and their families.

Spread across three floors, the hub includes counselling rooms, complementary therapy spaces, information space, and comfortable accommodation where relatives and loved ones can stay overnight.

The RUH’s Art at the Heart team are busy installing the final art

and design works in the new building. Shaped around a ‘Land. Water. Sky’ theme, the new centre has been carefully designed to provide a nurturing and therapeutic environment which supports high quality clinical care.

Interior design, the use of natural light, artwork and installations – many of which are influenced by the local environment – all have an important role to play in creating a soothing and welcoming space.

As final preparations continue for the move, the hospital has said there will be no disruption to services.

Outpatients who would expect to be seen at the RUH in April 2024 will be contacted well in advance with appointment locations and details.

Caroline Gilleece, RUH Senior Matron for Haematology/ Oncology, said: “Staff who will be moving into or working in the

Recognition for work with Paget's disease

THE Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases (RNHRD) in Bath has been recognised for its treatment of patients with Paget’s disease and its research into the condition.

The RNHRD has become the first Centre of Excellence in the South West for the disease.

The coveted honour, from the Paget’s Association, recognises the RNHRD’s diagnostic and treatment facilities, the clinical expertise of its staff, the number of patients cared for and its involvement in Paget’s disease research. Paget’s disease affects the normal repair and renewal process of bone and in some cases can cause chronic pain.

At the RNHRD, patients with suspected Paget’s disease, and those with a known diagnosis, are seen in a monthly metabolic bone disease clinic supervised by specialist consultants.

Scans, x-rays and other necessary investigations such as blood tests can all be done on-site, and patients who need treatment receive it in the centre’s dedicated infusion unit. The team also includes a nurse specialist, physiotherapists and occupational therapists.

Dr Sarah Hardcastle, Consultant Rheumatologist at the RNHRD, said: “We are extremely pleased to be receiving this award in recognition of the care we provide to our patients with Paget’s disease, and our involvement in Paget’s disease research.

“Our recent research efforts have been supported thanks to a generous legacy donation that was left to the department in 2020. This has been used to fund staff research time and is one of the key reasons we have received this Centre of Excellence accolade.”

new centre have been getting to grips with the new environment and all that it offers, so we can start making the most of this new building straight away.

“Our wonderful team of volunteers will also be having tours and training in advance, so they will be on hand to help patients and visitors find their feet or to offer a welcome cup of tea.”

The new centre is backed by over £40 million in Government funding as part of the New Hospital Programme.

The Dyson Cancer Centre was also supported by a £10 million campaign from RUHX, the hospital’s official charity, including a £4 million donation from the James Dyson Foundation and £1 million by the Medlock Charitable Trust.

A further £1.5 million was donated by Macmillan Cancer Support to fund the Macmillan Wellbeing Hub.

PEOPLE in Bath have been urged to arrange any medication they may need for the Easter break well in advance of the long weekend.

As most pharmacies in the region will close at the end of the day on Thursday 28th March, and not reopen until Tuesday 2nd April, getting prescription requests in early will ensure orders can be processed and collected in plenty of time.

Going without regular medication, even for a day or two, can put a person’s health and wellbeing at significant risk, and could potentially result in them needing rapid medical attention.

Gill May, Chief Nurse, Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board, said: “During the Christmas and New Year break, we saw high numbers of people using our urgent care services to ask for emergency prescriptions.

“Letting medicines run out, especially at a time when many pharmacies are closed, not only adds pressure to an alreadybusy health and care system, but puts people, many of whom are vulnerable, at a much greater risk of falling ill.

“We want everybody in our region to enjoy the long Easter weekend safely, which is why we’re making this plea – for people to get their prescriptions in well ahead of time – much earlier than usual.

“Requesting a repeat prescription should mean that most items will be ready for collection with at least two weeks to spare before pharmacies close their doors on the eve of Good Friday.”

Time is running out to get your prescriptions in ahead of Easter

Most people can now order their repeat prescriptions digitally, either through the NHS App, which can be downloaded for free on to any smartphone or tablet, or via the website of their GP practice.

Recent data shows that the number of people downloading the NHS App in the local area has surged in the last few weeks, which indicates a positive shift towards more patients beginning to independently manage their own health and wellbeing.

Patients not yet signed up to the digital features of their practice’s website, such as prescription ordering, viewing test results and, in some cases, booking appointments, can do so by speaking to the team at their surgery directly.

A small number of pharmacies across the region will be open on Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday for any person in need of an urgent prescription or advice for a minor illness or injury.

Easter opening times for all pharmacies can be found at www.bsw.icb.nhs.uk

RUH in the top twenty NHS hospitals to work for in England

A NATIONAL survey has found the Royal United Hospital to be one of England’s best hospitals to work for, and in the top three in the South West.

Nearly 2,500 people, or 68% of those surveyed, said they would recommend the RUH as a place to work.

That’s 600 more than the previous year, and puts the RUH 18th out of 122.

The RUH’s NHS Staff Survey results also show that an increase of nearly 500 people say they look forward to going to work, 530 more said they feel trusted to do their job, and 440 more said they are able to make improvements happen.

The RUH is 6th nationally for colleagues saying they have frequent opportunities to show initiative, and 8th for being kind and understanding towards each other.

Chief Executive Cara CharlesBarks said: “This latest set of survey results gives us a lot to feel really proud of. I’m delighted that our colleagues have given us such positive feedback about what it’s like to work at the RUH. We are always working hard to make improvements, and this shows that we are making a difference.”

The annual NHS Staff Survey takes place in autumn, and it is one of the largest workforce surveys in the world.

The results from 2023’s survey were released earlier this month and capture a picture of what work is like for staff in different parts of the NHS.

At the RUH, the results are used to inform what is working well and identify where working life can be further improved. In the last year, progress has included improving staffing levels, providing new training

opportunities, and developing tools to prevent staff being subjected to violence and aggression from patients and relatives.

The results show there is more to be done to ensure that staff report violence or harassment when it happens – and a new reporting platform will be launched soon. More improvements are on the horizon, including a transformation of the restaurant, more preventative health and wellbeing support, and a continued focus on ensuring people have the opportunity to grow in their roles.

Cara added: “We know that providing a better experience at work has a direct impact on the quality of the care we provide.

“That’s why our goal is to continue creating the conditions for everyone to perform at their best.”

The new Dyson Cancer Centre | Photo © RUH

Plan to convert part of Twerton GP surgery into HMO refused

Becky Feather Reporter

CONTROVERSIAL plans to convert part of a Bath doctors’ surgery into a house in multiple occupation (HMO) have been refused.

St Michael’s Surgery at Walwyn Close in Twerton applied to Bath & North East Somerset Council to convert the two-storey wing previously occupied by a dental practice into a four-bed HMO. The proposed conversion involved layout alterations to the ground and first floor to partition the HMO from the surgery.

Local councillor Sarah Moore had objected, saying: “In 2021, number 12 Walwyn Close had permission granted to convert into a four-bed HMO.

“Granting this application would mean number 14 would be Councillor Moore added that there would be no outside space for the residents of the proposed HMO and pointed out that when planning permission had been granted for the new dental surgery to the west of the building, the reason given was to enable the doctors’ practice to expand.

“This area urgently needs more doctors, not more HMOs,” she said.

Councillor Moore had made a planning committee call-in request in the event of officers recommending approval. She was supported by fellow Lib Dem ward councillor Tim Ball who said: “This application should be withdrawn or refused for the blatant disregard of a policy that is there to protect residents.”

B&NES Council planning officers were also unhappy with the plans, saying the change of use would result in a residential property being sandwiched between two HMOs which would result in a loss of privacy, and visual and noise intrusion.

There were also concerns that two out of the four bedrooms would only have obscure glazed windows.

This was to ensure no harmful overlooking but would present an unsatisfactory living environment for the occupiers.

The officers’ report noted that HMOs are occupied by unrelated individuals, with their own lifestyles and patterns and times of movements.

Their comings and goings are likely to be less regimented and be at earlier and later times in the day compared to a family home.

Also in this case, aspects such as refuse/waste and the impact of parking were likely to be exacerbated.

It is understood that No 12 is not

currently operating as an HMO but the planning permission that was given could still be implemented. Therefore, officers were not able to support the change of use of the surgery wing.

The cumulative impact of HMOs in a neighbourhood can significantly impact the character of an area.

Although the plans in this case were refused on the council’s “sandwiching criterion test”, high density was not given as a reason for refusal.

The council’s policy on density specifies that proposals will be unacceptable where HMO properties represent 10% or more of households within a 100-metre radius of the application property, or the application property tips the concentration to 10% or more.

According to council records, the surgery’s proposal would have resulted in five HMOs within a 100-metre radius, which equates to 6.5%.

Pub set to reopen after Abbey Ales takeover

Work has begun to refurbish the former Bath Ales pub pool and Sky Sports.”

ONE of Bath’s best-known ale houses, which closed suddenly last August, is set to reopen with a new look and owner.

The Hop Pole on Upper Bristol Road had been run by Bath Ales, based at Warmley. Its new owner is Bath’s own Abbey Ales who will be relaunching it as a traditional family pub.

Abbey Ales’ chairman and managing director Alan Morgan said: “We have been looking to expand our small exclusive pub estate for some time and the Hop Pole presented all the opportunities we were looking for. The pub has been empty for eight months but we will carry out a small refurbishment to breathe new life into the business.

“We will reopen the Hop Pole as a traditional-style family pub with the added attractions of darts,

Ironically, Abbey Ales' three other popular pubs – The Star Inn, The Assembly Inn and the city’s smallest pub Coeur de Lion – were all run down or closed when the brewery took them over.

Operations director Simon Morgan added: “Strangely all three pubs needed an uplift when we took them on and they are all running very successfully. We are confident we can make the Hop Pole another great successful landmark in Bath.”

Abbey Ales started brewing in 1997 and produces awardwinning craft ales, reflecting its important role as a major business in Bath. When it launched it was the first and only brewery in the city for more than 50 years. Its famous Bellringer cask bitter impressed former Bath MP Don Foster so much that he arranged for it to be sold as a guest ale in the Houses of Parliament.

Sulis Hospital's orthopaedic centre to help cut waiting lists

PLANS have been approved for a new orthopaedic centre at Sulis Hospital Bath which will cut waiting times for patients in the city and wider region.

The hospital is at the Bath Business Park at Peasedown St John and was opened in 2010 by Circle Health. It was bought by the NHS in 2021.

The Royal United Hospital in Bath is unable to increase its capacity to manage elective surgical patients at its main Combe Park site and planning permission for a temporary theatre at the Sulis Hospital Bath is due to expire in 2025.

Bath & North East Somerset Council granted permission for the modular theatre in November 2022 to address winter pressures and the backlog caused by the pandemic. But it was only for three years until a permanent

solution of accommodating additional theatres could be delivered.

The new Sulis Elective Orthopaedic Centre for the Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust will be built to the east of the existing hospital at Foxcote Avenue on land currently used for parking.

The extension of surgical facilities also includes refurbishment works to the existing hospital’s top floor.

The new facilities will include two operating theatres, anaesthetic and prep rooms and patient recovery facilities, as well as staff facilities, a relocated kitchen and a discharge lounge.

B&NES Council highways officers initially had “significant concerns” relating to the potential impact of the new centre on the surrounding road network.

As a result, the travel plan and car park management plan were sent back for revision.

The existing parking consists of a car park plus a gravel area without formal spaces marked out. This gravel area is where the extension will be built, with all 69 spaces removed and eventually replaced with 58 new ones, an increase on the 43 spaces proposed initially.

The site will have a total of 197 car parking spaces with parking for bicycles and motorcycles. Overall, there will be nine Blue Badge parking spaces provided.

The travel plan assesses the level of change required to ensure that parking does not exceed the future capacity of the site. It identifies target staff groups that could also potentially transfer to an alternative mode, including walking and cycling for those

who live locally. Car sharing will also be promoted. No parking tariffs are proposed, but the trust will introduce a permit system for staff which may include restrictions to manage demand. The lack of public transport to the site is noted in the travel plan drawn up on behalf of the trust: “The availability of a bus stop outside of the site shows that the site has the opportunity to be served by public transport even if currently it appears that no services operate to the Bath Business Park.”

The closest bus services are the 171, 172 and 174 which operate from the centre of Peasedown St John, a kilometre away, giving access to Bath, Midsomer, Shepton Mallet and Wells. Meanwhile, cycle route provision around the site is also said to be “quite limited” and negotiating

the A367 roundabout is for “confident cyclists”.

During construction work on the new hospital, which is expected to take more than 11 months, temporary off-site car parking will be made available to offset the loss of parking.

In addition, the travel plan will be implemented.

The trust has agreed to contribute £10,000 towards any Traffic Regulation Orders needed to ensure that car parking could be better controlled, and a contribution of £4,775 to cover travel plan monitoring and review by the council to check that it is effective.

The extension scheme also includes landscaping.

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St Michael’s Surgery at Walwyn Way in Twerton

Becky Feather Reporter

Politics

Councillor to stand for new Parliamentary seat

Becky Feather Reporter

THE Liberal Democrats have selected Bath and North East Somerset councillor Dine Romero as their election candidate for the new North East Somerset and Hanham (NESH) constituency.

In the local elections in May last year, the Lib Dems romped home in North East Somerset, inflicting a bruising defeat upon the Conservatives. Of the councillors in the wards within NESH (the constituency has wards from both B&NES and South Gloucestershire councils), 12 are Lib Dem and nine are Conservative. Labour and the Green Party have four and one councillor respectively.

Dine Romero is the current Mayor of Bath and represents the Southdown ward. She has been a B&NES councillor since 2003. In her time in office, she has served in a number of roles and led the local authority through the pandemic.

Most recently, as chair of the council’s children, adults, health and wellbeing policy development and scrutiny panel, she has launched an initiative to explore how B&NES Council and other bodies can do more to tackle knife crime among young people – an issue that has come to the fore after a number of recent and tragic incidents in Bath and Bristol.

In addition to tackling knife crime and anti-social behaviour, Dine Romero says her priorities are improved access to NHS and social care services; tackling the cost of living crisis; and campaigning for better local buses, and getting services that have been cut or reduced running again.

She said: “I’m thrilled to be selected as the Lib Dem candidate for the North East Somerset and Hanham constituency. I want to build on recent Lib Dem successes in the area. For over 20 years I’ve been a voice for local people at B&NES Council – and now I have an opportunity to be a voice for us in Parliament.”

Meanwhile, the Labour Party has yet to announce its candidate for the NESH constituency, for which Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg has been selected as the Conservative candidate. He has represented the current North East Somerset seat since 2010.

In a leaked internal party document, Labour reportedly described the constituency as one of its “non-battleground” seats. The new constituency will be radically different to the current North East Somerset seat. Only half of the existing area will be

in the new constituency, with Bathavon North moving over to the Bath constituency and Radstock and Midsomer Norton joining the new Frome and East Somerset constituency. The ‘Hanham’ part also includes the South Gloucestershire wards of Longwell Green, Bitton and Oldland, and Parkwall and Warmley. They are currently in the Kingswood Parliamentary constituency which disappears at the next General Election but was won at last month’s by-election by Labour’s Damien Egan.

“Great opportunity” to reset WECA relationships

John Wimperis Local Democracy Reporter

POLITICAL leaders in the West of England have a “great opportunity” to repair their relationships, the Metro Mayor has said, when leadership in Bristol changes.

The West of England Combined Authority (WECA) was put on notice by the government on 5th March over the poor relationships between its political leaders, amid other issues.

There have been several highprofile clashes between Metro Mayor Dan Norris and the leaders of the three councils which make up the authority; Bristol City Council, South Gloucestershire Council, and Bath & North East Somerset Council.

At a WECA scrutiny committee on Monday 12th March, committee chair Ed Plowden — who said the notice was “disappointing but maybe not surprising” — asked Mr Norris what he would do differently.

Mr Norris said he would “do a reset” and said: “I think there’s a great opportunity now because we are clearly going to have a different political leadership in Bristol, irrespective of the outcome of the elections themselves.”

The position of Bristol’s Mayor Marvin Rees is set to be abolished in May, as the city council switches from a “leader and cabinet” system to a “committee” structure.

The two mayors recently clashed

over the feasibility of a Londonstyle underground in Bristol, with the plans ending in stalemate after they were vetoed by Mr Norris.

Mr Norris added: “We have also had a year which has allowed the new South Gloucestershire arrangement to start to get in, where you have joint leaders there.

“So I think it’s a great opportunity for us to reset and have hopefully new relationships.”

The “best value notice” issued to the combined authority by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities ordered WECA to set up an “independent improvement panel” to tackle a host of issues, from poor relationships between political leaders to “confusion” about what the combined authority does.

Mr Norris insisted: “They were issues that were really live when I first arrived — to my horror and

shock, if I’m honest, that there was a lot of dysfunctional things going on.

“I don’t think it’s helpful for me, in a public forum, to talk about those because I am very keen that we talk in a way that does not draw attention to our region in a negative way and yet that is what I am afraid seems to happen.

“Other regions have equal challenges to us; other metro mayors have similar challenges to us. But their council leaders and their councillors seem to have a regional focus that doesn’t allow them to damage their region — and I am kind of concerned that we are doing that by some of the things that we do and say.”

Mr Norris said he would do his best but other people needed to too. He said: “Relationships are not one-way things. It’s give and take, isn’t it? And sometimes I felt that it’s been a lot of me giving and the other people taking, and I’ve no doubt that they probably

Planning Round-up

Ceiling replacement at Bath Spa Station

Great Western Railway is seeking listed building consent to reinstate the ticket office ceiling at Bath Spa Station which it has emerged was removed “without consent” last summer.

The customer information office on Platform 2 at Brunel’s Grade II* listed station was closed for two weeks last August.

Now in a report to Bath & North East Somerset Council, GWR says: “The ceiling was showing signs of severe deterioration and was unsafe for contractors working underneath.

“The ceiling was removed without consent by the contractor. The reinstatement is to be undertaken with a three-coat traditional putty system.”

The planning reference is 24/00944/LBA. The deadline for comments is 13th April.

‘Grotesque’ idea for new town on Green Belt

A campaign has been launched to fight a proposal to build 3,000 homes on Duchy of Cornwall countryside and farmland between Burnett and Corston.

Bath & North East Somerset Council says there is a “potential site for development” with employment, shops and primary school, and has included it in its Local Plan Options Document for public feedback.

think it’s the other way.

“But the truth is we have to relook at that, revisit that, and I’m always happy to do that.”

He added: “It’s interesting that this notice is being issued now — and it’s for others to speculate why that might be in a general election year.”

But the chair of WECA’s audit committee, Geoff Gollop, said that the “issues of dysfunctionality” had begun in the autumn of 2021, shortly after Mr Norris was elected.

He added that the audit committee had been already trying to raise concerns about the very issues flagged in the government warning. Councillor Gollop told the meeting: “They have identified and shared exactly the issues that audit committee have been raising. It is a real frustration that we have just been ignored and patted on the head and we find ourselves now receiving a notice that we and [the scrutiny committee] have been saying was inevitable. I don’t want to make a choice as to who’s responsible other than to say the political leaders, in the form of a committee, are the ones who can lead. The officers can’t resolve the constitution without clear direction. The officers can’t make the local authorities sit down and plan in advance if all the leaders won’t turn up to the pre-meetings to work through. So these are the massively fundamental things that are the basic building blocks of the authority being functional and moving forward.”

The Burnett and Corston Protection Alliance has been established and a programme of meetings is being rolled out to inform local residents and encourage them to respond to the consultation before the 16th April deadline.

Speaking at a meeting at Priston Village Hall, Robert Davies, chair of the B&NES District Group of countryside charity CPRE, described the proposal as a “grotesque suggestion” in terms of rural, environmental and ecological impact.

The site earmarked covers 300 acres of farmland, including acres of wildlife reserves, and completely surrounds Corston Fields Farm, which is one of the first zero carbon farms in the UK and an award-winner in the Duchy of Cornwall’s Habitat Award Scheme for its commitment to diversify and adopt sustainable farming methods.

B&NES Council has suggested the site be developed by the Duchy “who have a proven track record of delivering high quality, sustainable and mixed-use development”.

Gerald Addicott, who has been farming this land for over 40 years, said: “Approaching from the west on the A39, the first sight you get of Bath, lined in a newlyplanted avenue of trees, is exactly the area where this development is proposed.

“It’s Green Belt, beautiful farmland and it will be gone forever. It’s also home to RSPB critically endangered species. What are B&NES thinking?”

West of England Metro Mayor Dan Norris, who heads up the Combined Authority

Launching Dine Romero’s campaign | Photo © Clive Dellard

Sporting Fixtures In Other News

Bath Rugby

Social housing providers sign mould charter

SOCIAL housing providers across Bath and North East Somerset are being encouraged to sign up to a new Damp and Mould Charter that aims to improve conditions for their tenants.

The charter will help to ensure a standard of response by landlords when taking action on damp and mould in properties.

Bath & North East Somerset Council has worked with partners including Curo, LiveWest, the YMCA and the Guinness Partnership, to draw up the charter and all other registered providers across the district will be sent an invitation to sign up.

The charter commits the signatories to deliver on the recommendations set out in a report by the Housing Ombudsman Service in October 2021.

The charter establishes a set of four principles that landlords will use to inform their approach to damp and mould in their housing stock:

• Fostering a zero-tolerance culture to damp and mould by ensuring prevention and intervention is prioritised;

• Move from a reactive to a proactive approach by inviting reports and feedback and providing a quick, efficient process for resolving issues;

• Take responsibility by seeking ways to prevent, detect and

address issues;

• Focus on the fabric of the property by identifying inherent or structural factors that lead homes to be more susceptible to damp and mould. Councillor Matt McCabe, cabinet member for Built Environment and Sustainable Development, said: “Thank you to our partners who have worked with us to draw up this charter.

“We know that damp, cold or mouldy homes can cause asthma and infections in children and respiratory conditions in older people and we are committed to tackling this issue in order to improve the living conditions of residents.

“We are encouraging providers of social housing in B&NES to sign up to the charter and ensure that tenants have a safe, decent home to live in.”

Unexpected snow hits Big Bath Sleep-Out event

THE snow in the early hours of Saturday 2nd March was a surprise for those taking part in the 2024 Big Bath Sleep-Out event, run by local homelessness charity Julian House.

The weather made the fundraiser an even bigger challenge for the 98 fundraisers involved.

The heavy snowfall took everyone by surprise, and event organisers had to implement their emergency procedure to make sure the fundraisers sleeping under flimsy tarpaulins, who were taking part in the flagship annual event for Julian House, were safe and made aware of the adverse sudden change in weather.

The emergency shelter, put in place every year in case of bad

weather, was soon filling with people who were extremely wet and cold, with 10 people quickly relocated when their shelters collapsed under the weight of the sudden snowfall.

Rachel Avent, event organiser for Julian House, said: “The snow really did catch us by surprise and had not been forecast.

“We quickly realised we had to wake up all 98 participants at around 4.30am to make sure they were aware of the change in weather and to let them know there was alternative shelter available for them. Tony from the Alice Park Café, who had stayed all night, quickly opened his doors, lit the fire and made hot drinks.

“It’s not often you find yourself in a park at 4.00am with snow

falling like that, but that really is the point of the Sleep-Out: we don’t have to sleep outside every night and can return to our homes and hot showers in the morning.

“This year really did make us more aware than ever of how fortunate we are that we have homes to return to.”

sheets, so we were OK, but I saw some families having to go to the shelter.”

The fundraising total jumped overnight, as people took to their social media with photos of the snow-covered park and makeshift shelters.

Jim, aged 8, said: “I knew it was going to be hard sleeping outside in the cold, but when I realised it was snowing too, I couldn’t believe it. My Dad had built a great canopy out of plastic

Julian House provides lifechanging and life-saving support for people who are vulnerable or atrisk across the South West of England. Their services reach the people who have been forced to live on the edges of society, offering them a route to something better.

At a time when cuts are being announced to local funding, impacting charities like Julian House, it is crucial now more than ever that fundraising events like the Big Bath Sleep-Out are successful in raising money for these vital services.

Avent

Across

Sunday 24th March – 3pm

Bath Rugby v Sale Sharks (H)

Gallagher Premiership – R13

Saturday 30th March – 3.05pm

Bath Rugby v Harlequins (A)

Gallagher Premiership – R14

Bath City FC

Sunday 24th March – 3pm

Bath City v Worthing (A)

Vanarama National League South

Friday 29th March – 7.45pm

Bath City v Weymouth (H)

Vanarama National League South

Monday 1st April – 7.45pm

Bath City v Taunton Town (A)

Vanarama National League South

Womens 1st Team Football

Sunday 31st March – 2pm

Bath City Women v Purton Women (A)

SW Regional Womens League

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Photo © Rachel

Many tenants face issues with mould in their homes

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