Bath Echo - Issue 087 - 20/09/2024

ECHO

Friday 20th September - Thursday 3rd October 2024

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Issue No. 087

Restoration of popular duck pond delayed Page 4

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PROTEST OVER NEW TIP

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B&NES Council refers nearly 6,000 debts to bailiffs - P2

Further gas works planned on the A4 at Saltford and Corston - P4

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Council refers nearly 6,000 debts to bailiffs

In this issue...

Top Stories

Friday 20th September - Thursday 3rd October 2024

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Pictures from the Past

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Food & Drink

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Education

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Community

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Health

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Sports & Fixtures

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NEARLY 6,000 debts owed to Bath & North East Somerset Council were referred to bailiffs in 2022/23, newly released figures from National Debtline and the Centre for Social Justice have revealed.

There are now renewed calls for improvements to be made to the council’s debt collection practices.

National Debtline, the free debt advice service run by charity the Money Advice Trust, has written to Councillor Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council, urging the local authority to commit to improving the way it collects council tax arrears and other debts.

Bath & North East Somerset Council figures, revealed in response to a Freedom of Information request, show the authority referred 5,921 debts to bailiffs in the 2022/23 financial year.

The Money Advice Trust says that bailiff use remains too high, with action needed to improve collection practices so that fewer debts are sent to bailiffs in the first place.

Across England and Wales, 2.71 million debts were referred to bailiffs by councils during 2022/23 – broadly unchanged on pre-pandemic levels (2.65

million in 2018/19).

The findings, based on Freedom of Information requests to local authorities, form part of wider research into council tax debt and collection practices published by the Centre for Social Justice, which reveals that 1.3 million households fell behind on their council tax bill in 2022/23.

Bailiffs, known officially as enforcement agents, have the right to visit a property and can remove and sell goods to repay certain debts, including council tax arrears, parking penalty charge notices and other debts.

National Debtline is calling for national changes from the Government to help reduce and reform bailiff action, including through new ring-fenced funding for councils to provide 100% Council Tax Support schemes for those on the lowest incomes.

Locally, the charity-run service is calling for Bath & North East Somerset Council to adopt all six of its ‘six steps’ to improve collection practices.

This includes exempting residents receiving local Council Tax Support from any form of bailiff action.

Steve Vaid, chief executive of the Money Advice Trust, the charity that runs National Debtline, said: “Local authorities remain under

significant financial pressure and council tax plays a crucial role in funding vital local services.

“Facing bailiff action, however, can be a distressing experience and risks pushing people already struggling into deeper financial difficulty. Bailiffs should only ever be used as a last resort.

“Unfortunately Bath & North East Somerset Council’s use of bailiffs remains high. Improving debt collection practices benefits not just people in financial difficulty, but councils too.

“We have written to the Leader to set out simple steps they can take to improve the way the council collects debts it is owed.

“We are also calling on the new government to support Bath & North East Somerset Council and other councils by introducing ring-fenced funding to enable all local authorities to provide 100 per cent Council Tax Support to households on the lowest incomes.

“I would urge anyone in Bath and North East Somerset struggling with their finances to get in touch with National Debtline as soon as possible. Our expert advisers provide free, impartial support and can help residents make a plan whatever their circumstances.”

Councillor Mark Elliott, B&NES

Council’s cabinet member for resources, said: “Not collecting money owed to the council means less money is available to provide services for residents, however enforcement agents are only ever used as a last resort and where people do not engage.

“The majority of the enforcement action we have taken relates to parking and other highways fines and there is a legal right of appeal to the council and an independent adjudicator against these fines.

“With regard to council tax, we encourage residents who are struggling with council tax bills to get in touch so we can offer support with debt management and agree a payment arrangement together.”

People struggling with debt are encouraged to contact National Debtline, which offers free, independent debt advice, on 0808 808 4000 or at www. nationaldebtline.org.

Find out more about local bereavement services RESIDENTS are being invited to find out how loved ones are cared for and what happens behind the scenes when a funeral is arranged at Haycombe Cemetery and Crematorium.

B&NES Council’s Bereavement Services team is inviting visitors to tour the memorial gardens and its Hilltop and Valley chapels, to find out how the crematorium operates and learn how bereaved families are supported as they plan their final goodbyes during a special open day on Saturday 5th October.

Residents can also find out about the many ways loved ones can be remembered at Haycombe and how the most up-to-date systems are used to provide music, visual tributes and live streaming to give

people the send-off they deserve.

The in-house funeral celebrant will be on hand to advise visitors on arranging non-religious services that are tailored to the wishes of their loved ones, as well as burial services, committals, tributes and memorial services.

People can also learn more about the work the council is doing at Haycombe to combat the climate and ecological emergency, including reducing carbon emissions by installing a filtration system to eliminate nitrogen oxide and increasing biodiversity with new woodland, wildflower meadows and a beehive.

The open day will run from 10am until 1pm with light refreshments available.

There will be guided tours at 10.15am, 11.00am, 11.45am and

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12.30pm during which visitors will be taken into the crematorium and can ask questions about the cremation process.

Councillor Tim Ball, cabinet member for neighbourhood services, said: “Saying goodbye to someone you care about is never easy and making funeral arrangements can feel overwhelming.

“We are holding this open day to help families and friends gain a better understanding of the cremation process and find out about the end-of-life choices available, so you have the knowledge when you need it.

“As the only crematorium in Bath and North East Somerset, Haycombe plays an important role within the community, offering a dignified and sensitive

service to people of all faiths and beliefs – or none.

“Our facilities are designed to be accessible to everyone and I hope many residents will join us to find out more on the day.”

The council is also a member of the not-for-profit Recycling of Metals Scheme run by the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM), in which – with consent from families – common metal objects are collected from cremators such as medical pins, metal plates and artificial joints for recycling. The money raised is divided between ICCM members for distribution among charities.

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Issue 087

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Your City, Your News - Bath Echo

Residents unite to ‘Stop the Locksbrook Tip’ Becky Feather Reporter

A GROUP of residents have united to fight the proposed relocation of Bath’s recycling centre from Midland Road to Locksbrook Road, saying the whole of the city will be impacted, not just those living on the doorstep.

They came together for a protest rally on Monday evening, 16th September, to highlight why they believe Bath & North East Somerset Council’s proposals are flawed.

The Midland Road centre is being redeveloped, with full planning approval in place for 176 new affordable and market homes.

The council has said Locksbrook Road was chosen for the replacement centre after more than 50 sites within and around Bath had been considered.

The site is currently used by the local authority’s street cleansing team which will relocate further along Locksbrook Road to the site that formerly housed the council’s fleet works and MoT test centre.

Those services relocated to the council’s new Keynsham Recycling Hub, which cost more than £41 million, and was officially opened earlier this year.

Under a lease agreement, Locksbrook Road car dealership Bath Volkswagen currently stores vehicles on part of the site earmarked for the new recycling centre. As landowner, the council has advised the company to “explore alternative arrangements”.

Many concerns about the proposed recycling centre have been flagged up by locals – including the impact on traffic, the proximity to homes and the smells and noise that residents will have to suffer, that the plans fail to adequately address the flood risk, and that there is no satisfactory plan to mitigate fire risks, particularly those related to batteries discarded in general waste.

Tim Wallace, who lives on Locksbrook Road, told Monday’s rally that he had heard repeatedly on social media “Nimby, Nimby, Nimby, you’re just complaining because it’s in your own back yard”.

He explained: “But the point

Campaigners from left, Laura Gale with baby Casper, Tim Wallace, Pam Richards & Keith Costello holding Flora

about this is the council say it’s the best alternative because it’s in council’s hands and it’s a cheap, cost-effective option which is good for all of Bath - but we all know that when you buy something cheap, it comes at a cost.

“And what’s the cost to the whole of Bath?

Well, we here in the western side of Bath have easy access to the Keynsham tip. But what this plan does is bring all of that traffic from the east and the north and the south straight through the congestion zone.”

He said the other downside for all of Bath is the “dangerous” proposed model of using stairs and gantries at the new recycling centre. He said that model is not used at Keynsham nor at the current site at Midland Road.

Mr Wallace also highlighted the “huge congestion” problems in the road already and said that a few hours before the rally “a truck stalled for 20 minutes, traffic banked up on Upper Bristol Road, that’s affected the whole of Bath”.

He said that neighbouring firm Horstman is putting in an objection, as is Bath Spa University which has a campus in Locksbrook Road.

He highlighted that VW is in a “tricky situation” as it would be losing its parking which would disrupt operations and potentially cost jobs.

He said the dealership has a second adjoining parking lot on a month-to-month lease through the council “which is an effective way of silencing VW because it would destroy their business to lose that parking as well”.

Of the traffic analysis done by the council, Mr Wallace branded it “shoddy”, adding: “If you compare it to the traffic analysis done for Keynsham, it was like cheap and dirty.”

Pam Richards, who has lived in the area for 50 years, told the rally: “There’s always been industry here and most of the time we’ve co-existed reasonably well.

“You don’t mind if they are well behaved and create some jobs, but this is going to be messy and there are no jobs associated with this site.”

She said the council is “trumpeting” the area as an industrial and employment area but “most businesses will run a mile if they think there is a tip at the end of the road. It’s going to actually discourage business, rather than encourage it, so I think that because they think this is just an industrial area, it doesn’t matter, but they haven’t reckoned on the strength of feeling within the community. We’re not going to let it happen.”

At the end of the rally, people were urged to object and to keep on lobbying local councillors.

Among those attending the rally was 80-year-old Keith Costello, who lives closest to the planned site - just 25 metres away. He has lived there for 55 years.

He told the Bath Echo: “As far as I’m concerned, this is the worst council Bath has ever had.”

The council’s traffic modelling shows that the impact of the proposed scheme is “unlikely” to be significant. There will be a prebooking system, and separate public and operational access points are proposed along with a dedicated pedestrian access point from Locksbrook Road, and pedestrian and cycle access from

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the Bristol and Bath Railway Path.

The deadline for comments is 29th September. The planning reference is 24/03168/REG03.

News in Brief Aid worker Camilla Carr dies following illness The aid worker from Bath who was taken hostage with her partner by Chechnyan rebels in 1997 and kept incarcerated for 14 months has died, aged 66, after a long illness.

Camilla Carr and her then boyfriend Jon James, from Lydney, had gone to Grozny to set up a rehabilitation centre for children traumatised by the war.

They were seized by masked gunmen and eventually released in September 1998 with it later emerging that the Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich played a role in their rescue.

The couple subsequently got married and a decade after their release from captivity published their story, The Sky is Always There: Surviving a Kidnap in Chechnya.

Teacher faces retrial Fundraising campaign to fight council's plans The Stop the Locksbrook Tip campaigners are looking to raise £3,500 to hire an independent planning consultant to prepare an objection.

A GoFundMe page has so far raised more than £2,500.

It highlights that the road already suffers from parking and traffic congestion, meaning access to the centre and egress will be problematic, with the turn onto Upper Bristol Road described as being “one of the busiest unregulated junctions in Bath”.

It says the proposed site misses the opportunity to reduce the levels of cross-Bath car travel and the Weston side of Bath already has easy, alternative access to the upgraded and expanded Keynsham centre.

The fundraising page adds: “The proposed Locksbrook site introduces a higher risk model of residents having to use stairs to access skips, a model used in some recycling centres but inherently more dangerous compared to the current site with ground level access; there are several reported deaths in the UK from people falling from stairs in recycling centres.”

Risks of run-off and pollution into the river behind the site are also highlighted.

A teacher will face a retrial next year after allegedly stabbing his former partner multiple times during an altercation in Bath earlier this year. 28-year-old Matthew James had denied a charge of attempted murder, but admitted to grievous bodily harm with intent to Emma Kirk when they met in a lane near Dransfield Way on 26th February. Mr James was accused of stabbing Ms Kirk 15 times, with five men needed to drag him away.

The jury in the first trial failed to reach a verdict and they were discharged. The retrial case has been listed for the end of March 2025.

Weather Forecast Fri 20th Sat 21st Sun 22nd Mon 23rd Tue 24th Wed 25th Thu 26th

21°c 20°c 19°c 18°c 18°c 17°c 16°c

Long range forecast:

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(27th Sep to 3rd Oct) Longer spells of rain will begin to affect the region, though temperatures will be mostly above average during the week. Windier conditions expected.

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www.bathecho.co.uk

Further gas works to take place on the A4 at Saltford and Corston

Friday 20th September - Thursday 3rd October 2024

Restoration of popular duck pond delayed

Becky Feather Reporter

WALES & West Utilities has announced there will be further disruption on the A4 in Saltford and Corston to come in the months ahead, with even more planned in 2026.

Work finished near Corston at the end of last month, but the company, which operates the gas distribution network across Wales and South West England, says it was unable to complete everything as originally planned, owing to unforeseen engineering issues.

It has now shared that three further sets of Wales & West Utilities roadworks are planned.

These have again been timed to take place during the next three school holiday periods to help minimise disruption.

The first set will be from 25th October to 3rd November near the Globe roundabout, which will require four-way lights, manned at all times. This will involve trench work and completing a connection.

From 27th December to 5th January 2025, there will be further trench work at Newton Bridge to complete a connection. This will

Work along the A4 is set to continue through to 2026

be carried out under two-way traffic lights.

Then from 14th February to 23rd February, Wales & West Utilities says it will be working near the Globe roundabout and by Stothert & Pitt RFC, with two-way lights to be used only by the club.

This work will involve the completion of final connections and the decommissioning of the old metallic gas main.

The A4 has already been busier than usual since last month when the A36 near Bath closed for urgent embankment safety works.

National Highways has fully closed the section between Limpley Stoke and Monkton Combe, and the A4 is part of the

official diversion route.

Meanwhile Wales & West Utilities says it also needs to upgrade the metallic gas main in Mead Lane in Saltford.

There is no planned date for that work as Wessex Water is currently developing its water recycling site at Mead Lane.

Following discussion with Bath & North East Somerset Council’s street works team, Wales & West Utilities says it has put that project on hold until Wessex Water’s development works have been completed.

However, Wales & West Utilities has given notice that it will be carrying out further works on the A4 near the shops in Saltford from April 2026.

A £75,000 PROJECT to restore the duck pond in Royal Victoria Park in Bath has been delayed after a leak was discovered.

Work to remove silt from the pond and improve the quality of the water was announced in August 2023.

In an update earlier this week, B&NES Council said subsequent exploration works have found that securing a water source for the pond and therefore preventing silt build-up is significantly more complex than original findings had indicated.

A leak in the pond has also been identified and contractors have been engaged to investigate the extent of the issue and the repairs required. The council is now considering the options available to resolve the issues.

Councillor Tim Ball, cabinet member for neighbourhood services, said: “Restoring the

duck pond is specialist work that has proven to be a lot more complicated than it initially appeared, especially as a leak has been identified.

“Once our contractors have assessed this, we will be able to provide a further update.

“In addition, to keep the pond free of silt after the existing silt has been removed will require a reliable water supply. It is not possible to use the old pipe work beneath the pond as this has failed, so we need to find a new solution that will ensure the pond will be restored to the highest standard and can be easily maintained for years to come.

“We know how much people love the duck pond and we are working to resolve the issues at the earliest opportunity. Thank you for your patience.”

You can read more about the history of the pond on Page 6.

Charities say they aren’t being involved in funding cut plans John Wimperis

Local Democracy Reporter

CHARITIES helping the most vulnerable in Bath and North East Somerset say they are not being involved in plans to cut £800,000 of their funding, despite a promise that they would be.

Bath & North East Somerset Council’s proposals to cut £802,000 from the funding it gives to charities like Julian House and DHI were watered down in February after warnings that it would be “catastrophic” for the area’s most vulnerable residents.

The cut was instead spread over two years and the council promised charities it would carry out a review “with them” and not impose things on them.

But now charities have warned that the council is not involving them in the discussions and they still do not know what cuts they are facing.

Kate Morton, chair of the group 3SG which represents charities and third sector groups in the area, told the council’s cabinet: “We had a commitment from cabinet that our concerns around the adult, children’s, and housing savings that were required would be discussed with us and with you in partnership having a collaborative scoping session

and that we would work through some of these challenges with creative solutions.

“There was that commitment; however, that has not happened.”

Speaking at the council cabinet meeting on 12th September, Ms Morton said that 3SG had been told the day before that a “scoping exercise” had been completed by council officers and a “case of change” drawn up.

She said: “That is really disappointing because in this meeting [in February] we were promised we would be part of the solution around the case for change and would be working with the officers rather than it being done to us.”

She added that 3SG director Becky Brooks had had some meetings with a senior council officer but it was “too little, too late”.

When the council set its budget for the 2024/25 financial year in February, it changed the £802k cut to a £400k cut in the current financial year, and a £402k cut next year.

But Ms Morton said charities still did not know where that cut was falling. She said: “We are over six months into the 2024/25 annual budget and we still do not know whether we have to make cuts.”

In a meeting of the council’s scrutiny panel on children, adults, health and wellbeing earlier on

The Guildhall in Bath

Monday 9th September, it was stated by a council officer that there would be no cut to charities in the current year, with the money to be found elsewhere.

But charities have not had this confirmed to them by the council, the Local Democracy Reporting Service was told.

Alison Born, the council’s cabinet member for adult services, told Ms Morton: “We are committed to working with you and with other sector partners and we’re not planning any surprises so I’m really sorry it’s got to this stage

where this is how you feel about the work we are doing.”

She added that she and the council’s cabinet member for children’s services Paul May would be happy to meet with 3SG about their concerns.

When the council set its budget in February, council cabinet member for resources Mark Elliot said at the time that he had given guarantees to the charities and organisations that the council would carry out a systematic review “with them”.

He said: “We have talked to

them. We have agreed to spread the cost. We have agreed to deal with them directly and talk to them and negotiate with them.

There is no cliff-edge cut in their spending.”

He added: “Where services can be shown to be saving the council money by preventing people calling on council-run services, those services will obviously not be cut. If it turns out that the savings we’ve proposed really aren’t achievable when assessed in that way, then so be it.

“But we spend over £9 million on over 40 contracts in this space, and they haven’t been looked at for quite some time, so it seems reasonable to think that some savings can be made.”

Among the people to warn against the cut being made in the weeks running up to the budget being approved was Michael Dixon, who slept rough for eight years on and off before a Julian House outreach team met him and brought him to the Manvers Street Hostel.

He said: “This is a vital ground service that leads to a lot of other services. If services like this were cut, it could lead to people not getting services higher up.”

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Friday 20th September - Thursday 3rd October 2024

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Pictures from the Past The unhappy history of the duck pond in Royal Victoria Park

The duck pond in Royal Victoria Park back in 1880

Kirsten Elliott Akeman Press

IN 2018, a council report stated that ‘the ornamental ponds in Royal Victoria Park have been in a poor condition since the water supply to them was cut off by Wessex Water around a decade ago'.

This has led to ‘poor water quality in the ponds, safety concerns about the presence of toxic blue-green algae and repeated complaints about maintenance standards.’

However, it was not until August 2023 that the council proudly declared that the duck pond in Royal Victoria Park would be restored, with silt removed from the pond and the quality of the water improved.

Sadly, the latest news is that finding a new water source is proving difficult, and a leak has been discovered which needs to be repaired.

The truth is that the pond has never had a happy history. The original plans for what was known as the Improvements to the Bath Commons Estate, dating from 1829, show no pond. However, the streams and springs in the area were later channelled into forming a pond on the present site – not the complicated shape we see now, but a simple triangle with a promontory on the east side. It was already there in May 1831 when the Bath Chronicle reported that ‘the first step towards the formation of a zoological garden in this beautiful and picturesque domain has

been taken during the past week. Some curious Chinese aquatic fowl have been presented to the Committee, which have been placed in comfortable quarters near the pond, to which they are already completely reconciled’.

However, a reliable water supply and difficulties in keeping the pond clean were constant problems, so in 1878 Edward Milner, a garden designer who had worked for Joseph Paxton, came up with the idea of making the pond much shallower, disguising how small it was by creating winding branches. His design was allegedly based on that shown in the Chinese Willow Pattern.

This week’s photograph shows the remodelled pond – or lake, as the

committee now called it – in 1880, with a plinth awaiting the Victoria Vase, which was added later that year, to commemorate the park’s 50th anniversary.

Sadly, problems, especially with water supply, continued and eventually the easternmost arm was filled in. In the 1996 restoration, it was restored – and almost immediately the problems began again.

Finally it was stabilised – until Wessex Water cut off the supply.

Could creating a new pond for the park’s bicentenary be a challenge to the experts, from scientists to designers, at our two universities? Surely there must be someone who can bring a happy ending to the sad story of the duck pond in Royal Victoria Park.

COLUMN | Clare Moody, Labour Police and Crime Commissioner

A

s I reach the milestone of 100 days as your Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), it’s a good time to take a moment to reflect.

These first few months have been a steep learning curve for me, and I feel deeply privileged to represent our diverse communities across Avon and Somerset. From Bath and North East Somerset to Bristol, North Somerset and Somerset to South Gloucestershire, I’ve had the opportunity to meet many impressive people and organisations, making a difference in shaping the safety and well-being of our communities.

I’ve been out, meeting with police teams, community

leaders, charities, and local businesses. These visits have given me invaluable insights into the work happening behind the scenes. There has also been time to read and have individual conversations to add to my understanding of how to have an impact in this role.

It has been equally impressive to witness firsthand the efforts being made to support victims, help vulnerable young people, and find solutions to prevent crime. During one of my recent engagement days in Bristol, I visited Barnardo’s Against Child Exploitation (BACE), where I learned about their awardwinning Night Light scheme - a partnership with One25 and the police that provides critical

support to young people at risk of criminal or sexual exploitation. I also spent time discussing work to reduce reoffending with local leaders, learning about the vital work being done to support prison leavers as they rebuild their lives through employment.

These encounters have left me both inspired and hopeful. Every day, dedicated professionals and volunteers are making a difference, and I look forward to collaborating with them to support better outcomes for our communities.

It’s important to recognise there are continuous annual challenges for policing, such as the increase in demand for policing over the busy summer months and the complexity of issues they are

dealing with. Avon and Somerset Police is also underfunded relatively, compared to other forces nationally.

The recent uplift in officers has seen lots of new recruits to the service, which provides wonderful opportunity for fresh perspectives to support cultural change and innovation, but I am mindful of the time needed to meet the training needs as the new officers learn about policing.

One of my key priorities as your PCC is to set a clear strategic direction for our police service.

I’m inviting everyone in Avon and Somerset to give their ideas on how the police and other partners can deliver against my priorities.

Your insight is essential on the draft Police and Crime Plan and exploring the funding of our police service. Please take part in my consultation and share your ideas on what will have an impact on delivery against these priorities.

You can do so through my website, and the survey will be open until 21st October.

I’m listening, and I want to hear from you. The priorities in my draft Plan were inspired by what people shared with me during my campaign and in the time since. Please visit my website and have your say: https://www. avonandsomerset-pcc.gov.uk/ about/police-crime-plan24-29/

Issue 087

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Your City, Your News - Bath Echo

Crossword

Congratulations to Bekki Aubrey 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 Notice (5) 4 Slowcoaches (9) 9 Summer drink (4,3) 10 Strength (7) 11 "When pigs fly!" (3,6) 13 Islam's majority branch (5) 14 False (3,4) 15 Incited (7) 17 Escalates (5,2) 19 Filled tube of meat (7) 21 Dutch-speaking resort island (5) 23 Interesting and exciting (9) 24 Tropical ailment (7) 25 Blower or compressor (3,4) 27 Log on again (9) 28 Top gear for a Bishop (5)

Down 1 Sheer silk fabric (7) 2 Like National Trust properties (4,2,3,6) 3 Equipment (3) 4 Learner (7) 5 Eminem and Kanye West (7) 6 Vows (5) 7 Cause of California quakes (3,7,5) 8 Unable to progress (7) 12 Runs swiftly (5) 16 It once was Ayers Rock (5) 17 Junk supplier? (7) 18 Parcel (7) 19 Defunct maker of three-wheeled cars (7) 20 Sun blocker? (7) 22 Aircraft parking area (5) 26 Peculiar (3)

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Food & Drink

Melissa Blease

Food Writer

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Tasty Dates For Your Diary Menus at Bath Pizza Co and Green Park Brasserie (Green Park Station) have merged to become one and the same thing.

Put 'em together and what have you got? A tastefully dizzying array of small/large plates and, of course, those perfect pizzas... talking of which: grab a Margherita/Pepperoni/Marinara and a pint (or a Prosecco, perhaps?) for just £14 every weekday from noon-6pm, or a burger and a bevvy for the same remarkable price. www.greenparkbrasserie.com Discover the wild and wonderful world of Sake accompanied by umami-packed bites created to complement each tipple at Budo (Argyle Street) on Wednesday 25th September! www.budobath.co.uk/events Go forth and discover Solina

Pasta at your earliest opportunity!

Bath's brand new specialist pasta purveyors on Grand Parade (opposite the weir) specialise in all-things-pasta served up in a lovely, lively environment alongside fabulous cocktails (and more) and the promise of “the best tiramisu in town” – what's not to love? www.solinapasta.com Dive into a fish supper bargain at Seafoods Restaurant and Takeaway (established on Kingsmead Square in 1942, don'cha know!): prime cod and chips, mushy peas, bread and butter and tea or coffee for just £12 all day Monday - Thursday and until 5pm on Fridays. seafoodsfishandchips.com Tickets for steak and sausagemaking Masterclasses at Larkhall Butchers are selling fast! It's all

about the steak on Saturday 28th September, Saturday 12th October and Thursday 14th November, with sausage-making happening on Saturday 26th October and Saturday 30th November. For more info and/ or to reserve your place, email info@larkhallbutchers.co.uk www.larkhallbutchers.co.uk Gallop along to the next Whisky Social at The Dark Horse (Kingsmead Square) on Wednesday 2nd October when charismatic Speciality Brands ambassador Mikey Pendergast will host a riotous run through a selection of spectacular peated whiskies including drams from Amrut, Yoichi, Port Askaig, Waterford and the tantalising Elements of Islay range (£35pp). https://bit.ly/3zlrHOs Vibrant

sharing

plates

showcasing local produce, a cosy, convivial atmosphere and a MasterChef Professionals finalist in the kitchen: it's all going on on Friday 11th October when Kasae Fraser and her partner Vincent pop up at Picnic in the Park (Lark Place/Upper Bristol Road, adjacent to Royal Victoria Park) for more superb Supper Club fun (booking advisable).

Instagram: @picnicinparkbath Enjoy a sumptuous 7-course feast specifically designed to excite your tastebuds with fabulous fusion flavours that celebrate the flavours of a British autumn when Yuzu by Dan Moon hosts another unmissable foodie event at Cassia Bath (Sovereign Point, Midland Road) on Friday 18th/ Saturday 19th October (£80pp). yuzubydanmoon.co.uk/events Indulge in an exquisite 5-star

Argentinian Wine Dinner at the Royal Crescent Hotel on Thursday 24th October.

This “Autumn gastronomic delight” will begin with a canapés reception and move on to a meticulously crafted 4-course menu perfectly matched with a fascinating selection of Zuccardi Wines presented in collaboration with Zuccardi's exclusive UK agent Hatch Mansfield, who will be hosting the event (£165pp). https://bit.ly/4d7OcUU Melissa regularly reviews restaurants across Bath and the surrounding area.

You can find out more at: www.theprandialplayground.uk Follow Melissa on X Find her @ThePigGuide

Recipe: Aubergine Rendang Coconut-creamy and subtly laden with aromatic south Asian flavours, this is the only Rendang recipe you'll ever need – and, despite its complex flavour-profile, it's a lot simpler (and speedier!) than you might think. To create a meaty version, use just one aubergine and add roast lamb, beef or chicken (Sunday roast leftovers, perhaps?) with the green beans.

Ingredients (serves 3-4) • 3 large aubergines, chopped into chunky dice • 2-3 shallots, peeled and chopped • 1-2 red chillies, deseeded (according to chilli-heat preference) and sliced • 2-3 garlic cloves, chopped • 4cm piece of ginger, peeled and finely grated • 2 fresh lemongrass stalks • 1 tbsp garam masala • 2 red peppers, deseeded and chopped into bite-sized pieces • 400ml coconut milk • 1 tbsp tamarind paste • 1 tsp fish sauce • 1 tbsp peanut butter (optional but highly recommended) • 300g green beans, trimmed and chopped into bite-sized pieces • Small bunch of fresh coriander, chopped • The juice of 1 lime • To serve: freshly-chopped coriander; fresh lime wedges; steamed jasmine rice

Method • Preheat the oven to 180c/gas mark 5. Toss the aubergines with a little olive oil, season well and spread out across a roasting tin. Roast (turning occasionally) for 20-30 minutes until soft and dark golden on the edges. Remove from the tray, set to one side and turn the oven off.

• Whizz the shallots, chillies, garlic, ginger, lemongrass, garam masala and 2 tbsp cold water together in a food processor or blender.

• Heat a little vegetable oil in a large pan and gently sauté the paste and the red peppers for 3-4 minutes until the paste releases a heady fragrance. Add the coconut milk, tamarind paste and peanut butter (if using) and simmer gently for 15 minutes, adding the roasted aubergines and green beans for the last 10 minutes.

• Stir the fish sauce, lime juice and half of the freshly-chopped coriander through the curry and serve on steamed jasmine rice sprinkled with the remaining coriander and fresh lime wedges, for spritzing.

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Friday 20th September - Thursday 3rd October 2024

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What's On

Friday 20th September - Thursday 3rd October 2024

1984

Bath Fashion Festival

Circuit of Bath Walk

Guided Tours - Fairfield House

Theatre Royal Bath 20th – 28th September George Orwell’s masterpiece 1984 creates a world where every action is painstakingly monitored and controlled by a powerful regime. This is a thrilling new multi-media version by Ryan Craig.

The Holburne Museum 21st – 22nd September An immersive two-day celebration curated by industry professionals, offering attendees a unique experience to observe the British Fashion Industry up close.

Newbridge P&R 22nd September Now in its 23rd year, this walking challenge has become a cherished tradition, inviting thousands of participants to explore the breathtaking countryside around Bath.

Fairfield House 22nd September – 27th October Fairfield House is opening for guided tours every Sunday. This hidden piece of Bath's history holds an amazing story, home to Emperor Haile Selassie I and the Ethiopian Royal Family.

If Prison Walls Could Speak

Her Green Hell

The Little Prince

Japanese Tea Ceremony

Bath Abbey 23rd September, 7pm A true story of resilience, espionage and faith. This performance tells the true story of Petr Jasek, a Czech national and Christian aid worker who, in 2015, was imprisoned in Sudan.

Ustinov Studio 24th – 28th September Her Green Hell reimagines the true survival story of Juliane Koepcke in this odyssey of vivid storytelling with a captivating combination of physical theatre and puppetry.

The Egg 26th September – 6th October Embark on a whimsical journey with the Little Prince as he wanders the universe in search of the true meaning of friendship. Enter a world of endless sunsets, where people are like flowers.

Bath Children’s Literature Festival

Illustrated Maps Adult Workshop

Pumpkin Patch

Guys Can Cook!

Various Locations 27th September – 6th October Staging more than 80 live events in the city for bookworms for all ages.

Festival goers will have loads of fun with storytelling, draw-alongs and the chance to meet their favourite authors.

No.1 Royal Crescent 27th September, 6.30pm Create a personal illustration style map of Bath. Work with artist, Wendy Thomas, drawing landmarks and locations of Bath and put them together to make a map of special places.

Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park 28th September – 31st October Time to go big or gourd home! Give yourself something to talk about with a fab-boo-lous trip to the Pumpkin Patch this October, back with even more seasonal fun for all ages to enjoy.

Komedia 30th September, 10.45am A 6-week course run by Bath Community Kitchen designed to give men a chance to learn new cookery skills, eat more healthily and enjoy the company of others.

The Global Origins of Psychology

Genius Gut with Dr Emily Leeming

Come What May

Design For Living

BRLSI 1st October, 7.30pm This talk charts the fascinating origin of psychology and draws on numerous themes, structuring the journey via the central theory developed by the psychiatrist Iain McGilchrist.

Topping & Company Booksellers 1st October, 7pm Dr Emily Leeming – microbiome scientist, dietitian, former senior scientist at ZOE - talks about her new book, Genius Gut: The Life-Changing Science of Eating for Your Second Brain.

The Forum 2nd October, 7.30pm Experience a night of pure entertainment as you are transported to the dazzling world of the Moulin Rouge, starring AJ and Curtis Pritchard and a cast of West End performers.

Rondo Theatre 2nd – 5th October Noël Coward's Design for Living features Otto, an artist, Leo, a playwright, and Gilda, an interior designer, as they grapple with their complicated threeway relationship.

The MEAA 26th September – 14th November Experience the wonders of a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony with Yukie Williams, presented by Yukie Scott.

Yukie Williams has over 11 years’ experience practising the ceremonies.

Bath Christmas Market set to return Experience a Silent later this year with 230 traders Disco at Roman Baths THERE are now less than three months to go until the start of this year’s Bath Christmas Market, which will be returning with 230 traders.

The market will be running from 28th November to 15th December.

85 per cent of the traders taking part are based in the South West, offering some of the best independent food, drink and gifts in the region and beyond over the 18 days.

Eighty traders will be attending for the first time, with 40 per cent of the businesses signed up based in Bath and the surrounding areas.

Microbusinesses in the area will be taking advantage of dedicated Christmas Carts, let at a lower rate to support local trade.

Thirty-six community groups will be taking part free of charge in two community chalets situated in Milsom Street and at the Guildhall.

Twenty catering stalls will be offering festive food and drink suitable for many dietary requirements, including glutenfree and vegan options.

Results from an independent survey showed the 2023 Bath Christmas Market boosted the economy by an estimated £47 million in associated additional spend, up from £34.3 million in 2022 and £25 million in 2019.

Councillor Paul Roper, cabinet member for economic and cultural sustainable development, said: “Bath Christmas Market is the highlight of our Christmas calendar and creates such a buzz in the city, having been visited by more than 450,000 people last year.

“It’s fantastic news for the city’s economy that we have a record number of local traders signed up, as the market encourages repeat custom all year round.

“As well as the significant extra footfall to support business, the market is a magical community event that has something for everyone.

“I’m looking forward to seeing it sparkle once more!”

Ross Cain is the director of Rutab Dates and is a first-time trader at the market.

Ross said: “Rutab, a handcrafted and awardwinning confectionery brand, is delighted to be participating in the renowned Bath Christmas Market 2024.

“Being part of this cherished event, which draws visitors from around the globe, is a real achievement for us and we are excited about sharing our passion for Medjool Dates and celebrating the festive period with everyone.

“It is one of the most anticipated events of the season full of festive

A previous silent disco at the Roman Baths | Photo © B&NES Council

Visiting Bath Christmas Market | Photo © Bath & North East Somerset Council

cheer and will allow us to connect with our family and friends in a truly magical setting.”

Joshua Bevan, owner of Fat Giraffe, said: “As a proud local business in Milsom Street, Fat Giraffe Gifts are thrilled to once again participate in the illustrious Bath Christmas Market.

“For the past four years, we have been delighted to be a part of this festive tradition, showcasing our unique, handmade, and ethically sourced wooden gifts to visitors from near and far.

“The market brings an incredible boost to the local economy, enriching the community and enhancing the vibrancy of Bath.

We are honoured to contribute to this cherished event and look forward to the joyful atmosphere it brings each year.”

TWO historic venues in Bath will host Silent Discos in November and February, offering people the chance to experience the sites in a unique way.

The Roman Baths and Guildhall will see two nights of music and dancing. Attendees will have the opportunity to dance to a diverse selection of music across two live channels, as well a preset playlist, catering to fans of everything from pop classics and rock anthems to Britpop hits.

With DJs playing everything from Bon Jovi to Blur, and with the backdrop of the landmark sites, the events promise to be memorable.

At the Roman Baths, the evening begins with a complimentary cocktail beside the Great Bath, followed by a silent disco in the Reception Hall.

The next evening, the Guildhall’s grand Banqueting Room is the setting for another fun session,

rounding off an exhilarating weekend of music and dance.

Councillor Paul Roper, B&NES Council’s cabinet member for economic & cultural sustainable development, said: “We are thrilled to bring Silent Discos back to these iconic venues in Bath. These events offer a truly unique way to experience the rich history of the Roman Baths and Guildhall while enjoying a fun, modern twist.

“It’s a perfect opportunity for residents and visitors alike to come together, celebrate, and create unforgettable memories in our city’s heritage landmarks.”

Dates for the Silent Discos are: • Roman Baths: Friday, 8th November 2024 and Friday, 7th February 2025 • Guildhall: Saturday, 9th November 2024 and Saturday, 8th February 2025 Tickets are on sale now, with bundle options available.

Issue 087

P11

Your City, Your News - Bath Echo

Education

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190 children help create book to mark charity’s milestone MORE than 190 primary school children from seven local schools have helped to write a unique story book celebrating St John’s Foundation’s milestone 850th anniversary.

Profits from the book, titled ‘The Day the Alien Came’, will help to stock the libraries at these schools, which serve 40% of the region’s most under-served children.

With guidance from Bath-based children’s author Stewart Foster, children from St Martin’s Garden Primary School, St Michael’s Junior Church School, Twerton Infant School and Nursery, St Keyna Primary School, Roundhill Primary School, Castle Primary School, and St Mary’s Church of England Primary School used their imagination to create the story.

The adventure is brought to life with illustrations by Andrew Prescot.

The children created a story about an alien Jai, whose spaceship crash-lands in Bath with his ‘Grampy’.

Emerging from the wreckage of his ship, Jai is greeted by local children who take him on an extraordinary adventure,

discovering the wonders of Earth and the magic of friendship.

The children featured within the pages are officially published authors with the book going on sale on 10th October on St John’s website, as well as in Bath book shops Mr B’s Emporium and The Oldfield Park Bookshop.

A copy will also go to the British Library so that the young authors’ work can be enjoyed for years to come.

Catharine Brown, CEO of St John’s Foundation, said: “We are delighted to celebrate our 850th anniversary this year and mark this occasion by creating something that positively impacts our community and leaves a legacy for the future. Every child contributed something unique, turning this story into a whirlwind of imagination.

“We’re so proud to share their work with the world and hope the children feel inspired to continue exploring the world through words.”

Once published, Stewart Foster will return to the schools for a launch event, where each child will receive a copy of the book.

Reflecting on the project, Stewart Foster said: “When St John’s asked

Images © St John’s Foundation

me to be involved in this project, I had no idea what an amazing experience I was about to have with the children, and certainly no indication of the incredible work we would produce.

“The book is a result of my visits and guidance, but ultimately their hard work and imagination.

“There are lines that will make you laugh, poems that will make you cry, because when an alien

lands its spaceship near your school, that’s the sort of emotions it can bring out.”

Since February 2020, St John’s Foundation has been working to lower the educational attainment gap for Key Stage 2 children living in B&NES through its Best Start in Life initiative, formally known as the Foundation Fund.

St John’s is working to improve the outcomes for the region’s

most under-served children and has a range of initiatives and partnerships in place to support in reading, writing and maths, in addition to emotional and behavioural guidance so that every child under 12 has the opportunity to grow up a healthy, happy and educated member of the community.

‘The Day the Alien Came’ will be available to buy for £8.99.

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P12

Friday 20th September - Thursday 3rd October 2024

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Community

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

Cuts to village’s mini-police programme ‘just plain mean’ PLANS by Avon & Somerset Police to cut a programme offered to youngsters in the village of Peasedown St John have been criticised by a local councillor.

Councillor Gavin Heathcote (Independent) has long been a supporter of the “mini-police” initiative, which has seen over 100 youngsters develop new life skills and build self-esteem since it was launched five years ago.

Avon & Somerset Police recently announced that all mini-police programmes will be cut from 12 months to 9 weeks.

Councillor Heathcote said: “This is terrible news. I know so many children in Peasedown St John who have benefitted from taking part. Not only is the course being cut – in terms of delivery time – by an incredible 80 per cent, but the children are having their uniforms and extra-curricular trips taken away too!”

The ‘mini-police’ initiative is a police engagement programme that has been running successfully at Peasedown St John Primary School with

children in Year 5.

Children must apply and be interviewed for the role and then attend regular training sessions led by PCSOs. Topics covered include traffic and speed awareness with a visit from the police speed enforcement team and first aid training. Up until recently, they are each given a uniform.

Councillor Heathcote said the changes have been implemented since the new Labour Police & Crime Commissioner (PCC) took office.

He added: “These cuts to the mini-police are just plain mean.

I completely understand that the new Labour government and the Labour Police Commissioner need to make cuts to services, but to impose these on services for children is a step too far.”

Councillor Heathcote said he has written to PCC Clare Moody to ask for a meeting and to request that the cuts to the mini-police be reversed.

Avon & Somerset Police and PCC Clare Moody have been contacted for comment.

Phil Lyle, former PCC Mark Shelford, Cllr Gavin Heathcote and Cllr Karen Walker with some of the pupils

Homeowners to showcase their energy-efficient homes PEOPLE who have installed energy-efficient measures in their homes, such as solar panels, heat pumps and water recycling, are set to showcase them to the public this autumn.

The properties will be on show as part of a series of Green Open Homes events.

A programme of events is being led by Bath & West Community Energy (BWCE) in partnership with Bath & North East Somerset Council, Buro Happold, Bath Preservation Trust and Transition Bath, working with community partners in areas across Bath and the surrounding area.

Planned events include: • Saturday 21st September in Peasedown St John, with an Ask the Expert session at The Hive Community Centre and three open homes to visit; • Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th October in Bath with 18 showcase homes; • Saturday 19th October at the Trinity Hub in Radstock.

The events aim to showcase a variety of housing types, including listed buildings, that have introduced a range of solutions from low-cost DIY methods such as draught proofing and smart power controls to more extensive options such as wall insulation and triple glazing.

The web page for each event includes brief descriptions of the properties open for viewing and the energy-efficiency measures that have been added.

Change to affordable housing element of new riverside flats

Air source heat pumps outside a home

On the day, visitors will be able to examine the technology and ask questions of the homeowners to learn about different solutions, the installation process and the prospective energy savings to gain an understanding of how they could improve the energy performance and sustainability of their own homes.

Councillor Sarah Warren, deputy leader and cabinet member for climate emergency and sustainable travel, said: “We are pleased to be involved in this series of Green Open Homes events across Bath and North East Somerset and I want to thank all of the residents who are opening their homes to visitors and sharing their knowledge and experience and also all the volunteers who will be helping on the day.

“We have seen how previous events have empowered residents to take steps to make their homes more energy efficient and affordable to heat and in the long run, all these individual changes will help us to meet our climate emergency commitments.”

The council was previously involved in Bath Green Homes open weekends that ran in 2011, 2012 and 2014, with each event involving 15-20 open homes and more than 700 visitors. Last year’s event in Bath saw just under 800 people visit 22 homes in Bath and the Chew Valley.

Everyone is invited to attend the events, and you can find out more information and details on each of the showcase properties on the Green Open Homes B&NES website at https:// greenopenhomesbanes.org/

The site on the Upper Bristol Road in Bath

IN 2019 Bath & North East Somerset Council approved plans to build 25 flats at Comfortable Place at Kingsmead in Bath, but changes have now been requested for the site.

The scheme involves demolishing Ivy Lodge fronting Upper Bristol Road and a small light industrial unit to the rear – the Food Machinery 2000 Ltd site.

A legal (Section 106) agreement between the council and developer Juno Developments (Sherborne Ltd) was signed off in June the following year, setting out that eight of the 25 flats would be affordable housing units.

But there is now an application to turn those eight flats into ‘discounted market sale’ properties instead as no registered providers have come

forward to purchase the planned shared ownership units.

The application says that planning permission has been implemented but the development has not been “built out”.

The approved development includes cycle storage and car parking, a refuse store, a footpath link, revised access arrangements and landscaping. The planning reference for the application seeking to modify the agreement is 24/03367/M6A. The deadline for comments is 2nd October.

A residential development of 44 apartments has been completed on the neighbouring site and close by is Victoria Bridge which provides pedestrian and cycle links to the residential redevelopment on the south side of the River Avon.

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Health Leisure centre mirrors used to share cancer check reminders MIRRORS in the changing rooms of leisure centres across Bath and North East Somerset are being used to share messages from the NHS about looking out for the signs of cancer.

Operating under the Better brand, GLL is the not-for-profit social enterprise that runs five local centres on behalf of B&NES Council.

The mirror stickers will feature the message ‘Check you out’ and ‘Know what’s normal for you’ – reminding people that if something in their body doesn’t feel right, they should contact their GP practice.

The scheme is the latest push by the NHS to find cancers at an earlier stage, with Better being the first leisure provider in the UK to focus on cancer awareness.

The new initiative comes as a survey by Better found that only 57 per cent of respondents in the South West check their bodies for physical changes regularly (at least once a month), and 10 per cent don’t check at all.

Professor Peter Johnson, National Clinical Director for Cancer at NHS England, said: “Finding cancer early is key to successful

treatment and survival, but this means that we need people who experience symptoms to come forward as soon as they spot them.

“This is why it’s vital that people are aware of their bodies, take notice of a change that isn’t normal for them and get it checked out immediately.

“This partnership with Better means that we’re able to reach more people to remind them to check themselves at a time and a place where they are able to do so. It’s a simple thing that anyone can do, but it really can save your life.”

Barnaby Rich, GLL Partnership Manager for the B&NES area, said: “Our aim is to improve health and wellbeing in our local community, and we’re delighted to be partnering NHS England in this vital campaign.

“The survey we conducted clearly indicates a need to raise awareness of potential signs of cancer and the mirror stickers will hopefully act as a timely reminder to our customers to check themselves regularly.”

Lending her support to the scheme, Demi Jones, ex-Love Island reality TV star, said: “I was

Staff with the new stickers | Photo © Better / GLL

just 22 years old when I received my thyroid cancer diagnosis after I found a lump on my neck.

“I contacted my GP practice straight away to get it checked out and I was quickly referred for further testing that led to treatment by the incredible NHS

Endoscopy unit at Sulis Hospital near Bath to slash waiting lists Becky Feather Reporter

PLANS to create a temporary endoscopy unit near Sulis Hospital Bath to bring down lengthy waiting lists have been approved.

The hospital, which is based at Bath Business Park at Peasedown St John, is a Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) hub.

Endoscopy procedures are essential for diagnosing serious conditions, such as cancer and heart disease.

The hospital was opened in 2010

by Circle Health and bought by the NHS in 2021.

The Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust, which manages Sulis, has secured funding to increase diagnostic capacity within the Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire health region, which has the largest number of patients waiting for endoscopy investigations in the South West.

As the Sulis site isn’t big enough for the extra capacity, the trust lodged a planning application with Bath & North East Somerset Council for undeveloped land at the rear of the nearby Care Fertility Centre at Roman Way. The temporary endoscopy unit, which was given the go-ahead last week, will be made up of

The Sulis Hospital | Photo © Sulis / RUH

three mobile trailers.

A report from council planners said: “The impact of the Covid pandemic has had a profound and lasting impact on healthcare delivery, with ongoing procedural backlog.

“In order to meet the national standards and reduce the backlog, the RUH needs to address the backlog of patients waiting for colonoscopy, gastroscopy, and flexi-sigmoidoscopy.

“The proposed mobile endoscopy unit would provide much-needed extra space required to provide essential endoscopy procedures.

This would offer significant

community health benefits.”

The scheme includes parking for 13 staff and patients, including provision for three accessible bays, and two cycle spaces.

The application said the site will be restored within two years.

Earlier this year the council approved plans for a new orthopaedic centre at Sulis Hospital Bath to cut waiting times for patients in the city and wider region.

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team in Portsmouth. I’m now living life cancer-free and would urge anyone who notices an unusual change not to delay and speak to their GP as they are there to help. It really could save their life, as it did mine.”

The survey by Better also found

that 15 per cent of respondents from the South West said they are not aware of any potential cancer signs. 65 per cent said they would recognise a lump or swelling in a part of their body as a possible early sign of cancer and would seek medical advice.

Annual flu vaccination programme under way THE annual flu vaccination programme has got under way across the South West, with children and pregnant women being the first to benefit.

Getting vaccinated is one of the best ways of protecting yourself and the people around you from the debilitating effects of flu.

Eligible children and pregnant women are the focus for the first phase of the vaccination programme, with older people, clinically at risk adults, care home residents and frontline workers due to start receiving their jabs from October.

Younger children (aged two or three) will be vaccinated at flu clinics run by their GP, with parents invited to make an appointment.

Parents of school-aged children will be contacted by their schoolaged immunisation service to complete a consent form and access vaccination in school or via a community clinic. Parents are strongly encouraged to fill out their consent forms to enable their child to get protected.

Children will be offered the nasal vaccine, as this is the most effective for children, as well more convenient and easily administered when compared to a jab.

If this is not suitable for your child speak to your GP or practice nurse to discuss alternatives.

Pregnant women can have the jab at any point in their pregnancy through their GP or at their hospital maternity appointments.

Flu season usually peaks in December and January, so starting adult vaccinations from October will ensure those most at risk are protected during the colder months when people gather indoors and viruses spread.

Dr Kheelna Bavalia, South West Medical Director, said: “The flu and Covid vaccines are our best defences against these viruses and can be lifesaving – so I would urge everyone eligible to book their jabs when they become available, to protect themselves and people around them. These viruses leave thousands of people in hospital each year, and the vaccinations help us to keep more people well during the winter months when we expect the NHS to again be under significant pressure – so please come forward as soon as you are invited.”

Dr Alasdair Wood, Consultant in Health Protection at UKHSA South West said: “Flu can be more than just an unpleasant illness in children – for some an infection is life-threatening, including kids who are normally very active and healthy. Many of these episodes could be prevented by a simple nasal spray.”

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Business Green light for 152-bed hotel on former office block site Becky Feather Reporter

A NEW 152-bed hotel next to the Esso filling station on Lower Bristol Road in Bath has been approved by council planners.

Beazer House, the old Stothert & Pitt office block, will be demolished to make way for a three-star hotel over six storeys.

The site fronts Lower Bristol Road and is bordered by Oak Street, Wood Street and the railway.

The hotel will include a restaurant and bar and create 47 new jobs.

There will be car parking for 13 vehicles and 28 cycle spaces.

The planning application submitted to Bath & North East Somerset Council said the proposals will remove a “prominent eyesore building” that has reached the end of its economic life and replace it with a high-quality low-carbon sustainable new building.

Built in 1966, the office block has been empty since last November when occupier L&C Mortgage Brokers, having exercised a break clause in their lease, relocated to Newark Works.

Marketing to find a new tenant for Beazer House had begun in 2021, but no offers were received for multiple reasons, including location, specification, condition and EPC (energy performance certificate) credentials.

The council received some objections to the plans for a hotel, regarding the height, that there are already enough hotels in the city, the impact on traffic and parking, concerns about noise and disturbance, and that no affordable housing is proposed on the site.

A report by property experts Savills found that Bath’s hotel supply in terms of number of bedrooms increased by 49.2 per cent between 2009 and 2018 but this growth was not evenly distributed across all hotel classes. There was a net increase of 1,079.3 per cent and 112.2 per cent in the boutique and fourstar sector, whilst the number of three-star and two-star hotels in the city fell by 83.5 per cent and 31.3 per cent respectively over the same period. The report concluded there is a gap in the market for three-star hotels.

The new building will be set

How the new hotel will look | Image © Frank Capital

further away from Oak Street than the current office block and at the front of the hotel will be the entrance and most of the landscaping.

There will also be new landscaping to the west and to the rear will be service access and car parking.

The proposal includes the widening of Oak Street and Wood Street to allow manoeuvrability for service and emergency

New laundrette approved in bid to stop people travelling to Bath PERMISSION has been granted for a laundrette in Midsomer Norton, filling a gap in the market as people currently have to travel to Bath, some nine miles away, to get their washing done.

The change of use application for the old Cottles Candies sweet shop at Chesterfield House in the High Street has been approved

by Bath & North East Somerset Council.

The sweet shop relocated to another part of the street earlier this year.

The planning application, submitted by Sam Hyden, highlighted the need for a laundrette in the town and said the extra footfall would benefit other local businesses and make an already busy high street thrive more.

It said there are currently no other sites offering this service in the area. “The residents of Peasedown, Radstock, Midsomer Norton and Westfield have to travel to Odd Down, Bath, for this service.

“We believe that planning permission should be granted so as we can provide a service that the local area and residents could greatly benefit from.”

The applicant said that existing businesses in the High Street, such as coffee shops, nail bars, hairdressers, barbers and takeaways, are all places that can

The new laundrette will benefit many residents in towns near Bath

be visited in the time that the laundrette service is being used.

The conversion includes the installation of a ventilation and extraction system, but no structural changes are planned.

A noise impact assessment was submitted as part of the application.

The laundrette will offer a service where people can wash and dry clothes and bed linen themselves, along with a service wash where items can be dropped off and picked up at a later time.

In the future, a pick-up and delivery service and ironing/

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folding service will be offered.

The planning officers’ report said: “The nearest laundrette to Midsomer Norton is located in Odd Down, in Bath, as such officers consider there is a recognised need for a laundrette within the area.

“A laundrette is considered a community facility and therefore is appropriate development within the Midsomer Norton High Street.”

Their report said that overall, the proposal will not cause significant harm through loss of light, overshadowing, overbearing impact, loss of privacy, noise, smell, traffic or other disturbance.

There had been concerns that the proposed ventilation and extraction system would be harmful to nearby residential properties through scent and noise pollution.

A noise survey was submitted which was reviewed by the council’s environmental protection officer who confirmed the proposal was not likely to cause harm to neighbours and this could be secured through a condition ensuring the equipment installed does not allow noise levels to exceed 43 decibels.

The permitted hours of the laundrette will be Monday to Friday from 7.30am to 8pm and at weekends from 8am to 6pm.

vehicles to the site.

The site currently has 68 car parking spaces which will be reduced to 13, three with dedicated EV charging spaces.

A travel plan submitted with the application encourages non-car travel where practical.

Council planners have signed off the proposals, saying the principle of the loss of office space is acceptable as is the size, location, appearance and layout

of the proposed hotel, and flood risk mitigation.

The hotel will be built with a buff/cream brick and have some arched features to reflect local heritage.

The planning application stated that the new development has the potential to stimulate further regeneration of the vacant railway arches at Wood Street and a possible future redevelopment of the Esso filling station site.

Aldi relaunches search for new site in city

Photo © Aldi / Daniel Graves

BUDGET German supermarket chain Aldi is once again seeking a site in Bath for a new store as part of an £800 million investment programme.

In its annual trading update, the retailer said it plans to open 23 new locations before the end of the year.

The chain, which currently has over 1,000 stores, has previously announced plans to scale to 1,500 stores across the UK. The supermarket is searching for freehold city-centre, edgeof-centre, and retail park sites suitable for property development.

The sites should be able to accommodate a 20,000 sq foot

store with around 100 parking spaces. Ideally the location will be near a main road with good visibility and access.

Richard Thornton, the Communications Director at Aldi UK, said: “We are committed to bringing high quality, affordable groceries to millions more British families. With more than 1,000 stores across the country, our footprint is definitely growing, but we know there are still a number of towns that either don’t have an Aldi or have shown demand for more stores.”

Anybody who has a site that may fit Aldi’s requirements should contact realestateacquisitions@ aldi.co.uk

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Friday 20th September - Thursday 3rd October 2024

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Politics

Public Notices

Warning issued over CAZ payment charging sites A WARNING has been issued about unofficial payment websites encouraging people to pay a penalty charge notice or Clean Air Zone (CAZ) charge when they do not have to.

Bath & North East Somerset Council says it is receiving regular reports regarding the rise of a number of unofficial third-party payment websites purporting to be local authority or government payment sites, some of which use unsolicited text messages or phone calls to claim drivers need to pay a charge.

The sites typically lead drivers to pay a penalty charge notice (PCN) or CAZ charge they did not incur, or charge them more than the standard CAZ charge.

The websites can also lead owners of non-compliant vehicles to receive a PCN after making a CAZ payment, as the unofficial sites fail to pay the daily charge on the motorist’s behalf.

The sites often appear as the top results on search engines and lead people to those instead of official government or council payment websites.

Motorists should only use sites or apps that they are directed

to from the council website or on official app stores, not ones found via search engines.

The council will never contact people by text message to inform them of a PCN, which are always either fixed to the vehicle or sent by post using keeper details held by the DVLA. The official council webpage to pay fines can be found at https:// beta.bathnes.gov.uk/pay-fine The government’s Clean Air Zones website is the only one which can check if vehicles are compliant and collect payment if required.

Drivers are encouraged to check when paying a CAZ daily charge that it is either £9 or £100, depending on vehicle type. Any other amount indicates that they are using an unofficial website.

People should report misleading and fraudulent government-style websites to the National Cyber Security Centre.

Suspicious emails can be forwarded to report@phishing. gov.uk and texts can be forwarded to 7726.

Anyone who thinks they have been a victim of fraud should report it to the police via Action

King Edward’s School Bath applied to Bath & North East Somerset Council on 12/09/2024 for a licence to use the premises at The King Edward’s School Sports Pavilion and outside Playing Fields, Bathampton BA2 6SY for: People have been caught out by paying third parties

Fraud.

Councillor Mark Elliott, cabinet member for resources, said: “Scammers are sophisticated and can pay for a fake or unofficial payment website to appear as the top result on search engines, leading people to believe it is the official site and make a transaction.

“Often these sites target people with phishing emails and texts.

In the case of unofficial CAZ payment sites, they neither check if a vehicle is compliant and therefore subject to the daily charge, nor make the payment on the motorist’s behalf if a payment is required. This can result in a penalty charge notice being

issued.

“In general, it’s best to search on gov.uk for any government service you need to use, or on the ‘Pay for it’ section of our website, instead of trying to find it via a search engine.

“If you need to check whether your vehicle is compliant with Bath’s Clean Air Zone or pay a charge, always use the government site via its URL www. gov.uk/clean-air-zones.”

Bath’s Clean Air Zone charges do not apply to private cars or motorcycles, only to older vehicles such as taxis, minibuses, vans and HGVs which do not meet Euro 6 diesel or Euro 4+ petrol emissions standards.

Potential for cyber 17 objections but attack on pension fund another HMO approved John Wimperis

Local Democracy Reporter

A “CRITICAL” cyber attack on a fund containing the pensions of local government employees in the West of England is “almost certain”.

Avon Pension Fund, which has over 135,000 members across the former county of Avon, lists a cyber attack at the top of its latest risk register.

Plans are in place to mitigate the impact of any attack, but even after these it is “likely” there will be a critical impact on the fund, meaning that the fund could be unable to operate and members could fail to receive pension payouts on time.

Nick Dixon, head of pensions, said: “I think in most public and private sector organisations, if you do a risk register, cyber is right up top.”

But he added: “We have got a very robust set of systems in place to mitigate and that is the critical thing.”

Under the fund’s risk framework, “almost certain” means there is an 81–100 per cent likelihood of an attack happening, while “likely” means there is a 51–80 per cent chance of it having a critical impact.

In December 2022, an attack was considered “unlikely” but it was changed to “almost certain” in May 2023 and has stayed at that level since. No other risk is anticipated to have a critical impact on the fund, once mitigation measures are in place.

But the risk register did also warn that poor service levels and errors from poor controls were likely to have a “high” impact even after measures to control them.

Commenting on the risk register at the pension board’s meeting on 4th September, chair of the board Nick Weaver said: “The cyber one scares the hell out of me.

“Everything’s being cyber attacked at the moment, but it is just where we are.”

Despite the potential cyber danger, Mr Dixon said the fund’s position was “strong” and “getting better”.

The fund was set up for employees of local government in the former county of Avon.

The county was dissolved in 1996 and replaced with Bristol City Council, North Somerset Council, South Gloucestershire Council, and Bath and North East Somerset Council — the latter of which was given the responsibility of continuing to administer the Avon Pension Fund.

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR THE GRANT OF A PREMISES LICENCE UNDER THE LICENSING ACT 2003

Becky Feather Reporter

CONTROVERSIAL plans to turn a three-bed property in Combe Down into a four-bed house of multiple occupation (HMO) have been given the green light

by Bath & North East Somerset Council.

There had been 17 objections to the change of use application for 53 Meare Road. The scheme involves the reconfiguration of a partition wall to increase the size of a room.

Objectors had raised concerns about the change of use, including that there are already too many HMOs in the area and the impact on parking, affordable family housing and infrastructure, such as healthcare and public transport.

One objector described the area as being “saturated” with HMOs. Loss of privacy and intrusion for neighbours and concern about room sizes were also highlighted.

But council planners said there is no evidence that up to four non-related people living there will have a greater impact on neighbours than the existing house, which in theory could

be occupied by a couple and a lodger, or a family of any size.

They said space standards are adequate and there will be no severe transport impact.

The council keeps a register of HMOs as it is acknowledged that a cumulative impact can significantly affect a neighbourhood. There is a six-bed HMO at 90 degrees to No.53, but the neighbouring properties are single houses.

The council said no home would be ‘sandwiched’ between HMOs and fewer than 10 per cent of properties within a 100-metre radius – its threshold – are in HMO use. According to council records, the proposal would see six HMOs within a 100-metre radius, which is a 4.3 per cent concentration.

An eight-bed house HMO was approved at 20 Meare Road in May. The council had received 10 letters of objection highlighting issues including loss of privacy, overdevelopment, noise disturbance, parking, and the character of the area being changed.

the sale of alcohol for consumption on premises 12:00 – 23:00 every day, Performance of Dance, Plays and the Exhibition of Film outdoors 14:00 – 22:00 every day, Performance of Live Music indoors and outdoors 10:00 – 22:00 every day and Performance of Recorded Music indoors and outdoors 10:00 – 23:00 every day.

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 10th October 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: 13/09/2024

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Issue 087

P19

Your City, Your News - Bath Echo

Inquiry to be held over refused Odd Down homes John Wimperis

Local Democracy Reporter

AN inquiry will decide whether hundreds of homes can be built on fields at the southern edge of Bath.

Campaigners celebrated in April after Bath & North East Somerset Council refused major plans for 290 homes on the South Stoke plateau by Odd Down.

But now the Hignett Family Trust, who are behind the plans, have branded the council’s decision making “chaotic” and “unreasonable” and appealed to the government’s planning inspectorate to overturn the decision.

An inquiry, set to run for ten days, will be held in January.

The Hignett Family Trust described the homes, of which 40 per cent would have been affordable housing, as “a beautiful new addition to the city of Bath” but locals warned they would cause “carmageddon” on local roads.

The council’s own planning officers had recommended that the planning permission be granted but, when the plans first came before the committee in November, councillors sent them back to the developers to ask for more information.

When the plans came before the committee again in April, a protest against the plans was held outside and over 100 people crowded into the public gallery to watch the meeting.

After three and a half hours spent discussing the plans, councillors on the committee rejected it 7-1.

But in their statement of case, the Hignett Family Trust said: “Both committee meetings were conducted in a somewhat chaotic manner in part due to the engagement of the public in attendance.”

The trust added: “The appellant accepts that a local planning authority is not bound to follow the professional advice of the officers of the council, provided that they have good reason to do so.

“However, in this case the council

A protest was held outside of the Guildhall in Bath in April

has displayed unreasonable behaviour in its decision-taking by rejecting their officer’s recommendation without good reason for doing so.

“Whilst the appellant will carefully consider the council’s evidence to consider whether it has been able to justify its stance, based on the information to hand, it has been concluded that it should give rise to a full substantive award of costs in favour of the appellant.”

The then chair of the planning committee, Duncan Hounsell (Saltford, Liberal Democrat) had warned in the meeting that refusing the plans would be setting the council up for an appeal.

He told councillors: “We have always got the Big Brother — if you like — looking down. Which is what would the planning inspector think on appeal if we go against a strategic policy and a strategic site in our development plan?”

But he was the only councillor on the committee to vote against refusing the plans, and resigned as chair after the meeting.

But the new chair, Ian Halsall, insisted at the next meeting: “Councillor Hounsell didn’t resign from the chair in protest

at the decision at Sulis Down.

He just decided that after a year it was time for him to step down and move onto other things.”

Now the council will find out what the Planning Inspectorate thinks.

The inquiry, to be held before inspector T Gilbert-Wooldridge, will begin sitting at 10am on 28th January 2025.

Bath & North East Somerset Council will be arranging a venue for the case to be held.

It is a fight that opponents of the plans had been prepared for. Speaking directly after the plans were refused in April, Ned Garnett of the South of Bath Alliance said he was “delighted” with the planning committee’s decision.

He said: “The planning committee has listened to the arguments and the very strong feelings of the community.”

He added: “It’s likely to go to appeal so the fight goes on.”

Over 1,200 people had objected to the homes being built, while just 18 people had commented in support.

The homes are the third and fourth “phases” of the Sulis Down development. Phase one of the project was the new development of 171 homes of Combe Hay Lane, behind Odd Down Park

and Ride, which was approved “with the utmost reluctance” by councillors on Bath & North East Somerset Council’s planning committee in 2018.

The fields had been taken out of the Green Belt and allocated for 300 homes in 2014.

Councillors warned that building another 290 would take the number of homes above the amount it was allocated for, but planning officers at the council said the 300 figure “is not a cap” if all relevant principles are met.

Councillors refused the planning permission on four grounds: failing to provide a mix of uses to create a sustainable community, not meeting the exceptional circumstances needed to build in the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, causing harm to the settings of the double-World Heritage Site City of Bath and to nondesignated heritage asset Sulis Manor, and adverse impact on trees and woodland.

Now the appeal in January will test whether those arguments hold up — or whether the homes should be built.

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Retrospective shopfront signs are refused New signs at outdoor retailer George Fisher in Bath have been refused by Bath & North East Somerset Council over heritage concerns.

The application was made for the shop at 7 and 8 Abbeygate Street, near M&S. The building is Grade II listed and dates from around 1810.

Council planners said the stainless-steel fascia letters, logo and acrylic fascia letters that have been installed are not consistent with heritage policy and guidance.

“The use of numerous builtup letters and logo, together with the choice of materials, is inappropriate and damaging to the significance of both the listed building, setting of adjacent listed buildings, and this part of Bath conservation area.”

They had no objection however to a non-illuminated projecting panel fitted to an existing bracket.

The application stated that the historical values of the building and surrounding environment were taken into account and the scale of the works is “minor” and give a “fresh approach”.

The council did invite the retailer to revise the scheme but that was declined and they asked for the application to be determined as it stood.

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Railway station coffee shop refurb to go ahead The Starbucks branch on Platform 2 at Bath Spa railway station will be refurbished after Bath & North East Somerset Council was satisfied with upgrade proposals at the listed building.

The plans for the coffee shop aim to bring it in line with the latest store brand concept being rolled out at stations across the country.

Council planning officers agreed that the proposed works will not affect the special interest of the Grade II* listed building, which was constructed in 1850 by Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

The changes include an expansion of the coffee shop’s current outdoor seating area.

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Friday 20th September - Thursday 3rd October 2024

Sport

Upcoming Fixtures

Anniversary Game celebration to return to Rec

Bath City FC Saturday 21st September – 3pm Bath City v Enfield Town (Home) League Saturday 28th September – 3pm Bath City v Salisbury (Away) FA Cup 3Q

Bath Rugby Friday 20th September – 7.45pm Bath Rugby v Northampton Saints (Home) ENG Premiership Men’s – R1 Sunday 29th September – 3pm Bath Rugby v Leicester Tigers (Away) ENG Premiership Men’s – R2

Get Involved

Patrick Ashdown, Max Pearce, Aaron James, Rowan Freeman, Olivia Warner, Will Roue and Connor Treacey | Photo © Anna Barclay

AN annual celebration of student sport at the University of Bath is set to return to the Recreation Ground this October.

The Anniversary Game, sponsored by Colour Studios, will feature an added derby-day edge.

Hartpury is the opposition for the University men’s 1st XV on Wednesday 16th October (6.30pm kick-off ), providing a Bath v Gloucester rugby rivalry for what is always a highlight of the student year.

The past two Anniversary Games at the iconic home of Bath Rugby have seen crowds of more than 6,000 fans roar the hosts to memorable victories, over Durham and Cardiff Met respectively, and – with free tickets available – organisers at The SU Bath are expecting another big turnout.

Sponsoring the match for a second successive year is the Dragon

Group-owned Colour Studios, based in nearby Radstock, which provides exhibition, event and display solutions.

Director Rowan Freeman said: “We are proud to be supporting the Anniversary Game once again.

It was a fabulous experience last year and the atmosphere in The Rec was amazing.

“The crowd was so up for it, and it was great to see the players rise to the occasion and play so well. I am sure this year’s occasion will be just as memorable.

“The Dragon Group has a long history of sporting partnerships.

We are passionate supporters of local clubs, teams and athletes, and love helping them develop and progress.

“We have worked closely with the University of Bath and Team Bath for many years – visitors to the Hall of Fame in the Sports Training Village will be familiar with our work – and we

are delighted to enhance that partnership.”

Aaron James, Head of Rugby at the University of Bath, added: “A huge thank you to Colour Studios for supporting the Anniversary Game once again and Bath Rugby for hosting what is always a great occasion.

“It is not only a highlight of the student sporting calendar but also an event that is well supported by the wider Bath community.

“That whole mixture of students, families and the public coming together makes for a fantastic experience and provides lifelong memories for all those proudly representing the University on the pitch.”

Sports Performance student Max Pearce is one of several Bath Rugby Academy players who represent the University in British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) Super Rugby.

He experienced the Anniversary Game for the first time last year and said: “The biggest thing for the boys is the crowd. People really turn out in big numbers and the atmosphere is electric – it feels like we are playing for the whole University, not just the rugby club. This year’s match is a local derby too. I have a few mates at Hartpury and it will be a tasty match, we’re excited for it.”

The Anniversary Game is staged annually to mark the University of Bath being granted its Royal Charter on 25th October 1966.

You can register for free tickets by visiting www.teambath.com/ AnniversaryGame Bath begins their 2024-25 BUCS Super Rugby campaign with a home match against Durham at the Team Bath Sports Training Village on Wednesday 25th September. Kick-off is the earlier time of 5pm and admission is free to spectators.

Whether you'd like us to include your upcoming fixtures in the newspaper, or submit a match report for publishing, our team would love to hear from you.

Please send fixtures lists for your team to sport@bathecho.co.uk and we'll add your next event to our sports calendar.

If you have photographs that we can use, we'd also like to include them within these pages, on our website and social media.

We're happy to host match reports for various sports from across Bath and the surrounding area. Please send them to sport@bathecho.co.uk with the subject Match Report. To ensure we can include them in our following issue, limit the length to around 400 words. We need to receive content by the Monday before publication. Thank you.

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Crossword answers - Issue 086 (06/09/2024) Across: 9 Science, 10 On a whim, 11 Olive, 12 As planned, 13 Selfish, 15 Maybe, 16 Ego, 17 Ice Age, 19 Rueful, 22 Sam, 24 Laird, 26 Outgrew, 28 Supernova, 30 Nylon, 31 Ideally, 32 Theresa.

Down: 1 Espouse, 2 Filial, 3 Angelica, 4 Feta cheese, 5 Loop, 6 Napalm, 7 Thank you, 8 Smidgen, 14 Cormorants, 18 Crippled, 20 Extended, 21 Classic, 23 Rwandan, 25 Darkly, 27 Roller, 29 Onyx.

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