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‘Confusion’ over Curo’s new car park plans
Becky Feather Reporter
HOUSING association Curo says there is “confusion” over the planning application for a car park at its Mulberry Park development in Bath, which has sparked more than 25 objections from local residents. Last month, we reported that Curo had admitted there isn’t enough parking for the community hub on the estate and had submitted a planning application for a “permanent vehicular parking area with associated landscaping and infrastructure” at land off Foxhill, opposite Bradford Park Road.
In a pre-application enquiry to the council, Curo was told that current policy seeks to promote sustainable travel modes and “only if there is no alternative will the council consider the principle of allowing the creation of this additional car parking”.
The Hub has 14 allocated parking spaces for visitors, and there are also four general parking spaces along Mulberry Way. The land off Foxhill is currently being used as temporary parking for 19 vehicles belonging to Hub staff.
Curo says that unless additional permanent provision is made for parking for The Hub, it will lead to more unplanned parking on local roads, impacting residents and compromising plans to extend the No. 2 bus service.
In a covering letter to Bath & North East Somerset Council, Curo said: “The site is currently hard-surfaced and utilised as a car park, although it falls within the area which has reserved matters consent to become a park serving the new community of Mulberry Park.
“The proposal seeks to amend the existing temporary parking design approved in the current park plans to establish a more formal parking facility.”
A report from Curo’s consultants says: “The application proposes to increase the parking by 22 spaces, bringing the total parking provision for The Hub to 36 spaces.
“The purpose of this additional parking is to reduce the existing issue of on-street parking occurring, which has been found
to restrict movement of buses within the site, to accommodate the office staff parking which will be displaced once the temporary office staff parking area is removed, and to provide additional and accessible parking for events to be held at The Hub or on the new park.”
One objector says a permanent car park for The Hub goes against what residents were told
from half a mile away able to demand parking amenities at our expense?”
Another suggests that as a large organisation, Curo should take Wessex Water’s approach and bus its staff in.
It is also pointed out that commuters are already using Mulberry Park as a ‘park & ride’, leaving their cars and getting the bus down into town.
and what was submitted in the original planning documents.
She said: “This change feels like a betrayal of the original development vision and sets a worrying precedent.”
Another says it is “really disappointing to understand that Curo have prioritised a ‘staff’ car park over valuable green space that has no benefit to the local resident whatsoever”.
One comments: “Mulberry Park residents pay the maintenance for The Hub and parking. Why are non-residents who drive
There are 10 comments of support to date. They include: “More parking for visitors is needed in Mulberry Park, this seems like a reasonable and relatively low impact way to address that.”
One calls it “a great idea”, adding: “There is not enough parking around The Hub at the moment, and it is leading people to park dangerously.”
Another observes: “The continued viability of The Hub is essential to the local community.
The proposal does not detract from the original concept of the
open space.”
A Curo spokesperson told the Bath Echo: “We understand that there seems to be some confusion regarding the parking area, so we want to clarify that no changes are proposed to the design of the wider park.
“We still intend to deliver the park in full, including play area and bandstand. This area was always going to be used for occasional parking – but this application allows more regular use.
“The overall design of the car park remains unchanged other than a different surface (intended for more regular use) and slight reconfiguration of this small area, so the changes really are mostly administrative to allow staff at The Hub to park there more regularly once the park is complete.
“We’re also planning on opening the parking up to the public so people can park and visit The Hub or new park on weekends if it’s needed.”
The new car park includes a dedicated access from Foxhill, as the current access requires vehicles to drive over the footpath.
The proposed access will also allow Wessex Water to access a sewerage tank under the park area. The current approved scheme does not provide wide enough tracks or adequate provision for turning.
Consultation closes on 23rd May. The planning reference is 25/01479/FUL.
The site at Mulberry Park which is currently being used as a car park
The Hub at Mulberry Park
Lottery funding awarded for Fashion Museum
BATH & North East Somerset Council’s project to reopen the Fashion Museum has been awarded £768,000 of initial support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The money will be used to progress the development of the Fashion Museum at the Grade II listed Old Post Office in the centre of Bath.
The development funding will also help with plans to apply for a full National Lottery grant of £7.2 million next year.
Thanks to the money raised by National Lottery players, development funding will support the progress of designs for the new museum, along with an extensive community consultation, engagement and outreach activities programme with a range of audiences and partners.
Fashion Museum Bath holds one of the world’s leading collections of fashion. The collection is designated as one of outstanding significance, containing 100,000 items and spanning 400 years of human creativity, from 1600 to the present day. It includes many of the best examples of fashionable dress
in worldwide collections. It is the variety and extent of the collection, accessible in a single museum, that sets it out as rare and unusual on an international scale.
Funding from the Heritage Fund will transform access to the heritage collection, ensuring it continues to be researched, new stories and diverse voices uncovered, and lost skills rediscovered and shared.
An innovative digital programme will further enhance access, with the development of a new sustainable online catalogue making the collection available to audiences around the world.
The funding will also support the sustainable retrofit of the Old Post Office building. One of only a few listed 20th century buildings in central Bath, it will be restored, and repaired, turning it into a ‘museum on the high street’.
Fashion Museum Bath is anticipated to reopen in 2030.
During the development phase, there will be a programme of community-driven talks and events, consultations, engagement and outreach activities with a range of audiences and partners across
the district.
Councillor Paul Roper, cabinet member for economic & cultural sustainable development, said:
“We are thrilled to have received this initial support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players we can now further develop our plans to create our new Fashion Museum of national and international significance.
“This is going to be a new, worldclass institution in a UNESCO World Heritage City and there is huge excitement that, at long last, we will be able to display our unique and outstanding fashion collection in a location and setting that it fully deserves, supporting and facilitating the creative industries as well as providing a boost to the visitor economy on which the city relies.
“The new museum is a key part of our plan to develop a creative centre in central Bath and provide a further boost to the visitor economy.
“As an anchor element of the Milsom Quarter Masterplan, the museum will enhance footfall and dwell time in the area and increase the desirability of the city centre”.
Stuart McLeod, director of England – London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “We’re pleased to offer our initial support to this transformational project that will give Fashion Museum Bath a home in the city’s historic centre.
“Not only does this mean a Grade II listed building will be brought back to life, but also a globally significant collection will be accessible to everyone, both in person and digitally.
“What stood out for us was how the project is looking to be at the forefront of sustainability, showing how heritage can adapt for the future.
“We’re looking forward to continuing to work with the team as they progress their plans to apply for a full National Lottery grant at a later date.”
Pay cut ‘kick in the teeth’ for council workers
John Wimperis Local Democracy Reporter
SOME of the lowest-paid council workers in Bath and North East Somerset could see their pay cut this summer, in what unions have called “a kick in the teeth”. Some people who work in waste and recycling, passenger transport, and IT at Bath & North East Somerset Council are facing a reduction in pay.
The new pay offer, if approved by the council’s employment committee, would come into effect on 1st June, although plans for pay cut in passenger transport and waste and recycling would be addressed separately in the next three months.
Amy Rushton, the branch chair for trade union Unison, which represents workers at the council, said: “This is a kick in the teeth for workers, who are being hit twice here.
“Many of our people facing cuts in real pay are already some of the lowest-paid workers in the council.
“To make things worse, those that live in BANES will see their council tax rise by nearly 5%, making living costs even more unaffordable.”
Some in the union suspect the pay cut might be to help the council avoid an equal pay claim. The council recently brought some adult social care contracts in house, meaning that a low-paid, predominantly female workforce has TUPEd (transferred under protected employment) to the council.
Council social worker and Unison activist Toni Mayo told
the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “As a woman and a social worker, I don’t want equal pay to be addressed by men being paid less. We want women to be paid more.”
A spokesperson for Bath & North East Somerset Council said: “We value all our employees and have been working with unions and staff over long period of time to look at a wider set of changes to pay and role profiles.
“The council intends to implement these pay proposals by 1st June subject to the decision being agreed at the employment
committee.
“More than 800 of the council’s lowest paid staff would see an increase in salaries. The council acknowledges that some staff will be affected and see a reduction in their pay and will continue to discuss these roles with the unions and those staff who are affected. It has also listened to the unions on pay protection and has agreed a period of three years to protect affected staff.”
Unison said that members rejected the pay offer in its consultative ballot, and Unite and GMB, which both also represent council workers, had yet to report their consultative ballots to the council.
Unison also wants any decision on approving the pay offer to be made by the full council, rather than the employment committee, which is only made up of three councillors.
The employment committee will be meeting to decide whether to implement the pay cut during the council’s “values week”, when council workers have to do training on the council’s values.
Could you be a hospice volunteer?
Dorothy House Hospice Care at Winsley is hosting a volunteer open afternoon during Volunteers’ Week on Tuesday 3rd June. The event in Bloomfield Hall from 2.30pm to 8pm and there is no need to book.
People interested in volunteering are invited to drop in for a chat with the team about the wide range of roles available. There will be presentations at 3.30pm and 7pm. Refreshments will be available.
Building works planned at the Roman Baths
Building work is planned in part of the Grade I listed Roman Baths complex in the city centre. Works to the roof structure of the King’s and Queen’s Baths, and to the 1970s office block at the complex, are proposed by Bath & North East Somerset Council’s heritage services team.
The King’s and Queen’s Baths operate as an exit point from the Roman Baths museum, as a retail space, commercial kitchen and office space. The proposal involves replacing the deteriorated asphalt roof covering with felt and renewing the insulation, roof lights and ventilation ducts. The project also includes reconfiguring timber partition walls on the second and third floors of the office block to create breakout space and an open-plan working zone. The planning reference is 25/01587/REG13. The deadline for comments is 24th May.
Long range forecast: (16th to 22nd May)
Rain, at times heavy and thundery, is possible as the week progresses, with clearer spells after. Temperatures will be above normal for the time of year.
Criticism of £10 million cost for Locksbrook Road recycling centre
IT has emerged that Bath & North East Somerset Council will be spending just over £10 million to relocate Bath’s recycling centre to Locksbrook Road.
Objectors have branded it a “political failure” and asked: “How do you spend £10 million and end up with a recycling centre that is inferior to the one it replaces?”
Last month, the council’s planning committee approved the plans for a new household waste and recycling centre, despite 189 objections.
The site at Locksbrook Road currently comprises the council’s street cleansing depot and a car park used by the nearby VW garage.
The current recycling centre at Midland Road, half a mile away, will close as planning permission has been secured for 176 homes as part of the Bath Western Riverside regeneration programme.
The council has maintained that Locksbrook Road was chosen after more than 50 other sites within and around the city had been considered.
But objectors to the choice of Locksbrook Road have cited concerns about flood risk, reduced services, accessibility due to a gantry system, and the impact on the local business and residential community, including environmental health, traffic safety and congestion issues.
A total of 19 Bath businesses have publicly opposed the scheme, including Bath Spa University.
A report says that in order to begin construction, the cleansing services team will move out of the site to the council’s transport depot which is also in Locksbrook Road, and which was recently vacated by the authority’s fleet operations.
The report notes: “This site is currently not fit for purpose and requires remodelling and refurbishment.”
It says that reviewing the transport depot was part of the Keynsham Pixash Site Redevelopment Capital Project, as fleet operations relocated to the new Keynsham Recycling Hub last year. Retaining Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND) passenger transport service operations alongside cleansing services at the transport depot, and upgrading facilities, is now proposed.
The Liberal Democrat cabinet members are being asked to approve a capital budget allocation of £4.554 million to build the new recycling centre, and a further £5.543 million to refurbish units 1 and 2 of the Locksbrook Road transport depot to provide “fit-for-purpose facilities” for the SEND passenger transport service, which remains
on the leased site in Unit 2, and the cleansing services team, which will relocate to Unit 1.
This includes a virement from the Keynsham centre redevelopment budget of £1.4 million; in addition, the “abortive” cost of £58,000 from alternative site proposals will revert to revenue.
The cabinet members are also being asked to delegate to council officers the power to appoint contractors.
The report explains that in order to allow the housing construction to commence at Midland Road, the recycling centre “must relocate in line with the Liberal Democrat commitment at the local elections in 2022 to maintain recycling facilities in Bath”.
It adds: “Following exhaustive site searches over several years, the site at Locksbrook Road was chosen as the most feasible and appropriate location to maintain recycling provision for the residents of Bath and aligns with the council’s climate and nature priorities and aims to further increase recycling rates across B&NES.”
It goes on: “Cleansing services currently occupy the site of the proposed recycling centre at Locksbrook Road and will relocate to the transport depot site, also on Locksbrook Road (north side) which enables them to maintain easy access to Bath Recycling Centre which will house their tipping bays for street sweepings, weed waste and litter bin bags.
“The highways service city centre team will also share the cleansing service facility to maintain efficient operations following their vacation of Argyle Works, also being developed for housing.
“The SEND passenger transport currently occupies the other half of this site and will remain here following the decision not to relocate this service to Odd Down.
“The whole site requires refurbishment to provide facilities of an acceptable standard for staff and enable efficient operations.”
The Stop the Locksbrook Tip campaign group told the Bath Echo: “How do you spend £10 million and end up with a recycling centre that is inferior to the one it replaces?
“At a time when councils across the country are going bust, B&NES is lavishing huge sums of money by giving people of Bath
Appeal after dog drowned in River Avon
less for more.
“The Lib Dem majority endorsed the Locksbrook tip on narrow technical grounds in the planning committee. Now we can see what the Lib Dem majority in cabinet think about the political failure that this tip represents.
“The local councillor Lib Dem Paul Roper is the cabinet member for economic and cultural sustainable development, and the Locksbrook tip is publicly opposed by local businesses as being bad for their businesses.
“Will he demand an economic impact statement before waving through the tip?
“The people of Bath have to question the lack of transparency about this tip. The council is saying there “are no suitable, feasible sites of sufficient size and capacity within the district”, but they won’t release their review of alternatives and won’t explain why they turned their back on the former Fuller Earthworks at Odd Down: the site that B&NES previously endorsed to be the new tip.
“Instead, they plan on spending half of the £10 million cost just to relocate the current cleansing unit 50 metres across the street. That money could be used to build a full capacity, state-ofthe-art recycling centre at Odd Down, and actually fulfil B&NES’ environmental responsibilities.
“Residents and local businesses are really scratching their heads on this issue. Huge sums of money wasted, services being cut, emissions being increased: the politics is simply bewildering.”
The Bath Echo sent the statement from the campaigners to the council for a response. The council did not address the issues raised in it, stating: “The planning application to build a new recycling hub on the former cleansing depot site in Locksbrook Road was approved earlier last month.
“Following that decision, the next stage is to implement the recommendations that have been made through the singlemember decision report to draw down the funds to enable work to start on site this autumn and for the council to appoint a contractor.”
THE RSPCA has launched an appeal for information from the public after a dog was tied to a rope attached to a weight before being drowned in the River Avon in Bath.
A member of the public made the discovery in the Weston area of the city on Friday 7th March.
Buddy, a black and brown Jagdterrier, was found dead with a rope around his neck that had been tied to a weight.
RSPCA Inspector Dan Hatfield, who recovered his body from the river, said: “Buddy was intentionally killed in a heartless and gruesome way, and we’re keen to find out who was responsible and bring them to justice.
“Since his body was discovered, we’ve been investigating what happened and are now asking
the public for their help to find out exactly who did this to him.
“Buddy was known to many people in Bath who will recognise him and may be able to help us trace his final movements.
“We understand he’d been dead for around 24 to 48 hours before he was found, so we’re hoping to speak to anyone who saw him in the final days of his life before his body was sadly found in the river.
“Did you see Buddy anytime from Saturday, 1st March? Where was he, and who was with him?” If you have information which could help the ongoing investigation, call the appeal line on 0300 123 8018, quoting incident number 01464178. Information can be shared anonymously, and your details will not be passed on to the person you have reported.
‘Abusive’ doorstep callers targeting locals
AVON & Somerset Police say they have received several phone calls about men knocking on the doors of Bath residents trying to sell items, and becoming verbally abusive when challenged.
They said the callers are widely known as ‘Nottingham Knockers’ and typically try to sell cleaning products, which are often overpriced or are poor quality.
Police have reminded residents they are under no obligation to answer the door to anyone if they feel uncomfortable or suspicious of their intentions.
Officers said: “Always use a door chain if you have unexpected
callers and ensure that any doors and windows are closed and locked whenever they are unattended.
“This prevents someone getting into the rear of your home while you are distracted at the front.
“Although these offences occurred in Bath, this type of offender is known to travel widely across the Avon and Somerset policing area.
“Contact the police if you feel threatened or intimidated.”
You should call 999 if you are receiving threats which you feel put you in immediate danger or at risk. You can report incidents to the police by calling 101.
The winner will be the first randomly opened entry with the correct answers on 21/05/2025. 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.
Lamb with Minty Broad Bean Salad
Melissa Blease Food Writer
This seasonal, satisfying salad is the perfect summer season lunch, whether the sun comes out to play or not. If you prefer a warm salad, cook the lamb just before you’re planning to eat or wrap it in foil and reheat it in a medium-hot oven for 20-30 minutes. The minty beans can be prepared in advance to be reheated too. For a vegetarian version, replace the lamb with roasted squash wedges.
Ingredients (serves
4)
For the lamb:
• 1 butterflied lamb leg (700g approx.)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, peeled and crushed
• A few sprigs of fresh rosemary, finely chopped
For the minty beans:
• 430g broad beans (preferably fresh, but frozen work too)
• 200g frozen peas
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, peeled and crushed
• ½-1 bunch of fresh mint
• The finely grated zest and juice of 1 lemon
For the dressing:
• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp red or white wine vinegar
• 1 tbsp runny honey
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
To serve:
• 100g mixed salad leaves; a handful of pomegranate seeds; a handful of goat's or feta cheese
Method
• Preheat the oven to 180c/gas mark 5, make little slits all over the lamb and rub with a rough paste made from the olive oil, garlic and rosemary. Roast the lamb for around 25 minutes per 500g, then cover with foil and allow to cool.
• Meanwhile, make the minty beans: simmer the broad beans and peas in boiling water for around 3-4 minutes.
• Drain and refresh under cold water, slip the broad beans out of their silvery skins (discarding the skins) and tip into the bowl of a food processor with the oil, garlic, mint, zest, ½ the lemon juice, 2 tbsp water and plenty of seasoning and pulse to create a fairly smooth paste. Set to one side.
• To make the salad dressing: whisk all the ingredients together in a small jug and season to taste.
• To serve, carve the lamb into generous slices. Tumble the salad leaves across serving plates and drizzle with the dressing. Top with the minty beans followed by the lamb, then sprinkle the cheese and pomegranate seeds across the whole affair.
• Serve at room temperature, preferably accompanied by a glass (or two!) of chilled rosé.
ECHO
CHARITY OF THE YEAR
Recognising the efforts made by a single community group operating in the Bath area
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
Marking the dedication given by a member of the Bath community to a local cause/s
CARER OF THE YEAR
Celebrating the dedication provided by a resident who cares for others in the city
PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD
Whether it was saving a life or providing support, we want to celebrate someone who has made a difference
Your Email Address: Your Phone Number: (*Please provide either a phone number, email address or both) Award Category: (Please choose only one per nomination form) Charity of the Year
Community Group of the
Public Service Award
Young Person of the Year Volunteer of the Year
Carer of the Year Grassroots Sports Group of the Year
Nominee: (*If you're nominating an individual, all details are required) Individual/Organisation's Name*:
Address*:
Town/City*:
Email Address:
Phone Number:
YOUNG PERSON OF THE YEAR
Celebrating a young person in Bath (12-16 years old) who has benefitted the community
GRASSROOTS SPORTS GROUP OF THE YEAR
Providing recognition for a community sports group operating in the Bath area
COMMUNITY GROUP OF THE YEAR
Recognising the efforts made by a single community group
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(If you require more space to explain your nomination, you are welcome to use an additional piece of paper and send it in with your entry) Nominate
www.howdeninsurance.co.uk/bath
Three food banks to merge to better serve area's residents
THREE local food banks are set to merge in June as part of efforts to better serve the community in Bath and the surrounding area.
The Somer Valley and Keynsham Food banks will join with Bath Food bank from 3rd June.
The combined food banks will still be part of the Genesis Trust and will be known as the “Bath, Keynsham & Somer Valley Food bank”.
Food banks have been facing increasing challenges in recent years. Along with a rise in the volume and complexities of clients’ needs, there has also been ever-expanding rules and regulations which inevitably result in increasing workloads and costs.
Merging the three food banks will help organisers better serve customers across the region.
The food bank will continue in partnership with Trussell and its nationwide network of food banks.
Clients from across Bath and North East Somerset are already able to access any of the three
food banks once they receive a voucher, so each food bank already support clients from across the district.
A spokesperson for Genesis Trust said: “We are so grateful to everyone from our community who supports the three food banks.
“If you contribute financially to Bath Food bank, nothing will change – the payment details will remain the same.
“If you currently support Somer Valley or Keynsham food banks, please look out for new details of how to continue to support us.
“And if you would like to start or renew support for the Bath,
Keynsham & Somer Valley Food bank then please do use the link to our website: www.bath. foodbank.org.uk.”
Grainne Moher, who manages Bath Food bank and is coordinating the merger, added: “We are delighted to be supporting clients across the region through the merger.
“I have been involved with Bath Food bank since it started in 2011 and believe this merger will best serve the people who need us.”
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Mental health charity launches phone line
A NEW evening mental health support phone line has been launched for residents across the district, thanks to local charity Bath Mind.
Bath Mindline offers free telephone-based support and crisis assistance every Monday to Friday, from 5pm to 9pm.
The service is available to anyone living in Bath and North East Somerset who needs a listening ear or mental health support.
Kate Morton, CEO of Bath Mind, said: “We are delighted to be able to offer a local and timely phone-based support and crisis service in direct response to the needs and wishes of the people of Bath and North East Somerset –especially at a time when mental health challenges are on the rise.”
This new service has been made possible thanks to the support of the Community Matters store on Chelsea Road in Bath, who selected Bath Mind as Charity of the Year in 2024, along with generous community donations and the support of those who use Bath Mind’s services.
Community fundraising is
vital to Bath Mind, which is an independent charity with its own governance.
While affiliated with the national Mind charity, Bath Mind is entirely responsible for generating its own income, making community support crucial to sustaining and expanding its services.
If you, or someone you know needs support, call Bath Mindline on 0808 175 1369 (Freephone) and press option 2 to access the service.
To explore Bath Mind’s full range of free and low-cost services, selfhelp resources and mental health training opportunities, visit www. bathmind.org.uk.
Discover Life at Pemberley PlaceLuxury Retirement Apartments for over 55s
SET amongst a historic countryside overlooking the elegance of Georgian Bath, Pemberley Place offers 2-bedroom apartments for sale, exclusively for over 55s at the heart of a beautiful community. At the heart of a thriving new community, it combines the charm of its historic setting with the ease and comfort of contemporary living.
Built using locally quarried stone and smart, modern materials, these thoughtfully designed homes are secure, efficient, and finished to a high standard. Every detail is considered to enhance your comfort, with inviting living spaces and access to a range of exceptional onsite amenities that encourage connection and a strong sense of community.
Residents can enjoy beautifully landscaped grounds, a welcoming onsite café, a modern hair salon, a stylish communal lounge, and a spacious Guest Suite for visiting family and friends.
Our Be Well 360 programme offers a holistic lifestyle, supporting health, activity, and wellbeing - helping residents live fully, stay connected, and feel their best every day.
Steeped in history, the area takes its name from the old Saxon word “sleight,” referring to the summer sheep pastures that once covered this landscape.
Just across the road stands the iconic Beckford’s Tower, built in 1823 by novelist and art collector William Beckford. Its breathtaking views of the Avon Valley were once described by Beckford as “the finest prospect in Europe”—and now, they’re yours to enjoy daily. Located in Lansdown, just north of Bath city centre, Pemberley Place offers the perfect balance of peaceful countryside living with easy access to city connections. The development draws inspiration from literary and local history, with its name, architecture, and surroundings referencing Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice and nearby landmarks like Beckford’s ornamental gardens. Anchoring the new Ensleigh community, Pemberley Place stands as a focal point for a diverse, welcoming, and
opportunity to own a beautiful, modern apartment in one of Somerset’s most picturesque settings. Call us at 01225 800 846 to register your interest today.
Look forward to ageing backwards
Living at Pemberley Place is so much more than owning a beautiful 2-bedroom apartment exclusively for residents aged 55+.
Included in the monthly service charge is Anchor’s award-winning Be Well 360 service. It’s tailored to each participant’s needs and abilities, akin to having your own personal trainer or life coach onsite. This pioneering, holistic programme will see in residents:
To find out more about later living at Pemberley Place, including the Be Well 360 service, come visit us and see for yourself. We’d be delighted to welcome you for a complimentary coffee and cake and a relaxed, no-obligation tour.
“I feel fitter, happier, and more connected than ever. This programme has transformed my daily life.”
Pemberley Place offers stylish 1 and 2-bedroom apartments
confident neighbourhood. This is more than a home—it’s a lifestyle. Discover the unique
Bath MP showcases city’s culinary businesses in Parliament
BATH MP Wera Hobhouse recently hosted local businesses at a special ‘taste of Bath’ event in Westminster, showcasing some of the area’s best food and drink.
The event on 23rd April, titled ‘A Taste of Bath,’ provided an opportunity to highlight the talent and passion behind the city’s culinary offerings and to encourage ongoing support for local businesses.
Nine businesses went to Parliament to showcase their food and drink.
At the event, attendees had the chance to sample a range of goods, including Bath Ales’ celebrated ‘Gem’ amber ale, street food from Chai Walla, and baked goods from Landrace Bakery.
Other local favourites included Bath Soft Cheese Company, Bath Gin Distillery, Bath Water, and Nata & Co. Sally Lunn’s sent a selection of their famous buns to give parliamentarians the authentic Bath experience.
The event also spotlighted Irina Malenko, a Bath resident originally from Ukraine, whose business, MAD for Cakes, offers traditional Ukrainian honey cakes.
After the event, Wera took the vendors on a tour of the Parliamentary Estate, sharing behind-the-scenes stories and little-known facts.
Meanwhile, attendees of the event were overheard calling it “the best parliamentary event they’d been to”.
Wera Hobhouse said: “I want to thank our wonderful Bath businesses for making the journey to Parliament. It is a real privilege to share their incredible work with colleagues.
“Bath is fortunate to have a thriving local food scene that is second to none.
“From award-winning beers to freshly baked bread, cheeses, and traditional delicacies, the quality of our produce is simply outstanding.
“It has never been more important to support local businesses. By buying local, we not only ensure the survival of our independent shops and producers, but we also contribute to our community and help create a more resilient and sustainable economy.
“The ‘Taste of Bath’ is a perfect example of why it’s so important to shop local and support the fantastic businesses that make our city so special.”
Workspace operator opens site in city centre
A NEW flexible workspace has opened in the centre of Bath, offering a dedicated location for startups, SMEs and established businesses.
Runway East Bath has opened in Kings Court on Parsonage Lane, providing 23,000 sq.ft. of space and marking the B-Corp certified flexible workspace operator’s third location in the South West.
Early members at the site in Bath include design agency Zonkey, B2B eCommerce platform Spark Layer, and software management company HGEM.
Natasha Guerra, founder and CEO of Runway East, said: “Where you work has never been more important, which is why I’m
passionate about creating offices people actually want to be in.
“We’ve got stunning interiors, coffee on tap, and an incredible team driving social energy across the space.
“Bath is one of the UK’s best places to live, but until now, there hasn’t been an office space to match — we’re here to change that!
“It’s fantastic to be welcoming new businesses to the city, and seeing others expand from our other sites too.”
Runway East operates 13 locations across the UK, with household names like Deliveroo, Dojo, and Grind among its customers.
New café bar being planned in Northumberland Place
parts of the shopfront light green, install a new hanging sign, and a canvas awning to cover limited outdoor seating in the summer.
A NEW café bar is hoping to open on one of Bath’s most charming streets.
Northumberland Place is a narrow passage crammed with bars and restaurants, hidden away opposite the city’s Guildhall. Now a planning application has been submitted to Bath & North East Somerset Council to open a new café bar in empty premises on the street.
The planning application from Scott Martin of Skogen, a café bar and pizza restaurant just outside Solihull, seeks permission for a change of use and a redecoration of the shopfront.
Skogen wants to paint the timber
The application stated: “The proposed changes are intended to enhance visitors’ experience of Northumberland Place and help preserve its distinctive historic atmosphere.
“The street remains one of Bath’s best preserved historic commercial lanes — an exemplary part of the city’s heritage environment — where the intimate, Georgian-scale urban character can still be experienced much as it was two centuries ago.”
It added: “Only essential alterations to the internal layout are proposed, as required for the building to operate as a café bar
on the ground and first floors, with kitchen and service areas situated in the basement. The existing office spaces on the top floor will be refurbished and retained for continued office use.”
Rosario Bavetta of Rosario’s,
whose two premises on Northumberland Passage are next door to and opposite Skogen’s planned café bar, lodged a comment with the council to express some qualified support for the plans.
But Rosario added: “However, I must object to the application for outside seating. As a longestablished business owner of 16 years, I have planning permission for outside seating, which was recently reinforced with a twoyear tables and chairs licence.
“Given the narrow pathway, there isn’t sufficient room to accommodate additional outside seating without causing congestion or affecting pedestrian traffic. This constraint poses a risk of conflicts, which may negatively impact both businesses and the community.”
Bath & North East Somerset Council will aim to decide the application by 9th June, but it stated that a listed building consent application may also be required.
Wera Hobhouse with representatives from the attending local businesses
The council is aiming to make a decision by 9th June
Labour's Helen Godwin elected as Metro Mayor
John Wimperis Local Democracy Reporter
THE new West of England Metro Mayor has said things will be “quite different” under her than under the previous Labour mayor.
Labour’s Helen Godwin was elected in the early hours of Friday 2nd May.
With 51,197 votes, she narrowly beat Reform UK’s Arron Banks who received 45,252 votes. Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service after the declaration of the results, Ms Godwin said: “It was always going to be close; we knew that.” But she said she had been backed by a brilliant campaign. She said: “We did what we needed to do so I am absolutely over the moon.”
But the party’s share of the vote crashed from 33.4% in the last election in 2021 down to 25%, while Reform UK surged into second place. In the City of Bristol, Labour only got about 2,500 more votes than the Greens.
Despite the stark challenge, Ms Godwin said: “I don’t think we’re fighting on two fronts.”
She said: “I don’t see it as a fight against Reform or the Greens - but I do see that we have got a progressive majority in our part of the world but there are obviously people that are unhappy today, who didn’t choose to vote for me that maybe might have done. “So we’ve got to work with those but we’ve got to also get a place that feels like it works for
everyone and that’s now my job.”
Ms Godwin said the first thing she would be doing as West of England Mayor would be looking at buses, as that was what everyone had asked her to look at. She said she would also be looking at getting new stations open, building homes in the right places, and improving links between education and industry to give young people “a clear pathway to their future careers.”
Asked how she would be different to the previous mayor, who was also Labour until he was suspended from the party, Ms Godwin said: “I am now the mayor so it’s going to be quite different.
“I can’t speak for what’s gone before, I know what I’m going to do. I know how I work. So it will feel very different but it will be very proactive: just getting stuff done, working with people, working with whoever I need to. And hopefully working at pace as well.”
The West of England Combined Authority has only recently had the “best value notice” - put on it by the government partially due to poor relationships between political leaders - lifted.
Speaking earlier at the count, Green leader of Bristol City Council Tony Dyer said: “It's important that whoever the new combined authority mayor is, there is a need for them to recognise the progress that has been made.”
The Metro Mayor heads the West of England Combined Authority which is responsible for improving
Business Directory
transport across Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset, and South Gloucestershire and attracting and delivering major investment.
A major part of the role is working with the leaders of each council as the West of England Combined Authority committee.
Addressing the count after the results were declared, Ms Godwin said: “It genuinely is the honour of my life to be your new West of England Mayor.”
She said: “I will be a Mayor who prioritises place over party. To those who didn’t vote for methere’s quite a few - I hear you too. My door will always be open and I will work just as hard to represent your interests and address your concerns.”
But her win came amid a night of sweeping gains for Nigel Farage’s Reform UK, who won the Runcorn by-election, and the Greater Lincolnshire Mayor.
Arron Banks, the Reform candidate for the West of England said: “There is a tidal wave going on in the UK at the moment. We have seen Reform victory after Reform victory.”
Despite losing to Ms Godwin, Mr Banks described Reform’s performance in the West of England as “pretty epic.”
He said: “Bristol and Bath should not be natural Reform territory and we aced it. The Greens will be disappointed they didn’t win but it was a good result for us.”
The Greens hoped to ride a wave of recent electoral success in Bristol, where last year the Green Party won the council and its coleader Carla Denyer won Bristol Central in the general election. Although the Greens were only about 2,500 votes behind Labour in Bristol itself, the party came third overall with 41,094 votes.
Green Party candidate Mary Page said: “In Bristol we came second. I am absolutely stoked by that. Our campaign was run on a shoestring. It was pulled together last minute because I had to be that replacement candidate and needs must and I stepped up.”
She said: “In 2027, South Gloucestershire and Bath have both got elections and in 2028 Bristol has. So Labour and Reform, we are not going anywhere.”
The full result was:
• Arron Banks (Reform UK): 45,252 votes
• Helen Godwin (Labour): 51,197 votes
• Oli Henman (Lib Dem): 28,711 votes
• Mary Page (Green): 41,094 votes
• Ian Scott (Independent): 4,682 votes
• Steve Smith (Conservative): 34,092 votes
Public Notices
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR GRANT OF PREMISES LICENCE UNDER THE LICENSING ACT 2003
Lalitha Traders Ltd applied to Bath & Northeast Somerset Council on 25 April 2025 for a PREMISES license to use the premises at Goulash 78 Lower Bristol Rd, Bath BA2 3BG for Late Night Refreshment between 23:00 pm to 01:00 am.
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 29th May 2025
Representations made will be disclosed in an open meeting should a hearing be necessary. It is an offence knowingly or recklessly to make a false statement in connection with an application and is subject to a fine of any amount on summary conviction for the offence.
A SPECIAL ceremony has been held at the Roman Baths and Pump Room to celebrate the achievements made by sporting students at the University of Bath.
Golfer Charlotte Gregory was voted by her fellow students as the university’s Sports Personality of the Year at the 2025 Blues Awards.
The Psychology student was presented with her prize by Cassie Wilson, the university’s Pro Vice-Chancellor (Student Experience), during the annual event.
This year’s ceremony also celebrated the achievements of the Paris 2024 Olympians and Paralympians who train or studied at the University of Bath, a UK Sport-accredited Elite Training Centre, through the presentation of Special Honorary Blues. It was a double success for Gregory, who also received the Martyn Hedges Award, the highest accolade awarded by the University of Bath
Blues Committee, in recognition of her work as player, team captain and chair with the university’s golf club.
The Ivor Powell Award for Excellence in Coaching went to Assistant Swimming Coach Andrei Vorontsov, who was previously Head Coach for Russia and Sweden at the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Olympic Games respectively.
An excellent evening for the judo club saw chair Ammar Mir receive the David VandeLinde Prize recognising sporting accomplishment, leadership and academic success, while the mixed team that dominated the 2025 BUCS Judo Championships was named as Team of the Year. Rowing chair Calla Spires had double cause for celebration after Crew Bath took the Club of the Year accolade and she was named as Gethin John Bevan Club Member of the Year.
Lucymay Treacy of the Bath Jets Cheerleading Club was SU Sport Volunteer Coach of the Year.
Alumni Fund Sporting Scholar Justin Davies was recognised with the BUCS Individual Performance of the Year honour after being crowned as the British Athletics 800m indoor champion. He, along with Spires and Olympic modern pentathlete Charlie Brown, was also on the Sports Personality of the Year shortlist.
Among those receiving Honorary Blues were long-standing badminton coach Peter Bush and seven athletes who have won World Championships or World Cup medals during the past year while training at the university – bobsleigh’s Leon Greenwood and Taylor Lawrence; karate’s Jonny Gough; skeleton’s Amelia Coltman, Tabby Stoecker and Freya Tarbit; and wheelchair fencer Joshua Waddell. The Blues Awards is an annual University of Bath event which The SU Bath (Students' Union) and Department for Sports Development and Recreation (Team Bath) support together.
Three medals for athletics squad at BUCS Champs
THE University of Bath Student Performance Sport athletics squad won three medals at the 2025 BUCS Outdoor Championships.
Sporting scholar Aleeya Sibbons made a winning return from long-term injury at the event at the Manchester Regional Arena.
Lizzy Ingram and Ariyanna McGee also ran season’s best times to secure well-earned bronze medals in the 2000m steeplechase and 100m hurdles respectively.
Senior GB international Sibbons,
who is supported by a Santander Scholarship as she studies Architecture at the university, last competed at the Olympic Trials 10 months ago but suffered an ankle injury.
After a winter of working back to full fitness at the Team Bath Sports Training Village, Sibbons dominated the women’s 100m competition as she comfortably won her heat and semi-final before running 11.82 into a strong headwind to clinch gold.
Colin Bovell, Track and Field Head Coach at the University,
said: “This was a strong comeback race for Aleeya after long-term injury and shows great promise
Crossword answers - Issue 102 (25/04/2025)
for the coming season.”
McGee also had to battle a headwind in the 100m hurdles final but produced a great performance to finish third in 13.90, just six-hundredths of a second off a silver medal.
Fellow Sports Management and Coaching student Ingram also impressed as she won steeplechase bronze in 6:52.25, just outside her personal best and only half a second behind Birmingham’s Alibhe Barnes after the duo enjoyed a hardfought battle.
