Bath Echo - Issue 102 - 25/04/2025

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Friday 25th April - Thursday 8th May 2025

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CONCERNS OVER SMELL ‘Acrid’ stink at former gas works undergoing development - P3

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‘Inadequate parking’ threatens future of Mulberry Park hub - P4

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Group highlights pollution ‘health emergency’

In this issue...

Top Stories

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Pictures from the Past

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Crossword

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Food & Drink

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What's On

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Community

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Health

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Education

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Business

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Politics

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Sports & Fixtures

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Becky Feather Reporter

AN action group has analysed air quality data in Bath and accused the council of “creating a public health emergency” with its Liveable Neighbourhood schemes by merely displacing traffic on to already congested roads.

Bath & North East Somerset Council has, however, disputed the findings of the residentled UNited Sydney Unliveable Neighbourhoods Group (UNSUNG).

UNSUNG was set up after the council launched its experimental through-traffic restriction in New Sydney Place and Sydney Road a year ago. Bollards prevent drivers from cutting through to avoid the A36/Bathwick Street junction.

A six-month consultation took place and the council said that whilst most respondents opposed the trial being made permanent, the reasons cited for objection – increased congestion and pollution – were not supported by hard data from traffic and air quality monitoring.

Those living closest to the scheme were most supportive, saying it has improved pedestrian and cyclist safety and improved the area.

In February, the council’s cabinet member for resources, Councillor Mark Elliott (Lansdown, Liberal Democrat), decided to make the Liveable Neighbourhood (LN) scheme permanent. His decision was called in by opposition councillors, but a B&NES scrutiny panel upheld his decision.

Now UNSUNG has analysed data for two key air quality sites on roads that feed LNs and says that its findings have “horrific consequences” for the health of residents suffering from displaced traffic.

In a press release UNSUNG said: “By comparing openly available data between December 2023 and April 2024, prior to installation of the New Sydney Place and Lower Lansdown Liveable Neighbourhoods with data from December 2024 to April 2025, UNSUNG has discovered alarming increases in pollutants.

“The monitoring site on the London Road, which feeds traffic

Pollution levels have risen in recent months

into the bottleneck caused by the New Sydney Place Liveable Neighbourhood, has seen an 11% increase in harmful nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and a 59% increase in particulates.

“The most dangerous particulate, PM2.5, now averages nearly three times the World Health Organization recommended limit.

“The monitoring site on Gay Street, which feeds the Lower Lansdown Liveable Neighbourhood, has seen a 52% rise in NO2 and a two to threefold increase in particulates.”

The group says exposure to particulates is associated with respiratory conditions, cardiovascular disease and lung cancer, and that there is emerging evidence for associations with dementia, low birth weight and Type 2 diabetes.

Neil McCabe, spokesperson for UNSUNG, said: “By implementing Liveable Neighbourhoods without any consideration of congestion and pollution due to displaced traffic, B&NES are deliberately putting the health of residents at risk for the sake of a few privileged areas.

“Bath is the fifth most congested city in the UK, and we need to reduce car travel. However, by not integrating LNs with a traffic and public transport plan, and de-funding public transport, B&NES are creating a public health emergency in the city by merely displacing traffic onto already congested main routes.”

But Councillor Manda Rigby, (Bathwick, Liberal Democrat), the cabinet member for transport, told the Bath Echo: “Our own monitoring of locations in and around Sydney Road does not

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show any increase in NO2 levels and we do not recognise the pollutants figures quoted.

“We are aware that elevated levels of particulate matter were observed regionally in January and March 2025, which are likely associated with weatherrelated events and cannot be attributed to individual Liveable Neighbourhood schemes.

“The Liveable Neighbourhood trial in Lower Lansdown is still ongoing and there is no evidence that London Road and Gay Street have been impacted by traffic because of them.

“We are co-designing Liveable Neighbourhoods with communities to address issues commonly found in residential streets, including improving active travel routes.

“Giving people spaces to walk

and cycle and therefore enabling cars to be left at home helps improve air quality and people’s physical and mental health.”

Mr McCabe responded: “It’s a shame that a council that claims to be ‘data driven’ in its decisions ignores nationally recorded data on https://www.ukairquality. net/ which indicates that pollution levels in Bath are going the wrong way.”

He said attributing a regional rise in particulate levels to the increases seen in Bath was “cherry-picking data”.

“In comparison to Bath, the monitoring station in Yate (in South Gloucestershire) did see particulate levels rise by 35%, but not the 59% and 168% levels seen on the London Road and Gay Street respectively. Also pollution levels at Gay Street rose dramatically from November when the LN was implemented, not January, as Ms Rigby suggests.

“In addition, nitrogen dioxide levels in Yate rose by 1%; those at the Bath sites rose by 11% and 52% respectively. By not dealing with displaced traffic, B&NES are doing harm to our residents.”

He said Councillor Rigby’s claim that traffic on the London Road is not worse is not what residents are seeing daily, and that she had ignored the majority of residents in her own ward regarding the scheme for New Sydney Place and Sydney Road.

Challenging the decision UNSUNG has not given up its fight against B&NES Council’s decision to make the New Sydney Place and Sydney Road Liveable Neighbourhood permanent.

It says the council did not publish an adequate statement of reasons setting out the aims of the experimental traffic regulation order (ETRO) and believes that as a result there is no legal basis in law to convert it to a permanent order.

On the group’s website it says the type of statement of reasons used has already been proven inadequate in the legal objection to the Lower Lansdown scheme, so UNSUNG believes it has “strong grounds” to challenge in court any move to make the New Sydney Place/Sydney Road ETRO permanent.

UNSUNG spokesperson Neil McCabe said contributions to the group’s GoFundMe page to fund a legal challenge if required are steadily rising.

Meanwhile, UNSUNG says it has lodged a complaint about the council’s scrutiny panel being “misled” about the scheme being compliant with Department for Transport guidance.

The group has also complained to the Local Government Ombudsman that the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) didn’t follow its own rules in scrutinising the Liveable Neighbourhoods business case last September.

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Issue 102

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Smells from former gas works spark safety fears Becky Feather Reporter

HEALTH and safety concerns have been raised about the land remediation work that’s under way at the old gas works in Bath, with reports of bad smells emanating from the site.

Nine hundred new homes will be built along with a riverside park at the Bath Western Riverside Phase 2 site.

The brownfield site is owned by Bath & North East Somerset and developer Berkeley Homes, and contractors have begun land remediation.

Bath residents have been complaining of an “acrid and bitumen-like smell”. One told the Bath Echo: “This problem appears to coincide with the start of excavations to remove polluted soil from the southern part of the former Bath Gas Light and Coke company site by the Windsor Bridge.

“Before the advent of North Sea supplies, gas for domestic use was manufactured as a byproduct of the process of making coke from coal. This was one of the most polluting industries of its time.

Remediation work is currently ongoing at the riverside site

“As well as releasing smoke and toxic chemicals into the air and watercourses, it also created soil and groundwater pollution, including a range of highly toxic chemicals.

“Building safely on such sites requires the removal of soil to a depth of tens of feet, together with decontamination of groundwater. All of this material has to be transported off-site and held in some other location.

“The soil removal under way at the moment in Locksbrook appears to be being carried out without any precautions for

either the workers on site, or the residents of Bath.

“On several site visits over a number of days I have seen no breathing apparatus for workers, no water sprays to keep down dust, and no apparent precautions taken for the safe transport of the material along public roads.”

He said the site is close to the children’s play area in Royal Victoria Park, to a primary school and many homes, adding: “It is extremely concerning that this site, long known to be highly polluted ground, appears to

be being worked on without apparently, any care for the safety of workers or residents.”

Last week, Councillor Tim Ball, cabinet member for neighbourhood services, told the Echo: “We are aware of residents’ concerns and we have been liaising with the contractor and visited the site.

“Our specialist officers are satisfied with the works and associated monitoring to date and that the contractors are managing risks.

“Gas work site remediation can often result in intermittent periods of unpleasant odours and smells being present when works are being carried out.

“In addition to the site monitoring and general damping down on site, the contractor is carrying out additional dust and odour suppression and is continuing to monitor for the duration of the project.

“The main works in the areas where we anticipate odours should be completed in two to three weeks, but there will be intermittent periods where odours are present.”

Any concerns residents have can be reported at https://bit. ly/42TGPOY

Council to complete 27 resurfacing schemes BATH & North East Somerset Council is set to undertake 27 resurfacing schemes across the district this year, it has announced.

The local authority has started its annual highway resurfacing programme, which will see improvements to 125,000m2 of highway.

The council has increased its investment into highway maintenance and is spending almost £10 million in 2025/26.

This is £760,000 more than last year and £1.1 million more than in 2023-24.

Almost £5.1 million will be spent resurfacing highways, with the remaining money going towards improvements to highway structures, street lighting, drainage and pedestrian footways.

The council is set to spend £1.2 million on footways this year, almost double what it spent in 2023-24 and £100,000 more than it did last year.

The programme should be completed by October, before

colder and wetter weather makes resurfacing works more difficult.

Works will be carried out by council contractor VolkerHighways.

Councillor Manda Rigby, cabinet member for transport, said: “We’re working through another ambitious resurfacing programme for this year and thanks to the budget recently passed by the council, we’ll be investing even more money into improving both our highways and footways.

“As always, we will do what we can to minimise disruption when doing the work, nearby residents will be contacted directly before any works take place.”

Surveys and inspections carried out by the council’s highways team, along with reports made by residents through FixMyStreet, help identify and prioritise highways that need to be resurfaced and help form the programme each year.

Issues with highways and footways can be reported online via FixMyStreet, with reports by

Resurfacing work in Tunley Photo © B&NES Council

residents helping the council assess and repair hundreds of potholes each month, with a total of 6,341 potholes repaired in 2024.

As works take place the council will minimise disruption to the local traffic network where possible by avoiding working on key routes at peak times of year, working overnight when required, notifying residents before work begins in their area and placing advanced warning signs at each site.

The council will be implementing Section 58 restrictions to each of the newly resurfaced roads

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which, under the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991, gives them greater control on protecting a road from any planned street works following any major surfacing works for a period of up to three years.

Should works be required, the council can decide if it is in the best interest of stakeholders to allow the works and determine the most suitable reinstatement afterwards. Emergency works can and will still take place on protected roads.

Last year’s resurfacing programme saw the council complete 25 schemes, with almost 15km of highway resurfaced including Englishcombe Lane in Southdown, Combe Park in Weston and Chilcompton Road in Midsomer Norton. Footways across Bath & North East Somerset were also improved with 22 schemes completed.

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Announcements Welcoming Rowan and a thanks to RUH staff Readers Josiah Mortimer and Abigail Emery are delighted to announce the birth of their son, Rowan George Emery-Mortimer.

Rowan arrived at 12:11 on Wednesday 9th April, at the RUH. He was born healthy and bursting with life, and weighed 8 pounds, 3 ounces.

Maternal grandparents are Julia and Simon Emery of Bathwick.

Paternal grandparents are Ally and Dave Mortimer of Metherell, Cornwall.

Josiah and Abby would like to express their sincere thanks to the amazing staff at the RUH, and to their family for all their support.

News in Brief Crackdown on unsafe moped delivery drivers Police in Bath have taken action following concerns being raised about unsafe moped delivery drivers. The Bath City Centre Team completed a “proactive deployment” on Bank Holiday Monday at Queen Square, stopping 10 riders and dealing with vehicle defects, insurance and immigration offences.

Bath and North East Somerset Neighbourhood Policing said: “We encourage all delivery drivers to ensure their vehicle is roadworthy and they have the correct insurance for the job.”

You can report concerns to www. avonandsomerset.police.uk/ report/

Weather Forecast Fri 25th Sat 26th Sun 27th Mon 28th Tue 29th Wed 30th Thu 1st

16°c 15°c 18°c 20°c 22°c 22°c 21°c

Long range forecast:

      

(2nd to 8th May) Starting off with sunny spells during the day, along with early morning fog in some areas. Cooler conditions and a chance of rain as the week progresses.

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‘Inadequate parking’ threatens future of Mulberry Park hub Becky Feather Reporter

CURO says that without a permanent car park to serve the community hub at its Mulberry Park development at Combe Down, the facility’s future is at risk and overspill parking will impact residents on the estate and “compromise” the bus service.

When the former Foxhill MoD site was redeveloped for housing, The Hub was intended to be the focus of Curo’s flagship new development.

Its success however means that whilst many using it are local residents, people from further afield also come, not all of whom can use sustainable transport.

The Hub currently has 14 existing parking spaces for visitors, including one disabled bay.

There are also 19 spaces off-site being used temporarily for staff parking, and four bays west of the site that are for general use.

The land now being proposed for a formal 22-space parking area is the temporary car park on land off Foxhill, opposite Bradford Park Road.

The area has consent to become a park for the community.

In a pre-application enquiry from Curo, Bath & North East Somerset Council warned Curo that only if

The Hub at the Mulberry Park development in Bath

there is “no alternative” would it consider the principle of allowing the creation of additional car parking.

In its application, Curo says it is now “a regular occurrence” for all parking spaces associated with The Hub to be occupied and for visitors and staff to be forced to park on the street, which has already caused problems for buses to provide a “safe and reliable service”.

“Measures have been taken to encourage the use of sustainable modes of travel throughout the Mulberry Park development, through the implementation of travel plan measures, but the number of cars generated by use of The Hub still exceeds provision.

“Unless additional permanent

provision is made for parking associated with The Hub, it will result in increased unplanned parking on the highway, impacting on the use and enjoyment of the development for residents and will compromise

the safe and regular bus service provision which is currently in the process of being implemented.”

In our last issue (101, 11th April 2025), the Bath Echo reported on the concerns of some 150 residents at Mulberry Park about

Wessex Water access concerns Curo’s application also flags up that Wessex Water is currently unable to access a foul sewerage tank that lies under the park area.

The utility company adopted the tank as part of an infrastructure agreement for Phase 2 of Mulberry Park development. However, the current approved scheme does not provide wide enough tracks or adequate provision for turning to accommodate the vehicle movements associated with inspection and maintenance of the tank.

Curo says the proposed access amendments will allow Wessex Water to get to the tank to carry out any necessary works.

The planning reference on B&NES Council’s website is 25/01479/ FUL. Consultation ends of 23rd May.

proposals to extend the No 2. bus service through the estate.

In its planning application for the new car park, Curo admits: “The current parking provision has been shown not to adequately support The Hub, evident in overspills leading to indiscriminate parking at the site and increased on-street parking along Mulberry Way constituting pinch points for safe bus passage.”

Curo says the removal of the temporary parking associated with the office staff will “further exacerbate this issue”.

It adds: “Loss of parking facilities associated with The Hub would represent a real risk to the future sustainability of the operation.”

The new car park proposal includes a dedicated access from Foxhill with a gate that would be managed by The Hub. Curo says the current access requires vehicles to drive over the footpath, which could cause “conflicts with pedestrians and safety concerns/issues”.

A fine gravel surface is proposed for the new car park, like that used at Newbridge Park & Ride, as it would be “robust and resilient”.

Curo says the parking area will “fit in seamlessly” with the remainder of the park area.

It will be in “irregular” in shape so as not to look too formal and will be surrounded by grass mounds with trees on.

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Electric vehicle charging site plans go to appeal after delay Becky Feather Reporter

BATH & North East Somerset Council has been accused of “falling short” of its duties after four times delaying a decision on whether to permit a commercial electric vehicle charging site in Newbridge.

Developer Zest Eco has now appealed to the Secretary of State to try to secure permission for four EV charging bays in May Lane, a private road off Evelyn Road.

The land was sold at auction last year for £12,500. It had a guide price of £15,000.

It was described as a freehold parcel of land with vehicular access from Evelyn Road and scope for six parking spaces.

May Lane provides rear access to homes and to a number of garages.

Zest Eco, which is backed by the government’s Charging Infrastructure Investment Fund, was initially seeking to install five charging bays but that has been reduced to four.

People living nearby had raised objections about the plans, saying the narrow lane is unsuitable for this commercial venture and is well used by pedestrians, cyclists and dog walkers, providing access to schools, doctors’ surgery and

May Lane in Newbridge

the Royal United Hospital.

It was also flagged up that access to properties would be severely limited, that there is no lighting and that charging bays being used at all times of the day and night by strangers could impact on residents.

But Transition Bath supported the application, saying it is line with the council’s climate change objectives.

It added: “Many of the homes in the area lack on-site parking and this use of unused land would help those residents charge their electric cars.”

B&NES Council says in its statement to the Planning Inspectorate that had the planning officer made a recommendation, it would have been to refuse permission, due to concerns about the impact on a public right of way and a lack

of information about biodiversity net gain (BNG).

The public footpath known as BC25/9 runs from Newbridge Hill to Chandler Close and provides access to the western end of May Lane.

The council says in its statement: “The parking bays as shown are parallel to the access lane.

“It is therefore likely that vehicles will access the site either from the east or west and given the narrowness of the site will not be able to turn but will continue along the lane and exit from the other end of May Lane.

“This inevitably will result in vehicles using the footpath to either access or exit from the site.”

The council’s highways team had initially raised concerns about access width, manoeuvres within

site ownership and emergency access, but those objections were later lifted.

The council says the design, siting, scale and layout of the scheme are acceptable and it is “unlikely” that the development would cause significant harm to people living nearby through loss of privacy, noise, light pollution, traffic or other disturbance.

Zest Eco says in its appeal statement that the scheme aims to create an accessible EV charging location for local residents and nearby businesses and utilises a space that otherwise “has no practical alternative purpose in serving the local area”.

The planning application was submitted last May. In its appeal statement Zest Eco says that between August

2024 and February 2025 it had agreed “in good faith” to four requests from B&NES Council for extensions of time.

Zest Eco says: “It is of concern that the policies and mandates from central government planning policy to support applications for electric vehicle charging infrastructure are not being adhered.

“The applicant considers the application to be of value and by not determining this application, despite the agent agreeing to several extensions of time, B&NES are falling short of their duties.”

The developer says it would be willing to make BNG compensation contributions in seeking a resolution on ecological grounds.

Council flags up prospect of historical waste In its statement of case to the appeal inspector, Bath & North East Somerset Council highlights that May Lane is in an area of “historical quarrying and infilling” and it has previously investigated the wider area following a chance discovery of industrial waste in a garden on Newbridge Hill.

Subsequent research suggested that materials including waste had been used to fill an historic opencast stone quarry complex which had operated in the Newbridge area.

The council says: “The former quarry was infilled at the end of the 1800s. The infill material, where investigated varied in composition but included Victorian domestic waste (this was typically burnt before tipping) and some industrial waste.

“As part of this investigation, a soil quality study in the Newbridge area was undertaken by the council, which included soil sampling at properties in the area.

“May Lane was not specifically sampled/investigated. It is recommended that the applicant and their contractors are made aware of the potential for infilled ground with unknown potential contaminants and that they undertake a risk assessment to mitigate any potential risks to construction/ground workers and public to prevent exposure to any unexpected contamination.”

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ROSIE MARLOW

they know every intricate detail about the property meaning they create quality and comprehensive listings which are published on all property sales sites; proactively contact potential buyers and answer questions.

Rosie strives to be known as the best female estate agent, offering a bespoke and tailored service.

WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON MISTAKES SELLERS MAKE IN BATH? The most common mistake is finding a property before having a buyer for your own house. I’d always recommend selling before you find.

The reason for this is if you do it the WHAT DO YOU SPECIALISE IN? Rosie takes the pain out of buying other way around it tends to cost you more money. If you find your dream and selling houses. From being property you generally tend to pay available to answer queries seven days a week or dealing promptly with top price for it and then you want to sell your existing home quickly to unexpected issues to personally collecting and handing over keys, the secure your purchase; you take a lower offer to facilitate a quicker team provides so much more than sale. If you sell before you buy it just a property listing.

When selling properties, they ensure gives you more negotiation power.

01225 941008

rosie.marlow@exp.uk.com

www.rosiemarlow.exp.uk.com

MADISON OAKLEY levels across all of our core price brackets. There’s slightly more choice in supply terms than last year but still low levels of property available – particularly in first-time buyer and mid-range family home markets. Investment sales continue to recover slowly from last November’s tax shock.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO FIRST-TIME BUYERS LOOKING TO GET ONTO THE LADDER? WHAT DO YOU SPECIALISE IN? Trading for 15 years, we are a full-service employee-owned independent estate agent working across BA1 and BA2 in residential sales and lettings.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE CURRENT HOUSING MARKET? There has been a strong start to the year with significant activity

01225 466525

Visit agents in person to discuss your requirements, exchange contact info and get advice.

Ask them how best to get priority access to their latest properties – don’t just rely on being sent properties from portals like Rightmove.

For example, we pre-list all our clients homes first on Facebook and IG, generating viewings well before any of these homes appear on major property sites.

info@madisonoakley.co.uk

www.madisonoakley.co.uk

SIMON LORD PROPERTY GROUP

WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON MISTAKES SELLERS MAKE IN BATH’S HOUSING MARKET?

WHAT DO YOU SPECIALISE IN? Simon Lord Property Group is an independent, owner-managed estate agency and a member agent of the EXP broker network. I specialise in residential sales and property search in Bath and surrounding villages.

I am a qualified, ethical-standards agent with a long-established record of high achievement in the industry providing a personal service which supports my clients through the whole journey of moving home, never losing sight of what I am paid to do – get results.

01225 941181

I would say that homeowners often delay too long before seeking valuation advice. This is understandably based on wanting the house and garden best presented to merit the highest possible valuation.

However, agents aren’t there to make judgements about clutter, our job is to help you plan in advance and decide whether to move now or in future. An agent who values their reputation won’t apply pressure on you to sell if you’re not ready.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE CURRENT HOUSING MARKET? Website traffic and new buyer registrations have now levelled off to a steady pace when they are normally rising at this time of year, mainly due to economic uncertainty, but demand remains healthy for realisticallypriced property.

simon.lord@exp.uk.com

www.simonlord.exp.uk.com

Advertising Feature

Thank you to our local property experts for all their advice Greenaway Architecture

8 OF THE BEST: LOCAL PROPERTY EXPERTS

STRATTONS AND PARTNERS

WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON MISTAKES SELLERS MAKE IN BATH’S HOUSING MARKET?

One of the most common mistakes is underestimating how competitive the Bath market can be. Properties - especially well-presented homes in sought-after areas - often receive multiple offers. Waiting too long to view or hesitating on making a decision can mean missing out and long periods of time before the next opportunity comes along.

WHAT DO YOU SPECIALISE IN? We specialise in residential sales across Bath. Whether it’s a characterful period home, a central city apartment, or a family house in the suburbs, we bring local knowledge, strategic marketing, and skilled negotiation to every sale. Our goal is always the same: to deliver a smooth, successful move with the best possible outcome for sellers and buyers.

01225 683182

WHAT SUPPORT CAN YOU OFFER BEYOND BUYING AND SELLING? We’ve built a strong network of trusted local partners - including solicitors, mortgage advisors, surveyors, and reliable tradespeople. Whether you need legal advice, financial assistance, or help with home improvements, we can connect you with the right professionals to keep things moving smoothly.

sales@strattonsandpartners.com

www.strattonsandpartners.com

HETREED ROSS ARCHITECTS

Extensions we design (especially if they’re underfloor heated) are so well insulated that your energy bills are likely to go down.

GREENAWAY ARCHITECTURE

HOW CAN SELLERS MAKE THE MOST OF BATH’S ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE?

WHAT DO YOU SPECIALISE IN? We specialise in the sensitive design, including adaptation of historic and listed buildings in Bath and the surrounding area.

Our work is rooted in understanding architectural heritage, from Georgian townhouses to rural stone cottages.

We balance conservation with contemporary design, helping homeowners, developers, and investors breathe new life into historic properties while respecting their original character.

Our approach is collaborative, creative and contextually informed, ensuring each project enhances both the property and its setting.

07904108922

HOW CAN SELLERS MAKE THE MOST OF BATH’S ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE? Well-designed improvements can add to the value and saleability of your home, so can be sound investment as well as making it a better place to live. Building extensions to the best insulation standards costs little more than building them to the minimum, and it will make your whole home more comfortable and cheaper to run.

01225 851860

I LIVE IN A HISTORIC BUILDING – DOES THAT MEAN I CAN’T IMPROVE IT? If your property is listed then there are some things you can do without consent (always check with your architect!) and many changes that can be made subject to obtaining Listed Building Consent such as thermal improvements like better glazing and insulation, internal alterations, loft conversions, and extensions.

enquiries@hetreedross.com

www.hetreedross.com

WHAT STYLES OR FEATURES ARE MOST IN DEMAND? We’re seeing strong demand for homes that combine period charm with contemporary functionality. Light, open-plan living spaces that connect to landscaped gardens are particularly popular, especially when integrated into older buildings. Sustainability is a growing priority, so features such as insulation upgrades, secondary glazing, and energy-efficient systems that don’t compromise heritage are sought after.

duncan@greenawayarchitecture.co.uk

www.greenawayarchitecture.co.uk

KANN ARCHITECTURE

HOW CAN SELLERS MAKE THE MOST OF BATH’S ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE?

SHOULD WE IMPROVE BEFORE WE MOVE IN TO OUR NEW HOME? Despite the disruption, it’s often better to live there first at least for a few months, so you get to know your home: there’s nothing worse than realising you’ve missed that vital change just as the builder leaves site!

Bath’s architectural heritage is not just a backdrop, it’s a major selling point. Sellers can maximise value by adding the ‘wow factor’ with complementary yet contrasting contemporary features along with revealing and restoring original period features. This could mean restoring sash windows, preserving original fireplaces, or using lime plasters.

WHAT DO YOU SPECIALISE IN? We are a small, independent architectural RIBA chartered practice dedicated to residential projects including extensions and alterations.

With deep roots in Bath, our passion is crafting designs that respect heritage while infusing modern functionality.

Whether revitalising period details or introducing subtle contemporary touches, each project is uniquely tailored, offering creative solutions that enhance style and comfort. Whether working with Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian, 1930s or post-war properties, we aspire for a design journey that honours Bath’s storied past and bright future.

07930930009

Maximise your property’s appeal by embracing its historical narrative!

For Georgian and Victorian homes, restoring original sash windows and stone façades adds timeless charm.

In 20th century properties, respectful updates that highlight decorative features or retro detailing work well. A carefully planned extension or alteration can seamlessly blend heritage with modern living, preserving the unique character of Bath’s architectural legacy while boosting market value!

WHAT IMPROVEMENTS OFFER THE BEST RETURN ON INVESTMENT?

Invest in enhancements that celebrate period character while delivering modern comfort. Loft conversions, kitchen extensions, and well-designed rear extensions yield excellent returns, improving energy efficiency and kerb appeal while preserving historical integrity.

Call us today.

rk@kannarchitecture.com

www.kannarchitecture.com

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Friday 25th April - Thursday 8th May 2025

Pictures from the Past Victoria Art Gallery Kirsten Elliott Akeman Press

ON 2nd May, the Upper Gallery at the Victoria Art Gallery is due to reopen following extensive conservation work.

The reopening marks the gallery’s 125th anniversary, so this week’s archive slot takes us back not only to see what the gallery looked like as it prepared to open its doors for the first time, but also for a glimpse of the building it replaced.

Sollis’s English & Foreign Fruiterers was set up around 200 years ago on the corner of Newmarket Row and Bridge Street by George Sollis. In 1849, it was taken over by George’s son, Henry.

Henry died in 1891, but his widow, Jane, continued to run the business until the council decided that it would have to come down to make way for an art gallery and reference library named in honour of Queen Victoria.

Shortly before Jane Sollis shut up shop for good at the end of December 1897, she placed adverts in the local press promising, with a wry sense of humour, ‘Christmas Fruits and Desserts of Fin de Siecle Quality’.

The foundation stone of the new building had already been laid two months earlier, on 21 October, by the Duke of Cambridge, and work was completed just over two years later. It was opened on 29 May 1900 by the Marquis of Bath and William Blake Richmond, then one of the most famous artists in England. At the time, the gallery occupied only the top floor of the building, with the ground floor reserved for the reference library.

Above: Sollis's English & Foreign Fruiterers in the 1800s

Below: The Victoria Art Gallery building as we know it today, opened in 1900

You can enjoy Akeman Press' special archive photos every Tuesday in our popular email newsletter! To sign up for your copy, visit our website at: www.bathecho.co.uk/subscribe or alternatively, scan the QR code on the right using the camera on your mobile device

COLUMN | Clare Moody, Labour Police and Crime Commissioner

A

S your local Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset, my role is to be the bridge between the community and Avon and Somerset Police.

This means listening to you, understanding your concerns, and ensuring these concerns help drive the long-term strategy for police and commissioning services in our area.

Policing matters to every corner of our communities, from bustling town centres to rural communities to our coastal towns. To ensure I hear all your voices, I make it a priority to meet local communities, whether that’s at public forums, visiting local businesses, or engaging

with community organisations.

These conversations give me the insights I need to hold the police to account and further drive improvements.

My role is not just about holding the police to account but also about working with partners to drive change, including local authorities, criminal justice and third sector organisations.

Through my visits, I’ve seen the incredible work being undertaken across the Avon and Somerset force area: innovative projects tackling crime, organisations supporting victims, working with young people to build their futures and partnership working to make neighbourhoods safer.

These successes show what’s

possible when we collaborate.

During a recent visit to the Bath City Farm, I had the chance to hear directly about how they offer targeted opportunities for young people and adults.

One of their projects is a free six-week programme for young people aged 16-25 who live in the Twerton, Whiteway and Southdown areas and are currently not in education, employment or training.

Visits like these help inform the implementation of my Police and Crime Plan, the long-term vision for policing in Avon and Somerset.

Understandably, many individuals have questions relating to day-to-day policing.

It’s important to know that I am not responsible for operational policing, this falls under the remit of Chief Constable Sarah Crew.

If you need to: • Report a non-urgent crime or incident • Share feedback about policing services you or someone else has received • Make a complaint against an officer (below the rank of Chief Constable) these must be reported directly to Avon and Somerset Police, who will be able to assist you as appropriate.

However, my office can help

in other ways. If you have gone through the police complaints process but are unhappy with the outcome you have received, you can submit a complaint review request, through the following website: https://www.avonandsomerset. police.uk/forms/rrc Should you wish to share concerns over broader safety issues within your local area, or a lack of police action against incidents, I am also here to listen.

I would encourage you to join one of the upcoming public forums that will be published on my website: www.avonandsomersetpcc.gov.uk

Issue 102

Crossword

P11 11

Interested in advertising? Call 01225 589789

Congratulations to Terry Willies for winning £20!

You can find the answers to last issue's crossword on page 24

Complete our crossword for your chance to win £20!

Across 1 Motorist's aid (4,3) 5 Pool or medal (7) 9 Bison (7) 10 Drug which prevents a physiological function (7) 11 "The --- Mr. Ripley" (1955 Patricia Highsmith psychological thriller) (8) 12 Soft, thin paper (6) 13 Fellow students (10) 16 Knocks lightly (4) 18 Jumps on one leg (4) 19 Orchestra section's supersonic wizardry (10) 22 Sounds (6) 23 Future threat (4,4) 26 When bats fly (2,5) 27 Lady's maid (7) 28 Ceded (7) 29 Shawls (7)

Down 1 Machine-like (7) 2 Horrendous (5) 3 Parsimony (8) 4 School dance (9) 5 Bardic eyes (4) 6 Somerset helicopter-manufacturing town (6) 7 Rawalpindi native (9) 8 Price-fixing groups (7) 14 Wreck papal cine device (9) 15 Meaty tortilla (9) 17 Theatre job (8) 18 Liszt's land (7) 20 Small bites (7) 21 Joined forces (6) 24 GWTW's Scarlett --- (5) 25 Condition once called "shell shock" (1-1,1,1)

Entering our competition - via email or post For your chance to win £20, submit your full name, postal address and answers by email to puzzles@bathecho.co.uk or via post to: Crossword Competition 2504, Bath Echo, PO Box 5395, Bath, BA1 0YA The winner will be the first randomly opened entry with the correct answers on 07/05/2025.

They will be notified using the details they provide when entering the competition. Winners will be given the option of receiving a High Street shopping voucher or be provided the £20 via a BACS transfer.

P12

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Food & Drink

Sponsor this section!

Get in touch with Rob Last via rob@mediabath.co.uk

Melissa Blease

Food Writer

Tasty Dates For Your Diary The heat is on for the opening of Emberwood, specialists in locally sourced, seasonal produce heath-fired over charcoal to create the boldest, smokiest flavours alongside an equally tantalising cocktail/bar menu, opening its doors at the recently revamped Francis Hotel (Queen Square) on Thursday 1st May. Hot stuff indeed! www.emberwoodbath.com Get up close and personal with legendary chef Christophe Lacroix on Friday 2nd May at his Burgundy-themed Supper Club served up at his Bistro Chef HQ on the Brassmill Lane Trading Estate. This event is BYO so it’s up to you what you drink… let’s just say a few bottles of Burgundy are recommended (£65pp, booking essential). To book, email: orders@bistrochef.co.uk

Big deals, dog-friendly venues, exclusive tasting menus: you’ll have to wait until Bath Restaurant Week (3rd - 11th May) rolls around before diving in to all this and more, but you can browse all the exciting stuff that’s already whetting appetites across the city live on the BRW website NOW! www.bathrestaurantweek.com Classic pork pie with Branston pickle, King Prawn Linguine and Peach Melba Crumble: they’re just three of the dishes on the brand new Prix Fixe menu recently revealed at the Bear Inn (Bear Flat); choose two for just £18 (3/£22) every Monday Thursday from 3pm-8pm. www.bearinnbath.com Discover the perfect combination that is jazz and gin at the Hare and Hounds (Lansdown) on

Thursday 8th May. Live music, a 6 O’Clock Gin and tonic and two slices of pizza are included in the £22 ticket price, with proceeds supporting the invaluable Children’s Hospice South West charity - what’s not to love about all that? www.hareandhoundsbath.com Recently opened on Walcot Street! Sarthi: heritage-laden, plant-based Indian food served in a stunning environment exciting indeed! www.sarthi.co.uk Help Bath’s longstanding, glorious Nepalese food hotspot Yak Yeti Yak celebrate a decade of their incredible YYY Foundation (www.yyyfoundation.com) at Manor Farm (Upton Cheyney) on Saturday 17th May. Arrival drinks, a 3-course menu, live

music, a raffle, a tombola and more is all included in the £50pp ticket price, with all proceeds supporting a wonderful cause. www.yakyetiyak.co.uk/about Do-si-do your heart out and fill your cowboy boots at the allsinging, all-dancing countrythemed Bottomless Brunch at Komedia (Westgate Street) on Saturday 17th May, featuring an interactive live show packed with all your favourite country music hits, 1.5 hours of bottomless drinks and a tasty brunch menu. https://bit.ly/42xBpI3 Spice up your life with tantalising Thai dining experience Raya’s Thai Thali, who will be popping up at the glorious Village Cafe and Bar (Larkhall) on the last Saturday of every month from now until January, starting on

Saturday 31st May. Tickets for all dates are set to sell out fast so early booking is advised. https://bit.ly/3RodC8w Celebrate summer at the Northey Arms’ (Corsham) Sausage And Cider Festival on Saturday 31st May: live music in the pub’s revamped garden, speciality sausages served straight from the BBQ grill, lashings of Thatchers Craft Ciders and Slushies and a charity raffle from 2pm-6pm (free entry). https://bit.ly/4lCzcUo Melissa regularly reviews restaurants across Bath. You can find out more by visiting: www.theprandialplayground.uk Follow Melissa on X Find her @ThePigGuide

Recipe: Poached Salmon with Caper and Dill Sauce A simple, elegant spring Sunday roast alternative… or keep it on hand to be packed up and taken on a perfect picnic on a whim.

This recipe uses a whole side of salmon (one whole fillet), but you can follow the same instructions to poach several individual portions in a smaller pan as the cooking time is roughly the same.

Ingredients (serves 6-8) For the salmon: • 1 side of salmon (full fillet, usually around 1kg) • 1 whole lemon (quartered) • Black peppercorns For the Caper and Dill Sauce: • 4-5 tbsp Dijon mustard • 2 tbsp runny honey • 170ml sour cream or crème fraîche • 1 tbsp capers (drained) • 2 tbsp finely chopped dill • Freshly ground white pepper to taste

Method • To make the Caper and Dill Sauce, whisk the mustard and honey together before adding the sour cream or crème fraîche, capers, dill and white pepper (to taste) and stirring well. Cover and chill in the fridge for at least two hours (or up to two days) to allow the flavours to develop.

• To poach the salmon: sprinkle salt over the flesh side of the salmon fillet and let it sit while you fill a roasting tray big enough to hold the salmon and enough salted water to cover it. Toss the quartered lemon into the water along with around a dozen whole peppercorns, bring to boil on the hob and, when just reaching boiling point, submerge the salmon (skin side down). Lower the heat immediately so that the water is gently bubbling, loosely cover the tray with foil and poach the fish for around 10 minutes (or a minute or two less, if using individual portions) until thoroughly cooked throughout.

• If serving warm, you’re ready to go; gently lift the salmon out of the poaching liquid (discarding the lemon quarters and the whole peppercorns), transfer to a serving platter, garnish with fresh lemon slices and serve with a pile of steamed, buttered new potatoes and a well-dressed salad. If serving cold, transfer the salmon to a sheet pan to cool then cover with plastic film and keep refrigerated.

• Either way you’re serving your salmon, don’t forget the Caper and Dill Sauce to go with it!

Issue 102

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Your City, Your News - Bath Echo

Bath Restaurant Week

Advertising Feature

3rd - 11th May 2025

A chance to explore food and drink in Bath Bath Restaurant Week is a brand new nine-day event designed to celebrate the incredible array of restaurants, cafés and bars in Bath! Discover the city's culinary scene, make memories with your friends and family over a delicious meal and soak up the beautiful environment at more than fifty locations...

A range of offers are available at the following places: • Amarone Kitchen • Baba’s Mezze • Bandook • Bath Pizza Co and Green Park Brasserie • Beckford Canteen • Bill's Restaurant Bath • Boom Battle Bar X LJ Hugs • Bosco Pizzeria • Boston Tea Party Alfred Street • Boston Tea Party Kingsmead Square • Brasserie Beau • Cappadocia Turkish Restaurant • Chez Dominique • Clayton's Kitchen • Coeur de Lion • Comptoir Libanais • Corkage • Cote Brasserie

• Dough • Flute • Good Day Cafe • Heavenly Desserts Bath • Henrietta Bar & Restaurant • Ludo Sports Bar & Kitchen • Montagu's Mews at The Royal Crescent Hotel • Nata & Co • Nook • Olive Tree Restaurant • Pizza Express - Southgate Place • Plate at The Bird • Raphael • Robun • Sally Lunns • Solina • The Architect

• The Bath Townhouse, Coppa Club • The Beckford Bottle Shop • The Circus Restaurant • The Coconut Tree • The Elder • The Garrick's Head • The Mint Room • The Orange Artichoke • The Pig and Fiddle • The Pump Room • The Regency Tea Room • The Royal Crescent at Bath Racecourse • The Scallop Shell • The Sepoy Club • Turtle Bay Bath • Vino Vino Wine & Cocktail Bar • Woods

Make sure you don’t miss...

Indulge in Heavenly Desserts this Bath Restaurant Week!

Heavenly Desserts Bath invites you to experience pure indulgence with 15% off the entire menu throughout Bath Restaurant Week.

Treat yourself to our signature handcrafted desserts - from rich cheesecakes to luxurious waffles and warm, gooey cookie dough!

Be sure to try our limited-time special - The Egg - a dessert unlike anything you've seen (or tasted) before. Not laid, just made. Don’t miss your chance to experience the egg that’s here to change lives.

Join us for a sweet escape and make every bite unforgettable!

Our busy independent restaurant serves modern European food from a seasonally changing menu, in one of the most picturesque parts of Bath. We focus on locally sourced quality and seasonality, with a small but varied menu that allows our chefs to bring the best out of each dish. Our team share a real passion and pride for what we do, and for Bath Restaurant Week our front of house team will be showcasing their favourite wine pairings in a wine flight that is bespoke, tailored to your meal.

We are really excited, and look forward to welcoming you!

www.bathrestaurantweek.com The Bath Echo is proud to sponsor Bath Restaurant Week

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When you’re out exploring Bath’s top food and drink establishments, ensure you visit

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Friday 25th April - Thursday 8th May 2025

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What's On

Friday 25th April - Thursday 8th May 2025

Bathampton Art Group Exhibition

Tennis Open Day

The Mystery of The Egg

Jewish Cemetery Open Day

Bathampton Village Hall 26th April, 10am-4pm This popular annual event brings together 60 local artists displaying a range of works for sale including landscapes, portraits and still life. There is a cafe open all day serving cakes.

Bath Tennis Club 26th April, 12-9pm The event is open to all, offering a chance for visitors to explore the club, meet members, and take part in fun tennis activities. The day will be topped off with entertainment until 9pm.

The Egg 26th – 27th April, 11.30am & 3pm Calling all trainee detectives! Join The Mystery of The Egg, a brand new, boardgame style theatre show where your skills are needed to solve this thrilling murder mystery.

Bradford Road, Combe Down 27th April, 11am–4pm Wander round the historic burial ground and find out about the history. About 100 people from Bath's 18th and 19th century Jewish community are thought to be buried in this peaceful place.

Japanese Sweets: Making Nerikiri

Uncle Vanya

Chase The Wild

Jazz at the Vaults: Victoria Klewin

Rondo Theatre 30th April – 3rd May, 7.30pm In this adaptation of Chekhov's play by Conor McPherson, Sonya and her Uncle Vanya have managed a Russian estate for many years on behalf of Sonya's father.

Burdall’s Yard 1st May, 7.30pm With support from Haytor and Finding Mary. Chase The Wild is a six-piece indie rock band from Bath/Bristol blending the surf-inspired vibes of Australian indie with the grit of UK alt-rock.

St James’s Wine Vaults 1st May, 8.30pm Klewin is a highly versatile vocalist capable of singing in a variety of musical styles including jazz, pop, soul, blues, folk and their various sub genres, and even classical and opera.

The Chemistry of the Universe

First Impressions

Bath Restaurant Week

VE Day 80th Anniversary Show

BRLSI 2nd May, 7.30pm This talk from Professor Mike G Edmunds outlines current knowledge of the origin and distribution of the elements in the universe, and the investigation of dense environments.

Victoria Art Gallery 2nd May – 6th July In First Impressions: Printers’ Proofs of Works, you can lift the lid on the mysteries of printmaking and look at the painstaking process of creating etchings and screenprints.

Various Locations 3rd – 11th May The inaugural edition of Bath Restaurant Week, the ultimate celebration of Bath's hospitality businesses, is coming soon!

Get your knives and forks ready for some new food and drink discoveries.

St Mary’s Church, Bitton 3rd May, 7.30pm The show aims to entertain and inform, based on the words of ordinary people who experienced all aspects of WWII. Including readings, film clips, newsreels and memorable songs from the era.

The Undertones

Superhero Family Fun Day

Guenther Steiner

Bouncers

The Forum 7th May, 7.30pm Buckle up and fasten your seatbelts for a hugely entertaining all-areas-access conversation spanning a decade inside Formula 1, with former Haas F1 team principal Guenther Steiner.

The Mission Theatre 8th – 9th May, 7.30pm It’s Friday night and it’s club night.

Time for the Bouncers to come alive! In this hilarious parody of contemporary nightclub life, the bouncers go to town and let it all hang out.

The MEAA 28th April, 12.30-2.30pm Learn the techniques of making and decorating your own Nerikiri sweets with a hands-on workshop led by Japanese confectionery artist Ryoko Stibbe. No need for prior experience.

Komedia 4th May, 7.45pm The Undertones present a glorious set of classic tracks taken from what are considered by many fans and critics to be some of the best punk albums of all time.

Bath Racecourse 5th May, 12.15-6pm Enjoy an action-packed, superherothemed Bank Holiday! Meet your favourite superheroes, enjoy thrilling flat racing, and experience a day full of free family-friendly fun.

THE VERY BEST IN COMEDY & LIVE EVENTS 22-23 WESTGATE STREET, BATH, BA1 1EP

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Sponsored by Howden Bath www.howdeninsurance.co.uk/bath

Community

Celebrations to mark 80th anniversary of VE Day Becky Feather Reporter

COMMUNITIES across Bath are holding street parties to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day. Bath & North East Somerset Council has waived road closure fees for street parties to encourage more community celebrations.

Several are taking place on 5th May, Bank Holiday Monday.

They include Forester Avenue at Bathwick where the road will be closed between noon and 10pm so local residents can celebrate.

In Widcombe The Tyning will be closed from 10am to 6pm and part of Horseshoe Walk will be shut between 1pm and 5pm.

Residents in Swainswick are be holding a party with road closures affecting Tadwick Lane and Blacksmith Lane from 1pm to 8pm.

Community events are being planned across the city

St Barnabas Church at Southdown is also holding VE Day celebrations in the garden from noon to 3pm on Bank Holiday Monday.

There will be games, prizes and music. People are invited to bring a picnic and drinks will be

provided.

Rush Hill Mews at Clarks Way will be having a VE Day celebration and open day event on Wednesday 7th May. From 11am it will be opening its doors for activities that include reminiscence, memorabilia and

residents' stories around VE Day that will be available to read and share.

In the afternoon there will be a 1940s street party with live entertainment and refreshments and there will be a visit from Bath Record Office to talk about evacuation of children, air raid precautions and the Bath Blitz and Admiralty.

Contact the home for more information.

Other events taking place in the city include celebrations at Odd Down Sports Ground, starting at noon on the actual anniversary, Thursday 8th May. The whole community is welcome. There will be wartime music to enjoy and food will be available to buy. There will be a raffle with proceeds to Dorothy House Hospice.

Are you having a VE Day party?

Please send us your photos via news@bathecho.co.uk

Hub celebrates years of Parkinson’s UK branch supporting community makes £10k donation MORE than 15,000 people have received vital help from the Community Wellbeing Hub, which recently celebrated its five-year anniversary.

Since its origins during the Covid-19 pandemic delivering emergency food parcels and medication to people isolating during lockdown, as well as telephone advice, the initiative has become a central place for residents to access many services that support their health and wellbeing.

It has received 32,000 referrals over the five years it has been operating from residents needing help with a wide range of issues including money, housing advice, food access, mental health and caring for others.

People who contact them will on average receive support from two or more services.

The Community Wellbeing Hub was created by Bath & North East Somerset Council, HCRG Care Group (formerly Virgin Care), the 3SG and other third sector partners in March 2020 and has grown to include 37 partner organisations including Avon Fire & Rescue, Centre for Sustainable Energy and the Royal United Hospital.

The Hub has also supported more than 1,200 people who are being discharged from hospitals in B&NES and has distributed 500 HELP packs to ease patients’ transitions back home.

It is also celebrating news of being shortlisted for the Municipal Journal Awards in the Innovation in Public Private Partnerships category, which described the strength and trust

Photo © B&NES Council

across the partnership and being an example of good practice for co-production, delivering for local people.

Councillor Alison Born, cabinet member for adult services at B&NES Council, said: “Congratulations to everyone who has played a part in making the Community Wellbeing Hub the excellent resource for everyone in B&NES that it is today, giving the right support to people at the right time. We are immensely proud of the quick and effective support the Hub continues to provide our community, which is testament to the strength of the relationships between all the partners involved.”

Becky Brooks, director of the 3SG, said: “The Community Wellbeing Hub is a remarkable legacy from the pandemic that is still supporting the most vulnerable residents in B&NES. “There could be no better example of what happens when a community comes together to help others and we are proud to be part of that journey.”

Residents can contact the Community Wellbeing Hub by calling 0300 247 0050 Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.

The Hub is funded by Bath & North East Somerset Council through the Better Care Fund (BCF) Programme.

PARKINSON’S UK’s Bath and District branch has made a donation of £10,000 to help fund vital research into Parkinson’s, thanks to donations, fundraising and funeral collections.

The contribution was also funded thanks to the group’s regular coffee mornings.

The branch welcomed John Pettigrew from Parkinson’s UK on Saturday 15th March, who spoke about the charity’s new Tech Guide.

The online resource aims to help people with Parkinson’s, as well as their families, friends and carers, discover and choose devices and apps that could help improve their quality of life.

Parkinson’s is a complex brain condition that gets worse over time. It’s the fastest growing neurological condition in the world, affecting 153,000 people in the UK. John Pettigrew, the senior product manager, said: “We’re incredibly thankful to the Bath and District branch for their donation to Parkinson’s research.

“Every donation makes a huge difference and ensures that we can continue to drive Parkinson’s research forward.

“As Europe’s largest charitable funder of Parkinson’s research, we’re currently investing over £18m into our research grants programme across 46 projects.

“We’re funding work from looking at understanding the causes of Parkinson’s all the way through to supporting research trials developing new treatments.

“Your donation helps us to lead the way to better treatments and

Presenting the cheque for £10,000

together, we will find solutions to improve everyday for people with Parkinson’s.”

Hilary Singleton, treasurer and vice chair of the branch, presented John with the cheque and thanked members and volunteers for their fundraising efforts.

Hilary said: “The group was very pleased to be able to put the hard work of members, volunteers and other fundraisers to such use and thanked everyone for their hard work which was very much appreciated.”

Claire Denby, local volunteer officer at Parkinson’s UK, said: “I’d like to say a huge thank you to the Bath and District branch for their generous donation.

“Parkinson’s UK’s work would not be possible without our fantastic volunteers and supporters.”

The Bath and District branch holds regular meetings in Bath to provide information and support and runs monthly coffee mornings in Frome, Keynsham, Midsomer Norton and Shepton Mallet.

The main meeting is held on the third Saturday of the month between 10.30am to 12pm at Weston Free Church (Moravian Hall), High Street, Bath BA1 4DB and often features guest speakers.

Insurance Expert Abi Brinkhurst Branch Advisor Howden Bath

Hello Bath Echo readers!

Abi Brinkhurst here, Branch Advisor at Howden Bath; your friendly, local high street insurance broker.

We love being a part of the Bath community and in this new regular column will be bringing you advice and insights into the insurance market. We’ll also let you know about what’s on in branch, from our fundraising efforts to our community boot exchange!

Spring is finally here – with the longer, lighter days we have all been waiting for.

Here in the Bath office we are fully embracing Spring theme. You’ll notice our branch has become a floral wonderland, and we must thank local florists Pulteney Bridge Flowers and FlowerScoop for featuring!

Pulteney Bridge Flowers have been a go-to florist for the Bath community for many years, whether it’s florals for an occasion or a ‘just because’ bouquet. You can find them on both Pulteney Street and Milsom Place.

FlowerScoop are a newly opened business on Livingstone Road just off Moorland Road. They provide beautiful florals, balloons, gifts and gelato! You can find both businesses on social media and of course we would highly recommend paying a visit.

When we think of Spring we think of flowers in bloom, the wildlife comes out to play again and everything is colourful and vibrant.

If you are popping in to branch to check out the floral artistry, make sure you pick up your free pack of wildflower seeds from us.

Enhance the beauty of this time of year and help feed the bees!

Finally, how do you fancy winning a pizza oven? If you wish to elevate your garden parties and add a fun Italian element to your barbecues this year, you can pop into the office and scan the QR code, or you can find us on socials and click the link to enter.

Good luck!

Howden Bath 7 George Street, Bath, BA1 2EH 01225 788044 www.howdeninsurance.co.uk

Issue 102

P17

Your City, Your News - Bath Echo

Air ambulance charity partners with Swainswick speed limit Bath Racecourse for raceday reduction set to begin A SPECIAL raceday is set to be held at Bath Racecourse in July thanks to a new partnership with the Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance Charity.

The association comes shortly after the charity rebranded in late 2024, which saw the inclusion of Bath in its name to better reflect its operational area.

The collaboration aims to raise awareness about the vital work carried out by the air ambulance charity and engage the community in its efforts.

The highlight of the new partnership will be the Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance Charity Raceday, to be held on Wednesday 16th July.

Tickets are now on sale, and racegoers will have the opportunity to learn more about the charity on the day, including its lifesaving work and how they can contribute to its mission.

Corporate fundraiser Imogen Linham said: “We are incredibly excited to join forces with Bath Racecourse.

“This collaboration will help us raise awareness about the critical care services we regularly provide across Bath, as well as bringing the community together to support our lifesaving work.”

Bath Racecourse’s new executive

Becky Feather Reporter Ben Abbott, Hannah Chree, Emily Dinning & George Williams | Photo © W+BAA

director, Hannah Chree, commented: “We are delighted to partner with Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance Charity.

“The raceday in July will be a fantastic event, and we look forward to offering racegoers the chance to learn more about the charity’s essential contribution to city of Bath and beyond.”

Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance Charity provides critical medical care by land and air across Wiltshire and Bath.

It costs £5 million a year to fund their work and last year the charity responded to a record

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number of emergency missions in Bath, with 117 call-outs, as well as transferring 109 patients to the Royal United Hospital.

The aircrew responded to 25 incidents relating to horse riding in 2024, the most of any sporting activity.

Bath Racecourse is one of the South West’s premier horse racing venues, with 19 racedays being held throughout 2025.

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FOLLOWING a consultation, the speed limit on a stretch of Gloucester Road will be reduced from 40mph to 30mph through the hamlet of Swainswick on the approach to Upper Swainswick.

Before the building of the A46 dual carriageway, which links the A4 with the A420 and M4, Gloucester Road was the main route for through traffic.

Gloucester Road was downgraded when the current A46 was constructed, and there have been some modifications to the speed limits and signage.

However, the speed limit between Lower Swainswick and the link to the A46 had not been reviewed

for some time.

Bath & North East Somerset Council said no objections or negative comments had been received following the advertisement of its proposals.

The traffic management team said a short section of 40mph will remain in place because a 30mph there would have a “very low level of compliance”.

As of 1st May, Gloucester Road will have a 30mph speed limit from its junction with Bennetts Road heading north for 182 metres and from 131.5 metres south of its junction with Innox Lane, heading north for 736 metres.

A 40mph limit will apply on Gloucester Road from 92 metres north of the junction with Deadmill Lane for 300 metres.

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P18

Friday 25th April - Thursday 8th May 2025

www.bathecho.co.uk

New funding for organisations to support refugees from Ukraine A FUND totalling £20,000 has been made available for charities, community groups and voluntary groups that are supporting refugees from Ukraine.

Bath & North East Somerset Council is opening the fourth round of the Ukraine Support Fund to help Ukrainian guests connect with their local communities and to promote their wellbeing, independence and skills.

The money, allocated by central government, could be used by organisations to provide a range of services for Ukrainian groups, however the council is particularly welcoming applications to provide support in the following areas: • English language development • Health and wellbeing • Integration into local communities.

The funding has previously supported organisations including Bath City Football Club, which provided the opportunity for refugees to engage in community activities and the chance to attend Bath City FC, and Somer Valley FM which launched a new Ukraine radio show.

Applications for the fourth round of funding opened on 15th April.

Bids are invited from charities, volunteer, and community groups to benefit the groups of refugees they are supporting.

Organisations can apply for up to £2,500 for a one-off event, or up to £2,500 to establish new services or extend an existing one. Applications can be made on the council website here until 20th June. The fund has been set up primarily to support people from Ukraine, but the projects could be widened to include refugees from other countries.

Councillor Kevin Guy, council leader, said: “Many community groups and charities across Bath and North East Somerset are actively helping Ukrainian guests to rebuild their lives and gain independence.

“We are encouraging local organisations, especially those with a deep understanding of the needs of the Ukrainian guests they assist, to apply for the fund.

“This is particularly important in areas such as English language development and promoting health and wellbeing.

“Ultimately, these grants will enable individuals to flourish in their new communities.”

All applications must: • Benefit a group of people, not an individual person.

• Be a charity, voluntary or

Tog Hill set to close overnight for a month

community organisation that operates for the benefit of the local community and is not for profit.

• Have a constitution and valid bank account or a lead organisation, with a constitution and valid bank account.

• Show at least one of the following ways it will support Ukrainian Refugees: • Promote health and wellbeing • Promote independence • Improve English language skills • Assist with employment skills • Help integration into local communities.

Applications will be welcomed from organisations whose work combines the support of Ukrainians alongside other displaced communities.

Anyone needing help to apply online can email H4U@bathnes. gov.uk

Residents have been told to expect a significant amount of noise

Becky Feather Reporter

TOG Hill near Bath will be closed overnight during May for major resurfacing works.

South Gloucestershire Council says this part of the A420 will be closed between 8pm and 6am on weekday nights between 1st and 31st May. The roadworks planning map at https://one.network/uk map also shows the roads at the staggered crossroads at the top of Tog Hill will also be closed - the whole of Gorse Lane and a 217-metre stretch of Freezinghill Lane.

The “essential” work will involve planing off 1.2 miles of road surface, reconstruction works

and the laying of a new surface which is expected to create “a significant amount of noise”.

The council says every effort will be made to ensure that access is maintained to properties and apologises for any inconvenience that will be caused.

The official diversion route is given as Tog Hill, A46 Gloucester Road, A46 Bath Road, Wapley Road, Codrington Road, Westerleigh Hill, Westerleigh Road, the A4174 Ring Road, then along the A420 through Warmley, Bridgeyate and Wick, and vice versa.

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P20

Friday 25th April - Thursday 8th May 2025

www.bathecho.co.uk

Health ‘Inexperienced inspectors’ are blamed for poor care rating John Wimperis

Local Democracy Reporter

INEXPERIENCED inspectors were the reason why Bath & North East Somerset Council was rated “requires improvement” for how it meets its care responsibilities, local authority care chiefs have said.

The Care Quality Commission inspected the council between April and September 2024, and in January published a rating of “requires improvement”.

But now the council has insisted that it was the quality of the inspection which was poor, not its care services.

Suzanne Westhead, the council’s director of adult social care, told the local authority’s health scrutiny panel on 14th April that of the nine inspectors sent by the CQC, only one had experience with adult social care.

She said: “We needed to explain everything to them because they didn’t understand how adult social care worked.”

A paper which went before the committee said she had written twice to the CQC’s chief inspector over the “poor inspection process and inexperienced inspectors”.

The council said the CQC had made 75 factual errors in its report, 56 of which it agreed to change. But it refused to change the “requires improvement” rating.

The council cabinet member for adult services, Alison Born, told the panel: “We were disappointed that the corrections to the narrative had very little impact on the scoring or our rating of “requires improvement”.

“We remain concerned that some significant inaccuracies remain in the published report.”

Ms Westhead said she had asked the CQC for a review, but was told

The council's care was rated as “requires improvement”

it could only be done on certain grounds. Inspectors are expected to be back again next year.

Ms Westhead said: “That’s why we are working so hard to improve our performance.”

But she said it was “quite difficult” to work out how to improve services which the council

already understood to be good.

Councillor Born said that the CQC report suggested the council’s hospital discharge performance was not as good as it had been, despite performing better than other local authorities and having been commended for it by the Royal United Hospital.

Ms Westhead said she was adamant that the council had “great staff”. She said they had been disappointed with the “requires improvement” rating.

The inspection was carried out shortly after the council took adult social care services, which had been contracted to care provider HCRG, back in-house to be run directly by the council.

Assessments of how local authorities meet their care duties is a new responsibility of the CQC and Bath & North East Somerset Council was one of the first councils inspected.

Councillor Born said she thought the CQC had learnt from issues raised by Bath & North East Somerset Council and other councils among the first to be inspected.

Ms Westhead said that the inspectors were now more experienced. She said: “It’s just unfortunate that we were early.”

Cancer patient goes home the same Dementia conference day after major robotic surgery to be held near Bath A PATIENT who underwent complex procedures with major surgery for prostate minimal access, while ensuring cancer at the Royal United the highest levels of patient Hospital in Bath was discharged safety. the same day, thanks to the use Eddie said: “I was referred to the of a specialist surgical robot.

RUH by my GP after a check-up, 67-year-old Eddie Harvey had and an MRI scan at the hospital a successful robotic radical showed there was suspicion of prostatectomy before returning cancer in my prostate. home to Corsham, only the “I then had prostate biopsies second time a patient at the RUH which confirmed it. Within a has been able to have this type of couple of weeks I was having the surgery and go home on the same surgery. Everything moved really day. quickly, I was so impressed.

A radical prostatectomy is a “I arrived at hospital at 7am on surgical procedure that removes the morning of the operation and the prostate gland and some was back home later that night. I surrounding tissue to treat was a bit surprised but delighted prostate cancer. It’s the primary that I could be back home in my treatment for prostate cancer own bed that same day. that hasn’t spread beyond the “There was no pressure on me to prostate. go home that day, but I felt good The procedure was carried out and had complete trust in the by a surgical team using the surgeon who I knew wouldn’t hospital’s Da Vinci surgical have let me leave if he didn’t robot, which has been funded think I was ready to. by the hospital’s charity, RUHX, “I know that being discharged thanks to the generosity of their on the same day for this kind of supporters. surgery isn’t going to be possible The robot helps1/4.qxp_Layout RUH surgeons 1 for everyone, but for those JB Dental October 18/10/2024 14:50 Pagewho 1 to operate on patients with even are eligible it’s fantastic. greater precision, and perform “I can’t speak highly enough

about my surgeon and everyone I came into contact with at the RUH. Everyone was brilliant and so supportive. My advice to men would be to get yourself examined by your GP, especially as symptoms for prostate cancer can develop slowly, so you may not see any noticeable symptoms for many years.”

Ayman Ali, consultant urological and robotic surgeon, who led the surgery, said: “This really is a fantastic achievement for the RUH and will hopefully be the start of many similar operations where patients can now return home the same day.

“This is now possible due to the use of the robot, which provides better precision and accuracy which also enhances recovery times too. While same day discharge will not be suitable for all patients, we know that being at home can aid patient recovery and lead to better outcomes for the people we care for.

“It builds on the success of establishment the robotic radical prostatectomy service in late 2023 at the RUH.”

PEOPLE are being invited to register for an upcoming regional dementia awareness conference which is being held in the village of Peasedown St John near Bath next month.

Organised by the Peasedown Community Trust and sponsored by law firm Stone King, the conference will feature keynote speakers, information stalls, networking, lunch and an opportunity to meet charity leaders and experts working in the field of dementia research and awareness.

The Chair of Bath & North East Somerset Council, Councillor Karen Walker (Independent for B&NES, Peasedown), said: “We’re thrilled to be hosting this conference in Peasedown St John.

“Every three minutes, someone in the UK will develop dementia.

With dementia on the rise, communities across the country are making a stand, and Peasedown St John is no different.

“Since 2019, more than 300 residents have attended one of the Peasedown Community Trust’s

dementia awareness workshops.

They have been instrumental in raising the profile of the work we’re doing in the village – which will be showcased at this special regional conference in May.” Keynote speakers include Alison Allen, Stone King’s Chair, who will share practical legal tips for those in later life.

A range of organisations will also be present for delegates to meet, including: Age UK, Alzheimer’s Society, Stone King, ReMind UK, Peasedown Community Trust, Appleton Nutrition, Hillcrest Surgery, Radfield Home Care and B&NES Live Well Service.

The conference is free for anyone who would like to attend thanks to the sponsorship provided by Stone King.

The conference ‘Creating Dementia Friendly Communities’ will be held on Tuesday 20th May, 10am – 3pm at St John’s Church, Church Road, BA2 8AA. Anyone who’d like to attend the event should RSVP by Friday 9th May by emailing peasedowncommunitytrust@ gmail.com

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Education

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Uni to reveal plans for eight new accommodation blocks Becky Feather Reporter

PLANS will go on show next week for eight new blocks of accommodation at the University of Bath to house 960 students.

The two-day public consultation event will give people the opportunity to comment on the draft proposals prior to a full planning application being submitted to Bath & North East Somerset Council later in the year.

The university’s masterplan, which was developed with a wide range of stakeholders, and agreed with Bath & North East Somerset

Council in 2021, includes plans for increased provision of oncampus student accommodation to the east of the campus site.

The site, which has already been removed from the Green Belt, measures more than 11 acres.

There are currently two playing pitches, a disused tennis court and two parking areas on the land.

The proposed new accommodation blocks are four and five storeys in height.

The University of Bath has made net carbon zero commitments that are reflected in the proposals, which will seek Passivhaus certification for energy efficiency.

In line with the council’s parking standards, no new general car

The proposed development site at the campus | Image © University of Bath

parking will be provided, but there will be cycle parking.

The first consultation session

will be held between 3pm and 7pm on Tuesday 29th April at the Innovation Centre, Carpenter

House, Broad Quay.

The second will be from 3pm to 7pm on Wednesday 30th April in the foyer of the University of Bath Sports Training Village at the Claverton Down campus.

Both sessions are open to the public. Visitors will be able to see drawings and artists’ impressions of the project as well as discuss aspects of the plans with members of the project team.

Dr Ghazwa Alwani-Starr, chief operating officer at the University of Bath, said: “This is an important development for the university, and I hope that as many members of our community as possible will come and see the proposals and have their say on this exciting project.”

Staff go ‘above and Scientists say diagnosis delay is beyond’ to meet needs causing permanent damage Becky Feather Reporter

HAPPY Days Nursery and PreSchool Bath has retained its Good Ofsted rating.

The inspector who visited the nursery and pre-school last month has now published her report, which highlights how staff go “above and beyond” to meet children’s needs.

There are 141 children on the roll at the nursery at Kellaway Lane in Combe Down.

The report says children arrive happy and settle well. They form very warm and trusting relationships with staff from the start.

It continues: “Children behave well and learn to be kind, polite and responsible. Staff are good role models who address any minor issues gently and effectively.”

Children are said to develop good communication and language skills and staff help them to develop healthy lifestyles.

The staff plan exciting activities and encourage children to learn through their interests.

The broad curriculum helps

children make good progress in all areas of learning. Staff monitor children’s progress well from the start and respond quickly when they identify a child might be at risk of not reaching their expected levels of development.

The management team ensures any additional funding for children is used responsibly to have the most impact on their learning.

The inspector praises the strong partnership with parents: “Parents share extremely positive feedback regarding the setting.

“They state, for example, that children are very well supported as they transition through the nursery and on to school. Staff go above and beyond to meet children’s needs and keep them involved and updated continually.”

The management team is said has clear aspirations for continuous improvements at the nursery and pre-school. Staff are well supported and valued, and their well-being is nurtured.

There is said to be an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children’s interests first.

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SCIENTISTS at the University of Bath have said that delays in diagnosing and treating psoriatic arthritis are causing irreparable damage to people’s health.

This damage could be avoided by catching the condition earlier and treating it effectively, according to research led by scientists in the Department of Life Sciences.

A new study, published in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, evaluated exactly where diagnostic delays are occurring as well as the treatments people are receiving.

The results confirm a suspicion long held by the authors: that early symptoms of psoriatic arthritis (PsA), a common inflammatory disorder affecting around 200,000 people in the UK, often persist for some time before the condition is diagnosed and treated.

The researchers are calling for improved diagnostic systems to be established, where people with PsA and the doctors treating them are supported to recognise the initial phases, and diagnostic scans are offered earlier.

A prompt response can prevent joint damage and reduce pain and inflammation, resulting in far better physical function and quality of life for most patients.

The study was led by Dr William Tillett, researcher at the University of Bath and a consultant rheumatologist at the Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases (RNHRD), which is based at the Royal United Hospital in Bath.

He said: “Work from our group and other researchers shows that delays to diagnosis of just six months can result in worse physical function for a patient in ten years’ time, so diagnosing and treating the disease early, to prevent structural damage and preserve function, is vitally important.”

He added: “This disease can have a massive impact on people’s lives and make it difficult for them to work and manage regular daily activities.”

Visible signs of PsA appear months or even years before a person develops the fullblown condition, generally giving clinicians plenty of time to intervene with appropriate treatment. However, signs are variable and can include the rash of psoriasis, joint stiffness, lower back pain, fatigue, swollen fingers and toes, and changes to the quality of finger- and toenails.

These signs can easily be confused for less serious chronic conditions, leading to

misdiagnoses.

As a result, valuable time is often lost before a patient is referred to a specialist, leading to delays in the diagnosis and treatment of PsA. Dr Tillett said: “With rheumatoid arthritis (another common arthritis), symptoms are quickly visible, so the condition is generally diagnosed without too much delay. It’s harder to detect inflammation in the joints affected by psoriatic arthritis, as these joints – such as those in the spine – are often not visible to the eye, and it takes an ultrasound to see the damage.

“Too often, scans don’t happen for some time after the patient starts noticing symptoms.”

For the new study, funded by Janssen Pharmaceuticals, the authors collaborated with the British Society of Rheumatology and National Early Inflammatory Arthritis Audit to evaluate people who were diagnosed with PsA between May 2018 and October 2019, and explore why there were delays in diagnosis.

The reasons were found to be multiple: people are slow to present to their GP with symptoms and once patients find their way to a specialist, there is a wait before diagnostic tests are carried out.

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Business Residents invited to have say on future plans for Bath Press site LOCALS are being invited to have their say on developer City & Country’s plans for the future of the Bath Press development on the Lower Bristol Road in Bath.

Whilst construction work has already commenced on bringing forward new homes at the eastern end of the former print site, the consultation will offer a first look at plans for the western section of the scheme.

People can now view the proposals, put together by leading Bath-based architects Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, to learn about the progress of the eastern portion of the site, as well as provide feedback in response to the plans for the western end.

Bath Press is a development of the former Pitman’s Press complex, which dates back to 1889 when it began life as a Phonetic Institute.

The site has undergone significant change in the near century and a half that has followed, and is now being transformed into a residential and commercial development.

As part of the plans, City & Country is restoring and preserving the eminent Classical and Art Deco stone façade that fronts Lower Bristol Road, which features on Bath & North East Somerset Council’s ‘local list’,

Electrification work at First Bus' depot site

Image © Janus Architects / First Bus

Becky Feather How the site will look | Image © City & Country

a register of locally significant heritage assets.

The scheme has already generated over £2.5 million of investment in the local community from Community Investment Levy contributions, and will see the provision of some affordable homes to help meet local housing needs.

Simon Vernon-Harcourt, design & planning director at City & Country, said: “We will use this consultation to unveil the next stage of plans for the historic Bath Press site.

“We look forward to presenting our ambitions for the western parcel of this special site to the community, and we intend to deliver a truly exceptional

development fitting for this part of Bath, designed by Stirling Prize-winning architects Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, to protect its legacy for generations to come.

“The consultation is open to all members of the public, including our neighbours on and around Lower Bristol Road, and we look forward to presenting our plans and inviting the community to provide their feedback, which will help to inform the final plans that will be submitted as part of the planning application later this year.”

To view the plans and leave feedback on the proposals, people are invited to visit www. cityandcountr y.co.uk/bathpress-consultation/

Reporter

FIRST BUS has submitted a planning application for electrification works at its Weston Island Bus Depot at Lower Bristol Road in Bath.

The proposal includes 64 groundmounted electric chargers and four overhead steel gantries along with electrical substations to enable the transition from diesel to electric buses.

A new power supply and electrical distribution will be required in the form of three new transformers and three feeder panel buildings.

The planning application lodged with Bath & North East Somerset Council says the works will involve minimal change to the current layout.

Buses will still access the site via the bridge, travel around the depot in a clockwise direction and go through the wash building each night.

As the depot will be electrified there will be no need for fuelling so eventually the diesel tanks will be removed and the run in at night will be faster.

First Bus has already carried out electrification works at other sites including the Bristol depot at Hengrove Way which is on a much larger scale.

An assessment submitted with the planning application for Weston Island says the expected noise from the proposals is below the level at which harmful impacts are likely.

The planning reference is 25/01398/FUL. The deadline for comments is 11th May.

Setback for game bird farm development near Bath Becky Feather Reporter

BATH & North East Somerset Council planners have refused to approve new barns and storage containers related to the rearing of birds for game shoots on a farm near Bath.

There is already an enforcement case relating to the development at Upper Baggridge.

Prior approval was being sought for three agricultural storage barns measuring more than six metres in height, along with six storage containers.

Wellow Parish Council lodged an objection, pointing out that the application for land at Baggridge

Farm states the buildings will be for agricultural use, whereas the intention is for them to be used in conjunction with rearing game birds for sport.

The parish council said: “We would point out that this activity does not come within the statutory definition of ‘agricultural’ and we therefore submit that the buildings should not be classed as permitted development, rather should be the object of an application for change of use and full planning permission.”

Another objector reported to B&NES Council that “a very large set of barns has been built on Green Belt land at Baggridge Hill, Wellow, without planning

permission”.

They said: “I understand that these buildings are not being used for agriculture, as per the application, but instead in connection with pheasants that are shot for sport.

“They are very large buildings and loom over the Wellow valley, having a huge impact on the beautiful landscape, including areas of the Cotswolds National Landscape.

“Is there anything that can be done to halt further construction, and have these buildings removed?”

B&NES Council planners said in their assessment of the application that the buildings are described as “agricultural

stores” to store feed, bedding and farm equipment and reference recommendations that this should all be stored indoors following outbreaks of avian influenza across the UK. The planning officers said that in 2022 an application for a 200-metre agricultural track and 40-metre by 20-metre area of hardstanding for this parcel of land was approved as it would allow the field to become more productive, meeting its agricultural needs.

However, no consideration was given at the time to the site hosting bird cages or for pheasant rearing.

“Local representations highlight that bird cages have since been

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erected on this hardstanding.

A related enforcement case has received representations that the land is in use for the commercial rearing of game birds, as well as reports that the works are proceeding.”

In refusing the development, the planning officers said the rearing of birds with the express purpose of shooting game would be a material change of use from agriculture: “As such, the erection of three barns and six storage containers associated with the express purpose of rearing game would not be agricultural.”

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Landmark Lansdown property goes Holiday let conversion on the market for £5 million given the green light Becky Feather Reporter

Mount Beacon House in Lansdown | Photo © Savills

AN iconic property in the Lansdown area of Bath has gone on the market for the first time in more than three decades.

Mount Beacon House is perched on the upper slopes of Lansdown and can be seen from across the city.

Originally known as the Mount Beacon Estate, it was built in the late 18th century as a residence

and was converted into a nursing home after World War Two. It was bought and reinstated by the current owners as a grand family house over 30 years ago.

Mount Beacon House also features four income-generating properties within the site.

Alistair Heather, head of Savills Bath, said: “Available for the first time in over three decades,

Mount Beacon House is a very special proposition – a true landmark home occupying an extraordinary position on the upper slopes of Lansdown with incredible views across Bath.

“Grand yet still perfect for family life, it is undoubtedly one of the most exciting properties to come to the market in Bath in recent years.”

AN application to turn empty offices in the city centre into holiday lets has been approved

by Bath & North East Somerset Council.

The offices are on the first, second and third floors above Adventure Café at 5 Princes Buildings on George Street.

Listed building consent was sought alongside planning permission as there are proposed interior alterations.

In their assessment of the proposals, council planners noted that the upper floors of the Grade II listed building had been vacant since 2020, with very little interest from marketing.

Their report said: “Since Covid the office market in the UK has greatly diminished and within Bath there is virtually no requirements for circa 2,000sq ft of office accommodation spread over three floors. For this size of accommodation, the requirement is for circa 2,000sq ft to be on a single floor.”

They added: “Although the proposed holiday lets and ground-floor café share access from the street, neither use

would be compromised by this arrangement.

“It is understood that each hotel room entrance door will be provided with their own locking system. This means that even though the stairs are accessible, there is no access into the rooms without proper keys/codes.

“Security cameras monitor first to third floor communal zones.

The ground-floor unit already has their own security in place, with the café and rear garden fully lockable and inaccessible at times the ground-floor venue is closed.”

The council had received just one response from the public to the proposals, which said: “There are other things it can be used for, but if it’s been vacant for a while you might as well! Just not too many stag and hen parties I hope!”

Refurbishment hopes for Widcombe’s White Hart pub Becky Feather Reporter

THE Walcot Group has submitted plans to Bath & North East Somerset Council for a major refurbishment of The White Hart pub at Widcombe.

In recent years the Grade II listed pub has fallen into disrepair and is said to be in “urgent” need of restoration.

It ceased trading in 2024 and the site was sold to The Walcot Group; the successful familyowned hospitality company with

more than 30 years’ experience in the Bath area.

The company’s first pub was the award-winning Pear Tree at Whitley followed by the Methuen Arms in Corsham.

Currently it operates Green Street Butchers, Mother & Wild in Corsham, Little Walcot in Frome, Solina Pasta in Bath and flagship Walcot House, which is a restaurant, bar and events business.

The application says the plan is to re-establish The White Hart as the “centrepiece of the Widcombe community, re-imagining

the collection of historic and modern buildings to provide a pub, attached restaurant, private dining, guest rooms and a landscaped courtyard garden”.

The existing hostel bedrooms will be upgraded into 10 en-suite rooms for overnight stays.

The Walcot Group plans to operate the business in the same way as the previous landlord did, under the same licensing regulations and operating hours – Monday to Thursday from 7.30am to 11.30pm, on Friday and Saturday from 7.30am to and from 8am to 11.30pm on Sunday.

The White Hart pub in Widcombe

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Changes to care worker sponsorship

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These changes aim to prioritise the recruitment of care workers already in the UK and increase the minimum salary thresholds for a role to be eligible for sponsorship.

Prioritising recruitment of existing UK-based care workers Care providers in England must now prove they have tried to recruit someone who holds a Skilled Worker visa, is already resident in England, and needs new sponsorship, before they

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can sponsor a care worker from overseas or someone switching from another visa.

The new requirement aims to ensure that overseas nationals who have already come to the UK to work in adult social care have the opportunity to continue doing so.

Importantly, it will only apply to individuals working in England and there are exemptions in place for existing care workers that have been employed by an organisation for at least three months under a different immigration route.

Increased minimum salary threshold for Skilled Workers The minimum salary threshold payable for care workers will also increase to £12.82 per hour,

or £25,000 per annum, up from £23,200.

It's important to note that the National Living Wage (NLW) also increased to £12.21 per hour for those aged 21 and over from 1st April 2025.

Employers must therefore ensure that all current sponsored Skilled Workers meet at least the new minimum National Living Wage threshold of £12.21 per hour.

Deductions from salary From 9th April 2025, any deductions from an applicant’s salary, such as repayments of loans, will be treated as reductions to their gross salary for immigration purposes.

For example, if a sponsored role has a required salary threshold of £45,000, and the applicant is

paid a gross salary of £47,500, but has taken a £4,000 employee loan to cover visa application costs, to be repaid via monthly salary deductions, the Home Office will treat their annual salary as £43,500 (£47,500 minus the £4,000 loan).

As this falls below the required salary threshold for the role, the role would no longer meet the minimum salary requirement for sponsorship.

While certain exemptions apply, if your organisation routinely offers loans to cover immigration costs, we recommend introducing a clear and robust eligibility policy to assess when and how such loans are offered.

Please do get in touch should you require any further support.

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Politics Councillor calls for ‘rapid’ action to protect family homes Becky Feather Reporter

PRESSURE is mounting for a review of the rules on HMOs in Bath, with one senior councillor saying “rapid” action is needed to protect family homes across the city.

In January we reported that members of Bath & North East Somerset Council’s planning committee had called for a change to the council’s policy governing houses in multiple occupation amid escalating concern about the impact on some areas of Bath.

And at a planning meeting on Wednesday, 9th April, concerns were raised about local families being priced out of the city when an application to turn a threebed semi in Twerton into a sixbed HMO were discussed.

Rivers Birtwell’s plans for 41 Freeview Road, which include adding a rear extension and a bike store, were approved by a majority of committee members at the end of the meeting, but several councillors made it clear that they were not happy doing so.

Rivers Birtwell specialises in accommodation for students and young professionals. There were 29 objections to the plans, with concerns which included the housing crisis for family homes, the pressure on infrastructure, services and shops due to students, the increase in rubbish and noise, and that the increasing number of HMOs is not accurately reflected in the public HMO register on the council’s website.

In her objection, Councillor Sarah Moore (Twerton & Whiteway, Liberal Democrat) said: “We have had a number of HMOs

permitted on this road already.

“There is insufficient parking, which is evident by the contractor working on this property parking on the pavement/grass already.

This is a residential road and needs properties to remain for families.”

The planning committee heard however that the scheme is compliant with current policy and approval was therefore recommended.

There is another shared house next door but the conversion of No 41 won’t result in any property being ‘sandwiched’ between two HMOs, and the proposals also passed the concentration test.

Data showed three HMOs out of 67 homes within a 100-metre radius. Adding another one takes the concentration up to 5.97% which is within the 10% limit.

Council planning officers also said the proposed energyefficiency measures for the property show the necessary EPC C rating can be achieved, which will be secured by condition.

Rivers Birtwell said the HMO will have good levels of natural light and outlook and at 7.5 square metres, the bedrooms will be above the minimal standard which is 6.51 square metres; the communal space will also be well proportioned.

There is no off-street parking but the developer said the street is “uncongested” with on-street parking so spaces would be available to occupants if needed.

Chair of the planning committee Councillor Ian Halsall (Oldfield Park, Liberal Democrat) told the meeting that he and the vice chair had agreed to bring the application to committee “because it is a perennial issue we are having in this district about HMOs”.

He said the committee had

“We have an obligation to our families and residents of Bath as well as our students, and our students are welcome, they are an important part of the economy – but not at the expense of taking all our family homes.”

Councillor Crossley asked Councillor Halsall to write to the cabinet member on behalf of the planning committee stressing that the policy “needs to be tightened and tightened rapidly”.

Planning committee vice chair Councillor Lucy Hodge (Lansdown, Liberal Democrat) added that the council needs to ensure its database is accurate as not all HMOs are licensed.

Councillor Shaun Hughes (Midsomer Norton North, Independent) said members were being “forced” to approve something that they clearly almost unanimously don’t like so he could not see the merits of bringing it to the committee.

He said: “There is nothing to like about this application.

We are asking people to live in ridiculously small rooms with very limited facilities just for the sake of cost.”

He added the house in Freeview Road was “never designed for this

purpose”.

Councillor Fiona Gourley (Bathavon South, Liberal Democrat) commented that the loss of affordable family housing is to be “deplored”.

Meanwhile Councillor Eleanor Jackson (Westfield, Labour) said: “I think it is very wrong and inimicable to our young people’s education to expect them to live in a citadel of expensive accommodation up on a hilltop, or out in a beautiful Duchy estate.

“It’s really important that when they leave home, they should integrate in the community, and they can’t afford the sort of luxury accommodation that the university provides.”

She agreed that a proper clear policy is needed, adding: “I feel very strongly about this one because my residents feel very strongly about it.

“We have a number of houses in the Radstock/Westfield area which are HMOs, many I’m afraid with people whose residency status may be a bit questionable shall we say, and we don’t understand why this policy only applies to certain wards in Bath and why we can’t have an HMO policy governing North East Somerset as well.”

A senior council planning officer confirmed that the policy, known as an Article 4 Direction, applies to the city as that is where the main pressure for HMOs is.

Councillor Halsall agreed he would write to Matt McCabe, the Liberal Democrat cabinet member for built environment, housing and sustainable development, who represents Bathavon South.

“We have made it very clear in this room that we do feel that maybe there does need to be some policy change quite soon,” said Councillor Halsall.

will breathe new life into it – honouring its past while creating a vibrant space for the future. It was wonderful to showcase the restoration plans to fellow MPs and peers, and underline how Bath continues to lead on culture, sustainability, and conservation.

As an MP, I’m constantly balancing national and local concerns, and public health continues to be a major issue. I’ve been working to raise awareness of the dangers posed by tampered vaping products, especially those targeting young people. Research from Professor Chris Pudney at the University of Bath found that one in six confiscated vapes from schools contained Spice, a highly addictive synthetic drug.

While the Tobacco and Vapes Bill is a welcome step, I am concerned that focusing solely on banning disposable vapes could push users towards refillable vapes, which are more susceptible to tampering. If we don’t act now, the problem is likely to worsen.

That’s why I’m calling on the Government to implement proper regulations to protect children’s health.

If anything, my experience in Hong Kong has only strengthened my resolve. Whether it’s standing up for human rights, fighting for better health services and regulation, or championing Bath’s heritage and green spaces – I will always speak out, and stand up, for our community.

Family homes are being bought by investors to create HMOs in the city

previously discussed the impact of HMOs in Odd Down and Southdown and it was only fair due to the number of objections received from residents in Twerton and Whiteway to explain to them the strength of the policy.

Committee member Councillor Paul Crossley (Liberal Democrat) said he had spoken against HMO proposals in Southdown (his ward) “so many times” and always loses because they are policy compliant.

He said: “But what I would like to urge is that you as chair write to Councillor Matt McCabe, who is the cabinet member, asking him to bring forward urgently his review, which we’ve asked him for in the past, and have a timescale for getting it because, quite frankly, we need this limit brought down from 10% to 5%.

“Because what will happen is, wherever it’s already up at limit, it will just move somewhere else and we’ll have this problem all over the city.

“Certain wards have already got too much of a problem. We need to be encouraging our universities and colleges to provide more accommodation for students at their own cost.

COLUMN | Wera Hobhouse, Liberal Democrat MP for Bath

E

arlier this month, I was denied entry to Hong Kong while on a private visit to meet my newborn grandson.

Upon arrival I was led to a room for questioning, made to wait for a long time, interviewed and had my luggage searched and swabbed. After three hours I was told that I was denied entry and escorted onto the next flight back to London without further explanation.

This experience was deeply unsettling, particularly as I was traveling for personal and family reasons. At no point was I told why I was being denied entry, leading me to draw my own conclusions.

The most concerning of these is the possibility that I was denied entry because of my role as a British Parliamentarian and specifically, one who has

criticised Beijing for its human rights abuses.

It is deeply concerning that a sitting Member of Parliament can be refused entry to a region with which the UK has historic and diplomatic ties, simply for doing their job. This chilling incident is yet another sign of the erosion of democratic norms in Hong Kong – and a stark reminder of why speaking up for our values matters more than ever.

As British MPs, our role is to stand up for democratic principles – and I do that every week in Parliament by representing the people of Bath.

In recent weeks, that’s included holding a Parliamentary debate on the urgent need to improve support for those with eating disorders. The statistics are heartbreaking: eating disorders

have the highest mortality rate of all mental health conditions, and yet services remain underfunded and misunderstood.

As Chair of the Eating Disorders All-Party Parliamentary Group, I presented our recent report on eating disorder services in this country and called on the Government to adopt a national strategy, increase funding, and make training on eating disorders mandatory for healthcare professionals. Lives are at stake, and the current system is simply not doing enough.

I’ve also had the privilege of bringing Parliament to Bath, welcoming the National Trust AllParty Parliamentary Group to the historic Assembly Rooms. Bath’s heritage is part of what makes our city so special, and the plans to restore this iconic building

Issue 102

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Three councillors form new independent group Becky Feather Reporter

A NEW party of three councillors has been formed on Bath & North East Somerset Council.

Gavin Heathcote and Karen Walker, who had jointly represented the Peasedown St John ward as Independents, have now linked up with Chris Warren, who was elected as a councillor in the Saltford by-election in January.

Although Councillor Warren had stood on an ‘Independent’ platform, he was placed in an ‘unaligned’ category by himself following his win due to controversy over a social media account.

The new group is called ‘Independents for B&NES’. Four councillors remain in the original group.

The account on X, formerly known as Twitter, was called @ the_grieve and had been set up 2019. It was taken down the day after the Saltford by-election.

It had included pictures of Mr Warren, his cars and his house. It contained obscene and insulting posts including of a misogynistic, homophobic and racist nature.

When interviewed about the account in the week before the election, Mr Warren, who is a former chair of Saltford Parish Council, said he had been “trolled”.

He won the seat just four votes ahead of the Liberal Democrat candidate. The by-election had been triggered by the resignation

Councillors Gavin Heathcote, Karen Walker and Chris Warren

of Liberal Democrat councillor Alison Streatfeild-James.

Remaining in the original group of Independents on B&NES Council are Colin Blackburn and June Player, who both represent the Westmoreland ward in Bath, Alan Hale (Keynsham South) and Shaun Hughes (Midsomer Norton North) who is the group’s spokesperson.

On Thursday 10th April, the B&NES Independent Councillor Group sent the Bath Echo a statement saying: “As a group of elected councillors, we are naturally disappointed by the decision of Councillors Walker and Heathcote to leave the Independent Group and join up with Councillor Chris Warren.

“Perhaps it goes without saying, but for clarity: the Independent

Group is not a political party and does not have a formal leader.

“It operates as a collaborative body, with each member having an equal say in the group’s activities and direction.

“Decisions regarding membership have always been made democratically, with each member entitled to a vote.

Following this process, the group voted not to accept Chris Warren into the group at this time, due to concerns over a lack of clarity surrounding a controversial social media X account.

“We stand by our original group decision to defer Chris’s acceptance for six months, allowing him time to disprove any association with the X account — something which, sadly, has not yet happened —

while also offering Chris our help and support as a newly-elected B&NES councillor.

“The Independent Group remains focused on supporting residents and scrutinising council decisions through its extensive work on committees and panels.

“Our achievements are largely due to maintaining independence and avoiding party-political distractions.

“While we are saddened that Karen and Gavin have chosen to leave the group, we wish them well for the future.”

A press release was issued on behalf of Independents for B&NES on 10th April. The group is described as “a new political cause that not only wants to put local people first but wants to provide a strong voice for nonparty politics across the district”.

It says the new group is led by Karen Walker and its campaign commitments include putting people first, cutting red tape and calling for an immediate halt to all low traffic neighbourhood (LTN) plans.

The Bath Echo approached Councillors Heathcote and Walker asking them if they wish to comment on their decision to break away and link up with Councillor Warren. We also asked Councillor Warren if he wishes to comment.

No response has been received from any of the councillors.

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NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR GRANT OF PREMISES LICENCE UNDER THE LICENSING ACT 2003 Rush Hour Lounge Ltd applied to Bath & North East Somerset Council on 15 April 2025 for a licence to use the premises at Rush Hour Lounge Ltd 29 Westgate St. Bath BA1 1EP for the sale of alcohol for consumption on and off premises 10:00 – 03:00 every day and Late Night Refreshment 23:00 – 03:00 every day.

Notification of the application made to the Licensing Authority is available on a register at www.bathnes.gov.uk/licensingregister.

Representations should be made in writing to: Bath & North East Somerset Council Licensing Services Lewis House Manvers Street Bath BA1 1JG or by email to licensing@bathnes.gov.uk by 13th May 2025 Representations made will be disclosed in an open meeting should a hearing be necessary.

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Sport

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Sponsorship secures future of wheelchair team A BATH sports club has had its future secured thanks to a £24,000 donation from Omaze, the charity fundraising company.

The funding for Bath Romans wheelchair basketball team is the first time Omaze has sponsored a grassroots sports team, and will cover training, coaching and tournament costs for the next three years.

It also includes Omaze-branded home and away kits, which the young players helped to design, and will wear in tournaments against teams from across the country.

The club, run by not-for-profit organisation Nova Sports, provides expert training for young people with a range of disabilities and neurodivergences, as well as non-disabled siblings, and in just four years has built a vibrant community for players and their families.

Jenny Johnson, who launched Nova Sports alongside husband Alex, said the Omaze funding has come as a “fantastic boost”.

She said: “This will not only mean our players will turn up to matches looking the part and feeling confident, but the main benefit is the fact it will cover the team for three years.

“Thanks to this fantastic boost from Omaze, we now know we can enter the tournament series again next season, and we can commit to these kids that their club isn’t going anywhere.

“That’s such a weight off for us as an organisation, but it’s also nice security for the players to know they can keep playing the sport they love.”

James Oakes, president of Omaze, said: “We’re delighted to make this donation on behalf of the Omaze community. Bath Romans show that grassroots sport is about so much more than simply winning and losing – it’s about

Bath City FC Saturday 26th April – 3pm Bath City v Aveley (Away) League Sunday 27th April - 2pm Bath Women v Stockwood Wanderers (Away) League Thursday 1st May – 7.30pm Bath Women v Weston-super-Mare (Away) Junior Cup Final Sunday 4th May - 2pm Bath Women v SGS Olveston United (Away) League

Bath Rugby Saturday 26th April – 3pm Bath Rugby v Newcastle Falcons (Home) Gallagher Premiership – R15

Alex Johnson with Liz Davies and Romans team members | Photo © Tim Gander

togetherness and belonging.

We’re looking forward to seeing this fantastic, welcoming and inclusive club continue to thrive.”

Jenny and Alex met at the University of Bath in 2012 while studying Sport and Social Sciences.

Since 2017, they have dedicated their lives to creating truly inclusive sports provisions for people with disabilities and neurodivergences in Bath and the surrounding area.

They started Bath Romans in 2021, and the club has had a huge impact on everyone involved.

Jenny said: “We’ve heard one word multiple times from parents of players – belonging.

It’s become like a big family.

“The parents have their own WhatsApp chat away from the coaches, they bring tea and coffee to training sessions when

the sports hall gets cold, and they organise lovely social stuff at Christmas. It’s very wholesome and it means a lot to everyone.”

Alex, who coaches the team, said: “Many of these kids don’t join in PE at school because they’re not catered for. We create an environment where they can be happy, where they thrive, where they can make friends. They see each other beyond the training sessions, and they have this real sense of identity and community.

“They go back to school with medals they can show off to their friends for the first time. It gives them something truly unique that they’ve probably not found anywhere else. It’s fantastic for everyone involved with the team to have this support from Omaze.”

Chrissie Aldridge, whose daughter Ana joined Bath Romans in 2021, said the club

has made a big impact on the 14-year-old.

Chrissie said: “Ana has ASD, as well as mobility issues, she has always loved sports but because of her difficulties she was often sidelined or not asked back after trial sessions, Romans changed all of that.

“Romans have given Ana a sense of belonging, a club that actively wants her, a sense of pride and a fierce competitive streak we didn’t know she had in her.

“As a family, it is wonderful to watch her grow and thrive as a player and as a person. We are hugely thankful to Omaze for giving our kids a secure sporting future.”

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Crossword answers - Issue 101 (11/04/2025) Across: 9 Bronchial, 10 Spoke, 11 Runcorn, 12 Checked, 13 Amplify, 16 Stole, 17 Lawn, 18 Borg, 19 Town, 21 Ends, 23 Avoid, 25 Support, 26 Dutiful, 28 Hooters, 30 Rural, 31 Parachute.

Down: 1 Iberian, 2 Bonn, 3 Scooping, 4 Disneyland, 5 Bloc, 6 Assets, 7 You-know-who, 8 Needles, 14 Promontory, 15 Swiss chard, 19 Top-notch, 20 Pay-dirt, 22 Stashed, 24 Deftly, 27 Laps, 29 Ehud.

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