Bath Echo - Issue 089 - 18/10/2024

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Friday 18th October - Thursday 31st October 2024

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Issue No. 089

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THREAT TO ALLOTMENTS Council given notice by landowner to vacate Combe Down site - P3

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

New contract announced for health and social care - P2

LTN campaigners raise £5,000 for legal challenge - P3

Leader accused of “buck-passing” over new housing targets - P5

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Contract announced for health and social care

In this issue...

Top Stories

Friday 18th October - Thursday 31st October 2024

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Pictures from the Past

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Crossword

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Food & Drink

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What's On

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Community

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Education

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Health

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Business

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Politics

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Sports & Fixtures

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A £144 MILLION per year contract to support people with health and social care in or near their homes has been announced, as part of efforts to streamline the services already on offer.

HCRG Care Group has been appointed to lead an innovative community-based care partnership with the NHS, local authorities and charities across Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire.

Traditional community services such as nursing, therapy and personal care will be enhanced as they become part of new integrated neighbourhood teams.

This will see staff working across homes, care homes, clinics, schools and community centres to bring more personalised support to local people.

The aim is to build on the services that are valued by patients and their loved ones, as well as giving people more support in living healthier lives.

The new approach will spot early signs and symptoms of ill health and help those with existing health and care needs live independently for longer.

Dr Amanda Webb, Chief Medical Officer of the Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board (BSW ICB), said: “This announcement comes at a pivotal moment for the NHS. “Shifting the dial towards community-based care means that people will get more personalised care that is tailored to their needs, and what matters to them.

“The next two years will see a major transformation of community-based care across BSW as the new approach is rolled out.

“There will also be a new focus on prevention and early intervention to help people manage their health proactively and stay healthier for longer.

“We will work closely with HCRG Care Group to bring to life the government’s aims to move from hospital care to community care, to shift from sickness to preventative care, and to digitise the health service.”

Among the benefits local people can expect to see will be:

Neighbourhood teams will be introduced to support residents in their homes

• A single place or front door to get community-based care, help and support. The new front door will be fully accessible to all, and be available in a faceto-face location, as well as online and over the phone.

• At least £7 million a year will be invested in partnerships with Voluntary Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) providers to build community capacity to provide early help and support within communities from the end of 2027.

• Poorly located or outdated buildings will also be refurbished or phased out.

• Transforming the way that people access care will also reduce the pressure on GP practices and hospitals, which are seeing more people with health problems that could be effectively treated closer to home.

The new model of communitybased care will see patients being looked after outside of hospital, minimising the need for admission and helping to keep people at home wherever possible.

Total funding for the services is £144 million per year, with HCRG Care Group supporting up-front investment to deliver changes more quickly.

The ICB worked in partnership with Bath & North East Somerset Council, Swindon Borough Council and Wiltshire Council to

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commission HCRG Care Group for the services.

Patrick Birchall, Managing Director of HCRG Care Group, said: “We are delighted to continue to build on our partnership in BSW, based on the success of the last seven years.

“With this new plan, we look forward to working with our acute hospital colleagues, primary care, community health and care providers to join up care and services as we focus on supporting people who rely on community services to manage their existing health conditions, as well as preventing ill health.

“We believe that this approach to partnership working will help us deliver excellent communitybased care for the people of BSW, keeping them as well as possible, for as long as possible.”

HCRG Care Group operated its first NHS service in BSW in 2006, and has since delivered more than 200 community services, while employing more than 1,300 NHS staff.

The group has been rated as both good and outstanding by healthcare regulator the Care Quality Commission for services provided in the local area.

Councillor Richard Clewer, Chair, BSW Integrated Care Partnership, said: “True partnership working has been shown to add real value to patient care.

“HCRG Care Group has a proven track record of working collaboratively with partners

both in and out of the NHS, and their overall vision mirrors that of our own, which is to support all people – regardless of their background – to lead healthy and happy lives. I’m certain that this announcement will be a positive move for our communities, and I look forward to seeing the benefits come to light over the coming years.”

HCRG Care Group will take responsibility for community services from 1st April 2025, with the new contract running for an initial seven-year period.

The HCRG Care Group name may be familiar to residents in Bath and North East Somerset, as it previously operated adult social care services for B&NES Council before the local authority took them back in-house earlier this year. HCRG Care Group was previously known as Virgin Care.

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Your City, Your News - Bath Echo

Landowner tells council to vacate allotment site THE owner of a piece of land in Combe Down that has been used for allotments for more than 100 years has given notice to Bath & North East Somerset Council to vacate the site.

Currently there are 64 allotments on the land, which the council leases.

Earlier this year the local authority was given informal advance notice of the landowner’s intention to serve formal notice to terminate the council’s lease.

At that time no dates were given and the information was nonbinding. Since then, discussions have been ongoing between the council and the landowner to work out whether the council could remain in occupation, including the possibility of purchasing the site.

A solicitor’s letter has now been sent from the landowner to the council saying it must vacate the land at Combe Down by 30th November 2025.

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

so this is a hugely disappointing decision.

“We have explored all options to save Combe Down Allotments and we are continuing to do so.

This has included exploring any statutory acquisition powers for the site. We have also requested meetings with the landowner to understand why he wants the council to vacate the land.

Unfortunately, all requests to meet have, to date, been declined through his solicitor.”

Earlier this year the council wrote to allotment holders setting out the legal situation, the progress that the council had made to date, its willingness to engage with the landowner and its commitment to remain on the site so that the long history of food-growing and allotments afforded to the community of Combe Down could continue.

Councillor Ball added: “We are in negotiations to purchase the land and the council is also exploring alternative sites.

“We will continue to work with the allotment holders but we have to be realistic.

“There is no specific timeframe over which the obligation for

B&NES Council is exploring how to acquire the site

the provision of an alternative allotment site must be satisfied.”

Following a successful nomination by a group of residents, the council has added the site to its list of Assets of Community Value.

The application, from the Unincorporated Friends of Combe Down Allotments, was assessed by the council and found to meet or exceed all criteria needed to be added to the list.

Although the owner of an Asset of Community Value (ACV) is free to sell to any buyer of their choice, they cannot dispose of it without notifying the council of

an intended disposal.

Once such notice is received the following periods begin to run: • A six-week ‘interim moratorium’ period in which community interest groups or any other buyers can submit a written request to the council to be treated as a potential bidder.

The council must pass the request onto the landowner; and • If the council does receive such a request, a six-month ‘full moratorium’ period begins.

This period is intended to give a group time to assemble a bid and, if successful, complete the purchase.

LTN campaigners raise £5,000 for legal challenge John Wimperis

Local Democracy Reporter

CAMPAIGNERS raising money to launch a legal challenge to reopen a road closed as a liveable neighbourhood in Bath hit their fundraising target in just seven days.

Sydney Road was closed to through traffic on a trial basis in April as part of Bath & North East Somerset Council’s programme of liveable neighbourhoods, also called low-traffic neighbourhoods or LTNs. Liveable neighbourhoods aim to make streets safer and more pleasant for cycling and walking, but others have argued that they just make other roads more dangerous Campaigners launched a fundraiser earlier this month for a legal challenge to prevent the Sydney Road scheme from being made permanent. The campaign hit its £5,000 target in just seven days.

Organiser Neil McCabe said in an update posted on the gofundme.com page: “Many

thanks for bringing us close to our goal. I had a Teams call with the barrister this morning and we are even more confident in our position.

“At the moment we’re waiting to see how B&NES responds to the objection I sent on 2 Oct. “That will determine what we need to do next, and whether we need to ask for more contributions for a full court case.”

The challenge comes after one proposed liveable neighbourhood in another area of Bath was blocked by a legal challenge in August.

The council did not contest that challenge due to “minor technical issues” and missing their slot with their contractors, although it has insisted it will try to bring the plan back.

Now people near Sydney Road believe they have a case to make over the same technical issues in the council’s statement of reasons for the scheme.

A total of £5,261 has been raised so far, with an anonymous donor making a single donation of £500.

The fundraiser states that any funds not used in the legal

challenge will be donated to the local hospice care charity Dorothy House.

In July, people from nearby roads around Sydney Road attended a full meeting of Bath & North East Somerset Council to warn of the impact of the scheme on nearby roads.

Alan Morely, who lives near the bottom of North Road which joins the A36 just before Sydney Road, said: “As a result of the closure, we now have more traffic queueing in front of our houses, particularly during school runs.”

A statement read out on behalf of Daniel Selwood, who lives on the edge of the Bathwick Estate but was unable to attend the meeting, said: “Near misses are happening the whole time because of the Sydney Road LTN. We see it daily.

It is a near miss at the moment, it is not always going to be a near miss.”

It added: “Their liveable neighbourhood has become our unliveable neighbourhood.”

But at an earlier council meeting in May, people from Sydney Road and Sydney Place praised the scheme.

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Mary Allan, who lives on Sydney Place, said: “We have been freed from the tyranny of the motor vehicle. Restricting through traffic has proved the only way to achieve this.”

Malcolm Robinson added: “Walking, strolling, wheeling, ambling, perambulating, whatever is your bag, the Sydney Road LN creates a small safe space to move around without fear of being run down by a rat runner from Bathampton trying to get to Waitrose before it closes.”

The controversial scheme has even been debated in Parliament, with Bath MP Wera Hobhouse and former North East Somerset MP Jacob Rees-Mogg clashing over the issue shortly before Parliament was dissolved for the 2024 General Election.

At the Liberal Democrat Party Conference in September, a top councillor from the Liberal Democrat-run council read out a message in a speech to the conference from the council’s deputy leader stating: “We need more powers to be able to shut roads without quite so much ability for legal challenge.”

News in Brief Man arrested over graffiti tagging in Bath A man has been arrested in connection with an ongoing investigation into graffiti tagging in Bath, in which the tag ‘Jenga’ was sprayed onto buildings.

The 30-year-old was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and has now been released on conditional bail while enquiries continue.

Police have been investigating incidents where graffiti was sprayed in several locations, including Walcot Street, Bath Street, and Guinea Lane. A member of the public called police to say a man was spraying a building on Upper Bristol Road last month.

Officers attended and following a short foot chase, a man was arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage. If you have any information in relation to this investigation, call 101 with the reference number 5224242768.

A big welcome to Rob Here at the Bath Echo, we're pleased to announce the appointment of Rob Last as our new Sales Manager. Rob will be dealing with all of our advertising and marketing enquiries, and is keen to get to know many of the businesses in and around Bath.

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Weather Forecast Fri 18th Sat 19th Sun 20th Mon 21st Tue 22nd Wed 23rd Thu 24th

16°c 16°c 17°c 15°c 15°c 16°c 14°c

Long range forecast:

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(25th to 31st Oct) Periods of rain on the way, with drier spells in-between.

Getting windier in some areas, with high pressure bringing settled conditions into November.

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Friday 18th October - Thursday 31st October 2024

GP surgery reapplies to Twenty-five schemes completed in turn unused wing into annual resurfacing programme four-bed HMO Becky Feather Reporter

ANOTHER attempt is being made to turn part of a surgery in Bath into a house in multiple occupation (HMO).

In March we reported that St Michael’s Surgery at Walwyn Close in Twerton had been refused permission to turn the two-storey wing previously occupied by a dental practice into a four-bed HMO by altering the layout on both the ground and first floors.

The main reason for Bath & North East Somerset Council refusing the GP surgery’s application was down to the risk of “sandwiching” No. 14 Walwyn Close between two HMOs as No.12 had received planning permission to become one in September 2021.

Planning officers were also concerned that two of the proposed bedrooms would have obscured glazed windows which, although designed to ensure no harmful overlooking for neighbours, would cause an unsatisfactory living environment for those living in the rooms.

The application also failed to secure an EPC (energy performance certificate) level C. The latest application says that

according to the council’s HMO map, there is no evidence of No.12 having implemented that change of use and that HMO permission at that property has now expired.

It adds that to overcome the issue with the windows “we have relocated one of the side windows to the north-west elevation which will enable the window to have clear glass without direct overlooking of the neighbouring property”.

In addition, a rooflight has been included to the central bedroom to improve the light levels and quality of the space.

The rear courtyard area will be partitioned using fencing. There will be provision for bicycle and bin storage. The HMO will be accessed from Walwyn Close on the western façade and the existing surgery entrance on the east side retained.

The latest application says the current EPC rating ‘D’ can be increased to a C rating with small upgrades to the property such as new solar PV panels and loft insulation.

The applicant’s building consultants describe the scheme as “a sustainable, well-designed solution that will improve the quality and appearance of the existing building”.

BATH & North East Somerset Council has now concluded its annual resurfacing programme, having completed twenty-five schemes across the district.

Almost 15km of highway was brought back to a high standard between March and September.

More than 103,000m2 of highway has been resurfaced, an area equivalent in size to 395 tennis courts.

The council’s Highways team has also repaired 5,149 potholes so far, averaging 19 repairs a day.

Schemes included Englishcombe Lane in Southdown, Combe Park in Weston and Chilcompton Road in Midsomer Norton.

The largest scheme in the programme was Charlton Road in Keynsham, where more than 15,000 m2 of highway was resurfaced.

Working with VolkerHighways and other contractors, the council completed all its road resurfacing schemes between March and September, alongside programmes of highway patching, surface dressing and footway repairs.

Winter weather makes it more difficult to resurface highways to a high standard, so the council carries out the majority of its works in the warmer, drier months of the year.

Two schemes included on this year’s programme, Prior Park Road in Widcombe and A39 Bath

Projects across Bath awarded more than £325k in community funding EIGHT projects in Bath are set to share more than £325,000 after being awarded community funding by Bath & North East Somerset Council.

Youth support groups, park improvements and a new pedestrian crossing are among the projects that are being funded.

More than 990 responses were received in a public consultation on the sixteenth round of the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) for Bath, which helped inform the local authority’s decision on where to allocate the funding.

The projects for this round of funding are: • Youth Connect South West: £50,312.50 to support youth work sessions in Odd Down, Weston and Twerton • Bath BMX Club: £20,000 to enhance The Tumps BMX track • Shaftesbury Road Memorial Gardens: £600 to purchase and install a handrail on the steps • Larkhall United Reformed Church: £6,556.32 for repairs and enhancements to its youth

One of the roads resurfaced as part of the programme | Photo © B&NES Council

Road in Farmborough, have been postponed until 2025.

Councillor Manda Rigby, cabinet member for highways, said: “Maintaining our highway network is an ongoing challenge but each year we get out and improve large areas across Bath & North East Somerset.

“As always, we now move on to planning next year’s programme and prioritising which highways will need to be worked on first.

“Our inspectors will be monitoring the impact the weather has on our network daily and their feedback will help shape next year’s programme.”

The council’s patching programme, which involves smaller resurfacing schemes, has also been completed and has resurfaced 42,000m2 of highway at twenty-five locations.

The resurfacing and patching programmes combined resulted in 21km of highway being brought back to a high standard.

A programme of footway resurfacing is still ongoing and once complete will see 9,130m2 of footway resurfaced at twentytwo locations.

To determine which roads will be included on next year’s programme, the council will look at highways that provide key links to services like schools and hospitals, the volume of vehicle and cycle traffic a highway receives, feedback from condition surveys, site inspections by Highway Inspectors and resident reports on FixMyStreet.

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Job Vacancy Career Opportunity in Local Council Administration Assistant/Trainee Clerk and Financial Officer to South Stoke Parish Council South Stoke Parish Council wish to employ an Assistant Parish Clerk and RFO (Responsible Financial Officer) working 30 hours per month Home-Based Working. Pay rate Local Council SCP 13 -17 £13.97 - £14.95 p.h., p.a. £5,202, FTE £26,280 – Under Review

Residents were invited to have their say on who received funding

hub facilities • Lansdown Ward: £95,000 for the installation of a new pedestrian crossing • Friends of Henrietta Park: £20,000 to re-line the ornamental pond in the Memorial Garden • Alice Park: £75,000 to support playpark improvements • Active Weston: £58,125 to finance the installation of a basketball hoop, benches, a playing surface, and a park notice board at Weston Recreation Ground.

Councillor Kevin Guy, leader of B&NES Council, said: “These projects will be of great benefit to our communities and especially

to young people. Thank you to everyone who contributed to nearly a thousand responses we received to our consultation and helped us to allocate the money where it’s needed.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the results of all the hard work put in by residents and community groups across the city.”

To date, the Neighbourhood Portion of CIL for Bath has allocated more than £2.53m to 65 local projects.

The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) is a planning charge, introduced by the Planning Act 2008 as a tool for local authorities in England and Wales to help support development.

You will be working with, and mentored by, the current Clerk and RFO, who is a CiLCA (Certificate in Local Council Administration) qualified Clerk, with 12 years’ experience.

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Issue 089

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Council leader accused of “buck-passing” over new housing Jessica Moriarty

Local Democracy Reporter

THE leader of Wiltshire Council has accused Liberal Democratled Bath & North East Somerset Council of “buck-passing” when it comes to housing targets.

Councillor Richard Clewer has strongly criticised the call from the leader of B&NES Council, Councillor Kevin Guy, for a regional cross-boundary approach, which would allow Bath’s housing targets to go beyond local authority boundaries.

According to Councillor Clewer, this is “thinly veiled NIMBYism of the worst kind”, but Councillor Guy has argued that he is “simply asking for a dose of realism” and suggested that Councillor Clewer is engaging in “petty, partypolitical point scoring”.

This comes after the new Labour government set out new mandatory housing targets to tackle the housing crisis.

Councillor Clewer said: “Unfortunately, we have seen time and again by the Liberal Democrats who control B&NES Council that the solution to the problems they face is to pass the buck to Wiltshire.

“Instead of fighting the government’s planning reforms which unfairly increase

the housing target for rural communities while letting London off the hook, they are instead calling for a more flexible ‘regional cross boundary’ approach.

“This is thinly veiled NIMBYism of the worst kind.

“After failing to even build to the much lower targets of the previous government, Bath’s Liberal Democrats are effectively trying to get neighbouring authorities such as Wiltshire to take some of their housing quota.

He added: “As we have seen with the fiasco in recent years with the closure of Cleveland Bridge which forced HGV traffic onto the roads of Wiltshire, the default position of the Lib Dems in Bath is to make Wiltshire residents pay the price for their policy failures.

Wiltshire residents are not fools.

“The Liberal Democrats went into the 2024 general election promising to build 380,000 new homes a year across the country – 80,000 more than the new Labour government – yet local Lib Dems are now desperately trying to avoid the logic of their own policies and build those houses anywhere else but next door to where they live.”

Councillor Kevin Guy responded: “The Lib Dems are committed to tackling the housing crisis and we welcome the government’s renewed focus on this issue.

Bath & North East Somerset Council leader Councillor Kevin Guy | Photo © B&NES Council

“We are already demonstrating our commitment to delivering good quality homes in B&NES. “We have worked with key anchor institutions to form a dedicated Housing Mission Delivery Board and we’re directly delivering new homes, including affordable and social housing.

“Responsible councils have a duty to their residents to ensure that new homes serve local needs and are built in sustainable locations, with the infrastructure and services needed to build successful communities.

“In our response to government,

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we’re simply asking for a dose of realism.

“The annual housing target for B&NES has been doubled.

“This crude target doesn’t recognise the unique circumstance of Bath’s World Heritage Site status and doesn’t come with any clear commitment to address affordability, infrastructure and skills shortages. Government requires neighbouring authorities to cooperate, and we stand ready to work in partnership with our colleagues in the region.

“This is such an important

opportunity to make sure the right homes are delivered in the right places. We can’t risk squandering it with petty, partypolitical point scoring.”

In the letter Councillor Kevin Guy wrote to the Deputy Prime Minister responding to the new housing targets, he described the target for B&NES as “unrealistic”.

He noted that he still welcomed the government’s “commitment to tackling the housing crisis”.

Councillor Clewer was vocal in his opposition to the new housing targets when they were announced in July.

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Friday 18th October - Thursday 31st October 2024

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Pictures from the Past The Sack of Bath and its effects on the Stall Street area

Stall Street remains similar today to how it was when this photograph was taken, despite some notable changes

Kirsten Elliott Akeman Press

LAST week, on 10th October, former Times journalist Adam Fergusson was made an Honorary Freeman of the City.

He was the author of The Sack of Bath – that seminal book which attacked decisions by the then Bath Development Committee accusing them of causing more damage to the city's architecture than the Bath Blitz, as they swept away swathes of Georgian Bath. In their minds, only the grand set pieces were worth keeping. The book was published in 1973 and caused an outcry.

While it could not be said to have stopped the destruction in its tracks, the message finally got through, although it came too late for streets like Trim Street, half of

whose north side was demolished, or the old houses on Snow Hill. Even today, there are those quoting the council line that the Snow Hill houses were slums and the compulsory purchase order was necessary.

This was untrue. Almost all the buildings – while they might have benefited from a makeover – were well-built and provided perfectly adequate homes for hundreds of people. But by declaring the houses unfit for human habitation, the council only had to pay the site value to their owners.

Even the centre of Bath was affected, and many old properties were lost. In this picture of Stall Street, we can see several differences from today, though not all date from the Sack of Bath era. For instance, Newman’s Cash Store, on the left, now has a different frontage, erected in 1928. But the most noticeable change is on the other

side of the road, where Lennards’ boot and shoe shop stood. Today, the modern building juts much further forward. Built as the new Woolworths in 1961 it took in the site of St. James's Church. When this picture was taken, the church was to the photographer’s right, just out of shot. In 1942, it was hit by an incendiary bomb but though badly damaged, the remains, including the tower, stood stubbornly for another 15 years. But the popular feeling at the time was that it needed to go. Described as having ‘no outstanding architectural merit’, a journalist in the Bristol Evening Post, stated on 8th January 1957 that ‘Bath, a growing city, is in need of suburban shopping centres as well as the ambitiously visualised alterations already publicised… The Southgate Street clearance will make way for new shops to

be followed by more spectacular proposals for Bath’s commercial future.’

Yet in other cities, bombed churches like this were stabilised and conserved in their ruined state, providing peaceful war memorials in busy places. The Royal Garrison Church in Portsmouth, founded at a similar date to St James’s and just as badly damaged by incendiaries, is now cared for by English Heritage and welcomes visitors. It could have happened here in Bath but commerce in the shape of Woolworth and Marks & Spencer, whose new store was planned in place of the Georgian buildings just visible beyond Lennards’, had the last say. Surely, this was one of the greatest losses of the Sack of Bath. Virtually nothing of the old city between the river and Lower Borough Walls now remains.

COLUMN | Clare Moody, Labour Police and Crime Commissioner

A

VON and Somerset Police recently took part in a week of action to target criminals who exploit roads across Avon and Somerset by transporting illegal drugs and money through our region and the wider South West area.

The success of Avon and Somerset Police in tackling drugrelated crime often depends on information provided by the public.

I’d like to thank everyone who came forward with vital information for this operation or has done so in the past, please be assured that your contributions are essential in helping officers

catch and charge those involved.

You can report suspicious activity in your area to your local police online, on 101 or by calling Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. You can also contact your local neighbourhood policing team – find out who they are through the police website https://www.avonandsomerset. police.uk/your-area/ I understand the importance of people feeling connected to their local policing teams. I recently held my sixth and final public forum on 9th October in Yeovil, Somerset. At each of the forums I’ve asked people to share their priorities for policing, to help

me develop a Police and Crime Plan to address the evolving challenges in policing and to deliver lasting solutions.

I’m very grateful to everyone who attended and shared their thoughts – I’ve heard lots of ideas and suggestions. One of the most recurring subjects I’ve heard from the public, through these forums and from those who have filled out my current consultation survey, is that people want to feel safer where they live and work.

People are telling me they would like more investment in police officers based in communities.

The first priority in my draft Plan seeks to provide action in

this area, focusing on strengthening neighbourhood policing to provide a visible police presence, engage with communities, and tackle antisocial behaviour.

I know that policing is not the only answer to feeling safe in your community. One of the practical ways I am supporting communities to deliver their own solutions is through my Crime Prevention Fund, which is currently open for applications.

I’m offering grants between £1,000 and £10,000 for projects that aim to reduce crime, serious

violence, and antisocial behaviour.

Whether you are a community group, charity, or organisation working to make a difference, this fund provides an excellent opportunity to secure financial support for your work in Avon and Somerset.

The deadline for applications is 8th November. Find out more and apply: https://bit.ly/3AdRJ6F For more information on my draft Police and Crime Plan, or to take part in the consultation, please visit my website: https:// bit.ly/3yvf8zK

Issue 089

P7

Your City, Your News - Bath Echo

Crossword

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Complete our crossword for your chance to win £20!

Across 1 Adhere closely (5) 4 Buying and selling in different markets (9) 9 Easily influenced (9) 10 Helping hand (3,2) 11 One who says, in a game (5) 12 Timetables (9) 13 Outing (6) 14 Went in (7) 17 Legal thriller writer (7) 19 Join up (6) 23 Sam, drunk with Merlot, goes round and round (9) 25 15 Down's money man and successor (5) 26 Heraldic blue (5) 27 Change (9) 28 "Eye of --- " (Ken Follett novel) (3,6) 29 Brings up (5)

Down 1 Rises in status (5,2) 2 Muslim (7) 3 The Cutty Sark's current home (9) 4 Surprise attack (6) 5 Soviet leader who stopped the Prague Spring (8) 6 Like many bathroom floors (5) 7 Sharp-pointed (7) 8 Open to inspection (7) 15 Major beater (4,5) 16 Better (8) 17 Flexible athlete (7) 18 Chiller (3,4) 20 Pacific battle island of WW2 (3,4) 21 Lease holders (7) 22 Develop (6) 24 Napped kidskin (5)

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Food & Drink

Friday 18th October - Thursday 31st October 2024

Melissa Blease

Food Writer

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

Tasty Dates For Your Diary Oktoberfest is in full swing at The Architect (Orange Grove). Drop by anytime between now and Sunday 27th October and explore a cracking line up of authentic Bavarian beers and a range of classic German dishes including bratwurst in both traditional and vegan format, Bavarian pretzels with beer cheese, Chicken Schnitzel with sauerkraut and pickles and the tantalising Kartoffelklöße. https://bit.ly/4f1E1Ti Spooky along to the Sepoy Club (Broad Street) between Monday 21st to Thursday 31st October and chase the cobwebs away over a hauntingly delicious Halloween Special Menu including thrilling delights such as Pumpkin Masala Tikka, Jangali Chicken Curry and the Vampire Kiss cocktail.

Spooktacular! (£44pp). www.thesepoyclub.co.uk

If you're looking to raise money for a charity or good cause, the Locksbrook Inn (Locksbrook Road) is offering free use of their Lock Room event space every Sunday from 9am-noon to support your efforts and donating free tea and coffee for attendees. www.thelocksbrookinn.com Thrill to the Halloween chills at Wolf Wine (Walcot Street) on Thursday 31st October when the bar will be transformed into a Cavern of Horrors for one night only. Dress to the 666's for the fancy dress competition, go Coffin Dippin' for spooky prizes and win bubbles galore in the raffle (£10pp, to include a glass of house wine/beer and one free entry into the raffle). www.wolfwine.co.uk Experience a lively, unique alternative to the traditional

Sunday roast at Picnic in the Park (Lark Place/Upper Bristol Road, adjacent to Royal Victoria Park), where the Sunday Bushfield Barbecue flies the South African flag for attention-grabbing dishes including Bobotie, Braii Broodtjai, rib eye Trinchado and Malva Pudding, all available as either a la carte or full-on Tasting Menu options. https://bit.ly/3YmMI5a Indulge in an exquisite 5-star Argentinian Wine Dinner at the Royal Crescent Hotel on Thursday 24th October: an “Autumn gastronomic delight” beginning with a canapé reception before moving 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 Sign up for the Butcombe Loyalty Club card and earn 25% off all food all day on Wednesdays, 3 courses for the price of 2 after 3pm on Sundays, free birthday drinks for you and your mates and many more tasty deals at participating pubs including the Pig and Fiddle (Saracen Street), the Broad Street Townhouse (Broad Street) and the glorious Quarryman's Arms on Box Hill. www.butcombe.com/loyalty Book an a la carte dinner at the fabulous, Michelin-starred Restaurant Hywel Jones at Lucknam Park Hotel and Spa (Colerne, less than 30 minutes drive northeast of Bath) for any Wednesday or Thursday evening throughout November and enjoy an automatic upgrade to the

incredible Tasting Menu – like, wow! https://bit.ly/403ul6m Prepare to witness the skies over Combe Hay light up on Saturday 2nd November at the wonderful Wheatsheaf's Firework Night Party. The Wheatsheaf Burger Truck will be fully open for business alongside a pick'n'mix Popcorn Cart and Candy Apples for all. Arrive from 6.30pm, firework display 8.30, booking essential (adults £10; children over 5 £5). https://bit.ly/4eK2jRR Melissa regularly reviews restaurants across Bath. www.theprandialplayground.uk Follow Melissa on X Find her @ThePigGuide

Recipe: Pumpkin Muffins Don't discard the pumpkin flesh from those spooky Halloween lanterns! These pumpkin muffins are a far-from-ghoulish Halloween treat.

Ingredients (makes 12 muffins) • 500g pumpkin flesh, chopped into chunks • 225g self-raising flour • 100g caster sugar • 50g soft light brown sugar (plus a couple of tbsp more, for roasting the pumpkin) • 125g melted butter (plus a couple of tbsp more, for roasting the pumpkin) • 2 eggs

Method • Tumble the chopped pumpkin flesh into a roasting tin, drizzle with around 2 tbsp melted butter, sprinkle with a little bit of soft brown sugar and roast for around 45 minutes or until very tender, turning the chunks over halfway through the cooking time.

• Allow to cool completely before tipping into a food processor and blending to form a smooth pumpkin purée.

• Preheat the oven to 190c/gas mark 5 and line a 12hole muffin tin with muffin cases. In a large bowl, combine the flour, caster sugar, soft brown sugar and cinnamon together. In a separate bowl or jug, whisk the pumpkin purée with the eggs and the melted butter and add to the dry ingredients.

• Stir the mixture until just combined and divide between the muffin cases. Bake the muffins for 1820 minutes or until golden and risen and a skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean. Allow to cool on wire rack before gobbling up, or keep for up to three days in an airtight container.

MANTRA

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01225 446332 www.mantraofbath.co.uk 5 Bladud Buildings, The Paragon, Bath BA1 5LS

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Friday 18th October - Thursday 31st October 2024

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Review

Mantra Progressive Indian

The restaurant has a strong focus on healthy options and fresh produce

5 Bladud Buildings, The Paragon, Bath BA1 5LS 01225 446332 www.mantraofbath.co.uk Mantra: a fascinating foodie haven based in an elegantly refurbished Grade II listed Georgian building on Bath's historic Paragon, atop the lively George Street strip.

A bright'n'breezy oasis, where brasserie-style street level dining rooms open out onto one of the loveliest alfresco terraces in the city (of which more later), and menus take us on an authentic, whistle-stop tour of the Indian subcontinent with a strong focus on healthy options, seasonal ingredients and fresh produce.

All the diverse flavours, textures and styles that you'd expect from such an, erm, mantra are represented on a menu that celebrates a lesser-spotted array of dishes including Punjabistyle saffron paneer or Amritsari Chickpeas, with unexpected, unique combinations such as Mumbaistyle Nachos and Gindrizzled Char-Grilled King Prawns adding further fascination along the way.

It's all beautifully explained without any hype or novelty to detract us from what's clearly a confident, competent kitchen.

Mantra is, quite simply, lovely.

As the sun decided to join us on our most recent visit to Mantra, we took the opportunity to go alfresco – if the weather plays nice when you visit, you should too. There's no other restaurant/ bar terrace in town that offers views across the lesser-spotted cityscapes (the rooftops of Walcot Street, for example) north-northeast of the city centre and the lush, pastoral environs beyond; I've lived in Bath for almost 30 years, and I felt as though my whole perspective on the city had, quite literally, been refreshed.

Our feast offered a similarly fresh take on familiarity, starting with cauliflower florets in a superlight batter and a sweet'n'sourish sauce and a Chicken Tikka Dosa, Mantra's dosas being a speciality of the house. If you've yet to familiarise yourself with the delights of what's essentially a thin, savoury crepe made from ground rice and pulses, usually filled with all manner of spicy fillings and served with all manner of groovy little accompaniments (in this instance, coconut chutney and a super-aromatic sambar), it's essential that you go Dosa here.

It's interesting to point out, at this point, that the Mantra head honchos are keen to point out that the word 'curry' is merely an oversimplification of Indian cuisine coined by the English.

They define their restaurant as specialising in 'Progressive Indian Cuisine'...and you won't find the c-word anywhere on the Mantra menu.

What you will find are dishes that present you with a world of super-fresh flavours and taste sensations: salt, spice, sweet; soft garlic, peppery heat. Fenugreek here, cloves over there, coriander, cumin and cinnamon

all making their presence felt; subtly sensual, complex but gratifyingly congenial.

And that's how I'd describe our main courses: a chicken dish – sort of Hyderabadi/masala in essence – and a silky, complex, gently spicy Lamb Korai, both accompanied by the softest, sweetest, freshest Peshwari I've ever encountered, and billowing pillows of Pilau.

Mantra is exciting, but it's all very accessible too; an intelligent, accomplished taste of the unexpected, if you like – and there's nothing not like here.

Reviewer: Melissa Blease

Cauliflower florets with sweet'n'sour sauce

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Issue 089

P11 11

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What's On

Friday 18th October - Thursday 31st October 2024

FilmBath Festival

Bath Oktoberfest

Freedom in the City Festival

The Voices of Bob Dylan

Various Locations 18th – 27th October Returning for its 34th festival for 10 days to screen over 50 films. FilmBath will be showcasing a selection of cinema from around the world and screening movies in unexpected buildings.

Royal Victoria Park 18th – 19th October, 4pm–10.30pm Oktoberfest will be bringing Bavarian festivities to Royal Victoria Park. Enjoy live Oompah bands, traditional karaokedancing, games, axe throwing, gourmet food and big steins of German bier.

The Assembly Rooms 19th October, 11am A celebration of the 70th anniversary of HIM Haile Selassie I, Emperor of Ethiopia, receiving the Freedom of the City of Bath, where he lived at Fairfield House from 1936 to 1941.

BRLSI 21st October, 7.30pm To many, Dylan’s songs sound better when sung by other people, but this talk presents the argument that Bob Dylan’s vocal talents are as central to his art as his song writing.

The Prince and the Knave

Sir Trevor McDonald

Summer 1954

The Dreamer – Live

The Mission Theatre 22nd – 23rd October, 8pm In extracts from Shakespeare’s Henry IV, Shakespeare Live’s actors take multiple roles to tell the story of the relationship between Prince Hal, the future Henry V, and the knight Sir John Falstaff.

Elim Church 23rd October, 7pm In this memoir, On Cricket, Sir Trevor explores his childhood and celebrates his love of the sport that followed him no matter where in the world his illustrious career would take him.

Theatre Royal 24th October – 2nd November James Dacre directs an ensemble cast including Nathaniel Parker & Dame Siân Phillips in this double bill from one of Britain’s most popular twentieth century playwrights, Terence Rattigan.

Festival of Light

Meet the Author: Marie Basting

Shadow Puppets

The Holburne Museum 25th October, 5pm By honouring all things light and joyful, the Holburne Museum marks Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights, which will be celebrated on Friday, 1st November.

Suitable for all ages.

The Roman Baths 26th October, 11am Join Marie Basting, the author of My Family and Other Romans and Auntie Medusa and Me. Find out how Marie takes history and myth and mixes it up to create a hilarious adventure.

The MEAA 26th October, 10.30am–4pm Visit the MEAA this Museums Week.

Take a look at the incredible centuriesold shadow puppets and show off your storytelling skills by putting on a play in the mini shadow theatre.

October Half-Term Spider Trail

Talk: The Painter’s Daughters

Spooky Stories in the Grotto

Reimagining Remembrance

Prior Park (National Trust) 26th November – 3rd November This October half term, children can follow a spider trail around Prior Park.

There will be clues and facts about our favourite eight-legged friends, just in time for Halloween.

No.1 Royal Crescent 28th October, 6pm To celebrate the recent acquisition of four Thomas Gainsborough portraits, find out more at this ‘In conversation’ talk between author Emily Howes and Senior Curator Dr Amy Frost.

Beckford’s Tower & Museum 31st October, 7pm Meet in the paddock above Beckford's Grotto for warming drinks and company round the fire; then descend into the Grotto to meet Ma Slater, who will tease and titillate you with twisted tales

Bath Abbey 31st October, 7pm Explore the contemporary value and nature of remembrance at "Reimagining Remembrance". Offering an evening of reflection and discussion on the modern significance of remembrance.

The Rondo Theatre 24th – 25th October, 7.30pm The most exciting, brand new, enigmatic magic show from the magician most infamous for jamming the BBC switchboard after he correctly predicted the lottery results.

American Halloween American Museum & Gardens 26th October – 3rd November Visit the American Museum throughout October half term for a classic American Halloween atmosphere and exciting outdoor and indoor trails, with fun activities every day.

americanmuseum.org

American

w e o l en l a H

26 October – 3 November SPOOKY GUESS WHAT? GARDEN TRAIL & CANDY MUSEUM BAT SEARCH CREATIVE ACTIVITIES AUTUMNAL PUMPKIN PAINTING TRICK OR TREAT EVENT COSTUME PARADE – SEE WEBSITE FOR SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES

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Friday 18th October - Thursday 31st October 2024

Community

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

Works to ‘future-proof’ Devonshire Autumn adventures at Tunnel against flooding under way the Roman Baths Becky Feather Reporter

WORKS to finally resolve flooding issues in the Devonshire Tunnel on the Two Tunnels route in Bath have begun.

Bath & North East Somerset Council is installing a pump at the entrance to the tunnel on behalf of Sustrans, which owns and manages the route.

The shared-use Two Tunnels Greenway connects the city and the Midford Valley.

The Devonshire is the shorter of the tunnels, the other being the Combe Down Tunnel, which is the longest cycling and walking tunnel in the UK. The pump will divert floodwater uphill and bypass the original Victorian cast iron pipework, that is no longer fit for purpose, to drain the water in the Devonshire Tunnel.

The works are expected to take eight weeks to complete. It is hoped that the tunnel will remain fully open until 3rd November

Flooding at the tunnel in January | Photo courtesy of @twotunnelsbath on X

for the first part of the works, however from 4th November it will be closed while the works are safely completed.

There will be signs at both ends of the tunnel throughout the works to inform users about the closures and timescales.

Councillor Paul Roper, the council’s cabinet member for economic and cultural sustainable development, said: “The original Victorian drainage in the Devonshire Tunnel has

not been able to withstand the increasingly severe rainfall we have experienced in recent years.

“These essential works to install a pump will future-proof the route and ensure that it can remain open throughout future weather events. This is an important route for both commuting and pleasure and we apologise for the inconvenience while the works are carried out; however, this is a long-term fix that needs to be done.”

VISITORS to the Roman Baths this autumn will be able to take part in a new timetravelling adventure, thanks to a partnership with the book Auntie Medusa and Me by Marie Basting.

Silvia was just an ordinary child until she wound up in Ancient Rome as a demi-goddess. And, if that wasn’t enough, now the gorgon Medusa wants her head back – and she has chosen Silvia to find it.

Families will be given the challenge to help Silvia on her quest to find Medusa’s head.

Follow the Medusa Mystery trail through The Roman Baths, decipher the clues, and see if you can discover where the snakehaired head is hidden.

Filled with fun facts, mythic monsters, and a legendary goddess or two, this all-new trail will make a family day out to remember.

The trail is included in Roman Baths admission, and available to pick up near the ticket desk.

Councillor Paul Roper, cabinet member for economic & cultural

Photo © B&NES Council

sustainable development, said: “The Medusa Mystery trail at The Roman Baths is a wonderful way to engage children and families with our city’s rich Roman heritage. By blending history with the excitement of mythology, the trail offers a fun and educational experience for all ages. We’re delighted to be working with Marie Basting and Chicken House Books to bring the trail to life.”

The trail is now available at The Roman Baths until Sunday 1st December 2024. The books My Family and Other Romans and Auntie Medusa and Me by Marie Basting are available to purchase from The Roman Baths shop.

The trail was produced in partnership with Chicken House Books and illustrator Flavia Sorrentino.

Specsavers branch Actor Dominic West appointed raises more than £3,000 ambassador of Julian House charity

Some of the team from Specsavers Bath | Photo © Specsavers Bath

STAFF at Specsavers on Westgate Street in Bath have raised more than £3,500 for a Zambian audiology charity.

The audiology and optical team have been raising money for ZAHDIP (Zambian Hearing Disability Improvement Project) since 2023.

Fundraising efforts have included the team hosting and taking part in pub quizzes, collections in store and organising mufti days for staff.

Kingstone Katebe, Specsavers Bath audiology director, said: “ZAHDIP is something that is extremely close to my heart as not only was I born in Zambia, it’s a charity that was founded by both me and my late brother, Cliven, in 2020.

“We’ve been fundraising for ZAHDIP for a little while now, and the money raised plays a vital role in running the charity.

“It means we can post donated hearing devices to Zambia and cover the transport costs for the local team there so they can carry out more hearing checks.

“More recently, the donations have helped to purchase three laptops that can be used for testing and fitting hearing technology. The work the charity does means children can hear their parent’s voices again and supports adults to gain important employment opportunities.”

If you have an unwanted hearing device that you’d like to donate to ZAHDIP, these can be dropped off in store.

ZAHDIP is working to provide free hearing checks and hearing devices to underprivileged people living in Kitwe, Zambia.

The team works to ensure those who need the charity’s support receive personalised care and support on their hearing journey.

ACTOR Dominic West has been announced as Bath-based charity Julian House’s new ambassador.

The announcement comes as the charity marked World Homelessness Day, noting a significant moment in its efforts to support individuals affected by homelessness and social exclusion.

Dominic West, best known for his roles in The Wire and The Crown, has previously supported Julian House by donating food from his local farm to its emergency shelter for rough sleepers in Bath.

West recently visited the emergency shelter on Manvers Street and one of Julian House’s refuges for survivors of domestic violence.

During the visits, he was able to get to know the clients to understand their experiences and stories and learn more about the support they receive at Julian House.

Commenting on his new role, he said: “I find homelessness a particularly emotive subject and I have worked for a homelessness charity in Dublin.

“I moved to Bath 5 years ago and its not the sort of place you would expect to see the problem of homelessness, so it is rather shocking seeing this extent of the issue in a prosperous place like Bath.

Dominic West meeting some of the staff at the charity | Photo © Julian House

“I think the shock of that and seeing what great work Julian House does, made me want to do something to help if I can.”

World Homelessness Day comes at a time when homelessness and rough sleeping nationally and across the South West continues to rise sharply, with a 25% increase seen in Bath.

So far, in 2024, Julian House has delivered in-depth support to 141 people who were forced to sleep rough in the city and provided short-term accommodation to 106 people at the emergency shelter in Manvers Street.

Helen Bedser, CEO of Julian

House, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Dominic West as our new ambassador. It was a pleasure to meet with him and discuss Julian House’s mission.

“It is fantastic that he has decided to build on his existing support for our homelessness shelter by becoming an ambassador for our wider work across Bath and the South West.

“We are all looking forward to working with him in the future.”

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Education

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University awarded £11 million for mental health research THE University of Bath has been awarded £11 million by the Government to invest in vital mental health research for the local community.

Somerset is one of nine areas to receive a share of £27 million to explore the issues that most affect local people and better understand how to tackle them, in a bid to increase mental wellbeing.

The funding granted to the University of Bath will be used to establish one of the nation’s first Mental Health Research Groups (MHRG), that will work closely with communities to develop and undertake research to address local mental health needs.

Research will centre around mental health challenges in children and young people across the region.

Since 2012, the rate of hospital admissions for self-harm among 10–24-year-olds in Bath and North East Somerset has consistently exceeded the national average.

The funding will be used to better understand the mental health of locals

The group established will form part of NIHR’s Mental Health Research Initiative, which seeks to improve care and outcomes for local people, by building a sustainable infrastructure and regional capability in applied mental health research.

Baroness Merron, Minister for

Mental Health, said: “Mental illness is one of the biggest challenges we face, but most research into these conditions hasn’t reflected the breadth of experiences faced by different communities in different parts of the UK. “There’s no ‘one-size-fits-all’

City's bus situation ‘enough to put prospective students off’

solution to mental health, so it’s really important that health leaders in Somerset and elsewhere have the evidence they need, based on research, to provide the most effective care.

“We’re committed to giving mental health the focus it deserves, and this funding is a huge step forward for mental health research right across the country.”

Professor Lucy Chappell, CEO of the National Institute for Health and Care Research, said: “Mental health issues can affect any of us.

We know that more researchers and research participants will lead to better treatments and support for people and communities affected by mental health issues.

“These Mental Health Research Groups will target the mental health research to the areas that need it most, meaning we can quickly start to make a real difference in key areas such as young people’s mental health and addiction.”

NHS England data published earlier this month shows that more than 1,950,000 people in the UK were in contact with mental health services in July 2024, a rise of over 100,000 compared to the year before.

The data also reveals stark inequalities across the country in access to effective mental health support, with many regions experiencing high rates of mental health conditions unable to participate in research.

Prathiba Chitsabesan, National Clinical Director for Children and Young People’s Mental Health, at NHS England, said: “Mental health problems are on the rise and the need for innovation in prevention and treatment has never been greater than now.

“Mental health research can contribute to saving lives, reducing distress and improving outcomes for our local communities.

“We must be collectively ambitious to achieve parity of esteem in mental health.”

Knife crime awareness event to be held

Police officers on patrol | Photo © Avon & Somerset Police

Becky Feather Reporter

First Bus said the issues are due to busier morning buses as students head back to university

Becky Feather Reporter

THE “abysmal” situation regarding students trying to get by bus to the University of Bath campus has been flagged up.

A parent of a third-year student contacted the Bath Echo to say the situation is worse than it has ever been.

She said: “Kids are waiting for hours and buses at each stop are just sailing past as they are all full.

“First Bus has had the brainwave of removing the stops in Oldfield Park to ‘speed things up’ without

factoring in that all that has happened is that the stops further along now have everyone from Oldfield Park waiting there.

“It would be laughable had people not paid almost £500 for an annual pass. This is all over various social media groups and frankly is enough to put prospective students off Bath.

“Few other cities have such a limited way of actually physically accessing their own campus and let’s not forget that more students than ever are being housed in the city – each year they are taking over more city accommodation for first years.”

A spokesperson for First West of England said: “We have been experiencing busier morning buses at the start of the academic year as students head back to university.

“However, we expect this to calm down over the coming weeks as the number of students boarding buses spreads out during the day.

“To help manage these temporary capacity issues we have been monitoring busier periods and, where possible, we have provided additional buses. We’d like to pay tribute to our colleagues, including drivers, for their efforts in keeping customers moving.”

A KNIFE crime awareness event aimed at parents will be held at St Mark’s School in Larkhall on Monday 21st October.

It is the latest in a series of events organised by Bath & North East Somerset’s Violence Reduction Partnership (VRP).

The event is aimed at parents and carers who would like to know more about the dangers of knife crime or are concerned that their children are at risk.

The aim is to increase awareness of key issues surrounding knife crime, empowering parents and their children to make informed and positive decisions to stay safe.

There will be guest speakers who have been personally affected by knife crime.

There will also be a presentation by the charity StreetDoctors,

which puts young people at the centre of emergency first aid provision and empowers them to become part of the solution to violence.

This will be followed by a panel discussion with the opportunity to ask questions.

The VRP is a multi-agency partnership that aims to prevent and reduce violence in the area. It works to understand and address the root causes of violence, to prevent further such crimes from occurring.

It provides resources and supports the work of professionals and community groups who help children at risk or involved in serious violence.

The meeting at the school in Bay Tree Road starts at 6pm. To book a place, visit https://bit.ly/4h6vb8I

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HALLOWEEN POSTER COMPETITION

WIN A £25 HIGH STREET SHOPPING VOUCHER! OPEN TO ENTRANTS UP TO 12 YEARS OLD

DESIGN YOUR POSTER IN THE BLANK SPACE ABOVE FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN! To enter, either take a photo of this page and email it to puzzles@bathecho.co.uk or pop it in the post to us at Halloween Competition, Bath Echo, PO Box 5395, Bath, BA1 0YA. We need to receive all entries by Wednesday 30th October. The posters will be judged by the Bath Echo team, and the best one will be showcased in our next issue (out on 01/11/24). When submitting a design, please provide your child's full name, along with a parent/guardian's name, postal address and either a phone number or an email address.

The prize of a £25 Love2shop gift card will be sent to the winner using the details provided upon entry. No purchase necessary. No alternative prize will be offered.

P16

www.bathecho.co.uk

Friday 18th October - Thursday 31st October 2024

Health RUH comes ninth in the country for Concerns over number patient experience of children who haven’t seen a dentist

Photo courtesy of the Royal United Hospital

TEAMS at the Royal United Hospital in Bath have been praised for treating patients with kindness, dignity and respect.

The praise comes in the results of a recently published survey, which places the RUH Trust ninth in the country for overall patient experience for general acute and combined trusts.

The national Adult Inpatient Survey is an annual piece of research carried out by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), which is the independent regulator of health and adult social care in England.

The survey looks at the experiences of people who stayed at least one night in hospital as an inpatient in November 2023.

The RUH results of the 2023 survey showed that patients felt they were treated with respect

and dignity and said that staff took into account their individual need.

In both those questions, the RUH performed better than most trusts across the country.

Cara Charles-Barks, RUH Chief Executive, said: “These are really positive results and closely reflect our goal of ensuring the people we care for feel safe, understood and always welcome.

“It is clear from our results that our staff are consistently delivering the highest quality care, ensuring we provide our patients with the very best experience while they are with us.

“We are not complacent though – we are always looking at what we can be doing to further improve the experience of our patients to act on what matters most to them and will be focusing on the areas of the report where we can do

better.”

Other aspects where the RUH was rated as better than others showed that patients included: • Patients felt included in discussions with medical staff about their care; • Patients were treated with kindness and compassion; • Patients were able to get enough help from staff to wash and keep clean.

The RUH improved on the 2022 result for patients feeling there were enough nurses on duty to care for them.

Areas of the survey where patients said the RUH could improve in the future included overnight room temperatures, explaining how to take medicines on discharge and making sure patients know what to expect next in their care on leaving the hospital.

NEW research has revealed that more than 14,000 children in Bath and North East Somerset were not seen by an NHS dentist in the past year.

The House of Commons Library research was commissioned by the Liberal Democrats and the Office of Wera Hobhouse.

The Bath MP has now called for an end to ‘dental deserts’, saying that the figures were a “damning indictment” of the Conservative party’s legacy of “running local health services into the ground”.

The research, from the House of Commons Library, estimates the number of children who weren’t seen by an NHS dentist in the year to March 2024, based on the latest data from the health service.

It also revealed the proportion of children not seen by an NHS dentist in Bath and North East Somerset. For the previous year, almost 40% of children had not been seen by an NHS dentist.

This is despite the NHS recommending that under-18s see a dentist at least once a year because their teeth can decay faster, compared to two years for adults.

Tooth decay is also the leading cause of hospital admissions for children aged 6-10.

The Liberal Democrats are calling for an emergency rescue plan for NHS dentistry, including spending any funding that has gone unspent in recent years to boost the number of

Children should see a dentist annually

appointments as well as the removal of VAT on children’s toothbrushes and toothpaste.

Wera Hobhouse said: “We have been struggling with a ‘dental desert’ in Bath for far too long now. Barriers to accessing an NHS dentist mean that many families are forced to choose between going private or risking their children’s dental health.

“Children deserve to have the best possible start in life – and having good dental health lays the very foundation for this.

“Instead, the Conservatives have run local health services, including dentistry, into the ground, leaving children in Bath to pay the price.

“We urgently need the new government to commit to investing in local health services at the Budget and bringing an end to ‘dental deserts’ so that every child in Bath can see a dentist when they need to.”

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Work begins on tackling digital divide in local healthcare PATIENTS at the Royal United Hospital can now access personalised support when using technology to help manage their health.

A new Digital Inclusion team has been introduced as part of efforts to reduce the digital divide.

It’s estimated that 4% of UK adults are offline, with millions more struggling to afford mobile and broadband access.

In addition, around 8.5 million adults lack basic digital skills, which makes it hard for them to navigate everyday life. This includes accessing healthcare: a third of adults who are offline say it is difficult to interact with NHS services.

The RUH has launched its Digital Inclusion service to improve access to and experiences of healthcare.

Its dedicated patient access navigators provide bespoke, one-on-one support and encouragement to enable patients to feel more comfortable

and confident using a range of digital health tools.

This might include helping someone use wearable technology to monitor a long-term health condition; access health apps or digital appointment letters, which provide more timely notifications and reminders of appointments than paper letters; use relevant websites and understand how to make the most of them; or access data or Wi-Fi. Dr Reston Smith, RUH Deputy Chief Medical Officer, said: “Our long-term vision is that everyone in our community will have equitable access to and experiences of healthcare.

“However, for many reasons we know that millions of adults do not have the means or the skills to confidently use digital technology.

“This means there are growing inequalities in people’s experiences, with some finding it harder to access the NHS and

tools that could enable them to better manage their health independently.

“I am proud that we have been able to set up our Digital Inclusion team to help change this. They will work closely with patients to give them the support and knowledge they need to use digital health tools outside of a hospital setting.

“This will also help improve our patients’ overall health and wellbeing, as well as giving them a more positive experience of healthcare in future.”

Veronica Kuperman, Health Inequalities Lead, said: “The digitisation of healthcare is advancing at fast speed, and we have the responsibility to ensure that nobody is left behind.

“Our Digital Inclusion team’s approachable patient access navigators understand that using technology can make some people feel nervous, but also know that with the right support it can really improve someone’s

Patient access navigators Mariko (left) and Av (right) with Tina (centre), a Diabetes Technologist | Photo © RUH

quality of life.

“The team will meet with the people we care for to find out what is important to them, whether that is using a health app or accessing Wi-Fi. “Their friendly, personal support will ensure people leave hospital feeling more confident and

comfortable using technology on their own.”

Patients can ask their care team to put in a referral to the Digital Inclusion team on their behalf.

This can also be requested in advance via a care team, to coincide with an upcoming appointment.

Issue 089

P17

Your City, Your News - Bath Echo

Business Storage scheme to safeguard city vaults Becky Feather Reporter

PLANS to turn historic vaults underneath Argyle Street in Bath into six separate storage units have been submitted to Bath & North East Somerset Council.

Known as the Pulteney Cellars, they are only accessible via Spring Gardens Road.

They are said to have been in storage and light industrial use since the 18th century.

The vaults are approximately 12 metres long and range in width from 3.2 metres to 3.9 metres.

In 2023, the site was sold to the current owner, Pulteney Emergency Shelter and Storage Ltd, which continues to use the site for storage.

The previous tenant also stores items there under an informal agreement.

Use of the site has never been formalised so combined planning permission and listed building consent are now being sought for the change of use and associated works to enable safe and dry storage to continue while safeguarding the historic character.

Due to unmonitored use and development of the site for more

than 200 years, there have been a lot of “piecemeal” additions and alterations, and redundant services and internal works which require removal or upgrading.

In addition, natural wear and tear, groundwater pressure, mains services leaks and proximity to the River Avon have contributed to dampness, water ingress, and other issues.

The application says it will be essential to protect the vaults from ongoing damp issues and potential future flooding.

Previous users of the vaults have included Bath Rugby for storing seasonal and training equipment. The proximity of the site to the club also makes it ideal for ventures associated with match day activities, says the application.

Market stall traders have also expressed renewed interest in continued use. It is suggested that local tourist ventures, particularly those linked to nearby river cruises, such as ice cream and ticket sellers, would benefit from having convenient storage too.

Likewise, bars, restaurants, and retail shops in the immediate vicinity could use the space for overflow stock.

The planning reference is 24/03676/FUL. The deadline for comments is 7th November.

Residents being reminded to use council-approved businesses PEOPLE in Bath who are looking for a reliable tradesman are being encouraged to search a database of businesses approved by B&NES Council.

The Buy with Confidence scheme provides members of the public with a list of companies that have given their commitment to trading fairly and have undergone a series of detailed checks by the local authority’s Trading Standards team.

Businesses are only permitted to join the scheme once they have passed a series of stringent checks including research into their trading history and financial background, a review of their complaint history and customer references and for those working in and around people’s homes, a criminal record check.

Once on the scheme they will continue to be monitored.

Residents can use the Find a Business search tool on the Buy with Confidence website, put in their postcode and select the type of business they want – for example a plumber.

From the list of local businesses, you can view their business profile, read customer reviews and send them an email.

Councillor Tim Ball, cabinet member for neighbourhood services, said: “The Buy with

Historic Bath venue opens its door to host wedding ceremonies A NEW wedding ceremony venue has now opened in Bath, offering couples the chance to reimagine the registry office stereotype.

Set in a Grade I-listed property overlooking Queen Square, House of St John’s offers space for smaller gatherings in a more intimate setting, with room for up to 30 guests.

The venue offers two rooms for ceremonies. The Whittington Suite can accommodate up to 30 guests, while the Fitzwarren Room holds 12 guests, including the couple. Each couple will have one and a half hours to enjoy their ceremony and a celebratory toast with their guests.

Amy Grant, Head of Operations and Events at House of St John’s, said: “There is a significant gap in Bath’s wedding venue market for more personalised registrystyle weddings that are priced affordably but set in a special location that is more in keeping with the wedding day experience.

“The trend of chic modern micro weddings isn’t slowing down so we have created a beautiful space for couples to tie the knot.

“The venue is perfect for those looking for an intimate

Photo © House of St John’s / The Shannons Photography

wedding, or for those who want a sophisticated legal ceremony before their celebration abroad.

“Our research shows that 43.6% of marriages in 2022 took place on a Saturday, so we’re offering this popular day to meet market demand.”

The standard package includes a personal wedding co-ordinator to plan the ceremony, in addition to venue hire, floral arrangements, ceremony chairs and music.

Optional add-ons range from champagne receptions and an upgraded floral design, to photography, videography, and

live musicians.

Guests can also enjoy a discounted stay in the luxury apartments offered at St Catherine’s after their big day.

The venue has also partnered with local Bath suppliers to provide a bespoke experience for couples, from Minerva Wine’s champagne to Honeysuckle’s vibrant floral arrangements.

The team offers a curated list of trusted suppliers, including makeup artists, hair stylists, photographers, and videographers, ensuring a seamless planning process.

The scheme helps to prevent people using rogue traders

Confidence scheme gives B&NES residents peace of mind, knowing that each business has gone through a strict vetting process before being approved and will be trustworthy and provide good service.

“We encourage local businesses to join the scheme as a way to set themselves apart and demonstrate to potential customers that they take fair trading and customer service seriously.”

The Buy with Confidence scheme launched in 2008 and 67 councils across the country are signed up.

If you are a business wanting to boost your credibility and attract more customers, you can find out more and start your registration on the Buy With Confidence website.

Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Trading Standards team will then contact you within five working days with further details. To be eligible, businesses must be based in Bath & North East Somerset, have been trading for at least six months and must not cold call customers.

Bath & North East Somerset Council has waived the usual application fee for businesses joining the scheme and discounted membership is available for sole traders with no employees.

The Trading Standards team advises residents to always ask for proof of identity before letting any tradesperson into their home. If you need to check, ring their employer using the number listed in the phonebook or online.

Permanent planning permission bid works out for Twerton gym A BATH gym has been given the thumbs-up to continue operating after its temporary planning permission ran out.

CrossFit Bath has been based since May 2021 at a unit at The Smallholdings in Twerton.

The gym had previously been in temporary accommodation at Bath City FC at Twerton Park, moving there in 2018 after eight years at Wansdyke Business Centre in Oldfield Park.

CrossFit had been asked to leave the business centre, along with others based there, because of redevelopment plans.

With just a short-term lease on the building at The Smallholdings, planning permission was granted

by Bath & North East Somerset Council in 2022 for the change of use from a scaffolding business to a gym for a temporary period of 18 months.

The lease was then extended and CrossFit told the council that if full planning permission was not granted, it would lead to the loss

of the facility which would have a “devastating” effect.

There were comments of support about how the gym enhances the community and that a dedicated car park ensures minimal disruption to local residents.

A small number of concerns were raised including from local councillor Jess David (Lib Dem, Moorlands) about vehicles using a public footpath to access the site, Planning officers agreed to a restrictive condition requested by Councillor David that vehicular access to the site is solely from The Smallholdings private road accessed from Coronation Avenue to maintain the safety of pedestrians and cyclists using the public footpath leading from Monksdale Road to the private road. Other conditions include adding 20 bike spaces.

Council planning officers said the gym use improves highway safety compared with this previous use by a scaffold business.

P18

www.bathecho.co.uk

Friday 18th October - Thursday 31st October 2024

Politics

Public Notices

Orders to reduce anti-social behaviour renewed TWO legal orders aimed at tackling alcohol-related antisocial behaviour have been renewed, covering the centres of Bath and Midsomer Norton.

The Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) allow Bath & North East Somerset Council and Avon & Somerset Police to continue addressing antisocial behaviour linked to alcohol possession and consumption to ensure public safety.

Following unanimous approval by councillors, the orders have been extended for another three years until September 2027.

The decision comes after a public consultation was held in August in which residents’ feedback showed strong support for their renewal.

The legal definition of Public Places means the proposed PSPO would include car parks to which the public has access and public parks, as well as other public spaces such as streets.

While it is not an offence to drink

People who fail to comply with the orders face a fine of up to £1,000

alcohol within these areas, PSPOs target antisocial behaviour in public places that is detrimental to the local community’s quality of life.

The orders empower authorised officers to request individuals to stop drinking or surrender alcohol if their behaviour is likely to cause, or is suspected of leading to, harassment, alarm,

distress, or disorder.

Anyone who fails to comply with an authorised officer’s request to stop drinking or surrender alcohol without reasonable excuse could face a fine of up to £1,000.

Councillor Tim Ball, cabinet member for neighbourhood services, said: “The renewal of the PSPOs reflects our ongoing

Calls for introduction of tighter rules on HMOs across Bath

Councillors have said they “object in principle” to more HMOs

Becky Feather Reporter

CALLS continue to mount for action to curb the growing number of houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) in Bath.

Bath & North East Somerset Council keeps a register of HMOs as it is acknowledged that a cumulative impact can significantly impact a neighbourhood.

Current policy dictates that no home can be ‘sandwiched’ between two HMOs and fewer than 10% of properties within a 100-metre radius are allowed to be in HMO use.

The latest controversy surrounds an application submitted to the council to turn a three-bed property at Ambleside Road into a five-bed HMO. Minor internal alterations are proposed as part of the application for No 51.

In response to the application, local councillors Steve Hedges

and Joel Hirst say they “object in principle” to more HMOs being created in their ward.

They say: “We feel strongly that Odd Down ward needs to be protected for housing for family units.

“The city of Bath is incrementally pricing families out of areas like Odd Down and Kingsway.

“This is being driven by a number of factors including unsustainable growth in student numbers at the universities without growth in purpose-build student housing on campus to meet this demand.

“The city of Bath is limited in its ability to grow because of World Heritage status. If we want a sustainable city, where a range of people from a range of economic backgrounds can afford to live in Bath, we need to protect key areas for potential key worker properties. Odd Down and Kingsway are such an area.

“We are especially concerned about the impact on parking, currently the parking is already challenging in this area and an

HMO will inevitably put more pressure on parking.”

The Lib Dem councillors say there is already a high concentration of HMOs in the area with many (at least 10) being registered in the Kingsway area: “For these reasons we respectfully ask this is called in to planning committee for consideration.”

The proposed Ambleside Road HMO does not include off-road parking spaces but there will be five allocated spaces for bikes and a designated bin storage area.

The deadline for comments is 28th October. The planning reference is 24/03605/FUL. Earlier this year Councillors Hedges and Hirst warned about the “exponential growth” in HMOs in the Odd Down area when they put in their objection to plans to convert a three-bed mid-terrace in Eastover Grove into a shared house for six people.

At the time they warned that they did not support the loss of family houses to HMOs which makes the area less sustainable. They added that more student housing should be built on campus.

The planning application was approved.

Earlier this month we reported on a planning application for a seven-bed HMO in Freeview Road in Twerton which has sparked 30 objections with concerns including the impact on parking and that students are being prioritised over families in the city.

The council is due to make a decision on that application by the end of the month.

commitment to maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for everyone in our city and town centres. Street drinking that leads to antisocial behaviour poses a risk to public safety and residents’ quality of life.

“The PSPOs will enable us and the police to continue to take action against those whose behaviour threatens the peace and security of our neighbourhoods.

“Thank you to everyone who shared their thoughts and concerns in our consultation and helped us continue to ensure that the needs of the community are at the forefront of our decisions.”

Public Places are defined as those to which the public or any section of the public has access, on payment or otherwise, as of right or by virtue of express or implied permission.

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GOODS VEHICLE OPERATOR'S LICENCE Greensward Sports Consultancy Limited of The Old Mill, Mill Lane, Monkton Combe, Bath BA2 7HD is applying to use their premises (listed above) as an operating centre for 1 heavy goods vehicles.

Owners or occupiers of the land (including buildings) near the operating centre who believe that their use or enjoyment of that land would be affected, should make written representation to the Office of the Traffic Commissioner, West of England, Quarry House, Quarry Hill, Leeds, LS2 7UE. Stating their reasons within 21 days of this notice.

Representors must at the same time send a copy of their representations to the applicant at the address listed at the top of this advert. A guide to make representations is available from the Traffic Commissioners office.

Retrospective bid for food van withdrawn A PLANNING application to continue using a private car park in Oldfield Park to sell hot food every day has been withdrawn.

In July Cyril Catering Ltd submitted a retrospective application to Bath & North East Somerset Council to change the site at Lorne Road to a mixed use of car park and to station a hot food takeaway vehicle.

The ‘King Grill’ van began selling burgers, wraps and chips from the car park at the start of May. Although the car park is accessed from Lorne Road, it is on the corner of Brougham Hayes and Lower Bristol Road.

It is leased to a local employer from 6am to 5pm, Mondays to Fridays, and has nine spaces which are sometimes rented out separately at weekends too.

The planning application said the mobile food van would be operated from the site between 5pm and 11pm Monday to Friday and between noon and 11pm at weekends.

The generator was described as “super-quiet” and the application also said that all waste would be removed daily.

The applicant said there was unlikely to be an impact on people living nearby and that the vast majority of customers could and would travel by sustainable methods.

Independent councillor for Westmoreland ward, June Player, had voiced concerns and asked that the case be referred to committee for detailed scrutiny in the event of the planning

officer recommending approval.

She was worried about the negative impact in such a densely populated area, with residents already having enough noise issues to contend with.

She also highlighted the impact of extra traffic, smells and the noise from gulls, who might swoop and attack customers for food.

Although the application mentioned that the car park is bound to the north and east by landscaping, Councillor Player said: “I have to disagree with there being any landscaping here because all the greenery and hedgerow that did used to be here, and which did lessen the look of this unattractive car park, and screened it somewhat, was bulldozed down at the end of January this year.”

She added: “I would like to point out that a few years ago, larger trees were felled here and due to the site being outside the Conservation Area of Bath, these trees sadly did not benefit from statutory protection.

“The recent hedge removal has further facilitated potential development at the expense of integrated green infrastructure.

“The loss of this greenery has exposed this car park and resulted in it now standing out like a sore thumb.”

Issue 089

P19

Your City, Your News - Bath Echo

Parking permitted at former church despite ‘harm’

Plans to turn old Kingdom Hall into flats

Becky Feather Reporter

COUNCIL planners have granted permission for part of a boundary wall to be demolished so on-site parking can be provided at a £1.75m fivebedroom converted church in Bath that was proving difficult to sell.

In August we reported on the planning application to create an access at the former Claremont Methodist Church at the junction of Eastbourne Avenue and Tyning Lane in Larkhall and install parking for two cars with an electric vehicle charging point.

A report accompanying the application said the property had been on the market for 16 months and prospective buyers were being put off by the lack of parking, particularly as nearby on-street parking is often at capacity.

When planning permission was initially sought from Bath & North East Somerset Council in 2022 to turn the church into a house, onsite parking was proposed but ditched due to concerns from the council’s conservation officer.

That in turn led to an objection from the council’s highways team but in approving the scheme at the time, the planning officers felt there would not be an unacceptable impact on local

The converted church in Bath

roads.

They said the building had been a church and community building for many years with no on-site parking and that the site is in a sustainable location.

The latest application, to open up access from Eastbourne Avenue, level the ground to provide parking and provide an EV charging port, sparked five objections citing road safety concerns and that the removal of the wall would spoil a highly visible entrance to one of Bath’s

more attractive and interesting roads.

Planning officers agreed that the wall makes a contribution to the setting of the building and the character and appearance of this part of the Bath Conservation Area but that revised plans to keep the eastern pillar lessen the level of harm.

They said in their report: “The parking would be in very close proximity to the front and side of the building and would as such have a negative visual impact.”

“However, the harm to the unlisted building and conservation area would “lie within the less than substantial category, toward to the lower end”.

The officers added: “In this case, significant weight is given to the less than substantial harm caused. Significant weight is also however given to the benefits of EV charging.

“The public benefits are considered to outweigh the harm in this instance.”

Plans submitted for 14 short-stay apartments THERE are plans to turn redundant offices in the centre of Bath into 14 self-contained, short-stay apartments.

The change of use application submitted to Bath & North East Somerset Council seeks planning permission and listed building consent for 7 – 9 North Parade Buildings.

Prospective long leasehold owner Union Four Ltd is behind the change of use proposals for the Grade II listed Georgian properties.

Following the pandemic, existing

Library image

long leasehold owner Portico Design Ltd no longer had a requirement to accommodate its administrative and design staff at

the premises.

The building has been used in the interim period for serviced offices but demand for the space

has significantly fallen.

An application permitted by the council last year proposed to bring back two of the buildings as townhouses, broadly laid out in their original Georgian form, but this has proved to be unviable.

This latest application seeks to bring the building back into beneficial use whilst also contributing to the local business and tourism economy. The three basement apartments will not be affected. The planning reference is 24/03618/FUL. The deadline for comments is 7th November.

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Proposals have been submitted to convert the old Kingdom Hall in Oldfield Park into flats, with zero parking and no outside space.

Developer Four Points Property Ltd has submitted a planning application to Bath & North East Somerset Council to change the use of the hall at Triangle North from a place of worship to four homes.

Two would be one-bed and there would be two with two bedrooms.

The application says that the building has not been used as a place of worship for a number of years and was reportedly most recently used for storage until it was put up for sale by the Kingdom Hall Trust in 2023.

It adds that the trustees of the Oldfield Park Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses applied successfully for the conversion of the building into office use in 1999, “indicating little demand for the building to be retained as a place of worship for an extended period of time”.

The application says: “Due to the characteristics of the application building and site, it will not be possible to afford the proposed units with external private amenity space. However, given the highly sustainable location of the application site, public external amenity space such as the Linear Park (approx. 300m away), Brickfields Park (approx.

500m away) and Bath Riverside (approx. 500m away) is within comfortable walking distance, whilst the proximity of public transport links means the wider facilities available in the city centre are easily accessible.

“The new dwellings are designed to provide a high-quality living environment for future occupiers, taking into account modern working practices, with the bedrooms sized to allow for desk space for home/hybrid working.”

The design proposes eight secure undercover cycle spaces and bin/ recycling storage.

The planning reference is 24/03773/FUL. The deadline for comment is 31st October.

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P20

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Friday 18th October - Thursday 31st October 2024

Sport

Upcoming Fixtures

Team GB's bobsleigh team hails Bath facilities John Wimperis

Local Democracy Reporter

WHEN Britain sends its bobsleigh team to the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, it is the South West that will have helped them get there.

Through the summer, the GB bobsleigh team practices bobsleigh in Bath. When the team lost its funding after the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, it was an Exeter-based internet provider which stepped in to sponsor them.

Bath may not have the icy mountains needed for a bobsleigh track, despite how Bathwick Hill feels in the colder months, but at the top of the hill, at the University of Bath, is the UK’s only push start track.

Tucked away behind some trees at the edge of the campus, you would not expect to find the track if you did not know it was there, and you definitely would not know what it was.

A small hut perches at the top of a ramp, where there are rails instead of ice. The ramp sweeps down and then back up again, supported by girders, until it almost breaches the tree line.

Here, in a bobsleigh with wheels rather than runners, is where Britain’s bobsleigh athletes train.

I recently joined the GB men’s bobsleigh team and their sponsors South West-based internet provider Cuckoo and All Points Fibre to give it a go.

My attempt on the track is a bit less seamless than what I had seen on television, despite instruction from GB bobsledders Adam Baird and Luka Williams at the top of the track.

Determined to make a good time, I push the bobsleigh at such a pace that I’m then hard pressed to make the jump into it. I manage to bash my foot as I clamber in the bobsleigh while it shoots down the slope.

On a full bobsleigh track, I would be flying downhill around icy twists and turns but here, the track is only designed to allow the team to practise the push start.

When the track was built in 2000, a bungee cord would pull the bobsleigh back and prevent it shooting off the end. But in 2015, a ramp was built to slow the bobsleigh down and send

Bath City FC Saturday 19th October – 3pm Bath City v Hornchurch (Away) League Tuesday 22nd October – 7.45pm Bath City v Weymouth (Home) League Saturday 26th October – 3pm Bath City v St Albans City (Away) League Tuesday 29th October – 7.45pm Bath City v Worthing (Home) League

Bath Rugby Saturday 19th October – 5.30pm Bath Rugby v Harlequins (Away) Gallagher Premiership – R5

Left: The team demonstrating in a competition bobsleigh | Photo © John Wimperis Above: Team GB bobsleigh | Photo © Cuckoo

it rolling backwards, where the rest of the fourman GB bobsleigh team, Austin Milward and Somerset man Jens Hullah gave me a push back to the top.

Jens first got into winter sports while at Churchill Secondary School in North Somerset, learning to ski at Mendip Activity Centre’s dry ski slope and joining a school ski trip to Austria. Now he is a vital part of the bobsleigh team, helping generate the speed of the bobsleigh in the push start before having to get into the bobsleigh at speed.

“That’s what the athletic ability is at the end of the day: the push start,” said Adam, “the driving comes from being on ice.”

Adam is the team’s driver — the man at the front of the bobsleigh responsible for getting it down the winding track.

He told me: “As a driver, you also need to be able to flip that switch to be able to push a sled aggressively and fast but then straight away, as soon as I jump in the sled, I have to turn that off and turn into cool calm collected Adam mode. Because if you try to drive the bobsleigh angry or fired up you will either crash or create mistakes that don’t need to be created.”

With no full bobsleigh tracks in the UK, there is nowhere for Adam or the rest of the team to practise navigating a full track without going abroad. But he says this has not held them back.

“We are no better off or worse off in regards to ice time on a track

because it’s seasonal,” he told me.

“People can’t go skiing in the summer; they can’t go bobsleighing in the summer because the ice disappears in the hotter temperature.

“So we are lucky to have one of the best push track facilities in the world here at Bath University.

And really that is all you can train for in the summer.”

As the British weather makes it increasingly clear that summer is over, the team are off to Germany and Norway to train throughout the winter. They have just two seasons left to train before the Winter Olympics in 2026.

Adam, a serving marine, was “poached” from the navy’s rugby league team for bobsleigh and went full time for the 2020 season.

He said: “Being a high level sportsman is exactly the same as being in the military. It’s a team sport environment. There is no single man in this sport or in the military. So therefore team cohesion has to be on point coming into team high level sport.”

He added: “You have to gel. It’s not forced but you naturally become good friends and by that happening you naturally breed success.”

But the sport has long faced welldocumented funding struggles.

Shortly before Adam joined the team, bobsleigh lost all their funding from UK Sport after the 2018 games, for what he said were various reasons.

He said: “It’s hard to walk into this sport with funding because you have to have results to then win your funding.”

But support came from an unlikely source. Just before Adam joined the team, a South Westbased fibre internet provider stepped in to sponsor the team.

Cuckoo are based in Exeter and recently went from being a regional fibre provider to one available to 17 million homes across the UK. They deliver super fast internet to people’s homes, and are now hoping to send a super fast GB bobsleigh team to the Winter Olympics.

Paul Hellings, Cuckoo CEO said: “We have got a history of sponsoring local teams, particularly around the Somerset, Devon area.”

Now Cuckoo have signed a new sponsorship deal with British Bobsleigh deal with British Bobsleigh to continue their support. Comparing the company’s ethos to the team’s, he said: “Everything we do is about being the fastest but also the fairest.”

Adam said: “I came in in 2020 so I didn’t know about funding. I was always under this sponsorship bracket and we have built ourselves up from there and we have come on massively in the last couple of years.”

He added: “This season, we have everything on paper now. We have the athletes, we have the equipment, we have everything we would need to be successful. I would like to see top ten finishes, and top starts this season. And potentially we could be hitting top six at the Olympic Games, maybe even better.

“That is the ambition.”

Crossword answers - Issue 088 (04/10/2024) Across: 8 Maintain, 9 Ha ha ha, 10 Body, 11 Power, 12 Male, 13 Cascades, 16 Origin, 18 Skin, 20 Spasm, 21 Nosy, 22 Velcro, 23 Severely, 26 User, 28 Havoc, 30 Deny, 31 Spleen, 32 Nautical.

Down: 1 Pagoda, 2 Envy, 3 Mapped, 4 Know, 5 Khartoum, 6 Whim, 7 Chillies, 14 Cynic, 15 Slats, 17 Inner, 19 Knees-ups, 20 Soothing, 24 Vacuum, 25 Linear, 27 Reel, 29 Vent, 30 Dais.

Saturday 26th October – 3.05pm Bath Rugby v Sale Sharks (Home) Gallagher Premiership – R6

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