Bath Echo - Issue 085 - 23/08/2024

ECHO

Friday 23rd August - Thursday 5th September 2024

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Issue No. 085

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NO NEW CONSULTATION Blocked LTN plans to be brought back “as soon as possible” - P3

Inside: Food & drink, archive photos, what's on listings, our £20 crossword & more!

New bus service linking Odd Down to Twerton announced - P2

Protection granted for Combe Down allotments site - P2

Milestone reached for £40,000 Bath City Farm fundraiser - P4

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New bus service linking Odd Down to Twerton

In this issue...

Top Stories

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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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Health

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Education

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Business

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Politics

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Sports & Fixtures

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Becky Feather Reporter

A REVIEW of bus routes comes into force on the region’s network on 1st September, with changes in Bath including a new Odd Down to Twerton service.

First West of England says the number 58 will operate in the early mornings from Monday to Saturday between Odd Down Park & Ride and Twerton Mill via the city centre.

Late night and early morning trips on service 19 (Bath city centre to Bristol Parkway Station via Bitton) will now terminate and start from Station Road in Warmley. Journeys from Bristol Parkway Station towards Bath will now operate from the University of the West of England (UWE) at Frenchay via the A4174 Ring Road. They will no longer serve Stoke Lane or Frenchay village due to the increased journey times by having to double back on the Ring Road via the M32 junction in this direction.

Passengers are being advised that they can use the new Bristol service 50 serving Frenchay which connects with the 17, 24,

46, 47x, 48/48x and 49/49x in Eastville.

The frequency of service 1 (Bath city centre to Southdown) will be increased to provide additional journey opportunities and capacity.

Service 2 (city centre to Mulberry Park) will also be increased to run up to every 12 minutes Monday to Saturday. The route will be amended to serve more of Foxhill.

Service 3 (city centre to Bathford) will be extended to the Royal United Hospital and Weston (operating the same route as service 4 over this section).

The frequency of service 5 (city centre to Whiteway) will be increased and the timetable of services 6, 6A and 7 (city centre to Fairfield Park) will be revised to improve punctuality.

Service 13 (city centre to Elmhurst) will be extended beyond the city centre to Foxhill via Bear Flat and Odd Down Corner, replacing service 4a over this section.

The full timetable will be revised on all days of operation to improve punctuality. One morning journey will operate beyond Foxhill to Ralph Allen

School.

The 39 and X39 Bath to Bristol service will have a revised timetable to improve punctuality.

The morning journey on service X39 that runs to Hayesfield School will be replaced by a journey on service 39, which will run on schooldays only from Bristol Temple Meads Station along the usual service 39 route (via Keynsham) as far as the Weston stop, then continue over Windsor Bridge to Hayesfield School.

The 41 Odd Down Park & Ride to Bath will operate at a slightly reduced frequency at peak times to allow buses more time to complete their journeys to

improve punctuality.

Timetables will be revised on the 171, 172, 173 and 174 (Wells/ Bristol-Bath services). Additional journeys will run on Sundays on the 171 but there will be a reduction of journeys in the morning on a Sunday on the 174.

On the 522 (Bristol to Bath via Keynsham and Midsomer Norton) there will be new early morning journeys running towards Bristol from Midsomer Norton. The last departure from Bristol Monday to Saturday will now terminate at Midsomer Norton. The last bus from Bath will run earlier, departing at 8.36pm. For the full list of changes visit https://bit.ly/3YQQq7G

Protection granted for Combe Down allotments THE Combe Down allotments site, which has an uncertain future, has been partially protected thanks to a nomination by residents to make it an Asset of Community Value.

Bath & North East Somerset Council has now added the site in Bath to its list of Assets of Community Value thanks to an application by the Unincorporated Friends of Combe Down Allotments group.

The nomination for the status was assessed by the local authority and found to meet or exceed all criteria needed to be added to the list.

Although the owner of an Asset of Community Value (ACV) is free to sell to any buyer of their choice, they cannot dispose of it without: • Waiting until the end of a sixweek ‘interim moratorium’

period in which community interest groups or any other buyers can request that the council treats them as a potential bidder; • Waiting until the end of a sixmonth ‘full moratorium’ period if the council does receive such a request.

Councillor Tim Ball, cabinet member for neighbourhood services, said: “This land has been used for allotments since 1894 and continues to be of significant social value for the community today.

“We know that the current occupiers of the plots live in the local area and there are several schools and community organisations which use the allotment space for fantastic social projects and learning experiences.

“The successful nomination to list the site as an Asset of

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The new status will hopefully protect the allotment site

Community Value will give community interest groups the chance to make a bid should the site become available to buy.”

Currently, there are 64 allotments on the land off of St Winifred’s Drive which the council leases, however the landowner has given advance warning of his intention

to end the lease in 2025.

A campaign was launched in January as part of efforts to save the site.

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Issue 085

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Your City, Your News - Bath Echo

No new consultation planned over blocked LTN John Wimperis

Local Democracy Reporter

PLANS for a liveable neighbourhood in Bath which were blocked by a legal challenge will be brought back “as soon as possible”, and without going through a public consultation.

Residents took Bath & North East Somerset Council to the High Court earlier this month to stop plans to block Winifred’s Lane to through traffic, warning that it would dangerously push displaced traffic past children’s schools.

The council did not contest the case after saying there were “minor technical issues” with the experimental traffic regulation order (ETRO) which would have brought the scheme in.

Now the council has said it will introduce another ETRO to bring in the scheme and will not consult with the community beforehand.

But those who brought the challenge say this announcement has “inflamed the situation” and increased division.

The council is currently rolling out its liveable neighbourhood programme, also known as Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs).

In a video posted to Bath & North East Somerset Council’s social media and YouTube channels, council cabinet member for highways Manda Rigby said: “We are very aware there are strong feelings both for and against the experimental traffic regulation order and we have really carefully considered whether or not to reconsult before relaying the new experimental traffic regulation order.

“We have decided against this because over the last 18 months we have designed, in consultation with our communities, four schemes which are all going to go to trial so we can monitor what impact they have before we actually decide whether or not to make them permanent.

“I can assure you that all inputs are read and evaluated but it is not possible to agree with them all as sometimes these inputs disagree with each other.”

She said: “A guiding principle is the experiences of those who live in an area 24/7 about what’s best for that area will always carry more weight than those who wish to travel through it sometimes to avoid main roads. Consequently, we will be introducing a new ETRO as soon as possible.”

Bollards would have been installed across Winifred's Lane, blocking access for vehicles

But a spokesperson for the group objecting to the scheme said: “Some 370 local people living on directly impacted roads near to Winifred’s Lane, and on the lane itself, have raised serious concerns and objections to this ETRO. Some are genuinely scared.”

They added: “At no point was the closure of Winifred’s Lane openly and fairly discussed with us and hundreds of affected residents.

“It was also noticeable what Ms Rigby in her comments chose to leave out, namely: the scheme unavoidably redirects traffic past junior schools and many more residences in poorer parts of Bath; the alternative routes are highly dangerous, being narrow and with blind turns; and that environmentally on such routes, traffic will increase emissions and particulates (not least near junior schools, shops and churches).”

They are calling for the council to address issues with traffic in the area using traffic calming measures, rather than by closing Winifred’s Lane.

They said: “Our compromise reflects the council’s very own original consultation document with residents. Nor does it seek to affect the council’s proposals for Gay Street or Catherine Place and, importantly, it looks to slow traffic speeds in the Lansdown area and thereby improve safety.”

They added: “We think it’s important to recognise that in removing its opposition to our court case, BANES Council identified that there were clear legal issues in relation to this ETRO that required them to withdraw from the legal challenge to quash it. That therefore raises the question about the other ETROs that BANES has made already.

“Are they similarly deficient?

Should they be withdrawn? On this basis we would expect and request the council to appoint an independent auditor to conduct an independent audit of those ETROs. We believe that generally LTNs can be helpful to communities, but this one does the exact opposite and, worse, is dangerous, compromising local people’s safety and their environment. Our plea to these key councillors is to meet with us, to engage and to listen to our solutions for Winifred’s Lane – which we as locals know better than anyone – and which can achieve so much yet with minimum disruption. We wish to find compromise and talk – surely that can only be a good thing?”

Explaining the decision to not contest the legal challenge in the video, Councillor Rigby said: “Minor technical issues were brought to our attention during the legal proceedings and Bath & North East Somerset Council conceded the claim on two procedural errors: firstly, failing to provide a statement of reasons, and also, failure to refer to the existing traffic regulation order allowing a one-way on Winifred’s Lane when creating the new experimental traffic regulation order.”

She added that having to pause the scheme for the court case meant the council had lost its slot with its contractors, meaning it would not have been possible to install the scheme regardless of the judge’s decision.

Councillor Rigby added: “We are at the forefront of trying to address a problem which has plagued Bath for decades and we are in slightly uncharted territory.

It will never be possible to create any change which pleases

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everyone. But not changing how we navigate Bath is equally unpalatable.”

The council’s scheme would have seen bollards installed across Winifred’s Lane, at the top of Cavendish Road, with a “no right turn” sign to stop people turning from Cavendish Road onto Sion Hill. This would take traffic away from Lansdown Crescent, one of the city’s most expensive streets.

But locals had warned it will funnel those cars along Sion Hill Place and along Julian Road, right past children’s schools. Over 3,000 people have now signed a petition against the plan.

A representative of a nearby residents association told the Local Democracy Reporting Service in February: “The council seems willing to sacrifice the health and safety of school children and thousands of Bath residents to extend the privilege of a few extremely privileged people on Lansdown Crescent.”

The local authority also plans to block through traffic on Catharine Place and carry out a major overhaul of the Gay Street, blocking through traffic from passing the junction with George Street.

The Circus Area Residents Association (CARA) has supported the plans, stating in January: “The ongoing and unabated increase that significant parts of our catchment area are evidencing in terms of visitor/ tourist footfall will be more safely and effectively managed as a result of these improvements.

“Alongside a reduction in unnecessary and intrusive ‘ratrunning’, such innovations would be to the benefit of residents and local businesses alike and assist in improving our city’s environment as a whole.”

News in Brief Controversy over HMO proposed in Odd Down Proposals to turn a five-bed family home at Cranmore Place in Odd Down into a house in multiple occupation (HMO) for five people have been submitted.

The proposal for number 98 has been submitted by Bath firm Zest Property Services Ltd. There is no on-site parking available.

Local councillors Steve Hedges and Joel Hirst have already lodged their concerns, saying they object in principle to more HMOs being created in Odd Down because families are being “incrementally” priced out of the area. They say this is being driven by a number of factors including unsustainable growth in student numbers at the universities without growth in purpose-build student housing on campus.

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New community space proposed within Theatre Royal Bath

Friday 23rd August - Thursday 5th September 2024

Halfway milestone for £40,000 fundraiser

Becky Feather Reporter

PLANS have been unveiled to create a new community venue at the Theatre Royal Bath.

‘Venue 4’ will be a flexible, accessible, space specifically geared to providing a facility for local community groups, theatre professionals, amateurs and visitors.

It will be created by carefully reorganising internal space, say the applications seeking planning permission and listed building consent which have been submitted to Bath & North East Somerset Council.

The theatre itself is Grade II* listed and was built in 1805. The main house has a capacity of around 900 seats. The Egg, a children’s theatre, was added in 2005 with a capacity of 120 and the Ustinov Studio was added in 2010 and has a capacity of around 125.

To these three venues and their supporting facilities, it is proposed that a fourth venue will be added with a capacity for around 40 people.

The site for it lies within buildings along St John’s Place, within the theatre’s existing footprint.

External alterations are proposed along St John’s Place to provide access.

The foyer is located where the lower part of the Egg offices now sit, the entrance corridor to the 1805 rooms and underused storage space off the corridor.

The venue will be accessed via the foyer for the public and through a lobby from backstage.

Photo © Bath City Farm

The Theatre Royal Bath in Sawclose | Photo © Nigel Jarvis / Shutterstock.com

The venue will have an accessible dressing room with en-suite accessible WC and shower room.

The dressing room will connect to the rest of the back of house.

The existing space includes under-utilised offices and store cupboards.

On the first floor, new offices will be created in the former 1805 main dining room, which is no longer used, and is now vacant space with no public benefit.

A report accompanying the planning application says: “The beauty of Venue 4 is that it will be able to operate independently of the other venues whilst being able to take advantage of the theatre’s current circulation, systems, facilities and staff expertise in order to provide a supportive space for a wide variety of local groups as well as visiting professionals and amateurs.

“Workshops and rehearsals

will use the Venue 4 room for amplified and non-amplified drama, speech, role play and dance, or for lectures, seminars, courses and classes.”

It is said the proposals will result in a minor loss of historic fabric having a “negligible impact” overall.

The main aim of the project is to secure the long-term future of the Theatre Royal site by preserving the existing listed buildings for the enjoyment and historic understanding of current and future generations, enabling as many people as possible to enjoy and use the facilities.

The name of Venue 4 is yet to be confirmed but it is hoped it will be created next year, subject to the plans being approved.

The planning reference is 24/03019/FUL. The consultation on the plans ends on 13th September.

BATH City Farm has already raised more than half of its ongoing £40,000 campaign goal as part of efforts to cover costs and expand its services for the community.

The charity, which is based in Whiteway, has thanked members of the public and farm supporters for their help, with around £30,000 donated so far.

The campaign runs until Monday 2nd September, with match funding in place on every individual donation up to £250.

Bath City Farm is finding that demand for its services has never been higher, and it needs to raise the money to cover rising running costs to maintain and grow services as well as keep the site free at the point of access.

The money raised will pay for core operational costs such as staff to manage the site, rising energy costs and maintaining the 37-acre site for the 50,000 people who visit each year.

The funds will also pay for vet bills, animal food and shelter.

Animals at the site play a vital role in targeted therapeutic work with

participants of the farm’s health and wellbeing programmes.

For many, Bath City Farm is a place to recover from poor mental health and rebuild a healthier lifestyle in connection with nature and each other.

It is also a free resource for many families on a low income to spend a day out with children, experience and meet farm animals and access vital green space. Visitors can also access nature trails around the site including woodland and ponds.

Alison Howell, communications lead at the charity, said: “We know it is a challenging time for everyone, but if you like what the Farm does for the local community, please consider giving to this campaign to help us sustain our vital community work and reach our target of £40 000.

“Every pound donated makes a difference to the hundreds of lives we can impact positively and the Aviva Community Fund are generously match funding every donation up to £250 until Monday 2nd September, enabling us to raise even more.”

HAVE YOUR SAY IN THE FUTURE OF PINES WAY! Join us for the final Pines Way Redevelopment community engagement event hosted by HUB.

Date: Friday 6th September Time: 10am - 6.30pm Location: Green Park Station Market, Bath, BA1 1JB

We're hosting an exhibition on Friday 6th September, at Green Park Station Market to showcase our latest plans, which you have helped develop, to transform the former Homebase site on Pines Way into a vibrant mixed-use community. We look forward to discussing them with you and hearing your thoughts!

This is the last public exhibition prior to us submitting a planning application for the redevelopment of Pines Way to Bath Council.

Together, let’s build a thriving Pines Way Community!

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Diocese revises housing plans for Batheaston church site Becky Feather Reporter

CONTROVERSIAL proposals to demolish the redundant Catholic Church of the Good Shepherd at Batheaston and build houses have been revised.

However, the changes proposed by the Clifton Diocese have failed to impress the parish council and many local residents.

The latest scheme is now being considered by Bath & North East Somerset Council which is due to make a decision by the end of the month. The church at Northend is a rare example of Brutalist architecture in the Bath area, and the council has identified it as a non-designated heritage asset since the initial planning application was submitted last autumn.

Historic England has however dismissed two requests to add the building to its statutory list of designated heritage assets, concluding that while the Good Shepherd has local interest as an unusual mid-20th century church, “it falls short of the level of interest required for it to be listed in the national context”.

The revised scheme says whilst the church has some local heritage interest which would be lost, it has been shown that reasonable efforts have been considered for the retention of the building and that its demolition is “the most sensible route” for a sustainable development and beneficial reuse of the site.

Also known as the Batheaston Mass Centre, it closed during the pandemic. With declining numbers attending mass, it was judged to not be viable to reopen.

The diocese has thanked

Friday 23rd August - Thursday 5th September 2024

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The Church of the Good Shepherd

consultees and members of the public for the comments provided on the initial planning application and says it has “listened carefully” to comments and made “significant positive revisions to the design”.

They include amendments to the height, scale and appearance of the houses, amendments to the car parking at the rear, including a reduction in the number of spaces from seven to six, and the removal of the dropped kerb access from Brow Hill.

Other amendments have been put forward to achieve energy and sustainability standards, including solar slate roof tiles.

Batheaston Parish Council remains opposed to the redevelopment, which is in the village conservation area, saying that it is “massively overscale development for the location” and highlighting the severe lack of parking in the area, partly due to more demand and partly to the loss of on-street parking spaces in the past few years.

The objection letter adds: “Fewer houses and a much more traditional approach to the design is vital than the ones submitted.

“Finally, we believe that there is a possible community use of the building such as a day nursery, which parish councillors and others have discussed, and have

put to the current owners.

“We would like the opportunity to develop a case for a viable community enterprise of some sort, to renovate the church and provide much-needed amenity/ ies for the village.”

Comments of objection on B&NES Council’s website in response to the revised plans include: “The height of the proposed buildings is still a major concern, the materials to be used are no way close to anything that any other property in close proximity has been constructed from.

“This is clearly for profit only and no consideration has been given to residents that these poorly designed buildings will have such an impact on.”

Another commented: “The revised application has disregarded comments and concerns previously made by 85 local objectors and has submitted a revision which not only ignores local concerns of residents but increases the scale of the project which was already larger than the current scale of the building.”

A report commissioned by the applicant’s planning consultants says alternative uses for the property have been considered but are all unviable.

Community use has been ruled out as there is already a newlybuilt village hall and the Rhymes Pavilion is also available for hire.

Office use was another option but the prospect was discussed with a serviced office/co-working provider, who considered the space unviable.

Also rejected was the potential for a nursery or restaurant as too much work would be involved, and it was considered unviable for indoor sports.

New Virgin Media box ‘ruins’ Larkhall street

Sean Alexander with the telecoms box | Photo © Sean Alexander

John Wimperis

Local Democracy Reporter

AN “eyesore” telecoms box installed on a Bath street has upset neighbours who warn it has “ruined” the look of their historic street.

Sean Alexander woke to find out the “eyesore of a cabinet” had been installed in front of his historic garden wall in the Larkhall area of the city.

He described it as a “nasty piece of modern street furniture in front of an 1800s chancery wall”.

Mr Alexander, an artist who designed the album cover for Paul Weller’s 2002 record Illumination, warned: “They have just stuck it slap bang in the middle with no regard for the aesthetic and there’s nothing we can do about it.”

He said: “[Bath and North East Somerset Council] have said it’s on the public highway and that there is no public (or property owner) consultation.

“And Virgin Media have refused to move it — even though we’ve offered them a space on the back of our own property. We are extremely upset that it has ruined

the look of our house and our beautiful street in Larkhall.”

He said: “Everybody that walks past says: ‘Bloody hell. Why have they put that there? It’s such an eyesore.’”

He added that he needed to do work on the wall and would now need to dig up some of his flowerbed to access it from the other side.

He said: “There are so many other places they could have put it if they had asked.”

The Virgin Media cabinet was installed in St Saviour’s Road as part of the rollout of faster fibre broadband in the area.

Although Mr Alexander is not a Virgin Media customer, he said: “We want people to have fibre — but just with a lot more respect to the aesthetic of Larkhall and Bath being a World Heritage Site.”

A spokesperson for Virgin Media said: “We’re currently expanding our network to bring ultrafast services to homes and businesses in the Bath area.

“We have spoken regularly with Mr Alexander and have explained that we received all necessary permissions from Bath & North East Somerset Council before installing this cabinet.”

Curo’s scheme for affordable homes on garage sites approved HOUSING association Curo’s plans to demolish 16 garages at Kelston View in Whiteway and build four affordable homes for social rent on the site have been approved by Bath & North East Somerset Council this week.

Curo also submitted redevelopment plans to knock down old garages at two sites in Saltford and build four homes on each.

The application to demolish 15 garages on the corner of Stratton Road and Camerton Close has now been approved, with a decision on the other one near Wedmore Road car park still pending.

All the new homes will be highly energy-efficient and feature air source heat pumps, solar panels, electric vehicle charging points and private gardens or balconies.

During a consultation before the Kelston View planning application was submitted, local people had been generally happy with the proposals to knock

down the garages - which one described as “an eyesore and magnet for graffiti”- and deliver more housing.

B&NES Council received four letters of support for the Kelston View scheme for two apartment blocks, including one from Bath Preservation Trust.

There were also eight letters of objection, including two from local councillors. Objectors said the loss of garages will create parking problems. Other issues included loss of views, the impact on the habitats and operations of nearby Bath City Farm, safety concerns should the brakes of vehicles coming down North Way fail, and that local health and education facilities are already overstretched.

But B&NES Council planners have approved the proposal for the apartment buildings, which will house four homes in total, each for a family of four.

The ground-floor flats will have garden space, and the first-floor

The garages at Kelston View which will be demolished to make way for new homes

flats will have rear balconies.

There will be four parking spaces along with two visitor parking spaces and eight bike storage

spaces. The planning officers said the site is of an appropriate layout, scale and design and were happy with access and parking

arrangements.

A biodiversity gain and habitat management plan is one of the conditions of approval.

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Pictures from the Past A view of Bath, 150 years ago

Looking out across Bath around 150 years ago

Kirsten Elliott Akeman Press

ONE constant complaint by Bathonians is that the city isn't what it was.

In our modern world change certainly happens very fast, as Andrew Swift discovered when preparing the third edition of On Foot in Bath.

Although it was only four years since the previous edition, he had to make numerous changes and even reroute some walks.

So a view of the city from about 150 years ago reveals a very different place from that of today.

The most striking change is the amount of industry there was then, particularly along Broad Quay. There was, amongst other trades, a steam dye works, an iron works run by Henry Tagliabue, a stone merchants, run by the appropriately named Stone Brothers, a slate importers, and a hay and corn merchant.

Behind them the malthouses of Chandlers and Mawer dominate the view. Running diagonally behind them is St James’s

Parade, and the large building above that, to the left of the picture, is what is now the Gainsborough Hotel, but was then the Royal United Hospital.

Directly above that can be seen a building with a large and striking roof.

This gave us some trouble to identify, and it was Andrew Swift who suggested it must be the extension to St John’s Bathwick.

He was perfectly correct, unlikely as it seems, such are the twists and turns in the river as it winds round Bath.

It was built in 1871, so was very new when this photograph was taken. Right in the

centre is the spire of St James’s.

The church was later damaged in the bombing raids of 1942, but could have been retained as a war memorial, as many other cities did with their bombed churches.

The walls and tower were still standing in 1956 but were demolished a year later and a new Woolworths built on the site.

It is always easy to complain about council decisions, but in Bath the loss of St James’s as a quiet place for reflection in a busy city must surely rank high among those complaints which are justified.

COLUMN | Clare Moody, Labour Police and Crime Commissioner

T

HE recent riots we witnessed nationally were deeply troubling.

We saw a small but violent group instil fear in our communities and bring chaos and disorder to our streets. Since that Saturday night we have seen disruption reverberate across our area.

What took place was not a protest; what we witnessed were criminal acts, plain and simple. These actions do not reflect the values of the Avon and Somerset area.

We are known for our strong, diverse, and vibrant community where people from all walks of life live peacefully alongside one another.

The scenes we witnessed are a stark reminder of how a few can disrupt the harmony that so many work hard to maintain. I want to extend my deepest gratitude

to the police officers who were on the front lines, displaying professionalism and courage in the face of direct attacks aimed at them individually. Their dedication to protecting the public and maintaining order, while distinguishing between legitimate protest and criminal behaviour, is commendable.

The individuals involved are now facing the consequences of their decisions, with the whole criminal justice system recognising the need to respond quickly and firmly. It is essential that we send a clear message that such behaviour will not be tolerated and that those who engage in violence and disorder will be held accountable.

No one should feel like they cannot live their lives as normal, living in fear of Islamophobic

or racist attacks. I want to reassure our residents that I will continue to engage with our diverse communities to ensure that everyone feels safe and supported. I also encourage anyone who is the target of such attacks or who witnesses them to report it to the police or to CrimeStoppers.

It’s important that our response to those that want to divide us is to find new ways to develop our understanding of each other and to create connections, as well as building on existing work to bring people together.

We must focus on what kind of place we want Avon and Somerset to be. This is why I am deeply committed to using my role to achieve real, tangible outcomes.

One way I will do this is by developing a Police and Crime

Plan that will guide policing priorities and strategies over the next five years.

I have spent the past few months listening to people across our area, and I’ve identified five key priorities for the Plan that reflect your concerns: strengthening neighbourhood policing, reducing violent crime, preventing crime, supporting victims, and improving the standards of policing. These priorities are not just abstract ideas; they are commitments that I am determined to bring to life.

Your input is crucial in shaping this plan and developing the tools to make it a reality. As community members, you are best placed to speak about the needs and concerns of your area and to identify changes that will really

make a difference.

It’s important to me that your voices are heard and reflected in this Plan, which is why I hope you will participate in the Police and Crime Plan consultation. The feedback I receive will directly influence how the issues that matter most to you are tackled.

Details about the forums and the survey are available on my website (www.avonandsomersetpcc.gov.uk/about/police-crimeplan24-29). As well as completing the survey yourself please help spread the word.

I look forward to hearing the insights you will bring to this discussion and appreciate the time you take to ensure that our community remains a place where everyone can thrive.

Issue 085

P9

Your City, Your News - Bath Echo

Crossword

Congratulations to Joel Lees-Massey for winning £20!

You can find the answers to last issue's crossword on page 20.

Complete our crossword for your chance to win £20!

Across 1 Its capital is Pristina (6) 5 Sleeper's curse (3,5) 9 Misbehaving divas eject parts of speech (10) 10 Bluebottles (4) 11 Decay (7) 12 Musical drama (5) 15 "You're welcome" (2,8) 16 Emaciated (4) 17 Picked up the bill (4) 19 Rumour mills (10) 21 Point in question (5) 23 Type of thinking (7) 26 Creep (4) 27 Some urban dwellings (10) 28 Longing (8) 29 Quit (6)

Down 2 Decommissioned River Severn nuclear power station (7) 3 Set aside by a higher authority (9) 4 Too far away (3,2,5) 5 Group of birds (4) 6 Partial darkness (4) 7 Summarize (5) 8 Non-prescription analgesic (7) 13 UAE city sounds like an invitation to spend (5) 14 Profited (10) 16 Improves (9) 18 It proverbially encourages fondness (7) 20 Corresponds (7) 22 Wedding aide (5) 24 Get in position to take off (4) 25 Put on the wall (4)

Entering our competition - via email or post For your chance to win £20, submit your full name, postal address and answers by email to puzzles@bathecho.co.uk or via post to: Crossword Competition 2308, Bath Echo, PO Box 5395, Bath, BA1 0YA The winner will be the first randomly opened entry with the correct answers on 04/09/2024.

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

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Food & Drink

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

Food Writer

Tasty Dates For Your Diary Bank Holiday party on at the Pig and Fiddle (Saracen Street) this Sunday 25th August: live music, a barbecue, an outside bar and free entry all day from noon-10pm.

While we're on the subject of Pig and Fiddling: grab a free starter or pudding with every roast ordered after 3pm on Sundays, and buy two 250ml glasses of Paddock Shiraz or Chardonnay and get the rest of the bottle free every day of the week. Cheers! https://bit.ly/3yAsQBC Tuck into an 8oz prime sirloin steak served with Béarnaise sauce, salt and pepper fries and a glass of wine for just £25 at the highly-acclaimed Hudson Steakhouse (London Street) every Tuesday-Thursday from 5pm-7pm. www.hudsonsteakhouse.co.uk

Tap into the next monthly Tap Takeover at Kingsmead Street Bottle (Kingsmead Street, Kingsmead Square) on Friday 30th August and acquaint yourself with a wide range of Burning Sky beers including the farmhousestyle and sour varietals that set the brewery apart from their contemporaries. https://bit.ly/3LS8Kpt Enjoy 50% off the a la carte menu at Japanese-themed foodie hotspot Robun (George Street) every Sunday-Thursday until Thursday 29th August.

Meanwhile, kids eat free between 12noon-6pm every MondaySaturday and all day Sunday until Sunday 1st September, house cocktails are 2 for £12 all day Friday-Saturday until 5pm and you get a free glass of Prosecco

on arrival when you book a table for lunch or dinner simply by quoting SUMMER (terms and conditions apply to all offers; visit website for details). www.robun.co.uk Klaxon! Not only does the fabulous Italian foodie haven that is Avellino's Italian Deli and Cafe now serve proper pizzas freshly made to order from 11am-close every day, but they've extended their opening hours and are now at your service all the way through until 8pm every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. facebook.com/Avellinos123 Much-loved, super-pretty make merry at the Locksbrook Inn (Locksbrook Road)! Buy two large glasses of wine on a Wednesday

and get the rest of the bottle for free, enjoy a free drink with any burger on Thursdays and/or buy one Salcombe 'Start Point' Gin and any Fever Tree Tonic on a Sunday and get one half price all the way through until Sunday 29th September. www.thelocksbrookinn.com If you haven't had a samosa from Chai Walla (Kingsmead Square) you can't call yourself a true Bath foodie – and samosa fans across UK can now jump on the bandwagon. Order Niraj's Naughty Samosas and chutneys, freshly made, fast-frozen and delivered directly to your doorstep (free shipping on your first order). nirajsnaughtysamosas.co.uk “A wonderful marriage of modern

Indian cooking and seasonal British ingredients“: it's all going on at The Mint Room (Lower Bristol Road) on Monday 23rd September, when Humayun Hussain – one of the UK’s leading exponents of Indian food and restaurants – hosts Treasures of the Sea: a glorious event featuring an exclusive menu that puts guest superchef Saurav Nath's skills in the spotlight (£60pp, advance booking essential) www.themintroom.co.uk Melissa regularly reviews restaurants across Bath. You can find out more at: www.theprandialplayground.uk Follow Melissa on X Find her @ThePigGuide

Recipe: Roasted Butternut Squash with Goats' Cheese If you're not a fan of feta, goats' cheese, blue cheese or Brie work equally well in this super-seasonal veggie supper – the method remains the same whatever your cheese of choice.

Ingredients (serves 2) • 1 large butternut squash • 1 clove garlic, peeled and crushed • 2 tbsp olive oil • 1 pinch of dried chilli flakes • 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves • 1 large courgette, cut into 2cm chunks • 1 large red pepper, deseeded and cut into bite-sized chunks • 1 large red onion, peeled and chopped into chunks • 100g cherry tomatoes • 50g toasted hazelnuts, crushed • 150g feta cheese, crumbled • 2 tbsp breadcrumbs • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped • 2-3 tbsp parmesan

Method • Preheat the oven to 190c/gas mark 5.

• Cut the squash in half lengthways, scoop the seeds out and, using a sharp knife, make criss-cross patterns over the cut side of each half, taking care not to cut through the skin. Place the cut squash skin-side down in a roasting tin (you may want to slice a ½ cm sliver off the bottom of the squash to keep it level). Mix the garlic, olive oil, chilli and thyme together and brush the mixture over the butternut squash flesh.

• Tumble the prepared courgettes, pepper and onions together in another roasting tin, drizzle with around 1 tbsp olive oil and season well.

• Slide both the squash and the mixed vegetables into the oven for around 30-40 minutes, adding the cherry tomatoes and crushed toasted hazelnuts to the mixed vegetables after around 25 minutes and giving the medley a good remix. When roasting time is up, you want the butternut squash to be tender and the roast vegetables just starting to caramelise around the edges.

• While all that's happening, mix the breadcrumbs, parsley and parmesan together. When all the vegetables have cooked, remove both trays from the oven and fill the squash with the roasted vegetable mixture. Divide the feta cheese equally across both halves and top with the breadcrumb mix.

• Bake for a further 10 minutes or until golden and bubbling on top, and serve with a well-dressed green salad.

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P12

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Review

Hudson Steakhouse

The rib eye steak at the Hudson Steakhouse

14 London Street, Bath BA1 5BU 01225 332323 www.hudsonsteakhouse.co.uk I'm not even going to attempt to guess how many restaurants have come and gone in Bath over the past two decades.

But throughout all the comings, goings, fashions, fads, recessions and even a pandemic, the Hudson Steakhouse has lit up a historic building on the corner of London Street for some 20+ years – and it's easy to see why this Bath institution remains to be a muchloved, highly acclaimed stalwart of the Bath restaurant and bar scene.

The Hudson is seductive from the get-go; the sparkling street level bar and casual dining area – all polished wood, potted palms, shimmering chandeliers and subtly quirky, artful flourishes – immediately wraps you up in what feels like a cashmere shawl of laid-back conviviality. The similarly-decorated first floor main dining room, meanwhile, offers a masterclass in timeless, relaxed chic, supplemented by a buzzing open kitchen that adds theatre without dominating proceedings and big windows that offer traffic-free views directly across to Hedgemead Park which, on the evening we visited, looked lusciously verdant

in the late sunshine.

Although The Hudson feels like a grown-up experience, a crossgenerational appeal at the heart of the matter keeps long-established Hudson fans (and they are legion), date night smoochers, families and up-and-coming young foodies alike all very happy indeed; they're all having their own Hudson experience without anybody impinging on anybody else's party. And the menus underpin that vibe: a neat, intelligent selection that, while focusing heavily on steaks including the tempting Tuscan Butterfly Fillet and the lesserspotted New York Double Cut, offers a neat little array of less carni-centric alternatives too (a burger that's gotta rate as one of the best in Bath; a solid fish dish; a thoughtful vegetarian option), guaranteeing an all-inclusive party.

When is a steak-based starter not just a steak-based starter? When it's the Hudson's version of Thai beef salad: a supremely elegant combination of super-soft beef fillet relaxing in a divine muddleup that brings fresh mint, fresh coriander, chilli, cashew nuts and a beautifully-balanced Thaiinspired dressing together in perfect harmony.

We shared a dish of huge, juicy tempura tiger prawns and super-

crisp calamari with creamy, subtly spicy dipping sauce too; both starters will linger long in my foodie memory bank.

But oh, those steaks! A massive, manly, richly-marbled, robustlyflavoured rib eye for him and, for me, a prime fillet that – and honestly, I'm not just relying on a careworn cliché here – literally cut like butter and offered a similar texture laden with that delicately meaty/sweet flavour that only prime fillet, treated well from farm to plate, offers.

We shared luxurious truffle parmesan fries too, and buttery

green beans livened up with toasted almonds. And even after all that, we shared the Hudson's legendary Espresso Chocolate Mousse (think, the most grownup chocolate mousse you've ever encountered) and a Lemon Panna Cotta that had Italy embedded deep in its DNA. Yes for sure, it's easy to see why this Bath institution remains a much-loved, highly acclaimed stalwart of the Bath restaurant and bar scene.

Bring on the next 20 years.

Reviewer: Melissa Blease

The Thai beef salad is the ideal starter

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Issue 085

P13

Your City, Your News - Bath Echo

What's On

Friday 23rd August - Thursday 5th September 2024

Music by the Great Bath

A Celebration in Song

Bath Recitals - Bank Holiday Prom

Free Community Music Festival

Roman Baths 23rd – 26th August, 7-9pm Add a touch of magic to your bank holiday weekend with music by the Great Bath. The Bath Spa String Quartet will perform as part of the Summer Lates evening opening.

Christ Church 24th August, 7pm The Royal School of Church Music Bath Course 2024. Celebrate the joy of singing with the 90 young people taking part in this year’s Royal School of Church Music’s annual summer course.

St Michael’s Without 24th August, 7.30pm Handel's Coronation Anthems by candlelight. This Bank Holiday Prom presents a magnificent candlelit programme of music starring awardwinning soprano Emilie Parry-Williams.

Komedia 25th August, 5.45pm Join the 2nd Rock Edition of this series of free community music events.

Presenting five bands across two stages, this mini festival will run from 5:45pm 10:15pm and is open to all ages.

Solar Sunday

Beauty and the Beast

Open Farm Day 2024

An Evening with The Fourmost

Milsom Street 25th August, 10am–4pm Solar Sunday with the Bath Astronomers and Herschel Society. A free public event held on Milsom Street. The daylong celebration will include sun and space related crafts for all the family.

American Museum & Gardens 26th August, 6.30–8pm Enjoy a summer’s evening of outdoor theatre in the museum's spectacular gardens with valley views. Chapterhouse Theatre Company will be performing Beauty and the Beast.

Newton Farm 26th August, 10am-4pm A fun family day out for all ages, with many exciting activities planned.

Including live music from The Twerzels, tractor trailer rides, Chuffy the Train, games, demonstrations and more.

Iestyn Davies

Elevate 2024 Festival

An Evening with Elif Shafak

CrossRhythm

Ustinov Studio 2nd & 3rd September Iestyn Davies is a British countertenor widely recognised as one of the world’s finest singers celebrated for the beauty and technical dexterity of his voice and intelligent musicianship.

Various Locations 2nd – 7th September The Elevate Festival welcomes and connects theatre companies, performers, and audiences from across the region. Including comedy, drama and scratch performances.

Bath Pavilion 3rd September, 7pm Elif Shafak is an award-winning British Turkish novelist whose work has been translated into 55 languages and is a bestselling author in numerous countries around the world.

Burdall’s Yard 3rd September, 7pm CrossRhythm are returning to Burdall’s Yard. This time they will be bringing a lively night of classics played from a range of genres such as funk, disco and jazz.

Art

Brief Encounter

The Sound of Springsteen

The Geology of Hogwarts

Theatre Royal 3rd - 7th September With comedian Seann Walsh, Chris Harper and Aden Gillett, Iqbal Khan directs a brand-new production of Yasmina Reza's clever and hilariously funny play ART.

Mission Theatre 3rd - 7th September, 7.30pm Noël Coward’s Brief Encounter remains one of the screen’s greatest ever love stories, its timeless, sensitive portrayal of an impossible affair enthralling generations.

The Forum 4th September, 7.30pm Celebrate 40 years since the iconic Born in The USA album was first released with the theatre production The Sound of Springsteen. Crafted to transport you back to the golden age of rock 'n' roll.

BRLSI 5th September, 7.30pm Unlock the magic of geology by exploring landscapes from the world of Harry Potter to understand more about the geology of the Highlands, and where the castle may be located.

Bathscape Walking Festival to return with more than 60 events THE Bathscape Walking Festival is set to return next month, with more than 60 events on offer for families, groups and solo walkers.

Alongside new walks, there will also be the usual urban tree walks, wellbeing walks and bat walks at the festival, which runs from Saturday 7th September to Sunday 22nd September.

Foodies will enjoy the strangely titled Start with Cake, end with Cheese with a river and a hill in the middle. It is a 5.5 mile circular walk that starts at the Bath Soft Cheese Shop café at Kelston and follows a route along the banks of the River Avon towards Bristol and Kelston Mill, through North Stoke and up the Cotswold Way to Kelston Roundhill.

Another circular walk that is new for this year is a 9.5 mile walk titled A Folly, a Quaint Village and Some Engineering, which starts opposite the Crown pub in Bathford and takes in Monkton Farleigh, Dundas Aqueduct, Brassknocker Hill, Bathampton Woods and descends down the old quarry railroad to Bathampton and back to the starting point.

Map Skills for Beginners on Wednesday 18th September is for anyone who is keen to build confidence using maps to navigate and plan countryside walks.

Led by Nicole from Cotswolds National Landscape, the event starts indoors looking at the history of maps, key features and symbols of Ordnance Survey maps and includes a local walk using your new skills to navigate.

Youngsters can sign up for an hour of After School Fun at Twerton Roundhill on Thursday 19th September and enjoy bug hunting during the climb to the top before finishing in the play area. Booking is advisable for this walk and there will be healthy snacks provided.

Jane Austen fans can follow in her footsteps on the 90-minute Tales from Charlcombe walk on Sunday 15th September.

Members of the new community group managing the area will lead participants through the deep grassy meadows full of butterflies and the woodlands where bats, badgers and deer make their home.

Kirsten Elliott will lead several walks around the city including Under Bridges, Over Bridges, Meandering Free on Thursday 12th September, a three-hour, 5 mile afternoon stroll exploring old and new bridges.

Windows 2: The Sequel to Windows and Things, builds on a walk she led in 2021 that outlined the story of windows. It will start at Bath Abbey – called the Lantern of the West thanks to

its spectacular acreage of glass – and explore windows of all kinds including shop windows and other historical details.

Councillor Tim Ball, cabinet member for neighbourhood services, said: “The Bathscape Walking Festival is a wonderful opportunity to showcase Bath as a walkable landscape city.

“The majority of the walks are free of charge and a support service for walkers with a visual impairment was offered for the first time last year.

“I would encourage everyone to take part and enjoy the health and mental wellbeing benefits of being out in the fresh air and exploring unique aspects of the city and the surrounding countryside.”

The full programme of walks can be found at https://bit. ly/4g46nxE There are a number of walks with accessibility features; some walks have BSL interpreters and written notes on request or are suitable for people using wheelchairs, and others include the ability to book a trained guide to assist blind/visually impaired people.

Assistance dogs are welcome on all walks that are suitable.

The Walks 2024 Summary, which can be downloaded, lists the features of each walk, or you can email info@bathscape.co.uk or call 01225 477265.

Chapel Arts Centre 29th August, 8pm Join the UK’s most authentic 60s band performing the very best hits from the golden era, including their own chart hits, Hello Little Girl, I’m In Love and Baby I Need Your Loving.

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Community

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

Almshouse resident knits historical mice for anniversary A ST John’s Foundation almshouse resident has knitted 25 mice based on historical figures to celebrate the Bath-based charity’s 850th anniversary.

Joan Wilkinson, who met Queen Camilla, the charity’s Patron, over tea and cake when Her Majesty attended a special Service of Celebration at Bath Abbey in February, has also dedicated one of the mice to her.

A resident at the charity’s Chapel Court Almshouse accommodation in central Bath, Joan has been an avid knitter for 80 years, since her grandfather taught her.

She spent five months on the project, using knitting patterns from the late 90s to create the mice.

The mice feature outfits from throughout the 850 years of St John’s history, from medieval times to Georgian times, and right up to the modern day, including the charity’s founder, Bishop Fitzjocelyn, Queen Victoria, and King Charles and Queen Camilla.

Joan asked her granddaughter and one of St John’s Good Living

Advisors, Fern Phillips, to help research the dates and costumes of historical figures for the mice.

The 88-year-old said: “Some of my favourite mouse figures are the pilots from 1900 and the flapper girl from the 1920s.

“The project has been challenging at times, and I’ve got a few glue gun burns on my fingers from making the costumes, but I have enjoyed it immensely, and it’s lovely to look back through St John’s history.”

On meeting Her Majesty the Queen, Joan added: “The Queen is a very nice and down to earth lady.

It was absolutely lovely that she walked around the room and spoke to all of us, and I will remember the day for a long time.

“I was glad to get a photo with Queen Camilla too. She’s shaking my hand, so I’ll definitely keep it!”

The historical mice are not Joan’s first knitting project since becoming a resident at St John’s.

Every Monday, she attends a knitting session as part of the charity’s vibrant Good Living Service Activity Programme, which features activities and

Left: The royal mice | Above: Joan with her knitted mice | Photos © St John’s Foundation

events designed to support wellbeing and independent living for older adults in the community.

Over the last couple of years, she has raised £500 for Parkinson’s UK by selling knitted dolls and baby clothes. She also knits for her friends and has created baby shawls for three of St John’s Good

Living staff members who had babies last year.

Now, she is working on some jumpers for these children’s first birthdays.

Joan explained: “My Grandpa Petey taught me to knit when I was four years old. I was evacuated during the war and went to live with my grandparents, and he

learned to knit from making his own socks when he was in the army.

“At our village school we also knitted socks and scarves for the Merchant Navy. When I was working and raising my family, I didn’t have much time for knitting, but now it is one of my favourite hobbies!”

Canal charity undertakes repairs to Pair banned from lock along the River Avon in Bath Waitrose area for antisocial behaviour DIVERS have been undertaking repair work at Weston Lock on the River Avon, along with inspections to help inform future maintenance at the site.

The Grade II listed lock, which is maintained by Canal & River Trust, is one of 104 locks between Bristol and the River Thames at Reading which make up the Kennet & Avon Canal.

Dating back nearly 300 years, the lock required repairs to one of the ‘paddles’ – the trap door which boaters navigating the waterway operate to empty the lock of water.

A specialist dive team went below the surface of the canal to temporarily remove the paddle from the lock gate.

This allowed the charity’s bankside maintenance team to make the repairs before the divers once again fixed the paddle back in its place below the waterline.

The diving team were also able to conduct an inspection ahead of future maintenance at the lock, while also removing weeds, timber and other impediments around the lock gates which were impacting the filling time of the lock.

The use of divers, rather than having to install temporary dams and drain the canal completely, minimised disruption for boaters

The Waitrose store at The Podium in Bath

Weston Lock on the River Avon | Photo © Canal & River Trust

as the lock was fixed and back open after only a brief closure.

The repairs to the paddle on the lock gate will improve boaters’ experience of using the lock, which is one of the deepest on the navigation, lowering or raising boats over nine feet.

Rob Labus, contract manager south at Canal & River Trust, said: “Weston Lock is nearly three centuries old and is still in daily use by boaters on the waterway.

“It is vital we carry out repairs and complete inspection work like this so that the navigation continues to be available for boaters and for the benefit of the

local community.

“Using divers in this way is costeffective and saves on the time needed for the navigation to be stopped.

“The lock is a remarkable piece of engineering, and we hope the repairs undertaken will make the lock easier to use.

“The challenge of keeping the amazing piece of heritage open and available is a never ending challenge and we are calling on people to support Canal & River Trust and help keep canals alive for today’s boaters, the local communities they run through, and for future generations.”

Becky Feather Reporter

TWO people have been banned from the area around Waitrose and The Podium car park in the city centre for two years after repeated incidents of antisocial behaviour.

Devon Corpe, 28, and Rebecca Morgan, 40, both of no fixed address, were issued with Criminal Behaviour Orders at Bath Magistrates’ Court on Monday 5th August.

Police say the pair’s actions, which included discarding drug paraphernalia in and around Waitrose and the car park, have caused distress to members of the

public, including young families.

Inspector Jon Nash, of the Bath & North East Somerset Policing Team, said: “We take your concerns around anti-social behaviour extremely seriously.

“The behaviour of these two individuals has been both alarming and intimidating to those who have witnessed it on the way to work or to the shops, and this is not acceptable.

“Thanks to a robust evidential package, including continued reporting and impact statements from The Podium staff, we successfully secured the conviction.”

Anyone who feels affected by anti-social behaviour can report it via https://bit.ly/4fQrtzo

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Stairs and walkways behind Jolly’s are deemed ‘Health & Safety risk’

Historic Guildhall to host wedding showcase

Couples can find out more about the options available to them

The Jolly’s store on Milsom Street

Becky Feather Reporter

METAL stairs and walkways to the rear of the Jolly’s House of Fraser store in Bath are considered to be a Health & Safety risk and there are plans to remove them.

It follows “significant” problems inside the Grade II listed Milsom Street store which came to light in separate planning applications earlier this year.

At the time, Bath & North East Somerset Council, as the property’s landlord, gave an assurance that safety measures were in place following issues last year of water pouring in and broken panes of glass falling into the trading area.

The council recently secured permission to carry out repair and alteration work to a total of

five skylights.

The latest issue involves the metal stairs and platforms attached to the part of the store from 9 to 14 Milsom Street.

A report compiled by architects on behalf of the council says there is no record of when they were built, but they are present on drawings from 1960, so it is assumed they date from the postwar period.

The report says: “These metal structures on the rear of Milsom Street are considered to be a Health & Safety risk in their current condition, with signs of corrosion to the metal supports and fixings, as well as the walkways themselves.

“The metal attachments have been present for several years but there is no record of structural or other regular testing for safety being carried out.

“Apartment residents currently

have unauthorised access to the roof of the Jolly’s House of Fraser store via these stairs (the roof contains historic and fragile roof glazing and coverings) therefore it has security and safety considerations for both residents and the store tenant.

“The current metal structures and fixing supports make maintenance of adjacent roofs and rainwater goods impossible in certain instances.

“The corrosion of the metalwork is staining and damaging the adjacent Bath stone fabric.”

Some stone repairs will be required.

The report says the plans do not include the removal of external stairs/walkways outside the retail areas.

The planning reference is 24/03054/REG13 and the deadline for any comments on the proposals is 13th September.

COUPLES across the Bath area are being invited to ‘save the date’ this September for a wedding showcase event at the historic Guildhall in the city centre.

Visitors can look around the Guildhall Registration suite including the register office room and ceremony rooms.

Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Registrations team is organising the event on Sunday 15th September, from 10.30am to 2.30pm.

Registrars will greet visitors with a welcome drink and be on hand to answer any questions couples might have about their special day.

Local suppliers are exhibiting on the day including photographers, florists and make-up artists as well as representatives from some of the 31 approved wedding ceremony venues in the district.

To book your free tickets and reserve your place, visit https:// bit.ly/3McG1vv Councillor Tim Ball, cabinet member for neighbourhood services, said: “It’s good to see this great event is back again for

another year.

“It gives couples the opportunity to visit the Guildhall which is a wonderful place in the heart of our city to get married. It also enables couples the chance to speak with our fantastic and knowledgeable team of registrars and gain invaluable advice to help them plan their special day.

“They will also get the chance to speak to a range of local suppliers who are there to help create their perfect wedding day.”

The Registration rooms available for ceremonies in the Guildhall are The Alkmaar Room, The Jane Austen Room and the Abbey View Room which are all available throughout the week, and The Georgian Room which is available on Fridays and Saturdays.

The ceremony rooms in the Guildhall are suitable for parties of two to 118 guests, so there is something for almost everyone.

Prices for ceremonies including registrars and use of a ceremony room start from £420.

For more information on the event, call 01225 477234 or email register_office@bathnes.gov.uk

Care home staff take on gruelling Tough Mudder challenge STAFF at a care home in Bath have taken part in a gruelling Tough Mudder challenge, raising more than £700 to support activities and trips for residents.

Harriet Law, Emma Richer, Amy Jacobs, Claire Stocker and Rebekah Nicholson all work at MHA Stratton House on Park Lane, and took part in the event at the Badminton Estate.

Tough Mudder creates hardcore obstacle courses in either a 5k or 15k format, designed to test allaround strength, stamina, and mental grit.

The four were joined by colleagues from MHA Horfield Lodge, Meg Hopgood and Kim Woods as well as two partners.

MHA Stratton House offers residential care for 33 residents The total amount raised was £710.00, which will go towards

the home’s amenities fund from which activities and trips will be arranged for residents.

Speaking after the challenge, Harriet Law, who works as an administration manager, said: “We had an amazing time during the challenge and are already thinking of doing it again next year. The support we received was phenomenal and it was an amazing feeling to smash the target.

“We all felt very proud to represent MHA and the reaction we got when we came back to the home was priceless.”

Emma Richer, the deputy home manager, added: “It was very tiring, but so worth it. We were very nervous prior to the Completing the Tough Mudder challenge | Photo courtesy of MHA Stratton House

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challenge, but we helped each other out and got through it.

“It was very muddy, it took us

around three hours to complete but it was a great experience.

“On behalf of the home, we

want to thank everyone for their support and look forward to doing it again.”

Advertising Feature

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El Mistico; Magic Trickery, Mind Reading and Comedy Hypnosis at Komedia THERE’S a very different show performing at Komedia on Tuesday 17th September 2024.

The Poldark Show Presents El Mistico; an evening of magic trickery, mind reading and comedy hypnosis, featuring International Cabaret and Master Stage Hypnotist, Poldark and award-winning, Magic Circle member, Magician and Mind Reader Angus Baskerville.

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tonight for weeks, announces that she’s going to volunteer, she has always been curious about hypnosis.

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friend takes a seat on the stage.

Twenty or so volunteers are ready to be a part of something special at Komedia tonight.

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yacht; and strangers get drunk on water at the imaginary bar, whilst they speak another language.

After Poldark wakes his volunteers, the real stars of the show, your best friend returns to her seat and explains how relaxed she feels after being on stage for what she thought was about 10 minutes, despite it being two hours. Excitedly you show her some videos and she’s laughing away at them, particularly at the point where she quits her job after her jubilantly celebrating winning the lottery!

Not only lots of fun comedy, there was so much more which is unexplainable; there’s genuine moments of amazement and

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wonder, which you are struggling to understand and that last act, “wow, how does he do that”.

You choose how you enter the world of comedic hypnosis, as a spectator in the audience or as a volunteer on stage to bring the entertainment to life. El Mistico is mystical; it's a unique unforgettable performance; it’s mesmerising, it’s spellbinding, it’s a show that will literally blow your mind!

Head on over to the website www.poldarkshow.com or YouTube channel www.youtube. com/@PoldarkShow to see a snapshot of what you’ll expect to experience at El Mistico and hear from previous audience members. El Mistico takes place at Komedia for one night only on Tuesday 17th September, 2024.

The show starts at 7.30pm with doors opening at 7.00pm.

With 10% off tickets for readers of Bath Echo, it’s your opportunity to experience a show like never before. Head to the Komedia website www.komediabath. co.uk and enter MISTICO10 to redeem your discount.

El Mistico is a clean, fun and family-friendly show, however has a recommended age of 14+ accompanied by an adult.

Seeing is believing.

Come and see.

P18

Friday 23rd August - Thursday 5th September 2024

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Health National award recognition for support workers at the RUH THREE support workers at the Royal United Hospital in Bath have been recognised with national awards, marking the outstanding care they provide to patients.

The ‘Chief Nursing Officer and Chief Midwifery Officer Awards’ reward the significant and outstanding contribution made by nurses, midwives, healthcare support workers and maternity support workers in England and their exceptional contribution to nursing and midwifery practice.

RUH healthcare support workers Gregory Jessop, Leah Moyle and Andreena Anderson were presented with the awards

by Sally Matravers, Regional Deputy Director of Nursing and Quality, alongside RUH Chief Nursing Officer Toni Lynch, on Thursday 8th August.

All three were celebrated for being role models for their profession, demonstrating commitment and compassion, and acting as ambassadors for best practice.

Toni said: “Healthcare support workers are at the heart of the RUH, making a real difference every day to the lives of the people they care for and the colleagues they support.

“I am immensely proud that

Leah, Gregory and Andreena have been recognised with these national awards. It is a true reflection of their dedication and compassion.

“I have heard inspiring accounts from their teams about the impact they have on the people we care for, and on their colleagues too. They are a true asset to the RUH”.

Gregory works as a healthcare support worker on William Budd Ward, where patients with cancer are cared for.

He was awarded the Working Together for Patients Award for consistently going above and beyond to support his colleagues to deliver the highest possible patient care.

Gregory’s team said: “Greg exemplifies commitment, compassion, and integrity. His motivation is never for praise but purely for getting the best outcomes for patients and staff.

“He is always looking for opportunities to improve patient care and has introduced a number of key initiatives which have improved the way the team shares information, benefiting both staff and patients.

Left: Andreena receiving her award | Below: Leah with Sally Travers | Above: Gregory Jessop | Photos © RUH

“He has also taken a leading role in mentoring newer members of the team and is a hugely supportive colleague.”

Leah works in the Palliative Care team which provides support to patients who are at or near the end of their life.

Leah received the Compassion Award for consistently providing outstanding care to patients and colleagues alike.

Leah’s team said: “Leah embodies compassion and patient-centred care, supporting patients and their families through a very difficult time and ensuring that

their individual needs and wishes are met.

“Alongside her clinical role, Leah spends a lot of time with the staff on all the wards helping develop and upskill members of the team so that they too can provide the best possible care.”

Andreena has worked in the RUH’s Paediatric department caring for young children for over 15 years. Andreena received the Everyone Counts Award for championing equality, diversity, and inclusion in everything she does.

Andreena’s team said: “Andreena demonstrates empathy, compassion, and strong advocacy for patients and families, even in

challenging situations, making her an invaluable asset to the team.

“She is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment and ensuring that all patients receive equal access to the care and support they need, regardless of their circumstances.

“This is particularly evident through her work with patients who have mental illness, where Adreena has acted as an advocate, ensuring their individual needs and wishes are understood and met.

“She also acts as a buddy for new colleagues to help them feel welcome and confident as they join the team.”

Golf club partners with private Families being invited hospital for healthy living campaign to ‘glow up’ for RUHX fundraising event

BATH Clinic, the city’s only private hospital, has partnered with Bath Golf Club to launch a new healthy living campaign.

The hospital, which is part of Circle Health Group, will be working alongside the golf club to support the health and wellbeing of local residents.

Two events have been planned for later this year, focused on women’s and men’s health.

Bath Golf Club is one of the oldest clubs in the UK, with the 18-hole course first opening to members in the 1880s.

As the club’s health partner of choice for the campaign, members, friends, family, and the wider community will be supported by Bath Clinic’s teams of doctors and allied clinical specialists.

This will include specialist physiotherapy support at the club’s autumn meeting this September.

The two planned events will feature doctors and staff from Bath Clinic guiding members and guests through the treatments available for common conditions.

Commenting on the partnership, Bath Golf Club Chairman,

The Bath Clinic | Photo courtesy of Circle Health Group

Graham Feltham, said: “Bath Golf Club, known locally as Sham Castle – is one of our region’s premier golf clubs and we are delighted to partner with Bath Clinic for this campaign.

“Many of our members have already benefitted from the fast, high-quality services on offer at the outstanding facility in Combe Down.

“We look forward to a highly successful and beneficial relationship in the future.”

Kogie Nadioo, Executive Director

of Bath Clinic, said: “We are delighted to partner with Bath Golf Club.

“At a time when we live much busier and stressful lives, outlets like golf play an integral role in maintaining our health and wellbeing.

“We share the same values and commitment to providing a platform for our community in Bath. We look forward to working closely to promote health, wellbeing, and fitness throughout this campaign.”

FAMILIES across the Bath area are being invited to ‘glow up’ in aid of the official charity of the Royal United Hospital as part of a brand new Glow Run event on 25th October.

Organised by RUHX, the Glow Run is an accessible 3km at Odd Down Sports Ground in Bath, suitable for all ages and abilities.

The 3km follows two laps of the tarmacked cycle track at Odd Down Sports Ground, with colourful lights marking the way.

Children and families can choose to walk or run, with the route also suitable for wheelchairs, pushchairs and buggies.

On the night, a group warm-up will kick off the activities, along with face painting, light-up accessories and more.

Everyone taking part is encouraged to wear their best fancy dress or favourite neon outfits and asked to bring a torch to help light up the night for their local hospital.

Ellie Wilkinson, Events & Community Officer at RUHX, said: “The Glow Run is a brilliant opportunity for local families to

Image © RUHX

get active, have fun, and help to change lives at the RUH. “Every penny raised at the Glow Run helps us to do more for patients, staff and everyone in Bath and beyond.

“From state-of-the-art equipment to treat cancer patients in the new Dyson Cancer Centre, to diabetes packs that support newly diagnosed children.”

Tickets start at £7.50 and include a finisher’s medal.

You can sign up to take part at https://bit.ly/4dNxfQv

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Issue 085

Education

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Children’s centre upgraded by Ofsted to Good after inspection Becky Feather Reporter

OFSTED has upgraded First Steps Moorlands Children’s Centre in Bath following a recent inspection.

Last summer, the children’s centre in Moorfields Road had been told it needed to improve in all categories – for leadership and management, quality of education, children’s behaviour and attitudes, and their personal development.

But the latest report judges the childcare setting to be Good in all areas. There are 112 children on the roll at the centre, which opens Monday to Friday all year round.

It was first registered in 2004, employs 24 members of staff and takes children up to the age of four.

The inspector, who visited at the end of June, says staff create an “inspiring” learning environment for children.

Her report says: “Children arrive happy and thoroughly enjoy their time at this welcoming setting.

They form secure relationships with the kind and caring staff.

“Staff know children well and use their understanding of each child’s interests and development to create a well-sequenced curriculum that builds on their existing knowledge and skills.”

The report recognises that youngsters behave well, demonstrate awareness of healthy routines and have good table manners.

The inspector notes that the leadership and management team has made a number of improvements since the last inspection: “The team works closely to monitor the quality of practice in each room and ensure staff know their responsibilities and professional goals.

“Staff feel supported in their roles and strive to improve. All staff have attended training to further their teaching skills. This has enhanced the enjoyment of teaching and learning in all rooms.”

The report says that staff understand the importance of the use of children’s home language to support their language skills and sense of self: “Staff greet children in their home language each morning and use key words to support their understanding throughout the day.”

Assessments are used to monitor children’s progress effectively and identify areas needing further support.

Staff promptly refer children to professionals, such as speech and language therapists, to address and close gaps in learning.

Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are said to benefit from highquality, individualised support and care, ensuring they make good progress from their starting points and are well-prepared for the next stage in their learning.

The inspector also highlighted the “open and positive culture” around safeguarding at the centre that puts children’s interests first.

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Uni expands textbook donation scheme AN initiative run by the University of Bath which hopes to distribute surplus textbooks to support students in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and the Middle East has been expanded.

Readcycle Bath, which aims to ‘inspire reading, studying and sharing books for the global good’ by sending management and engineering textbooks to universities in Nigeria, has been widened to include Moi University in Eldoret, Kenya.

Dr Teslim Bukoye, Associate Professor in the School of Management and the driving force behind the project, said he was delighted to have been able to help students at Moi University with the book donations and that he hoped the project would be able to expand further.

Dr Bukoye, who is also the University of Bath’s Director of International Exchanges, said: “Kenya is a significant step but we would like to grow this project to encompass other countries in Africa, Asia, Caribbean and the Middle East – we are currently seeking more funding and

support.”

Professor Abraham Mulwo, Dean of the School of Information Sciences at Moi University, added: “Readcycle’s support will enrich our resources and contribute to the education and development of our students and faculty.

“The donated books will be instrumental in expanding the scope of our curriculum, facilitating research, and nurturing the intellectual growth of our students and faculty.

“This donation represents more than just a collection of books; it symbolises a partnership between our institutions in fostering academic excellence and promoting knowledge sharing.”

Dr Bukoye said the idea for Readcycle Bath was born when he and his colleagues moved into the new campus School of Management building and found, as they were clearing out their old offices, that many had recent editions of modern management textbooks that were no longer being used.

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Business

Buyers being put off £1.75m converted church Becky Feather

Reporter

A FIVE-BEDROOM converted church that’s currently on the market with a £1.75 million price tag is proving difficult to sell because there is no on-site parking.

As a result, a planning application has now been submitted to Bath & North East Somerset Council to demolish part of a wall to create access to provide parking for two cars at the former Claremont Methodist Church.

A report prepared as part of the planning application says the property, which is at the junction of Eastbourne Avenue and Tyning Lane in Larkhall, has been on the market for 16 months with two different agents.

It explains: “Unfortunately, due to a lack of on-site parking and the inability to install an electric vehicle charging point, the building remains on the market, with prospective purchasers being deterred by these factors, particularly as the nearby onstreet parking is often at capacity in the evenings and weekends.”

When planning permission was initially sought in 2022 for the change of use of the church to a

house, parking spaces were part of the proposal but were dropped due to concerns raised by the council’s conservation officer.

That in turn sparked an objection from the council’s highways department but in approving the scheme, the planning officers felt the shortfall of two parking spaces would not cause an unacceptable impact on local roads.

They said that the building was a church and community building for many years with no on-site parking and was likely to have drawn a higher parking need and number of trips compared to one house.

It was also felt that the site is in a sustainable location, within close walking distance of local amenities and public transport access to the city centre.

This new proposal to secure onsite parking includes removing a small section of the front boundary wall to create access from Eastbourne Avenue, along with installing an electric vehicle charging point, rebuilding the damaged front pillar and infilling the corner pedestrian accesses with the salvaged stone from the wall.

It also involves replacing the front close-boarded gate with a railing gate and replacing side boundary

Bath Quays | Photo © B&NES Council

moving its workforce into No.1 Bath Quays, providing a boost to the local economy and validating our commitment to support and regenerate our city centre.”

Callum Goodland, UK & Ireland Country General Manager at Motul, said: “We are delighted to open Motul’s first UK sales office in the historic and beautiful city of Bath.

“We feel the Bath Quays location reflects our company's values dating back to our founding way

Rebecca Dennis Partner, Goughs Solicitors

Your guide to employment rights under the new government

The converted church at the junction of Eastbourne Avenue

fencing with railings.

The report in support of the application says: “Since the change of use application was granted planning permission, there has been a material change in circumstances.

“A residents’ parking zone has been introduced in this area, which is indicative of the off-site parking problems that exist.

“Parking is often at capacity in the evenings and weekends, and any additional vehicles associated with this converted church would exacerbate this problem.

“The applicant would be willing to rescind its residents’ parking permits if planning permission is granted for on-site parking.”

The report says that Eastbourne Avenue is used as part of a rat

run for drivers trying to avoid the congested London Road: “Due to the limited passing places on Eastbourne Avenue, vehicles frequently drive at speed up and down this road trying to avoid oncoming traffic before it approaches in the opposite direction.

“Introducing more parked cars on the highway, which would reduce the opportunity for passing places, would be to the detriment of highway safety.”

The report adds that the application would result in a public benefit by removing cars parked on the road.

The planning reference is 24/03000/FUL. The deadline for people to comment on the proposals is 13th September.

Latest tenant for Bath Quays building revealed THE fourth business to take space at the prestigious No.1 Bath Quays office building has been announced as Motul, a French company specialising in lubricants for engines.

The business will be taking 1,067 sq ft feet of space when it moves into one of the ground floor units in the landmark Grade A site.

The new tenant will join software provider Altus and financial services consultancy Fidelius who moved in last year, and BMT a maritime-orientated highend design house and technical consulting firm that took space recently.

Councillor Paul Roper, cabinet member for economic and cultural sustainable development, said: “It is great news that Motul has chosen Bath to set up its first UK office and even better that it will be

Business Expert

back in 1863.

“Over the years, Motul has gained worldwide awareness as an official supplier to a great number of motor sport teams and Original Equipment Manufacturers.

“Today, the company remains a key partner of emblematic international racing competitions such as the Dakar Rally, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, MotoGP, Goodwood Revival and many others.

“A pioneer in its sector, Motul has always put innovation and progress at the heart of its strategy.

Facing a rapidly changing world, the company is now diversifying its activity in favour of better and more responsible mobility solutions.

“We look forward to welcoming our customers, partners and colleagues from around the globe to our new UK sales office.”

No.1 Bath Quays was the first new office block to be built in Bath in a generation and is a central element of the 4.5 acre Bath Quays regeneration project.

Knight Frank acted as the agent for Bath & North East Somerset Council at No.1 Bath Quays. The property and estate is managed

by Savills.

Polly Smart, Associate at Knight Frank, said: “The extraordinary quality of No.1 Bath Quays, partnered with its excellent transport links provided Motul the opportunity to acquire 1,000 sq ft in Grade A accommodation.

“I anticipate Motul will reap the benefits of locating here and thrive in their new environment.”

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The King’s Speech set out the legislative agenda for the new Labour Government.

Employment rights for employees will be enhanced.

Here is your short guide: The right to claim unfair dismissal will become a ‘day one’ right instead of the present two-year qualifying period.

Parental leave will become a ‘day one’ right along with a statutory right to bereavement leave.

The practice known as ‘fire and rehire’ which occurs when contractual terms need to be changed but are not agreed and are thus imposed unilaterally will become unlawful. Realistically this is a relatively rare and there is already a Code of Practice on Dismissal and Re-Engagement.

That said, the plan is to eradicate this practice.

It will become unlawful to dismiss a female within six months of return from maternity leave. It is assumed that redundancy will still be a fair reason to dismiss within this period.

There is a plan for a single enforcement body to enforce workers’ rights and another plan to extend the time limit for bringing tribunal claims to six months.

There is a clear commitment to ban ‘exploitative zero hours contracts’ and a change to the existing flexible working law to make it a default position, subject only to a reasonably feasible test.

Finally, there is a pledge to address trade union law to ‘strengthen the worker voice’.

This includes changing collective bargaining rights, the repeal of anti-strike legislation, a right of access to the workplace for unions and a duty to inform workers that they have a right to join a union.

This is a significant change in the landscape of industrial relations.

For advice on protecting yourself and your business, get in touch with employment law expert, Rebecca Dennis, Partner at Goughs Solicitors rebeccadennis@goughs.co.uk.

Goughs Solicitors 23 Pickwick Road, Corsham Wiltshire, SN13 9BH 01249 712193 info@goughs.co.uk

Issue 085

P21 21

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City hotel loses appeal to use outdoor terrace later at night

TIER rebrands as Dott across the region

BATHWICK boutique hotel The Bird has lost its appeal for customers to use the outdoor terrace later at night.

The planning appeal to the Secretary of State was lodged by the hotel’s owners, Kaleidoscope Bird Limited, against the decision of Bath and North East Somerset Council.

The terrace, which was previously part of the car park behind the hotel at 18-19 Pulteney Road, has seats, tables, lighting, heaters, and landscaping.

The council imposed a condition restricting the hours that the terrace can be used in order to protect people living nearby from noise and disturbance.

Permitted hours are from 8am to 9.30pm from Sunday to Wednesday and from 8am until 10pm Thursday to Saturday.

The owners of the detached hotel wanted to keep the terrace open until 10pm Sunday to Wednesday and until 11pm Thursday to Saturday.

Announcing her decision, the planning inspector said that although on a busy road, the area has large open spaces and residential buildings, and local residents would expect less disturbance than if located in the city centre.

She said: “The council’s

TIER, which operates e-bikes and e-scooters across the Bath and Bristol area, will be rebranding as Dott from 29th August, with users having to download a new app.

From the end of the month, users in the West of England will be directed to the Dott app to continue using the shared electric vehicles.

Following the merger of TIER and Dott at the start of 2024, the business has now decided to integrate all TIER vehicles into the Dott app.

Despite the new app for the users and rebranded vehicles, the local team, operations and service remain the same.

TIER-Dott currently operates in over 400 cities across 21 countries.

TIER users have been contacted via email and app with all the relevant information to ensure an easy transition to the Dott app.

Switching to Dott is done in a few steps: • After downloading the Dott app on the smartphone, users need to create an account.

• Then, all they have to do is add their payment details and they are ready to go.

• Users will also need to verify their driver’s licence to ride an e-scooter.

The Bird on Pulteney Road

environmental health officer objects to the proposal due to the proximity of residential premises and the potential for noise disturbance from both customers using the terrace.

“Residents of a neighbouring property have raised concerns.

It is suggested that they already experience unacceptable levels of noise and disturbance on an evening.”

The hotel owners had submitted a plan saying that no loud speakers or amplified music would be played outside; the sale of alcohol would be limited from 10am to 11pm, noise levels would be monitored with guests asked to lower noise or leave; clearing up after operating hours would be reduced; and notices displayed to respect neighbours.

The number of guests on the

terrace would also be reduced from 200 and a decibel meter installed to monitor noise levels.

The inspector said in her report: “The dispersal plan reflects a genuine desire on the part of the appellant to ensure that neighbours are not inconvenienced. But, as the plan largely indicates responses to disturbance, rather than stopping it happening, harm to the living conditions of nearby residents could still occur.”

She added: “Given that the lack of other commercial activities in the immediate vicinity, the introduction of later opening and activity in such close proximity to No. 17, would result in levels of noise and disturbance from customers that I consider would be harmful to the living conditions of those residents.”

Photo © TIER

If a user has already used Dott in the past, they can log in directly – if it’s been a while since their last trip, they’ll need to confirm their contact details.

The local team will also change all TIER branding to Dott, reflecting the transition to the new brand.

The joint team will carry out all operational work, such as battery changes, vehicle reworking, or rebalancing in the city.

Iqbal Ahmed, Head of Public Policy UK at TIER-Dott, said: “We are delighted to announce this step for the West of England and are confident that the integration of TIER and Dott will further advance shared micro-mobility in the region.

“This new phase brings benefits not only to the users, but also to the cities as a more reliable service.

“The aim of our shared service of e-bikes and e-scooters is to complement the public transport systems at a local level.”

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P22

www.bathecho.co.uk

Friday 23rd August - Thursday 5th September 2024

Politics

Public Notices

Bikers to be hit with ‘disproportionate’ charges John Wimperis

Local Democracy Reporter

BIKERS have warned they are set to be hit with “disproportionate” parking charges in and around Bath which will see them pay more to park than most cars.

Bath & North East Somerset Council introduced emissionsbased parking — where drivers pay extra to park depending on their vehicle’s emissions — at car parks in Bath in 2023.

Now the council wants to make £195,000 by rolling out emissionsbased parking charges to more locations, upping the prices at Bath car parks, and making people pay to park motorbikes and scooters for the first time.

The emissions-based charges are intended to ensure “the polluter pays” but bikers have warned they will end up paying more than drivers of more polluting cars.

The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) has warned that “commuter” motorbikes with smaller engine sizes could pay as much as luxury cars under the “frankly ridiculous” way the council plans to charge bikers.

Colin Brown, director of campaigns and political engagement at the Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) said: “The introduction of any parking charges is always going to be controversial.

“People who’ve never been charged before are obviously never going to want to be charged. But when you look at how it’s being implemented for Bath and North East Somerset, it appears to be disproportionate to another level.”

With emissions-based parking, pay and display machines look up a vehicle’s emissions from the DVLA and charge based on how much carbon is emitted or, if this information is not available, the capacity of the engine.

Mr Brown said that for nine out of 10 bikes on the road, the DVLA did not have any emissions data, meaning that most bikes would

Bikers could end up paying hundreds of pounds each month to park in Bath

be charged based on their engine size.

Under the council’s plans, bikes and scooters follow a separate banding system than cars, meaning bikes with smaller engines would pay the same amount as cars with larger engines.

A motorbike with an engine capacity over 600cc would be charged the maximum amount, the same as the largest most polluting cars with engines over 2951cc.

Mr Brown called it “frankly ridiculous”. He said: “Motorcycles will get charged more despite the fact that they are less polluting than cars.”

He added: “You have got a situation where somebody riding a 150cc moped is going to get charged the same as someone driving a one and a half litre car.

There is no comparison there in terms of the CO2 emissions.”

When the proposal was first suggested at a council meeting in March, Independent councillor for Midsomer Norton North Shaun Hughes — a biker himself with seven motorcycles — pushed the council on this point.

He said: “If we’ve got a young lad got himself a 125 scooter or even a 50cc scooter to get to Bath because he’s going to Bath College, he’s got his first job, or he’s got an apprenticeship, am I right in saying he’s going to have to pay potentially £15 a day to park — £300 a month?”

Manda Rigby, the council’s cabinet member for transport, said that it was a suggestion of what could be charged if there

was not emissions data on the DVLA system.

But she added: “We are going out to a consultation that says are we looking at this in the right way? Should we be charging motorbikes, and if so how should we be charging them?”

MAG has warned that the proposed bandings mean that bikes such as a Honda CB500F which does 82 miles to the gallon would pay the same as a Bentley Bantayga, which they said would do about 21 miles to the gallon.

Mr Brown said: “There’s various types of bikes but the kinds of bikes that are likely to be ridden into town centres and parked up in car parks are going to be commuter style bikes.

“We are not talking about fancy high-performance sports bikes and we are not normally talking about the large Honda Goldwing with all the panniers and the pillow seats and everything else that is used for long distance touring in America.”

He added: “When you set a charging policy, you’ve got to set some overall assumptions.

The assumptions that have been taken are wildly off.”

He argued motorcycles and scooters have traditionally been seen as part of the solution — not part of the problem — when it comes to congestion and air quality, as they produce less emissions and take up less space on the road and in parking spaces.

It is still the norm in most places that motorbikes are not charged to park, although Mr Brown said this was changing across the UK. One argument used by the council

was that some motorbikes were now so large they took up a whole parking bay. MAG also dismissed the claim as “manifestly not true”.

In July, Mr Brown and Geoff Mills, MAG’s western region transport policy officer, had a meeting with council officers over the plans at the council offices in Keynsham, travelling to the town on their motorbikes.

Mr Brown said his 865cc Triumph Speedmaster is one of the many bikes for which the DVLA holds no emissions information but he had looked it up and it produced 113 grams per kilometre of CO2.

He said: “The alternative I had was a one-litre eco-boost Ford car which emits 115 grams per kilometre. So the DVLA does hold that information, so Bath would be charging that at the lowest charging rate whereas the motorcycle — which although it produces slightly less emissions — would be charged at the highest band.

“So that’s the logic that’s been applied there.”

The charges would kick in from October. The consultation on the council’s parking plans closed on Thursday 8th August.

Launching the consultation in July, Councillor Rigby said: “Our review of parking charges across Bath and North East Somerset was agreed in February as part of setting the council’s budget for the coming financial year.

We are now asking for people’s comments on the wider roll-out of proposed emission-based charges across Bath and North East Somerset.

“Our aim is to improve air quality, reduce congestion and encourage other ways to travel across Bath and North East Somerset and these proposals would be another step in the right direction to achieve this.

“We know the effect pollutants from vehicle emissions have, and this is one of a number of policies we’ve implemented to improve air quality and encourage more people to use sustainable transport, like Bath’s Clean Air Zone and our liveable neighbourhoods.”

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR A GRANT OF PREMISES LICENCE UNDER THE LICENSING ACT 2003 Gianmarco Panza applied to Bath & North East Somerset Council on 12th August 2024 for a licence to use the premises at Avellinos Italian Deli 5 Cleveland Place East, Bath, BA1 5DJ for the sale by retail of alcohol in the shop opening time that would be: Monday from 2PM to 8PM, Tuesday from 9AM to 8PM, Wednesday from 9AM to 5PM, Thursday from 9AM to 8PM, Friday from 9AM to 8PM, Saturday from 9AM to 8PM and Sunday from 9AM to 5PM. Notification of the application made to the Licensing Authority is available on a register at www.bathnes.gov.uk/ licensing-register.

Representations should be made in writing to: Bath & North East Somerset Council Licensing Services Lewis House Manvers Street Bath BA1 1JG or by email to licensing@bathnes.gov.uk by 9th September 2024 Representations made will be disclosed in an open meeting should a hearing be necessary.

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

Dated: 13/08/2024

Green light for new waste units at Odd Down site PLANS for two new waste recycling units at the old Fullers Earth Works site at Odd Down have been approved by Bath & North East Somerset Council.

The site at Fosseway Environment Park, close to the Park & Ride, is run by Waste Recycling Bath, which said that adding two new units will help streamline operations and improve efficiency.

Processes that currently take place outside will move under the cover of the new buildings, which will be open on two sides.

Standing at 10.4 metres high, they will each measure 50 metres by 20 metres.

The scheme includes parking for 22 cars, nine LGVs and two HGVs. It also includes landscaping, screening and enhanced biodiversity. All existing trees will

be kept and there will be 31 new trees, along with areas of neutral grassland, wildflower meadows, an area of mixed scrub and three native hedgerows.

The site is within the Green Belt and the Cotswold National Landscape lies to the south.

Combe Hay Parish Council, which was consulted about the proposals, said the spoil piles at the site continue to alter the ridge

line and that no approval should be granted until they are removed and an acceptable solution to the issue of spoil is reached.

The Environment Agency had no objection to the new units.

The planners’ report said the new development is considered to be sited to minimise harm to the Green Belt and the proposed tree planting will strengthen the existing screening.

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Issue 085

P23

Your City, Your News - Bath Echo

Plan for ‘eyesore’ co-living site to be decided John Wimperis

Local Democracy Reporter

A PLAN to build 77 “eyesore” flats in the centre of Bath is set to be decided next week.

Developer Kosy Living is seeking permission to knock down a row of one-storey units off the bottom of Wells Road and build a four-storey “co-living” apartment building, with 77 studio apartments above two commercial units.

The building will be built of Bath stone with a “mansard roof inspired design”.

Council officers are recommending the plans be approved with some conditions, but 18 people have submitted objections urging Bath & North East Somerset Council’s planning committee to block the plans when it comes before them on Wednesday 28th August.

Jane Moss warned: “The existing commercial unit has aged kindly into a soft grey that merges with what trees and bushes exist nearby but the proposed fourstorey development would be unsightly and an incongruous eye-sore at the bottom of this row of Georgian houses.”

Thomas Robert Snelson warned that a large building in this location could damage the city’s World Heritage Site status, which specifically references the setting of the city in a hollow in the hills.

He said: “I cannot think of a single location more critical to this key part of Bath’s heritage status.

“No other part of Bath so

How the new development could look on Wells Road | Image © Kosy Co Living

completely embodies the notion of ‘where the countryside meets the city’ to the extent that this slogan is emblazoned on the welltrafficked pedestrian subway metres away from the proposed development.”

But planning officers said that, although it posed “a degree of harm” to the city’s heritage, the fact that there had previously been a Georgian house of similar size there was a mitigating factor.

Their report states: “Following careful review of harm posed and benefits of development, it is considered that heritage and landscape harm is outweighed by benefits in this instance.

“The development is found

to provide a high level of residential accommodation on a relatively compact site without resulting in significant harm to surrounding populations, the local environment or surrounding highway network.

This will represent efficient use of brownfield urban land.”

In a statement submitted with the application, Kosy Living said: “This co-living/co-working scheme would be the first of its kind in Bath, providing a muchneeded and positive addition to the type and availability of rented residential accommodation within the city.

“It would provide an additional choice of housing for young,

aspiring professionals and graduates, bringing with it the wellbeing benefits of being part of a community.”

Each of the studio apartments would have a fold-down bed, a moveable sofa, and kitchenette in one room, and a separate bathroom. The 77 studios would also share three larger kitchendining rooms, a gym, rooftop terrace, and ground-floor coworking space, covered under one rental payment.

Kosy Living said that co-living aims to meet the needs of “generation rent”, as people stay in rental accommodation for longer periods of their lives, and aims to be “a neighbourhood within a neighbourhood”.

Each studio will have space to store a bicycle but the building will only have seven car parking spaces: four for the commercial units, one accessible space, one for the “car club”, and one for deliveries.

An original proposal for a 96-studio building was withdrawn by the applicant after the council warned, in its pre-application response, that it would be “an overly dominant and inappropriate addition to this part of the conservation area”.

Bath & North East Somerset Council’s planning committee will meet at 11am on Wednesday 28th August in the council chamber at Bath Guildhall.

Business Directory Computers / IT

Planning Round-up

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Retrospective bid for gym and games room A retrospective planning application has been lodged with Bath & North East Somerset Council for a detached outbuilding in a garden at Lambridge. The site at 2 Bathway Meadows, London Road West, is within the Bath Conservation Area. The house itself is not in the Green Belt but the garden is.

Until last year there had been a storage outbuilding at the site which was removed as it was in a poor condition. The application says the new building, which measures 11 metres by four metres, is used as a gym and games room and has been “sensitively designed” to avoid any overlooking or views into any other buildings or gardens.

Two more HMOs proposed in Twerton Plans to turn a property in Twerton High Street into a house in multiple occupation (HMO) have been submitted.

The application for number 66 has been lodged by Rivers Birtwell who specialise in accommodation for students and young professionals.

Currently a three-bed house, the HMO will provide six single bedrooms and accommodate six sharers. There will be two bedrooms on the ground floor and four on the first floor. Communal space and two shower rooms with WCs are proposed. The site has parking for one vehicle in a garage to the rear.

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P24

www.bathecho.co.uk

Friday 23rd August - Thursday 5th September 2024

Sport

Upcoming Fixtures

Padel court scheme refused over noise impact John Wimperis

Local Democracy Reporter

PLANS to turn a tennis court in Bath into padel courts have been blocked by the council amid concern the louder noise of the racquets would harm neighbours’ mental health.

Padel is a sport similar to squash but played with a solid racquet.

Originally from Mexico, it has boomed in popularity since the Covid-19 lockdown and is one of the fastest-growing sports — but there is currently nowhere in Bath to play it.

The Lansdown Tennis, Squash, and Croquet Club said that 60 of their members were driving from Bath to Bristol regularly to play the sport.

But a planning application to create two padel courts at the club has been refused by Bath & North East Somerset Council.

The plans would have seen one of the club’s 11 tennis courts replaced by two padel courts and a mini tennis court. The padel courts would be surrounded by 3m high glazed glass to reduce noise — but would have been just 3.5 metres away from the nearest house.

Padel is becoming very popular

Representing the neighbours at the council’s planning committee on 31st July, Tessa Hampton, of Context Planning, said: “Padel tennis generates a much greater level of noise and disturbance than tennis due to the hard bats and pressurised balls which constantly rebound against the court walls.”

Lansdown Club member John Morgan said: “What you actually hear is gunfire-like noise” and illustrated his point in the meeting by knocking loudly on the table.

Meanwhile, neighbour John Baxter added that padel courts would harm his “right of a peaceful life,” adding: “When we moved here in 2006 the application site was a quiet croquet lawn.”

But representing the club, Tom Rocke told councillors that the

club had been there for 140 years, pre-dating many of the surrounding homes.

He said: “There can be few more appropriate places to extend and diversify opportunities for outdoor racquet sports for residents of Bath than in association with an established outdoor racquet sports venue that has benefitted generations of residents in the city and beyond.”

He added that there had been “considerable community support for the proposals”, with 49 people lodging comments with the council in favour of the plans compared to 32 writing in opposition.

Paul Crossley (Southdown, Liberal Democrat) said the Olympics showed how sport was “a universal good thing for human beings” and called on the rest of the committee to approve the plans.

He said: “It’s bringing more sport opportunities to more people or giving people in that club the opportunity to try something different.”

He added: “As someone who lives on a hill, I can say the biggest noise problem I have is lorries going up and down the hill all the time, not someone playing games

in their back garden or, in this case, a club.”

But Eleanor Jackson (Westfield, Labour) warned the noise would be “a very erratic staccato type of noise suddenly punctuating your thoughts as you live close to the courts”.

Deborah Collins (Widcombe and Lyncombe, Liberal Democrat) warned the expected 1–2 decibel increase would make the noise close to what the World Health Organisation calls “seriously annoying”.

Councillor Jackson added: “The court is simply too close to the residences.

“We’ve mentioned the question of mental health. I think it would drive me nutty quite frankly.”

Fiona Gourley (Bathavon South, Liberal Democrat) said: “I have seen padel tennis in action.

It didn’t strike me as being particularly more noisy than tennis.”

But she added that 60 people being able to play at Lansdown instead of Bristol would mean more traffic. She said: “It’s adding to the noise in what is otherwise a very tranquil area.”

The majority of the committee voted to refuse planning permission for the padel courts.

New uni sporting facility in marquee approved Becky Feather Reporter

BATH & North East Somerset Council has approved a planning application for a marquee at the University of Bath to house an obstacle course.

The custom-made marquee will be installed on unused tennis

courts at the Sports Training Village at the Claverton Down campus. It will provide a Union Internationale de Pentathlon Moderne (UIPM) obstacle course for use by the Modern Pentathlon team.

The university hosted the Modern Pentathlon World Championships last August where Pentathlon GB, in partnership with British

Bath City FC Saturday 24th August – 3pm Bath City v Tonbridge Angels (Away) League Monday 26th August – 7.45pm Bath City v Hampton & Richmond Borough (Home) League Saturday 31st August – 3pm Bath City v Hemel Hempstead Town (Away) League Sunday 1st September Bath City Women v Bitton (Home) FAC1Q Tuesday 3rd September – 7.45pm Bath City v Truro City (Home) League

Bath Rugby Saturday 31st August – 3pm Bath Rugby v Munster Rugby (Home) Pre-Season Series

Bath Cricket Club (1ST XI)

Saturday 24th August – 12pm Bath 1st XI v Bishopston (Home) WEPL Saturday 31st August – 12pm Bath 1st XI v Bedminster (Away) WEPL

Lansdown metres high and will be kept for a Cricket Club (1ST XI)

Obstacle Sports volunteers, set up a temporary ‘come and try’ obstacle course.

The PVC marquee measures 12 metres by 30 metres and four

maximum two-year period.

After that, it is expected that proposals will be brought forward for the redevelopment of the courts and the surrounding area for more student accommodation.

The two clay tennis courts have not been used for the last two tennis seasons and are said to be in a state of disrepair.

Crossword answers - Issue 084 (09/08/2024) Across: 2 Galapagos, 8 Oh no, 9 Peel, 10 Scottie, 11 Eczema, 12 Copy, 15 Geezer, 16 In town, 17 Peru, 18 Abbas, 21 Abide, 23 Ocean, 25 Darcy, 28 On it, 29 Armani, 31 Gratin, 32 Ache, 35 Knocks, 36 Da Vinci, 37 Mace, 38 Iota, 39 Nostalgia.

Down: 1 The can, 2 Go beyond, 3 Lasagna, 4 Proverb, 5 Gutters, 6 Spec, 7 Reap, 13 Obese, 14 You and I, 16 In a coma, 19 Boa, 20 A b c, 22 Irish, 24 Cambodia, 25 Derives, 26 Rotunda, 27 Yanking, 30 Nikita, 33 Cram, 34 Eden.

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