Bath Echo - Issue 104 - 23/05/2025

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Friday 23rd May - Thursday 5th June 2025

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Man jailed over ‘brutal and frenzied’ knife attack - P2

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Man jailed over ‘brutal and frenzied’ knife attack

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A 29-YEAR-OLD man from Bath has been given a 12-year jail term with four years on extended licence after stabbing a woman in Oldfield Park in February 2024.

Matthew Jones, of Ivy Avenue in Southdown, attacked Emma Kirk, 25, after she told him they wouldn’t be anything more than friends.

He insisted on meeting her in a lane off Dransfield Way on Monday 26th February last year, so she could hand back gifts that he had bought her.

At 4.20pm, Jones was being restrained by members of the public after stabbing Miss Kirk, and police had been called.

She suffered multiple stab wounds and cuts to her neck, face, head, abdomen and hands.

Surgeons told her family the knife had been millimetres from a key artery and it was “a miracle” she survived.

The prompt actions of members of the public, intervening and giving first aid, and the quick response of emergency services are credited with saving her life.

Emma needed emergency surgery and was placed in a medically-induced coma. Her injuries meant she couldn’t tell officers about the attack until 10 days later.

In his initial interview, Matthew Jones gave police officers a prepared statement, in which he denied deliberately stabbing Emma, saying he was acting in self-defence, and he could only assume she was injured during their struggle.

Later, Jones entered a guilty plea to an offence of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, accepting that he did deliberately stab her, not in self-defence, but intending to cause her serious harm. He continued to deny any intention to kill.

In April 2025, Jones was found not guilty of attempted murder and possessing a knife by the jury following a trial.

A sentencing hearing at Bristol Crown Court on Friday 9th May was held for the charge he had previously admitted: causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

In a harrowing personal statement read to the court, Emma described the immediate physical impact of the attack in

Jones has been given a 12-year jail term | Photo © Avon & Somerset Police

which she suffered more than 15 knife wounds to her head, neck and body, saying she thought she was going to die.

She has suffered irreparable nerve damage to her neck and hands, requires further treatment and is expected to lose feeling in a finger on one hand and a thumb on the other.

As well as the permanent physical injuries, Emma is still suffering the after-effects of the attack on her emotional well-being.

She said: “I had to move back home with my parents so they could provide me with the physical and psychological support I needed.

“At a time when the world should have felt exciting to me, I felt stripped on my independence as a young professional woman, feeling too scared to leave my parents’ home for months.

“Having to return to court so many times and relive the traumatic experience has been incredibly difficult for me and

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has been a huge mental setback in my overall recovery.

“The physical and emotional pain I have endured has left a lasting impact on my life, and I continue to struggle with the trauma that was inflicted on me.”

Emma’s father John also provided an impact statement, adding: “We provided total care for weeks. [Emma] had been so badly affected by the attack that she needed the continual support and reassurance of my wife or me.

“For many weeks she was so frightened that she could not sleep alone and my wife had to sleep with her.

“She, and to an extent us, no longer felt safe in our own home … This fear is still affecting the whole of my family.

“Over the last 15 months my family’s life has been totally dominated by the horrific attack Emma suffered and the aftermath.

“The family has been to court

on numerous occasions … and watch[ed] a video of her covered in blood saying she thought she was going to die and please tell her family that she loved us.

“None of us will ever forget what we saw and heard. Words cannot express how incredibly grateful I am to those brave members of the public who intervened to save Emma’s life that day. I will never be able to thank them enough for their bravery.

“The after-effects of this attack will probably never completely go away. The main positive of course is that Emma is still with us. She has shown herself to be a brave and courageous woman, who is loved by many and who will with the support of her family and friends get through this.”

Sentencing, His Honour Judge Julian Lambert told Jones: “There was nothing in your past that could have predicted what happened next, which was a knife attack perpetrated with a ferocious determination to injure seriously, rarely seen before in the long experience of the court.

“You stabbed her, more than 15 times – in a brutal and frenzied attack. You were described as ‘a man possessed’.

“Public-spirited citizens went to help. They disarmed and detained you as you were still wielding a knife, doing all you could to attack the victim, even when restrained by five others.”

HHJ Lambert described the consequences of the attack as “extremely grave and long lasting”.

He said that sentencing needed to be adjusted for Jones’ “previous good character” and for “the exceptional effort you are making in respect of your rehabilitation in prison”.

HHJ Lambert said: “What you did was so unpredictable and so mercilessly fierce and persistent I’m afraid.

“I consider you will remain unpredictable for some very considerable time in spite of the good work you’re doing in prison.

“I therefore impose an extended determinate sentence of 16 years, custodial term 12 years, extended licence duration four years.

“You must serve two-thirds of the custodial term and your release is then at the discretion of a parole board.”

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Issue 104

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Your City, Your News - Bath Echo

Pay freeze for council workers for next three years

Footpath closure for planned gas works

John Wimperis

Local Democracy Reporter

MORE than 100 B&NES Council workers will have their pay frozen for three years under a new pay structure, but a potential reduction in pay for 16 workers in June has been averted.

The council’s employment committee approved the council’s new pay structure on Wednesday 14th May, which has been criticised by trade union Unison, some opposition councillors, and some staff for dropping pay for 106 roles at the council.

The pay structure will also mean a pay rise for 62% of the council’s 3,500 staff, and the 106 people facing pay cuts would have their pay frozen for three years under the council’s pay protection policy.

People in roles with pay cuts will still get the increase set to be agreed under the national pay award before their pay is frozen.

The pay protection will last for three years from 1st June.

But if the new lower pay level for the role increases to more than the level a council worker’s pay was frozen at, they will be paid the higher wage.

A council statement said: “At the end of that period, it is possible no individual will see an overall reduction in pay.”

But there is no guarantee workers will not see their pay go down in cash terms at the end of the three years.

The council’s director of people and change, Cherry Bennett, who is one of the 106 people affected, told the committee that the council would work with affected staff on how they could progress their careers and qualify for pay rises before the end of the three years.

The pay protection policy would originally have lasted for two years, but was extended to three years after an agreement with trade unions. The amount the council had planned to pay out as pay protection had originally been limited to 10% of the new lower salary.

But this meant that 16 council workers, for whom the pay for their role was going down by

News in Brief The footpath from Summerhill Road to Weston Park East in Bath will be closed from 2nd June for around five weeks so that Wales & West Utilities can carry out gas main upgrade works.

A diversion will be signed during the closure.

Street party to be held in Kingsmead Coronation Road in Kingsmead in Bath will be closed to traffic on Sunday 1st June from 10am to 4pm for a community street party as part of The Big Lunch.

The national annual initiative encourages neighbours and communities to get together.

Person dies after being hit by train in Bath Inset: Council chief executive Will Godfrey - Photo © B&NES Council | Above: The Guildhall in Bath

more than this amount, faced having their pay frozen below their current salary from 1st June.

Chairing the employment committee, Toby Simon (Bathwick, Liberal Democrat) called for the 10% limit to be dropped to “make sure that nobody loses out, at least in cash terms”.

The change was agreed by the committee. But freezing pay at the same level for three years is likely to be a pay cut in “real terms”, meaning that inflation will effectively make the frozen salaries worth less over time.

The 106 council workers affected by the decision include about a third of the IT department.

One council IT worker told the Local Democracy Reporting Service before the meeting: “It’s gutting.” Another said they felt “devalued”. Unison had rejected the plans in a consultative ballot.

A further 245 council workers in the passenger transport and waste and recycling departments could also face pay cuts when the proposals for those departments are implemented separately in the next three months.

Unison believes the pay cut might be intended 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.

Councils can face equal pay

claims when men are paid more than women for doing jobs which are considered equivalent.

The proposed pay cuts are in departments which are predominantly male. 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.”

The pay restructure is the first at the council for ten years and is part of the major “Being Our Best” programme. Council chief executive Will Godfrey told the committee: “Whenever you try to change anything, clearly there are implications.” But he insisted: “Fairness is a very important part of it.”

The new pay structure makes a number of changes across where the different pay grades are, and which roles are paid at each grade. Some staff at the top level of pay will see their pay decrease because their pay grade has been moved to a lower value.

But lower-paid staff are affected because their roles have been moved down a pay grade.

He said: “I think morally it’s right, as head of the paid service, that we implement a pay rise for 60% of people.”

He added: “You can say a lot of things in terms of headlines.

Clearly there’s a lot of detail behind the proposals we have put forward.”

Councillor Simon said he had

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been involved on both sides of public sector pay discussions for 50 years. He said he was happy to accept the officers’ recommendation to approve the new pay structure. The committee approved it unanimously.

The Labour opposition group on Bath & North East Somerset Council said that it had held “urgent discussions” with trade unions, the council leader, and the council’s chief executive.

It echoed trade union Unison’s call for the decision to be made by a full meeting of the whole council, not the three-member employment committee.

The plan had also been criticised by the three independent councillors who formed the Independents for B&NES group on Bath & North East Somerset Council last month, who called for the council to give the council workers a pay rise.

The Greens had been the most recent to criticise the plans, writing to the council leader and chief executive and issuing a statement before the meeting where Green group leader Joanna Wright said: “These changes hurt the very people who keep our council running. It’s unjust and it must be paused and given greater oversight.”

The new pay structure will come into effect for council workers from Sunday 1st June.

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A person has died after being struck by a train at Oldfield Park railway station in Bath.

The incident was reported to emergency services shortly after 11am on Wednesday 14th May. A number of roads around the scene were closed by police while investigation work took place. A spokesperson for British Transport Police said: “Officers were called to a report of a casualty on the tracks at 11.10am (14th May) on the line near Oldfield Park railway station.

“Officers, paramedics and fire attended and sadly a person was pronounced deceased.

“The incident is not thought to be suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner.”

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Unanimous approval for 450 homes Shoplifter jailed after at former Homebase site breaching suspended prison sentence

John Wimperis

Local Democracy Reporter

THE empty space left by the closure of a major store in Bath will now be turned into a new city quarter with more than 450 homes.

Bath & North East Somerset Council’s planning committee voted unanimously on Wednesday 7th May to approve developer HUB’s plan to build on the 4.45 acre site of the old Homebase, at Pines Way. The plans also include new streets, shops, and public spaces in what has been described as an “exciting new quarter of the city”.

A total of 454 homes will be built across four blocks at the development. 275 of the homes will be “built to rent” homes and the remaining 179 will be “shared living”.

Also known as co-living, shared living is a relatively new concept where residents have a selfcontained living unit but have access to more shared amenities.

But none of the homes will be affordable housing, as it was judged not viable. The flats will not be marketed to students but the developers did not accept a condition to ban renting to students outright.

Debating the plans, planning committee member, Paul Crossley (Southdown, Liberal Democrat) said: “The question is: is what we are getting better than what we have got? And the answer is a resounding yes.

“In this world, nothing is ever perfect, but the truth is what we have got here is a scheme that is really well thought through.”

The plans have been developed over the last eight months, with input from the public at public events.

Buildings will use brick and sheet metal, which planning officers say are a “honest and grounded expression of the industrial heritage of the site”.

Before the Homebase building was constructed in the 1980s, the site had largely been railway sidings as it lies just across the river from Green Park Station, which until the 1960s had been the terminus of the Mangotsfield and Bath Railway Line.

Today the station is a market place and the railway bridge which led to it is the entrance to the Sainsbury’s car park.

Becky Feather Reporter

Image © JTP / Bradley Murphy Design / Pines Way (Bath) LLP

Eleanor Jackson (Westfield, Labour) said: “I think it does have a feel actually of what was there.”

She said it was an improvement on nearby Bath Western Riverside, which she said looked like Stalingrad.

The homes will be spread across four blocks, ranging from four to six storeys in height, with landscaping on publicly accessible new streets between them.

The plans will include more than 6,100 sqm of publicly accessible space, including areas for play and improved pedestrian and cycle routes, 1,126 square metres of retail or office floorspace, 51 car parking spaces, and 704 bicycle parking spaces.

Planning committee chair Ian Halsall (Oldfield Park, Liberal Democrat) said he thought the development had a “Parisian feel”.

The committee voted unanimously to grant planning permission for the major scheme.

HUB hopes to start on site later this year.

Nigel Bidwell of architects JTP, who designed the scheme, said: “Today’s decision will lead to the delivery of high-quality, characterful buildings that frame green spaces for local people to enjoy and deliver much-needed new housing in this exciting new quarter of the city.”

Former councillor Neil Butters, a retired railway manager who spent 15 years as secretary of the Railway Heritage Committee, is calling for the new development to include a memorial to Bath railway workers.

Railway workers in the city often faced dangerous fumes, with the city’s Combe Down Tunnel the longest single-bore tunnel in the country without a ventilation shaft. Three railwaymen died in an accident in 1929 when a train ran away after the crew were

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overcome by fumes.

Mr Butters said he hoped for “a fitting tribute from Bath to working railwaymen”. At the committee, planning committee member Fiona Gourley (Bathavon South, Liberal Democrat) urged the developers to include a memorial in the plans.

But Councillor Jackson said: “I don’t think the children and grandchildren of the workers in Stothert & Pitt and the other big units along this side of the river would be able to afford these properties. They are going to be singularly expensive. That’s the way it is in Bath.”

Usually, 30% of the homes at new large housing developments need to be affordable housing but after viability assessments warned the scheme would make a loss, the council instead accepted a £1 million contribution towards delivering affordable housing.

‘Net loss’ Due to the cost of the land, a viability assessment found that, after the assumed profit, the scheme would produce a net loss of approximately £13.9 million.

But it said the developers thought that future rent growth could make it deliverable long term.

The viability assessment said: “The applicant is prepared to take a long-term view regarding delivery of the proposed development that over time and with future rental growth and yield compression for the residential uses (particularly co-living, which is in its infancy as an investment asset), the development is more deliverable.”

The council officers’ report told the committee that it was not their job to decide whether a development made financial sense for the developer or not.

The committee could only look at the viability of the scheme in light of waiving the usual requirement for affordable housing.

A SERIAL shoplifter has been jailed after walking into a store in the SouthGate shopping centre in Bath and stealing items worth a total of £920.

Sarah Flanagan, of no fixed address, appeared in custody before city magistrates on Thursday, 8th May, and pleaded guilty to theft.

On 27th February, the 49-yearold was seen on CCTV taking six items from close to the entrance of North Face and then walking out.

By being caught stealing, Flanagan was in breach of a suspended 18-week prison sentence imposed in May 2024

by Norwich magistrates for an assault on an emergency worker. That sentence had been suspended for 18 months.

The court heard that Flanagan has 25 previous convictions for

63 offences, including theft and dishonesty. She has struggled with homelessness and drug issues and acknowledged the inevitability of a custodial sentence, welcoming the chance to get off the streets and the help she needs.

The prosecution asked for £920 compensation as the stolen goods had not been recovered, and for £85 court costs.

Magistrates sentenced Flanagan to 28 weeks in custody. They reduced the suspended sentence from 18 weeks to 12 weeks, as three-fifths of it had been completed, and imposed a 16week sentence for the theft, to run consecutively.

The magistrates did not award costs or compensation but said a £154 victim surcharge – a penalty applied to people convicted of offences – would be added to what Flanagan already owes the court, which is about £2,000.

The money will be taken out of her benefits.

Appeal after assault at Bath railway station A CCTV appeal has been launched after an incident at Bath Spa railway station in which a man was threatened with a knife and sustained an injury above his eye.

British Transport Police have released the images as part of their ongoing investigation.

Between 11.10pm to 11.30pm on Friday 2nd May, a man began arguing with another man on the 11.06pm service between Bristol Temple Meads and Westbury.

As the train arrived at Bath Spa, the man approached the other man and threatened to stab him before rummaging through his bag.

A fight broke out between the two men, before the man being threatened fell and sustained an injury above his right eye.

He then fled the train and was pursued by the man who was now carrying a knife.

Officers would like to speak to the man in the CCTV images, as they believe he may have information that could help their

The man being sought by police

investigation.

Anyone who recognises him, or has any other information, is asked to contact British Transport Police by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 852 of 2nd May 2025.

Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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Residents urged to get Covid-19 vaccination HEALTH leaders are calling on members of the public to take up their latest offer of a spring Covid-19 vaccination, after data revealed less than half of those eligible have done so.

Data published earlier this month showed that 47.9% of eligible people in the South West have received their jab as part of the seasonal programme.

Since launching the campaign on 1st April, the NHS in the South West has already delivered almost half a million vaccinations. However, over 52% of those eligible to receive their vaccination are yet to come forward.

Invitations have now been sent out to all who are eligible for their vaccination, including those who are aged 75 and over and people who are immunosuppressed.

The NHS has also been visiting care homes for older adults and has now offered over 24,000 jabs to residents.

Dr Trevor Smith, Regional Medical Director for NHS England South West, said: “We have been lucky enough to have some sunshine over the last few weeks, and many of us will be spending more time with friends and family.

“However, the Covid-19 virus is still circulating and can be

Friday 23rd May - Thursday 5th June 2025

Debate resumes as Lidl submits latest plans for second Bath store John Wimperis

Local Democracy Reporter

A person being vaccinated

dangerous for those most at-risk, such as older people or those who are immunosuppressed.

“The team in the South West have been working hard to provide Covid-19 vaccinations and have now delivered almost half a million doses, but there is still a large population who are eligible and have not yet come forward.

“Protection against Covid-19 can fade over time and there is now only one month left to get your spring Covid-19 vaccination, so it is important you come forward and book your appointment.”

Appointments for the vaccination programme are only available to book until 16th June, with the last appointments taking place on 17th June.

To book an appointment for a vaccination, or to find out more about eligibility, visit the NHS website (www.nhs.uk/ bookcovid), use the NHS App or call 119.

THE return of plans to build a Lidl in Bath have reignited a fierce debate over whether the east of Bath wants the budget supermarket.

Lidl’s original plan to build its second supermarket in Bath on a field on London Road was met with a protest and over 1,500 comments on the planning application.

But last July, Lidl withdrew that application and said it would submit an improved plan once it had carried out highways surveys and other work.

Now the budget supermarket chain has submitted a new application, which it says has been designed to mitigate any impact on traffic on London Road.

Because it is a new application, none of the original comments carry over. But, within days, over 60 people have lodged comments on the new application — and it is pretty evenly split between those for and against.

So far, 37 people have submitted objections to the plans, while 30 have said they are in favour. “We do not need another supermarket on the east side of Bath,” said

How it could look | Image © Lidl GB

objector Ashley McCracken.

They added: “We already have Morrisons, Coop and a host of independent shops in Larkhall.

It will only increase traffic in an already heavily congested area.”

Laurea Beresford added: “Why does anyone think it is a good idea to cover unbuilt green land that presently soaks up and helps slow down flood water?”

But commenting in support, Abbey Hall said: “I’m looking forward to a supermarket with reasonable prices on this side of the city. Plans look aesthetically pleasing on what is basically some disused grassland.”

Annemarie Dewar-Smith added: “We need a low-cost supermarket across this side of town, not all families are middle-class who can afford to shop in the local village weekly.”

The original planning application saw 1,194 people lodge

objections to the plans, and 402 people lodge comments in support. Lidl said the new plans included “significant updates” to traffic management, new landscaping, and an updated retail assessment, which Lidl said confirmed that it would not have a significant negative impact on nearby shopping areas. It would create up to 40 jobs.

Glen Stidever, Lidl’s regional head of property, said: “This store has been a major focus for our team, and we have worked tirelessly to ensure that it not only meets the growing demand for affordable, high-quality grocery products but also fits seamlessly into the local environment, resulting in the best experience possible for both local residents and our customers.

“Through extensive consultation and careful planning, we have revised our proposals in key areas such as design, traffic management, and landscaping to create a store that is truly befitting of the location and safe and accessible for all.

“We believe this revised plan will provide even greater benefits for the local community, and we look forward to receiving further feedback as we move towards the planning determination later this year.”

Issue 104

P7

Your City, Your News - Bath Echo

Council faces legal action after landmark Lambeth LTN ruling Becky Feather Reporter

CAMPAIGNERS against one of Bath’s Low Traffic Neighbourhood schemes have told the council they are poised to take legal action in the wake of the landmark High Court decision which saw a group of residents defeat a London authority over a controversial traffic restriction.

This week a solicitor acting for UNSUNG - the United Sydney Unliveable Neighbourhoods Group – has written to Bath & North East Somerset Council’s director for place management Chris Major, requesting any moves to make the New Sydney Place Low Traffic Neighbourhood (LTN) permanent are halted as the council would be acting unlawfully “with a “high probability of failure in court”.

The West Dulwich Action Group won its legal challenge against Lambeth Council following a Statutory (Judicial) Review hearing held on 12th February at the Royal Courts of Justice. The judge issued his findings on 9th May. UNSUNG’s solicitor says B&NES failed on its consultation for almost the same reasons as Lambeth Council, “ignoring wellmade and substantive input”.

Copied in on the letter from UNSUNG’s legal representative are the Liberal Democratcontrolled council leader Kevin Guy, cabinet members Mark Elliott, Manda Rigby and Sarah Warren, monitoring officer Michael Hewitt, Bath MP Wera Hobhouse and new West of England Mayor Helen Godwin.

UNSUNG was set up after the council launched an experimental through-traffic restriction in New Sydney Place and Sydney Road last year with bollards preventing drivers from cutting through to avoid the A36/ Bathwick Street junction.

Whilst most respondents opposed the Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) being made permanent for reasons including that congestion and pollution have increased elsewhere, the council said hard data from traffic and air quality monitoring did not support that.

In February the cabinet member for resources Councillor Mark Elliott (Lansdown) decided the New Sydney Place scheme should be made permanent. His decision was called in by opposition councillors, but a scrutiny panel upheld his decision.

Councillor Elliott had acknowledged the 76% against the scheme from the wider area but said that crucially within the neighbourhood directly

Campaigners Neil McCabe and Jon Avent at the restriction on Sydney Road

impacted by the scheme, 72% of residents supported the measures which have improved pedestrian and cyclist safety.

Neil McCabe, spokesperson for UNSUNG, said on Tuesday: “We've examined the decision against Lambeth and have found that the reason that they lost, not considering reasoned inputs from community groups, has been exactly paralleled in B&NES’ decision-making on the New Sydney Place LTN. “Six residents’ groups, totalling nearly 780 people, formally objected to the LTN, and despite promises by B&NES that they would be considered, these objections appear to have been ignored.

“In addition to raising concerns on the impact on their specific area, the objections highlighted: • Reduced safety • Congestion and economic

impact • Increased pollution • Disruption to public transport • Lack of an integrated traffic and public transport plan for Bath • Misrepresentation of Sydney Road as a residential street • Lack of consultation with affected communities • Concerns on the haste with which the LTN was delivered, despite low priority • Lack of confidence in evidence gathering and decision-making • Misuse of West of England Combined Authority (WECA) City Regional Sustainable Transport Settlement funds.

“As B&NES appear to have ignored these objections, which were made formally in accordance with the applicable Road Traffic Regulations, we have today written a solicitor's letter to B&NES to request them to halt any moves to make the

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LTN permanent.”

The solicitor’s letter highlights that the council’s failings on consultation and decisionmaking are “exacerbated” by: • A “false claim” made to the scrutiny panel on 13th March 2025 by Councillor Elliott that B&NES had complied with Department for Transport guidance on LTN consultation.

This is currently the subject of a complaint against the councillor.

• The “failure” by the monitoring officer to respond with his reasons for not reclassifying the decision as a key decision, affecting more than one ward; 20% of the Bathampton population, resident in Bathavon North Ward, objected to the LTN. This is currently the subject of a complaint against the officer.

• The lack of engagement by Councillor Rigby (cabinet member for highways who represents Bathwick) with groups opposed to the LTN. The solicitor tells B&NES Council that should it proceed with the LTN, she is instructed to commence formal legal action.

Speaking about the solicitor's letter, a spokesperson for Bath & North East Somerset Council said: “We have received correspondence and are considering it but will make no further comment at this stage."

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Pictures from the Past Corn Street Synagogue Kirsten Elliott Akeman Press

THIS week’s archive photograph, of the now demolished Jewish Synagogue in Corn Street, was discovered by Christina Hilsenrath while researching her recently published book on Jews in Bath.

Probably taken between 1905 and 1909, after the synagogue closed but before it was converted into the St Paul’s Men’s Club, it is the only known image of the building.

From the late 18th century, Bath was home to a small community of Jewish health professionals, artists, skilled craftsmen, shopkeepers and traders. Religious services were initially held in private homes, before the first public synagogue was established in Kingsmead Street in the early 1820s. By the late 1830s, the congregation needed a purpose-built synagogue to accommodate its permanent residents and the many Jewish visitors to Bath. Funds was raised to commission the Bath architect, HE Goodridge to design a synagogue, the foundation stone of which was laid in August 1841. The consecration service was held nine months later, on 5th May 1842.

The location was less than ideal, as the Corn Street area was subject to flooding, which led to significant upkeep costs.

Although a wedding was held in the synagogue in March 1900, by 1903 the remaining Jewish community could not afford the extensive repairs required under the lease and returned the keys to St John’s Hospital, the building’s owners. The site of the synagogue now lies under the southern end of Bath College.

Christina Hilsenrath’s Jews in Bath: A Community and their Burial Ground 17001945, provides a fascinating and detailed picture of Bath's Jewish community, their personal lives, their synagogues and their Burial Ground, since 1700 when the town began to be a magnet for London society as a fashionable health spa.

The author is the chair of trustees of the Bath Jewish Burial Ground at Combe Down, and the book is now available from local bookshops or online through bathjewishburialground.org.

The only known image of the historic building | Photo © RIBA Collection

COLUMN | Clare Moody, Labour Police and Crime Commissioner

I

T has been a year since I was elected as your Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Avon and Somerset.

This year has been defined by setting the direction of my term through the Police and Crime Plan. It has also been about staying connected with organisations and individuals who are working tirelessly to improve safety in our communities, I have sought to ensure your voices are at the heart of decision-making.

I am proud of the new initiatives that are making a tangible difference, for example, Project Bright Light, a pioneering approach to addressing domestic abuse to ensure a better response to victims-survivors of domestic abuse and greater accountability

for perpetrators.

Tackling serious violence through our Violence Reduction Partnerships Knife crime continues to be an area that I am focusing on: We all know the devastation this has brought to our communities and I've spoken with families who have been affected over this last year who have been directly affected.

As Chair of the Avon and Somerset Violence Reduction Partnership (VRP), I oversee the work that has been happening to prevent serious youth violence and divert young people away from criminality.

Throughout 2024/25 over 13,800 young people have engaged with VRP initiatives, such as

mentoring, sports programmes, and knife crime awareness sessions. These activities are about preventing harm through intervening early.

A focus on neighbourhood policing This year, we are seeing the introduction of the national Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, which will bring 70 additional officers to neighbourhood policing teams across Avon and Somerset.

It is essential that this investment is translated into real and measurable benefits for our communities.

This means working to strengthen the connection between residents and their local officers, tackling anti-social behaviour

and shoplifting, and ensuring a visible, accessible police presence that delivers on the priorities you’ve raised with me.

I will be monitoring all the activity by police and partners, and its impact, very closely and ensure we are communicating back to you what is happening to tackle these important issues.

Police scrutiny One of my key duties as your Police and Crime Commissioner, is holding Avon & Somerset Police to account. Through the monthly Governance and Scrutiny Board (GSB) and Police Question Times (PQT), and a range of other methods I ensure that public concerns are addressed

transparently.

I also maintain an open-door policy, and I encourage you to share your concerns and experiences directly with me which I raise at the appropriate level within the police service to ensure your concerns are heard and acted upon.

Looking ahead While I am proud of what has been achieved this year, my focus now turns to the implementation of the Police and Crime Plan.

Being your PCC is about making a difference, and I will continue to dedicate myself to ensuring Avon and Somerset is a place where people feel supported, protected, and heard.

Issue 104

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Crossword

Congratulations to Roger Gray 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

Down

2 Alterations for Dr. No to make an entrance (5,4) 8 Melanesian republic (4) 9 Arabian Peninsula sultanate (4) 10 Keeled over (7) 11 Cosmetics (4-2) 12 Kill (4) 15 Leave out (4) 16 Blow (6) 17 Old Indian coin (4) 18 Shatter (5) 21 Admired ones (5) 23 Fry a bit (5) 25 Stage play (5) 28 Nether digits (4) 29 Compulsory (6) 31 Assist in wrongdoing (4) 32 Baby beds (4) 35 "... a date which will live in ---" (Franklin D Roosevelt) (6) 36 Fire bird (7) 37 Hindu wise man (4) 38 Incalculable lengths of time (4) 39 Answered (9)

1 Render innocuous (6) 2 Computer protection (8) 3 Final products (7) 4 Cassava extract (7) 5 Like some Middle Eastern nations (3-4) 6 Staffs (4) 7 Large Welsh lake (4) 13 Argot (5) 14 Hankered (7) 16 Very foolish (7) 19 Impair (3) 20 Total (3) 22 Not concealed (5) 24 If dearer, modification is more subtle (8) 25 Most card carriers (7) 26 Actor --- Banderas (7) 27 Stuck on (7) 30 Blackadder's first name (6) 33 Difficult burden (4) 34 Goad (4)

Entering our competition - via email or post For your chance to win £20, submit your full name, postal address and answers by email to puzzles@bathecho.co.uk or via post to: Crossword Competition 2305, Bath Echo, PO Box 5395, Bath, BA1 0YA The winner will be the first randomly opened entry with the correct answers on 04/06/2025.

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.

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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 Klaxon! New to the old New Inn, next door (and closely related to) The Scallop Shell (Monmouth Place): Sydney’s neighbourhood bar and kitchen, featuring a roof terrace, a fabulous menu and good eats guaranteed. www.sydneysbath.co.uk Enjoy a whopping 50% off food at vibrant plant-based Indian oasis Sarthi (Walcot Street) every Tuesday - Friday, noon-2.30pm, until Friday 13th June! www.sarthi.co.uk Get your garden groove on at the Packhorse Inn (South Stoke) with fabulous pizzas courtesy of Pizza Barbarossa, who pop up at the pub every Tuesday from 5pm. https://bit.ly/44GvtPR Get up close and personal with local legends John Baker and Jimmy Warren from legendary 1980s supergroup The Korgis

Review

at Woods (Alfred Street) on Thursday 29th May, when the duo will be revisiting their worldwide hits in an exclusive acoustic show following a special 2-course supper (£37.50pp) . www.woodsrestaurant.com The revamped, remodelled terrace at the Abbey Hotel (North Parade) is officially open for summer season business!

Eat, drink and be merry against an iconic Bath-centric backdrop at one of the coolest alfresco hotspots in the city! https://bit.ly/4dsLOtF Have you ever wondered about the market forces that bring the best local produce to our tables?

Lovejoys - the Melksham-based, fifth-generation wholesaler specialising in local produce and supplying many of the best restaurants and more in and around Bath - publish a regular

Venture off the A4 Bath-Bristol at the 4 mile/7 km west of Bath junction and prepare to drop anchor in a magical world: a characterful history-laden enclave on the banks of the River Avon, surrounded by heavenly pastoral lushness, home to a lively marina… and The Jolly Sailor pub.

The Jolly Sailor has occupied an idyllic Kelston Lock/weirside location on Saltford’s leafy Mead Lane since 1726. Views across the Kelston Hill slopes come as standard wherever you lay your hat (but are best enjoyed from the pub’s spacious garden), the Bath & Bristol Railway Path at the bottom of that garden makes it super-easy for cyclists/ramblers to refuel here… and a large car park discreetly nestled within the pub’s environs make a Jolly Sailor jolly-up accessible to all-comers.

Enjoy the performance of a lifetime (well, a Saturday anyway) from superstar drag queen and ‘connoisseur of camp’ Remy Melee at Bootlegger (George Street) on Saturday 31st May: £20 gets you a glass of fizz on arrival plus a fully-loaded Bootlegger Grazing Platter.

Elsewhere on the Bootlegger menu: treat yourself and a mate to one of those Grazing Platters and a bottle wine for just £35 for you both between 5pm-7pm every Wednesday - Friday and all day on Sundays. www.bootleggerbars.com The new Early Evening Menu at Corkage (Chapel Row) brings a regularly-evolving / revolving array of four sharing plates for just

£45 to the table from 5.30-6.30pm every Monday - Thursday. www.corkagebath.com Revisit old favourites and discover new gems on a selfguided Restaurant Tour of Bath on Sunday 1st June.

Pit Stops include Brasserie Beau (South Parade), Olé Tapas (John Street), Charm Thai (George Street) and The Mint Room (Lower Bristol Road), each of whom will serve an example of their own unique food/wine pairings. Get on board! (£79pp). https://bit.ly/4muP8sC Celebrate midsummer Scandistyle at Castle Farm (Midford) on Thursday 12th June, when a very special Supper Club brings a feast of Scandinavian delights to a beautiful menu served up in uniquely pretty surroundings (£58pp; booking essential) https://bit.ly/3S89nxJ

Get yourself along to the gorgeous, multi-faceted café Alice Park Café (Gloucester Road) every Friday from 4pm-7pm when ‘a burger showdown like no other’ dominates the menu.

Are you in the mood for a party?

Biggles Sound are bringing their summer festival vibes to APC’s family fun day on Sunday 23rd June, and you can find the full schedule of the café’s Sunday summer DJ days across their social media. Find them at @aliceparkcafe. www.alicepark.co.uk Melissa regularly reviews eateries and restaurants across Bath and the surrounding area.

Find out more by visiting: www.theprandialplayground.uk Follow Melissa on X Find her @ThePigGuide

Jolly Sailor, Saltford

Wadworth Beer battered cod with perfect chips

Mead Lane, Saltford, Bristol BS31 3ER 01225 873002 www.jollysailorsaltford.com  @jollysailorsaltford

Market Report on Instagram (@ lovejoysuk); read it once, and you’ll become addicted! www.lovejoyswholesale.com

At first glance, food here is all you would expect from a proper British pub: familiar, affordable fave-raves on a Ploughman’s/ pies/burger theme wrought from locally-sourced produce alongside perfect pizzas and a solid little people’s menu.

But there’s a glorious twist nestled in amongst the all-things-to-allpeople ethos.

Dinner at The Jolly Sailor brings one of the UK’s favourite merrymaking activities (that’ll be a trip to the pub followed by a curry, then) under one wholly welcoming roof.

The crew at the helm here are the same team responsible for ‘progressive Indian cuisine’ hotspot Mantra (Bladud Buildings). What those guys don't know about curry isn’t worth knowing - and there are four variations on the Mantra curry theme on the menu here.

We didn’t, however, take the spice route on our most recent visit to The Jolly Sailor because the allure of that perfect pub grub proved to be too overwhelming on a sunny

Friday evening.

And so, once moored at an alfresco table directly adjacent to the river, we dived into two starters to match our Tales from the Riverbank surroundings: crispy, distinctly non-bouncy calamari with a punchy lemon and chilli mayonnaise and succulent chilli-, garlic- and lemon-infused king prawns served with fresh rustic bread.

For mains, we eschewed the charismatic allure of the Aged Angus Burger (which I could tell from my not-so-subtle sidelong glance at the next table holds magnificent promise) and even the Truffle and Wild Mushroom Risotto for Wadworth Beer battered cod with perfect chips, mushies and fresh tartare sauce, and a 100% proper slice of 100% proper pie: a succulent steak and Guinness combo encased in the shortest, butteriest pastry ever, served with yet more of those chips and lashings of silky-rich gravy.

Apple Crumble for afters?

Or Sticky Toffee Pudding, or Lemon Cheesecake? Not this time around; we’re saving the homemade dessert menu for next time we drop anchor here, when we’ll skip starters to leave room. But still, we lingered long after our feast, watching a family of Sandpipers foraging for their supper as the sun set over the panoramic pastoral vistas and the nearby weir babbled its eternal allure.

See, I told you: if you venture off the well-travelled A4 Bath-Bristol highway at the 4 mile/7 km west of Bath junction, you’ll end up dropping anchor in a magical world.

Calamari with a punchy lemon and chilli mayonnaise

The succulent steak and Guinness pie

Infused king prawns, served with crusty bread

Issue 104

Recipe

Your City, Your News - Bath Echo

P11

Summer Minestrone with Herby Pesto

When is a soup not a soup? When it’s minestrone: light, vibrant and packed with seasonal flavours. For a more traditional take on this classic recipe, omit the new potatoes and add 70g small pasta (e.g. orzo, macaroni, ditalini or even spaghetti, broken into small shards) with the courgettes instead.

Ingredients (serves 4-6)

Method

For the pesto: • ½ bunch basil leaves • ½ bunch mint leaves • 6 tsp extra-virgin olive oil • 3-4 tbsp finely grated parmesan

• Whizz all the ingredients for the pesto together in a blender or food processor to create a paste. Season to taste and set to one side (or keep refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 2 days).

For the minestrone: • 1 onion, peeled and finely chopped • 1 medium carrot, finely diced • 1 stick of celery, thinly sliced • 2 tbsp olive oil • 1 fat garlic clove, peeled and crushed • 1.5 litres hot vegetable stock • 500g small new potatoes, sliced • 2 courgettes, diced • 200g sugar snap peas, halved • 250g frozen petit pois • ½ bunch basil leaves • ½ bunch mint leaves To serve: • Extra-virgin olive oil; freshly-ground black pepper; finely grated parmesan

• In a large saucepan, gently fry the onion, carrot and celery together in the olive oil for around 10 minutes, adding the garlic for the last 1-2 minutes.

• Add the new potatoes and hot stock to the pan, bring to the boil and simmer (uncovered) for 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Season to taste, add the courgettes and continue to simmer for a further 6-8 minutes, adding the sugar snap peas and petit pois for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking time and the basil and mint for the final 30 seconds.

• Ladle the minestrone into warm bowls and top with a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil, dollops of pesto, freshly ground black pepper and a sprinkling of finely grated parmesan.

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Friday 23rd May - Thursday 5th June 2025

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What's On

Friday 23rd May - Thursday 5th June 2025

Fringe Arts Bath Festival

Impressions in Watercolour

Marvellous Moonscapes

May Half-Term Fun

Various Locations 23rd May – 7th June 16 days of free contemporary visual arts events, taking place over half term and beyond. This annual celebration transforms the city of Bath into a vibrant hub of creativity.

The Holburne Museum 23rd May – 14th September Turner and his Contemporaries.

This will be a rare opportunity to see some of Turner’s finest watercolours from a private collection, in the 250th anniversary year since his birth.

Herschel Museum of Astronomy 24th May – 1st June Make a textured moon artwork! Get inspired by the stunning lunar images in our astrophotography exhibition Capturing the Cosmos, and create your own 3D moonscape to take home.

Dyrham Park, National Trust 24th May – 1st June Get active in the great outdoors with some garden games this half term at Dyrham Park near Bath. Get ready for chess, dominoes, Jenga, ring toss and hula hoops.

Guided Walk with Andy Hamilton

Queer Bath

North by Northwest

Ed Night: The Plunge

Various Locations 26th May – 30th June Queer Bath brings together Bath’s museums, historic buildings, and cultural venues in a landmark five-week campaign. This bold initiative honours the rich tapestry of LGBTQ+ lives.

Theatre Royal 27th – 31st May Wise Children return following the success of Blue Beard as theatre legend Emma Rice takes on film legend Alfred Hitchcock in this reworking that turns the original thriller on its head.

Rondo Theatre 28th May, 8pm Comedian Ed Night comes to Bath, following great success at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, as part of his ongoing tour. As seen and heard on Comedy Central, ITV2, and BBC Radio 4.

Mary Delany’s ‘Paper Mosaiks’

AI, Art & Culture

Petal Printing

Day of Nature

No.1 Royal Crescent 29th May, 5.30pm British Museum Curator talk. Explore how these impressive works were made and connect them to wider histories of botanical illustration and female artistic achievement.

BRLSI 30th May, 7.30pm In this talk Eric Drass will contextualise the “AI revolution” within the broader history of art and investigate the tension between AI, art, culture and authenticity.

Museum of East Asian Art 31st May, 11am – 3pm Celebrate all things nature. Be inspired by the woodblock works included in the In Bloom exhibition and create your own work. Use their petal-shaped ink print stamps to create patterns.

American Museums & Gardens 1st June, 10am – 5pm Celebrate the green spaces and the nature that thrives at the estate with a day of free activities, tours and walks.

Meet the head gardener, beekeeper and Bath Natural History Society experts.

Cat Power Sings Dylan

The Mistake

Benji Waterhouse

Women, Beware the Devil

Komedia 5th June, 7.30pm You Don’t Have to Be Mad To Work Here. NHS psychiatrist, award-winning comedian, and Sunday Times bestselling author Benji Waterhouse is going on his first book tour.

The Egg 5th - 7th June Embark on a world of power, passion and betrayal in this gripping tale full of treachery and trickery. England, 1640. A war is brewing. Rumours are flying, and the Devil’s having some fun.

Topping & Company Booksellers 25th May, 10am Join author, forager, and researcher Andy Hamilton as he guides you along one of Bath's beautiful parks in search of distinct flora, to celebrate the release of his book New Wild Order.

The Forum 3rd June, 8pm Step back in time as Cat Power recreates Bob Dylan’s 1966 “Royal Albert Hall Concert” song-for-song, one of the most fabled and transformative live sets ever.

A live experience you’ll treasure forever.

Ustinov Studio 4th - 5th June The dropping of the first atomic bomb is referred to on the Peace Memorial in Hiroshima as “the mistake”. Michael Mears’s compelling and profoundly moving new play.

Issue 104

P13 13

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Beckford’s Tower set to host Farm Yard Circus this summer

Museum to hold Jane Austen exhibition

FAMILIES are being invited to enjoy a day of circus fun at Beckford’s Tower this summer.

Farm Yard Circus will be heading to Bath on 10th August, featuring a circus show, workshops, music and giant bubbles.

Held on the Grotto Paddock next to Beckford’s Tower, there will be food on site, and an all-day bar. Attendees can also enjoy half-price entry to the tower and museum with their ticket.

The Farm Yard Circus is a highimpact circus theatre spectacle, with nine circus performers and acrobats from the South West, for audiences of all ages.

The show ranked in the Outdoor Arts UK top 10 in 2023, and is now coming to Bath for a full day of entertainment.

Using physical theatre and folk dance, the production will tell an uplifting tale of overcoming differences.

The day will include open box workshops, where the professional performers will teach the audience skills and tricks, to then be performed in the Friends and Family Variety Cabaret, supported by the cast.

Patrizia Ribul, Director of Museums at Bath Preservation Trust (BPT), said: “Beckford’s Tower and the surrounding landscape makes the perfect

POPULAR attraction No.1 Royal Crescent in Bath is set to mark the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth with a new exhibition this summer.

The Most Tiresome Place in the World: Jane Austen & Bath will open on 5th July.

The exhibition will explore the real Jane Austen, her life in Bath and her complicated relationship with the city.

Jane Austen lived in Bath between 1801 and 1806, and the city features prominently in two of her novels: Persuasion and Northanger Abbey.

The scandals and shallowness of society fuelled the author’s cynicism and wit, and nothing escaped her scathing pen, yet she wrote very little whilst actually living in the city.

The exhibition will feature letters, first editions of the novels, and the only manuscript she wrote in Bath, revealing the highs and lows of her time here and exposing how turbulence and loss cast a long shadow over Jane Austen and Bath.

Patrizia Ribul, Director of Museums at Bath Preservation Trust, said: “As the UK celebrates the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth, our summer exhibition examines the author’s life in Bath in her own words,

Photo © Farm Yard Circus

venue for all sorts of public and private events, from weddings to leisure groups to business events, so we are thrilled to be hosting the Farm Yard Circus Family Festival this summer.

“It is such a unique and fun show, full of excitement and stunts, that can be enjoyed by both young and old audiences alike – both individual and family tickets are available to purchase online.

“With live music, workshops and the all-important circus performance, it will be a truly unforgettable day.”

Tickets are available at https:// bit.ly/4dv4sBo Attendees are encouraged to

arrive by public transport, as paid parking is limited. Bike racks are available and the site is on a bus route.

Beckford’s Tower Trust and BPT are both not-for-profit charities.

Income generated by events at Beckford’s Tower meets the cost of running the museum and looking after the building and landscape.

Any surplus remaining, and other funds from BPT, is invested in collaborative projects, cocuration and educational activities which actively engage underrepresented communities, and continue our work to “reclaim the space” of the tower for all.

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

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WWW.KOMEDIABATH.CO.UK

including her thoughts and feelings about the city and how it influenced some of her worldfamous novels.

“We will also be running a special Jane Austen-themed immersive tour on selected Fridays and Saturdays, plus talks and events as part of this year’s Jane Austen Festival.

“We are also delighted to offer private guided tours in several languages, celebrating visitors coming to our museum from all over the world.”

No.1 Royal Crescent is a Georgian historic house museum. It will feature the special Jane Austenthemed immersive tour on select days throughout the year, and for the duration of the Jane Austen festival.

There will also be the opportunity to explore the house after hours with special late openings, partake in a special afternoon tea event with Choux Box Patisserie, attend book talks with Jessica Bull, author of Miss Austen Investigates, and Amelia Blackwell, author of A Crime Through Time, and attend a lecture by one of the country’s pre-eminent academics on Austen, Professor Kathryn Sutherland.

You can find out more at: https:// bit.ly/3Hjwl31

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Friday 23rd May - Thursday 5th June 2025

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Community

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

Charity set to give away accessible pushchairs THE Bath-based disability charity Designability is set to give away 20 accessible pushchairs following successful trials and multiple award wins.

With no accessible pushchair products currently available on the global market, there is no safe way for disabled parents or carers in manual wheelchairs to get out independently with their baby or young child.

Parents either resort to having their child sit on their lap, which is often unsafe and uncomfortable, or are left isolated at home or dependent on a non-disabled partner or carer. This can lead to feeling like a ‘lesser parent’ and ‘disempowered’.

Fiona Dick, one of the 20 accessible pushchair participants, said: “When you see other mums out on their own, it’s heartbreaking.

“I’d like to be able to go out for a coffee or to the shops or the park, but you can’t as you can’t push a pushchair whilst pushing a wheelchair.”

The groundbreaking accessible pushchair can be used by a manual wheelchair-using parent or carer, and has been designed with mass manufacture in mind.

The innovative design replaces the traditional rear wheels/ footbrake assembly, turning any conventional pushchair into an accessible pushchair.

Designability has launched a six-month trial of 20 accessible

pushchairs to a range of disabled parents and carers across the UK. Their feedback will provide valuable insight into how the pushchairs are used and their impact on the families. The pushchairs are being gifted to the participants so they can keep them once the trial is complete.

Another of the 20 recipients, Paul Sloan, shared his thoughts on the positive impact the accessible pushchair will have on his life.

He said: “It’s more than just a pushchair. Having a piece of hardware that takes away one worry means that so many other things will become easier because I can just get up and go.”

Paul also hopes that being seen in an accessible pushchair will initiate new conversations around accessible products for disabled parents.

“Rather than being the ‘inspirational dad who’s taking care of his kids’ (as that’s what I should be doing, quite frankly), the focus can be ‘here’s this amazing contraption that they’ve never seen before and it’s great!’”

The charity worked in partnership with leading UK pushchair manufacturer Mamas & Papas to ensure the pushchair complies with British Safety Standards.

Each of the 20 selected families will receive a Mamas & Papas pushchair adapted into an accessible pushchair, completely free of charge.

The accessible pushchairs have

Hello Bath Echo readers!

Recipient Rebecca with her pushchair | Photo © Designability

been designed and made in the charity’s workshop located in central Bath.

Handover appointments with the families are being held at Designability’s offices at the Royal United Hospital and sent by courier delivery.

Known for co-designing innovative products with and for disabled people that reduce everyday barriers, Designability launched its revolutionary accessible pushchair for wheelchair users in 2023.

It has won multiple international awards, including Best Design for Humanity in the European Product Design Awards and the prestigious 2024 GOOD DESIGN Award for transportation.

This six-month trial is a key stage in understanding how the accessible pushchairs are being

used and the impact they have on disabled parents and carers, and their families.

Designability’s Director of Design & Innovation, Matt Ford, explained the inspiration behind the pushchair design: “As a national disability charity, we have been aware of the need for this product for many years.

“It is our most requested product, and we estimate that there are around 20,000 disabled parents in the UK alone who could benefit.

“We’re so excited for more manual wheelchair users to use the accessible pushchair and to show everybody what it can do!

“Our goal is to get a mainstream nursery product out into the world that changes the lives of the disabled parents and carers, and their families too.”

Taking the refloated boats along the river | Photo © B&NES Council

of the River Avon remains closed due to health and safety concerns.

All boat owners moored in the area have been advised of the risks and were encouraged to vacate the area prior to the winter.

Councillor Tim Ball, cabinet member for neighbourhood services, said: “These five boats have been an issue for some time and it’s fantastic that the removal

Abi Brinkhurst Branch Advisor Howden Bath

Work to remove sunken boats from river finished WORK to remove a number of sunken boats from the River Avon in Bath has been completed, nearly two months after recovery began.

The operation near Pulteney Weir was carried out by Bath & North East Somerset Council due to them posing a hazard to other users of the river and a pollution risk to the water.

The works were part of the Better Moorings Project, which seeks to address a range of mooringrelated matters in the district.

The works were carried out by specialist contractors Strate Marine Services and began on 15th March, with the fifth and final boat having been removed on 9th May. The council has said it is seeking to recover the removal costs from the boat owners, who are encouraged to engage with the local authority at their earliest convenience to minimise additional storage costs.

The council was previously criticised over its efforts to claim the costs back from boat owners, with local charity Julian House saying the plans were “victimising” some of the most vulnerable people in the area.

Mooring in the Pulteney stretch

Insurance Expert

operation has been completed.

“Thank you to residents and businesses in the area for your patience while the works were carried out and to Strate Marine Services and our Better Moorings team, who all worked tirelessly to achieve this positive outcome.

“The removals will ensure the safety of all river users and enhance everyone’s enjoyment

of this iconic waterway, whilst reducing the levels of artificial waste in the river.

“We advise boat owners to safely moor at recognised and officially open mooring sites, monitor their moorings regularly throughout the winter season, ensure their boats are fit for the water and are fully insured, inclusive of salvage.”

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 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!

Let’s talk car insurance.

Cars are an expensive asset, and it’s important that you have the right insurance to protect your investment – and yourself!

Here’s some things to consider when navigating the world of car insurance.

Check the cover you need; • If you commute to one place of work you need social, domestic, pleasure and commuting. If your work requires travel to multiple places of work or the use of your vehicle during a work day, you will need business use.

• Does your partner/spouse/ friend drive your car? If so, consider adding them as a permanent addition. This can actually make your insurance cheaper.

Driving Other Cars cover; • Check the age limit on your insurance. Many insurers will only provide this cover to over 25s.

• This cover, meaning you can drive other cars under third party cover, will only apply when driving a vehicle that is insured in its own right.

• Driving Other Cars only applies to cars, not vans or vehicles that would be insured under a commercial vehicle policy.

• This privilege is only applicable to the policyholder, not the named drivers on the policy.

Finally, insurance for both young drivers and older drivers can be expensive. But it is possible find a policy that properly protects you. Adding a named driver with a clean driving history can reduce the cost by reducing your risk. You can also find specialist schemes, which may include a limited mileage or black box.

An insurance broker, such as Howden, can review the market for you to help you find the right cover. If you’d like to discuss your car insurance with us, please do pop into the office or give us a call on 01225 788044, one of our advisors will be more than happy to help!

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

Issue 104

P15

Your City, Your News - Bath Echo

Family support network launched for local foster carers A NEW network has been launched for foster carers in Bath and North East Somerset to offer the support and relationships that an extended family provides.

Ahead of this year’s Foster Care Fortnight, which began last week, B&NES Council joined the global Mockingbird programme and created its first community of ten foster families, known as a constellation.

The Mockingbird constellations encourage strong connections between fostering families to create an extended family unit for the children and young people in their care.

The ‘satellite’ families have support from a Mockingbird hub home carer, who offers the other carers peer support, social activities, and eventually childcare and sleepovers if needed.

The council provides a dedicated liaison worker to support the hub carer in running the constellation, as well as offer support to all of the families.

There are currently 13 children in the constellation in the district, and the ten satellite families include both regular foster carers and kinship carers, who are relatives or friends caring for a child when their parents are

unable to do so.

This year’s Foster Care Fortnight theme is The Power of Relationships and highlights that connections are key to every fostering journey.

The national awareness-raising campaign celebrates foster carers and how relationships transform the lives of children and young people in care.

Councillor Paul May, cabinet member for children’s services, said: “We are excited to be celebrating Foster Care Fortnight with the announcement of our new Mockingbird programme, which has created a unique extended family network for our ten families who are taking part.

“They will be able to help each other through the ups and downs of life, providing children with connections of their own age,

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Local care home holds special therapy session

as well as trusted adults they can fall back on for support and guidance.

“We all need relationships that nurture us throughout our lives and give us vital support, which is why it’s important that the carers in the constellation feel supported by other adults too.

“All our foster families in B&NES do an amazing job and we thank you for the differences you make every day.”

The Mockingbird Hub home carer said: “When we heard about Mockingbird we wanted to be part of it as we love the thought of a big family or community to share our woes and celebrations and for our young people to have a better fostering experience.

“They would be able to gain more friends and hopefully trusted adults.”

The council’s fostering team holds regular events in Keynsham Library where people interested in becoming a foster carer can speak with a social worker to find out more.

People can drop in on the first Thursday of each month between 9.30am and 11.30am.

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Photo © Shockerwick House Care Home / Bupa

RESIDENTS at a care home near Bath recently welcomed a range of fluffy visitors for a special animal therapy session.

Those at Shockerwick House Bupa Care Home were joined

by Chloe’s Mobile Farm, a specialised animal therapy group that brings their range of farm animals to visit care homes, schools and hospitals.

The visitors included Gandalf the lamb, Nugget and Sylvia the chickens, and two rabbits called Daffodil and Rocket. They spent time in the home’s lounge for residents to pet and watch from the comfort of their armchairs.

Resident Josephine said: “The

little lamb was adorable, he was my favourite. It was such a wonderful visit, we all had lots of fun.”

Dana Sandu, home manager, said: “I want to say a big thank you to Chloe for bringing just a handful of her amazing pets to visit – our team and all our residents thoroughly enjoyed the day. We cannot wait for the next animal therapy session.”

Animal therapy can help reduce symptoms of anxiety, stress, loneliness, and depression.

Spending time with animals can make residents more alert and engaged, improving their wellbeing.

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P16

Friday 23rd May - Thursday 5th June 2025

www.bathecho.co.uk

Health New support group for heart failure patients THE Royal United Hospital has the body as effectively as it launched a new support group should. to bring together patients with Sue now takes medicine for her heart failure to share their heart failure, which is helping experiences of the illness. to keep her symptoms under The group, which recently held its control. first meeting, also gives patients “I still try to do some light exercise the opportunity to ask clinical and do lots of gardening, which I staff any questions they may love, but I can only do it for have about heart failure short periods of time, so and get advice. it’s little and often.

Sue Hounsell, 61, “I’m really keen that from Trowbridge, people know what was one of the symptoms they patients to attend should be looking the first meeting. out for and to make She said: “The sure they seek help meeting was really and advice as early as good. It’s nice to be possible. able to talk to people “The earlier heart failure who know what you’re is detected, the sooner you going through and share your can get the treatment you need.” experiences with them.

Heart failure means that the heart “I really enjoyed the social side is unable to pump blood around too and it’s reassuring to know the body properly. It usually you’re not the only one going happens because the heart has through this.” become too weak or stiff.

Sue, a former gym manager, first Heart failure does not mean your noticed her symptoms while at heart has stopped working. It work. means it needs some support to She said: “I’ve always been an help it work better. It can occur at active person, but I’d noticed that any age, but is most common in when I was moving equipment older people. around at my gym that I was Heart failure is a long-term getting out of breath a bit more. condition that tends to get “I couldn’t stop work or take gradually worse over time. any time off as I had such a While it cannot usually be cured, busy schedule, but I was having the symptoms can often be to sit down a lot more as I was controlled for many years. continuously out of breath. I also The main symptoms of heart had pain in my abdomen which failure are the ‘Three Fs’: was causing me discomfort and • Fighting for breath – swelling. breathlessness after activity or “It was when I started having at rest trouble breathing at night, • Fatigue – feeling tired most of especially when I was laying the time and finding exercise down, that I knew I had to get exhausting checked out.

• Fluid – swollen ankles and legs “I got an emergency appointment Some people also experience with my GP and when he saw me other symptoms, such as a he told me to go straight to the persistent cough, a fast heart rate hospital. and dizziness.

“I went straight to the RUH, If you or someone you know who were great. The care I are experiencing persistent or received was exceptional – I was gradually worsening symptoms immediately taken straight for of heart failure, you should see scans and had a lot of tests done your GP. too. It was strange, because I was Tests can then be performed never in pain at all, it was just the to check how well your heart is struggle to breathe.” working, including scans and Sue spent two weeks at the RUH, blood tests. where it was found she had You can find more information problems with two of her heart 1 on the NHS website https:// JB Dental October 1/4.qxp_Layout 18/10/2024 14:50 at Page 1 valves and also that her heart www.nhs.uk/conditions/heartwasn’t pumping blood around failure/

Increase in demand for local perinatal mental health services

The number of referrals for support has nearly doubled

PEOPLE who have been struggling with their mental health following the arrival of a child are being reminded they are not alone, following an increase in demand for support services.

Referrals to community perinatal mental health services across the region have risen by around 80% in the last three years.

The area’s two community perinatal mental health teams, run by Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust (AWP) received 4,816 referrals to the service in 2024/25, an increase from 2,668 in 2022/23.

Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week took place earlier this month, highlighting that one in five people experience a perinatal mental health problem.

Around 70% of those who give birth are thought to hide or underplay mental health difficulties, often due to feelings of shame or guilt.

The increase in referrals suggests better awareness and identification of maternal mental health difficulties, but it also demonstrates the role of specialist perinatal mental health services.

Becky Eva, Clinical Development Lead for Specialist Community Perinatal Mental Health Services at AWP, said: “There are several factors contributing to this recent increase, but it is likely that greater awareness of our services by clinicians and a better understanding of perinatal mental health, among the general public have played a significant

role.

“Both perinatal teams within BNSSG (Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire) and BSW (Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire) have worked closely with partner organisations across maternity, health visiting, social and primary care, to ensure a single point of access for all referrals who experience mental health needs in the perinatal period. This has enabled timely access to specialist assessment and NICE-recommended evidence-based treatment, where clinically indicated.

“AWP’s perinatal service provides a comprehensive range of training to aid clinicians, support people in the perinatal period, help recognise the signs of perinatal mental ill health, and understand the role of the specialist teams, including New Horizons, our local Mother and Baby Unit. This helps ensure clear pathways into specialist perinatal mental health care.”

NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) identifies that mental health problems during the perinatal period can frequently go unrecognised and untreated, with some people not seeking help because of the fear of stigma, or fear of intervention by social services. If left untreated, perinatal mental health problems can have significant and longlasting effects on the woman and her family, as well as on children’s emotional, social and cognitive development.

This highlights the importance of

identifying and treating perinatal mental health early.

One mother who was referred to AWP’s specialist community perinatal mental health team was Becky from Bath.

She said: “The transition from woman to mother was one of the biggest, most confusing changes I’ve ever been through. I felt like I lost myself overnight.

“For me, 6pm was the worst.

Like clockwork, it kicked off the bedtime routine, and I just knew I was in for another 12 hours of feeding, crying, bouncing – so much bouncing – nappy changes, and barely-there cosleeping. I was already beyond exhausted, totally out of it. And I’d think, ‘How am I supposed to get through this?’ Eventually, I built up the courage to tell the perinatal mental health team.”

Becky met with the team from AWP towards the end of 2023, after speaking to her health visitor.

She continued: “Instead of judging me, they met me with so much empathy and understanding. I learned that intrusive thoughts like the ones I was facing are actually really common, especially in new mums. And the fact that I was horrified by them – that I didn’t want to think them – meant I was not a danger to my baby.”

If you feel that you, or someone you know, is experiencing mental health needs in pregnancy or in the post-natal period, reach out to your local GP, midwife or health visitor, who’s able to make a referral to the Specialist Perinatal Team in your area.

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P18

www.bathecho.co.uk

Education

Friday 23rd May - Thursday 5th June 2025

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Get in touch: advertise@bathecho.co.uk

Students urged to recycle unwanted items as they head home STUDENTS across the Bath area who are heading home after completing their academic year are being urged to recycle or donate their unwanted items as they leave.

University and student volunteers, officers from Bath & North East Somerset Council, and the Student Community Partnership team (SCP) have been knocking on around 3,000 doors in residential areas of the city to give advice to students on handling their waste and recycling.

The drive is part of the annual Student Moving Out Campaign, an initiative led by SCP, that encourages students who are leaving their homes at the end of the academic year to recycle any good quality unwanted items correctly.

The campaign is run in conjunction with the British Heart Foundation’s (BHF) annual Pack for Good Campaign and as in previous years, 15 red donation banks have been installed at temporary sites around the city, enabling students and other residents to donate unwanted items to the charity.

Any donated clothes, books, utensils, electronic equipment, DVDs, CDs and bric-a-brac will provide stock for the British Heart Foundation network of shops and are resold to help fund lifesaving research into heart and circulatory diseases and to cut

Bath & North East Somerset Council.

“Donations given by both students and staff have done so much to help us fight the challenge of heart and circulatory diseases through life-changing

The locations of the donation banks include:

Ghika Savva (SCP Manager) and Councillor Paul May | Photo © B&NES Council

down the amount of waste going to landfill.

Councillor Tim Ball, cabinet member for neighbourhood services, said: “Last year the campaign was a huge success.

“The items left in the temporary donation banks raised £61,230 to support the work of the British Heart Foundation providing defibrillators and CPR training for local organisations.

“This also supports the council’s drive to ensure more unwanted items are reused and not needlessly wasted as set out in our waste strategy.”

The SCP is a partnership of the University of Bath, Bath Spa University, Bath College and their students’ unions and with Norland College and Bath & North East Somerset Council.

Ghika Savva, SCP Manager, said: “We were delighted to hear that we are running the most productive campaign in the South West – thanks to all our students and local residents for supporting this initiative.

“Last year the items left in the temporary donation banks captured 32.7 tonnes of items.

In 2024 the total Bath Campaign, which also included donations from purpose-built student accommodation, raised over £95,250 for BHF, diverting 50.9 tonnes of material for reuse and recycling.”

Tim Reeves, University Account Executive at BHF, said “As a charity, the British Heart Foundation is proud to work side by side with Bath Student Community Partnership and

Infant school praised following recent Ofsted inspection Becky Feather Reporter

PUPILS achieve well at Oldfield Park Infant School in Bath, and staff are proud to work there, says Ofsted.

Following a recent visit, the inspector has published a report saying effective action has been taken to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection in 2019, when the school was judged to be Good.

Since last September, schools have not been awarded an overall effectiveness grade.

The infant school in Dorset Close is part of Palladian Academy Trust and has 178 pupils.

The inspection report says: “Pupils feel a strong sense of belonging at this welcoming school. Staff encourage pupils to make a difference to the school community.

“For example, pupils vote for the playground equipment to purchase to enhance their social times.

“Staff enable pupils to realise the school’s vision of ‘together

research.”

Because of the success of last year’s campaign which saw a 73% increase in collections, British Heart Foundation has allowed the SCP to allocate an additional five sites.

The school in Dorset Close

we learn’ through the school’s ‘learning promise’.

The school is said to have “high expectations” for pupils’ achievements and ensures they get the support they need to help build their knowledge.

Consequently, pupils attain well.

There is praise for the welldesigned curriculum, with pupils achieving well from their starting points; teachers have secure subject knowledge and reading is a high priority.

The inspector continues: “The school has created a praiseworthy culture of inclusivity. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are supported to learn the curriculum well.

Their needs are identified quickly

and accurately.

“The school works determinedly with feeder nurseries to help children make a successful start.

The tailored support from highly trained staff means pupils with SEND across the school progress well through the curriculum.”

The school is also praised for thinking carefully about how to develop pupils to be ready for junior school.

They are said to develop confidence when performing at dance and choir events. The many clubs on offer, such as gardening, cooking and art, develop their interests, and they learn about future career options through exciting role-playing opportunities.

The report also highlights that trust leaders and those responsible for governance have an accurate understanding of the school. They provide effective support and challenge. Staff are said to be proud to work there.

To improve, the trust has been told to make sure it tackles pupil handwriting errors and develops staff expertise to check how well pupils are learning.

• Claude Avenue / Bridge Road, Southdown (BA2 1AA by the small outbuilding, not by the bus stop) • The Sandpits on Monksdale Road, Moorlands (BA2 2JB) • Oldfield Lane, Oldfield Park (BA2 3LY by the school sign) • Third Avenue, Oldfield Park (BA2 3NZ outside The Moorfields pub) • Shaftesbury Road, Oldfield Park (BA2 3LH outside the Co-op) • Canterbury Road, Oldfield Park (BA2 3LG outside Shaftesbury Road Memorial Gardens’ fence) • Junction Road, Oldfield Park (BA2 3LE) • Victoria Road, Westmoreland (BA2 3QY on the grass corner of Victoria Road and Brougham Hayes) • West Avenue, Westmoreland (BA2 3QE against the low wall by the street sign just before the bridge to Brook Road) • Lorne Road, Westmoreland (BA2 3BY) • High Street, Twerton (BA2 1BY tucked in against the low hedge near to No. 158) • Innox Road, Twerton (BA2 1ED) • Holloway, Widcombe & Lyncombe (BA2 4PS against the wall facing as you come down from Calton Walk) • Beechen Cliff Villas, Widcombe & Lyncombe (BA2 4QL tucked in by the railings) • Claverton Street, Widcombe & Lyncombe (BA2 4LE) British Heart Foundation does not take donations of electrical items, kitchen equipment, furniture, duvets and pillows. The donation banks will remain in place until the end of July.

‘Fantastic’ students support patients STUDENTS and staff at a school in Bath have been praised for their efforts to support a scheme which helps patients when they are discharged from hospital.

Hayesfield Girls’ School and Mixed Sixth Form donated toiletries to help fill Hospital Help Packs, which are distributed by the Community Wellbeing Hub. More than 250 Community Wellbeing Hub help packs have been given to patients who are leaving hospital over the past year, and the initiative has been running since 2022.

Help packs provide three days’ food provision and some essential items to support a person going home from hospital.

Councillor Alison Born, cabinet member for adult services, said: “This is a great example of how local organisations working through the hub come together to support the community.

“Well done to Hayesfield School for the donations and for playing a part in the hub’s invaluable work.”

Simon Allen, Chief Executive of Age UK, which is part of the hub, added: “Thank you to Hayesfield

School, whose fantastic students and staff have generously donated toiletries to the Hospital help packs.

“These packs provide crucial practical support and comfort to local people returning home from hospital, helping them get back on their feet again.

“It’s wonderful to see our community pulling together to make such a tangible difference.”

Philip White, Headteacher, Hayesfield Girls’ School and Mixed Sixth Form, added: “We are delighted at the response from students, parents and staff to support such an important cause. Our Heads of Houses all worked hard to coordinate and get students involved and I hope this is just the start of a long relationship with the Community Wellbeing Hub.” The Community Wellbeing Hub, which is a partnership between B&NES Council, HCRG Care Group, and many third sector organisation representatives, has an outreach at the Royal United Hospital. The hub provides a central place for residents to access a range of services.

Issue 104

P19

Your City, Your News - Bath Echo

Experience Elegant Living at Pemberley Place – Exclusively for Over 55s NESTLED in the idyllic Somerset countryside with breathtaking views over Georgian Bath, Pemberley Place presents an exclusive collection of thoughtfully designed two-bedroom apartments for those aged 55 and over.

This unique community offers more than just a home—it’s a chance to embrace a new lifestyle in a stunning location.

Pemberley Place blends traditional charm with modern convenience. Built using locally sourced stone and enhanced with contemporary materials and finishes, each apartment is crafted to provide comfort, security, and energy efficiency.

From the moment you arrive, you’ll notice the careful attention to detail and the inviting atmosphere that makes Pemberley Place truly special.

At the heart of the development is a vibrant, welcoming community.

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Conveniently located on Beckford Drive, just off Lansdown Road, Pemberley Place offers easy access to Bath’s charming city centre, with its rich cultural heritage, boutique shops, and fine dining—only a short drive away.

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P20

Friday 23rd May - Thursday 5th June 2025

www.bathecho.co.uk

Business First new homes at historic Bath Press site go on the market THE first new homes being built at the former Bath Press site in Bath, a collection of townhouses, have been brought to the market.

Dating back to 1889, the Pitman Press Printing Works was founded

by Sir Isaac Pitman, famous for inventing the world’s most widely used shorthand system.

Over the decades, the site was home to Pitman’s Fifth Phonetic Institute, Pitman Press, and later The Bath Press, once the city’s largest employer.

The 5.3-acre site became vacant in 2007, and in March 2024 was acquired for redevelopment by independent developer, City & Country.

Identified as a Non-Designated Heritage Asset, the original 19thcentury building façade has been retained, along with its iconic chimney.

The first phase of the new development, known as Bath Press, comprises 146 energyefficient homes, including threeand four-bedroom townhouses and one, two- and threebedroom apartments, set among landscaped gardens, with a mix of internal courtyards, surrounding green spaces, roof terraces and a playground. There will also be 16,200 sq. ft. office space.

The first homes within phase one have now been released for sale

Dedicated mediation room introduced

Work has begun at the site on the Lower Bristol Road

by Savills.

The townhouses have been designed to reflect the industrial aesthetic of the original Bath Press, while also taking inspiration from the city’s elegant Georgian architecture.

Hunter Harling, head of residential development sales for Savills Bath, said: “The listed Bath Press façade is an icon of Bath’s cityscape, and this muchanticipated scheme represents a new chapter in its history.

“Under the stewardship of City & Country, Bath Press is set to become a landmark development for our city, creating one of the most exciting new residential addresses Bath has seen in many

years.”

Shelley West, group sales & marketing director at City & Country, said: “The city of Bath is overflowing with historical sites, picturesque parks, museums and shops, making it family friendly and a wonderful place to call home. As heritage experts, we are proud to be working on creating luxurious, craft-design homes on this site. Bringing Bath Press back to life in a way that respects the heritage of the former site is exceptionally important to us.”

The townhouses at Bath Press are being offered to the market with guide prices of between £925,000 and £975,000 for a four-bedroom townhouse.

The new mediation room | Photo © Stone King

A BATH-BASED law firm has introduced a new room at its city centre offices specifically for child-inclusive mediation for separating families.

The room, located at the offices in Upper Borough Walls, comprises welcoming soft furnishings and homely décor.

Drinks and snacks are available to the room’s visitors, and colourful emotion cards are on hand to help children identify and effectively communicate their thoughts and feelings surrounding their parents’ separation.

Rebecca Eels, Partner in the Family and Mediation Team at Stone King, said: “We are delighted to be able to offer this

comfortable space for what can sometimes be a very daunting experience for children.

“We hope it will encourage separating families to seek out mediation to help them come to collaborative and mutually beneficial agreements, confident in the knowledge that their child’s point of view has been taken into account.”

Both Rebecca and her colleague Caroline Fell are accredited family mediators who are also trained in child-inclusive mediation.

Stone King operates nationally with offices in Bath, Birmingham, Cambridge, Leeds, London and Manchester.

Permission granted for new Thai spa in former TSB branch Becky Feather Reporter

PLANNING permission has been granted for a new Thai spa in the centre of Bath.

The former TSB bank at 10 Quiet Street will become home to the third in the Thy Spa chain operated by UK Spa Ltd. The company already has two successful Thy Spas in Oxford and Windsor.

In February, we reported that plans to turn the ground floor and basement of No. 10 into space for a Fireaway restaurant had been withdrawn.

The bank closed its doors in 2022.

The new scheme, which B&NES Council planners approved last week, involves removing non-loadbearing partitions and putting in new partitions to form a new layout for spa treatments and massage rooms, along with changing, showering and toilet facilities, a staff room and kitchen.

There will be changes to the shop front with new glazing after the boarded-up ATM is removed, and replacement signage.

Listed building consent has also been granted as the building is a Grade II*, while advertisement consent has been granted for a new hanging sign and handpainted shop front signage.

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Issue 104

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Bath BID's City Marshals chosen to help deliver police hotspot patrols BATH BID’s City Marshals have been awarded the opportunity to deliver 50% of Avon & Somerset Police’s Hotspot patrols in the city each month.

The Home Office provides funding for the project to police forces via the Hotspot Action Fund.

Bath Business Improvement District's (BID's) City Marshals, working through the Safe and Secure Business Crime Reduction Partnership (BCRP), has been chosen as the partner agency to support Avon & Somerset Police with the delivery of these patrols starting from 14th May 2025.

This means the team will be providing an extra 112 hours of City Marshal patrols per month across the city centre, helping to deter crime, provide community reassurance and create a safe and secure retail environment for businesses and customers.

Hotspot patrols are designed to increase the presence of highvisibility uniformed patrols in locations suffering from high levels of anti-social behaviour and serious violence, and forces are encouraged to work in partnership with local authorities or other appropriate uniformed partners.

During the 2024/25 delivery period, the City Marshals supported the operation with additional patrols aligned to four hotspots in Bath’s city centre.

Following the success of this partnership, the Avon & Somerset Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) is now funding the organisation to deliver half of its 2025/6 programme, whilst the other half will be delivered through increased police patrols.

Inspector Graeme Hall, at Avon & Somerset Police, said: “Operation Haven provides a real opportunity for the police in collaboration with our trusted partners at the Bath BID to provide a significant number of additional high visibility patrols targeting anti-social behaviour, serious violence and other crime

Concerns raised over impact on ‘veteran’ tree GREEN Party councillors are warning that Bath Rugby’s plans to build a stadium in the city centre will threaten a beloved veteran tree nearby.

Bath Rugby is planning to build an 18,000-seater stadium at its home on the Recreation Ground in the centre of Bath.

But Green councillors in the city, who previously warned the scheme would “cause misery for residents”, are warning that the plans could damage the large copper beech next to the stadium.

The tree is recognised as a “notable tree” in the Woodland Trust’s Ancient Tree Inventory.

It is not one of the ten trees that would be removed to make way for the stadium, foundations and a drain could now be built into its root zone, which the council’s arboriculture officer warned was “unacceptable”.

Meanwhile, the north stand would be so close that it would actually be under the canopy.

Joanna Wright, Green councillor for Lambridge, said: “Trees are vital for life, but more than this veteran and ancient trees have spent generations growing in communities where they are loved and treasured.

“The present planning application for Bath Rugby Club’s stadium has failed to address the real threat to this important local tree and ensure that the site of this new stadium is built to ensure its survival.

“This is exactly what’s broken in our political and planning system.

We treat living ecosystems as if they’re disposable, when in reality they are essential.”

The Greens have warned it is a ‘clear violation’ of British standards on root protection. A previous application to build a garage had once been rejected due to concerns over root disturbance of the tree.

The Greens said that national outrage over the felling of

important trees, such as the Sycamore Gap tree by Hadrian’s Wall to the oak outside Enfield’s Toby Carvery, shows how important the issue is.

Last year, the Green group on Bath & North East Somerset Council brought a motion before the council to recognise “rights of nature”, but it was voted down.

Councillor Wright said: “We are in an emergency. Protecting ancient trees and ecosystems should be the baseline, not the battleground.

“We need to stop pretending that nature is a luxury we can negotiate with.

“It’s our life support system — and we’re tearing it down, branch by branch.”

Building a permanent stadium for Bath Rugby on the Recreation Ground is hugely controversial in Bath. Bath Rugby currently spends about a million pounds a year on temporary stands that have to be put up and taken down. Locals celebrate the return of their view each year when the stands are removed, but Bath Rugby CEO Tarquin McDonald has warned: “If we were not able to redevelop it, it calls into question our ability to stay here long term. That would be tragic for the city and the club.”

Updated plans, submitted in December, have lowered the heights of the west and east stands, redesigned their facades, and introduced a curved roof in order to allow more views of the city and the surrounding hills.

The plans also introduce “enhanced landscaping” along the river and “re-engineered and “enhanced” stadium seating.

A spokesperson for Bath Rugby said: “We are aware of the comments made by the two members of the Green Party in relation to the copper beech tree referenced in the article which are factually incorrect.

“Our stadium design proposals will protect this tree. We continue to work with B&NES officers throughout the ongoing formal planning process.”

will have the opportunity to reduce this qualifying period based on their contributions to the UK economy and society.

The English language requirement for settlement will be increased from B1 to B2 across the majority of visa routes.

A new policy on bringing family members to the UK will be set out before the end of 2025.

Changes to English language requirements for adult family dependants will be introduced, including a new requirement for dependants of workers and students to achieve level A1, rising to A2 for extensions, and B2 for settlement.

A new bereaved parent route will also be created, allowing those staying in the UK as a parent of a

British or settled person to settle immediately if their child passes away. When it comes to student sponsorship, the minimum pass requirement of each Basic Compliance Assessment (BCA) component will be raised by 5%, and a Red-Amber-Green banding system will rate the BCA performance of a sponsor.

Interventions, including recruitment limits and action plans, will be introduced for those at risk of failing. Graduate visas will be reduced from two years to 18 months.

It is important to note that the changes are proposals and not yet law. Many of these measures will require new legislation, which will take time to draft and implement.

John Wimperis

Local Democracy Reporter

PCSO Shannon Munro, Nick Bishop (Bath BID), Inspector Jon Nash, Sam Canning (Loss Prevention, Marks & Spencer), Andy (City Marshal), Sergeant Mark Goff | Photo © Bath BID

which takes place in Bath city centre including shop theft which we recognise is a real concern for local business and communities.”

“The positive impact of our Hotspot patrols in 2024/5 along with the feedback we have received highlighting the desire amongst the community to see proactive foot patrols demonstrates the importance of this type of local operation.

“This year Operation Haven will enable us to significantly increase the number of visible patrols delivered in Bath city centre.

“These will be in addition to the day-to-day policing operations and activity delivered by our officers such as our response and local neighbourhood policing teams as well as our partners at the Bath BID who will continue to be visible in the city.

“Bath BID’s City Marshals provide an invaluable service to Bath’s city centre, helping to create a secure retail environment for businesses but also providing reassurance to the public, particularly with the strong rapport they have built with many of Bath’s business owners.”

According to a recent report, between April 2024 and March 2025, officers from Avon & Somerset Police spent more than 10,000 hours on additional foot patrols targeting anti-social behaviour (ASB) and serious violence.

Nick Bishop, Business Manager

at Bath BID, said: “It’s crucial that businesses and local people feel secure and comfortable in Bath’s city centre. Whilst we are lucky to operate in a largely safe city, we know the strain that businesses are facing with an increase in shoplifting and anti-social behaviour.

“We also know that there are areas in Bath that would significantly benefit from the presence of uniformed patrols, not only to deter potential crime but also to provide reassurance to members of the public and our business community.

“We are really pleased to be able to support this initiative and honoured to have been chosen as a trusted partner by the police, who we have worked closely with for a number of years. Our City Marshals work exceptionally hard to keep our city safe and we look forward to seeing them on the streets more frequently, alongside our local police force.”

In Bath, the City Marshals will be supporting the patrolling of six hotspot locations identified by police data. The date and time of the patrols will be determined by a police patrol matrix which identifies the ‘hottest’ times on any given day. The marshals will deliver this activity in addition to their current existing patrol hours, this will ensure that BCRP staff are not ‘double funded’ and that the public will see a marked increase in patrols.

P21 21

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Sponsorship via the Skilled Worker route will be restricted to roles requiring a degree (RQF 6 and above), reducing the number of occupations that are eligible for sponsorship.

Salary thresholds will rise, and the Immigration Salary List, which provided discounts from salary

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thresholds, will be abolished and replaced with a new Temporary Shortage List, covering some occupations below degree level with long-term shortages.

The English language level for Skilled Worker visas will increase from B1 to B2.

New social care visa applications from abroad will close, although a transition period until 2028 will permit visa extensions and switching for those already in the country with working rights.

The Immigration Skills Charge (paid at assignment of a Certificate of Sponsorship) will increase by 32%.

The standard qualifying period for settlement in work routes will be increased from five to ten years, with a suggestion that individuals

P22

Friday 23rd May - Thursday 5th June 2025

www.bathecho.co.uk

Politics City's MP calls for urgent action to address cold and damp homes BATH MP Wera Hobhouse highlighted the prevalence of cold and damp homes during a speech in Parliament earlier this month.

A debate on Thursday 8th May focused on the urgent need for action to improve private and social housing conditions, particularly in the face of rising fuel poverty.

Mrs Hobhouse raised the statistic that one in four private renters in the UK live in fuel poverty, and 1.6 million children are living in homes that are cold, damp, or mouldy.

She said 31% of private sector tenants report issues with heating or hot water, and 21% of private rented homes fail to meet the Decent Homes Standard.

The MP raised the health risks posed by damp and mould, citing numerous constituent cases, including one in which a tenant developed asthma after living in a mouldy home.

Mrs Hobhouse pointed to the struggles of local social housing providers like Curo, which face rising costs for repairs, energy efficiency upgrades, and the need to deliver new homes. But the funding received from rent and government support isn’t enough to cover everything that’s needed.

She specifically called for a review of the rent and capital subsidy regime to ensure that housing providers have the necessary resources to deliver well-maintained homes, improve existing stock, and meet future housing needs.

The MP also criticised the

Bath MP Wera Hobhouse

government’s Warm Homes Local Grant funding allocation for Bath, which she said was a fraction of what was needed to address fuel poverty and housing inefficiencies.

She stated that thousands of homes in Bath are eligible for the Warm Homes Grant, but only a very small fraction will receive funding under the current scheme.

Speaking to the importance of the government taking immediate action to prevent another winter of cold and damp homes, Wera Hobhouse said: “The state of our rental housing – both private and social – is simply not good enough.

“It is one of the many failures of the previous Conservative government, but the new government must now step up and deal with the problem.

“We know the solutions – higher standards, proper funding for repairs, and investment in insulation – but we continue to see piecemeal action and shrinking budgets.

“The government has ambitious housebuilding targets, but social housing providers are being left to struggle with inadequate

budgets. This funding mismatch must be addressed urgently.

“I urge the government to act fast so all of our constituents can live in safe, warm, and secure housing.

Victor da Cunha, Chief Executive at Curo, said: “We welcome Wera’s speech in Parliament today, which shows the realworld impact of a social housing system under strain.

“Problems like damp and mould are signs of much wider challenges in how social housing is funded.

“We want all of our customers to live in homes they’re proud of – but it’s getting harder to provide these essential services as costs rise and funding falls behind.

“Our customers’ rents have to cover more and more each year – from repairs to meeting higher safety and environmental rules, as well as building the new homes the country needs – yet overall funding hasn’t kept pace.

“This can’t carry on without a clear and fair framework that explains what social rent should pay for, and how we balance keeping it affordable with properly looking after homes, old and new.

“We believe it’s time for a national conversation about the future of social housing – one that involves tenants, government and providers – to make sure we can keep offering safe, warm and decent homes now and in the future.

“We want everyone around the table to agree on a rent system that makes sense and works for all.”

Developer says rule reform means village field is now ‘Grey Belt’

A DEVELOPER is trying again to build housing on Green Belt land on the edge of Peasedown St John, saying the site should now be considered to be “Grey Belt”.

Developer Chapel Hill Homes Ltd has applied to Bath & North East Somerset Council for Permission in Principle (PiP) for a minimum of three and a maximum of five homes in a field between Greystones and Eastfield at Ashgrove.

PiP is an alternative way of obtaining planning permission for housing-led development.

If granted, another application regarding the detailed design would be submitted.

Planning consultants for the developer say a similar PiP application for the site was dismissed at appeal last March.

That was seeking permission for two homes, but the planning inspector appointed by the Secretary of State agreed with the council that it would be “inappropriate” development in the Green Belt.

Following changes to the National Planning Policy Framework, the applicant now considers the land would be classed as Grey Belt, so building housing would no longer be deemed inappropriate.

The consultants’ report highlights that the appeal inspector had confirmed the site has good accessibility to facilities in the village, including shops and the primary school, and bus stops very close by provide regular services to Bath, Wells, Bristol and Paulton.

The consultants also point out the council’s current shortfall in deliverable housing.

The planning reference is 25/01634/PIP, and the deadline for comments is 3rd June.

backing from the government to ensure Bath’s visitor economy continues to thrive.

Housing is another major concern. In Parliament, I recently spoke during a debate on the appalling number of people, including 1.6 million children, who are living in homes that are cold, damp, or mouldy.

In fact, a shocking 21% of private rented homes fail to meet the Decent Homes Standard.

I hear regularly from constituents living in unacceptable conditions.

Housing providers like Curo are doing their best, but they’re working with limited funding and increasing pressure. We need higher standards, proper funding for repairs, and investment in insulation – but we continue to see piecemeal action and shrinking budgets. That’s why I called on the government to act

fast so that everyone can live in safe, warm, and secure housing.

Finally, this month we marked the 80th anniversary of VE Day. I was honoured to attend a special commemorative concert in Bath by The City of Bath Brass Band and The Grenville Celebration Choir, and to spend time with local veteran Stan Ford.

Now 100 years old, Stan served in the Royal Navy during D-Day and survived the torpedoing of HMS Fratton.

His courage, and that of his generation, reminds us why we must never take peace and democracy for granted.

As your MP, I will continue to stand up for those values and fight for what matters to you. Please do not hesitate to get in touch with me at office@werahobhouse. co.uk and I will do my best to ensure you are heard.

Becky Feather Reporter

COLUMN | Wera Hobhouse, Liberal Democrat MP for Bath

T

his month marks a significant milestone in our city – the one-year anniversary of the Dyson Cancer Centre at the RUH. Since opening, this cutting-edge facility has provided care for around 340 people every day. I recently toured the centre and saw the extraordinary work being done to improve outcomes for people affected by cancer in Bath and beyond.

During my visit, I also spent time with the team at the RUH’s Breast Unit, discussing the urgent need to improve cancer services across the country. Timely diagnosis, access to quality treatment, and proper support are all vital but too often the system is under real strain. We owe it to patients and staff to ensure our NHS is properly funded and supported.

These challenges aren’t limited to our hospitals.

Across Bath, businesses are also

under strain. I recently hosted ‘A Taste of Bath’ in Parliament, celebrating the best of our city’s independent food and drink scene.

From Landrace Bakery’s artisan bread to Chai Walla’s awardwinning street food, and the beloved ‘Gem’ ale from Bath Ales, the event was a showcase of the fantastic culinary talent Bath has to offer. One highlight was Iryna Malenko, a local entrepreneur originally from Ukraine, whose business MAD for Cakes brings authentic Ukrainian honey cakes to Bath - a delicious reminder of the city’s global community and unwavering support for Ukraine.

In the face of a looming ‘jobs tax’ and global economic uncertainty due to Trump’s tariffs, it’s never been more important to support our independent businesses.

When we buy local, we invest in our city’s future. Tourism is another essential part of that

future. Bath welcomes over five million visitors a year, supporting thousands of jobs and generating nearly half a billion pounds for our economy.

But during a recent roundtable with local tourism leaders hosted by ‘Visit Bath’, I heard clearly that this success cannot be taken for granted.

The city’s operators face multiple challenges, some of which are common issues to other businesses in the region from local traffic and transport infrastructure to the impact of increased NI contributions.

However, increases in visa and ETA (electronic travel authorisation) costs, and the lack of VAT reclaim for international visitors, impact Bath’s recovery of international visitors.

In addition, the sector is experiencing acute skills shortages which need immediate solutions. We need stronger

Issue 104

P23

Your City, Your News - Bath Echo

Kevin Guy appointed as WECA Mayor’s deputy John Wimperis

Local Democracy Reporter

THE new Labour West of England Mayor Helen Godwin has appointed the Liberal Democrat leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council as her first deputy mayor.

The position of West of England Deputy Mayor had not been used since 2021, but now will rotate annually between the leaders of the three councils which make up the West of England.

Councillor Guy said he was “honoured” to be asked to take up the role.

Ms Godwin was sworn in as the new West of England Mayor on Wednesday, 7th May, after narrowly beating Reform UK’s Arron Banks in the election at the start of the month.

Ms Godwin said: “I meant what I said during the election campaign. To get the best for all of us in the West Country, politicians must put politics to one side.

“That’s how we’ll lay the Bristol to Portishead Line, build new affordable homes, and help create the jobs of the future.

“Together, working with the Labour government, we will get things moving in the West of England. In that spirit of renewed collaboration, I’m delighted to appoint Councillor Kevin Guy to serve as my first deputy mayor.

“I’m proud to be from and for our region so am working right away across party lines with Kevin, Tony, Maggie, and Ian. We all

need to roll up our sleeves and pitch in.

“Our residents deserve nothing less, and that’s the only way that we will make things happen.”

Councillor Guy congratulated Ms Godwin on her election victory. He said: “We now have an opportunity to create a collaborative working relationship across the region, ensuring we get at least our fair share of central government funding, and moving ahead with key projects.

“I am personally honoured to be asked to take on the role of deputy mayor of the authority and feel this is also a great thing for B&NES. I look forward to working together closely to deliver what our communities need.”

The West of England Combined Authority is made up of Bath & North East Somerset Council, Bristol City Council, and South Gloucestershire Council and the leader of each council, together with the mayor, make up its decision making committee.

The combined authority is responsible for improving transport across the region and attracting and delivering major investment. It had previously been put on notice by the government over a number of issues including poor relationships between politicians while previous mayor Dan Norris, who was also Labour until his suspension from the party after his arrest in April, was in charge.

The “best value notice” was lifted shortly before the election. Ms Godwin said that, under her,

Ian Boulton, Helen Godwin, Maggie Tyrrell, Kevin Guy, and Tony Dyer Photo © Freia Turland

things at the combined authority would be “very different”.

Green leader of Bristol City Council Tony Dyer said Ms Godwin was taking over at a “critical time” for the West of England Combined Authority (WECA).

He said: “Working alongside Helen and my counterparts in the region’s other local authorities, I hope to continue our efforts to bring these valuable working relationships closer for the benefit of all of us.”

South Gloucestershire co-leaders Maggie Tyrrell (Liberal Democrat) and Ian Boulton (Labour) added in a joint statement: “Since forming the administration at South Gloucestershire Council nearly two years ago, we have actively worked with our fellow leaders and officers to positively reset the relationships between the unitary authorities and the combined authority following years of well-reported challenges.

“We believe Helen now has the best possible opportunity to take advantage of the greater spirit of collaboration we now enjoy with our partners and we look forward

to working together to unlock the amazing potential for prosperity our region has for the benefit of our residents, businesses and the national economy.”

North Somerset Council is not a member of the combined authority but has also been in discussions about joining.

North Somerset Council leader Mike Bell (Liberal Democrat) has also offered Ms Godwin his congratulations.

Discussions around North Somerset joining the West of England were put on hold during the mayoral election but North Somerset deputy leader Catherine Gibbon (Labour) said the council was keen to progress these again.

She said: “Becoming part of the Combined Authority with the right deal and following consultation with our residents and businesses will, we believe, bring real benefits to us all.”

One North Somerset Green councillor, Thomas Daw, had suggested at a council meeting that the council may not want to join the combined authority if an “awful person” won the election.

He did not mention any candidate by name but his comment came just a few days after Arron Banks was selected as the Reform UK candidate.

Ms Godwin won the election with 51,197 votes (25%). Aaron Banks was in a close second place with 45,252 votes (22.1%).

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Construction

Planning Round-up Work planned at YMCA YMCA Brunel Group has submitted a planning application to B&NES Council to make improvements to the roof of International House at Broad Street Place in the centre of Bath.

International House, which opened in 1973, is a large, flatroofed, rear extension to 19 and 20 Broad Street which are Grade II listed buildings, so listed building consent is also being sought.

The work involves replacement flat roof coverings, upgrading thermal insulation levels and external refurbishment of a roof tank room.

The planning reference is 25/01794/FUL and the deadline for comments is 6th June.

New use for city centre Victorian spa buildings Plans to turn a “dilapidated” historic space in the city centre into a place for staff in the council’s Heritage Services team have been approved.

There will be alterations as part of the refurbishment of part of the Victorian spa buildings in Swallow Street. The refurbishment of warehouse space at the Grade II listed Old Boiler House will provide operations and security staff with a break room and will have underfloor heating, a changing space, freestanding kitchen and storage. The site was originally developed as the City Laundry to take advantage of the nearby source of natural hot water carried to the site via the York Street archway.

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P24

Friday 23rd May - Thursday 5th June 2025

www.bathecho.co.uk

Sport

Upcoming Fixtures

Five students among 20-strong swimming squad FIVE students from the University of Bath have been selected to join a 20-strong squad to represent Aquatics GB at the second edition of the European Aquatics U23 Swimming Championships.

Making her British debut is Civil Engineering student Niamh Ward, a member of the Student Performance Sport swimming squad who has won multiple backstroke medals for the University in BUCS competition.

Supported in her dual careers by the Team Bath Breakthrough Programme, Ward began her career with the Team Bath AS community swimming club.

She will be joined in Samorin, Slovakia by a quartet of sporting scholars who train with the Aquatics GB Bath Performance Centre; Cam Brooker (Mechanical Engineering, Ivor Powell Scholar), Joshua Gammon (Sports Performance, Alumni Fund), Jack Skerry (Computer

Friday 23rd May – 8pm Bath Rugby v Lyon O.U. (Away) European Challenge Cup – R8 Saturday 31st May – 3.05pm Bath Rugby v Saracens (Away) Gallagher Premiership – R18

Bath Cricket Club (1ST XI)

Saturday 24th May – 12pm Bath 1ST XI B Bedminster (Away) WEPL – Premier 1 Saturday 31st May – 12pm Bath 1ST XI v Thornbury 1st XI (Home) WEPL – Premier 1 Niamh Ward at the Team Bath Sports Training Village | Photo © Team Bath / BUCS

Science, US Foundation) and Matthew Ward (Integrated Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Bill Whiteley).

Making his GB senior coaching

debut is Calum Jarvis, the Tokyo 2020 Olympic relay gold-medallist who now works alongside Head Coach David McNulty at the Bath Performance

Centre where he trained for 13 years.

The European Aquatics U23 Swimming Championships will take place from 26th to 28th June.

Triathlete hails her ‘game changer’ move to Bath TRIATHLETE Isabelle Franco has said joining the Bath Triathlon Performance Centre has been “a real game changer” after she was named as the latest Team Bath Rengen Athlete of the Month.

Franco, who began studying and training in Bath in October, was selected for the April accolade after finishing fourth for British Triathlon, just four seconds outside the medals, at the European U23 Duathlon Championships in Poland.

Her time of 57:32 was also good enough for a top-10 spot in the senior rankings.

She had qualified for the Europeans by winning individual and team gold for the University at November’s BUCS Duathlon Championships, and enjoyed more medal success in the Blue & Gold during the recent May Bank Holiday Weekend as she won women’s silver at the BUCS Sprint Triathlon Championships in Tavistock.

She said: “It’s really a huge honour to be selected as Athlete of the Month here at the University of Bath, amongst some of the best athletes in the world.”

Franco is one of more than 160 student-athletes supported in their dual careers by the Student Performance Sport Breakthrough Programme.

She continued: “A year ago, when

Bath Rugby

I was just beginning my journey into triathlon and choosing my PhD in Bath, I couldn’t have imagined that I’d be representing my country on an elite stage and be a serious contender in a championship race.

“I started here back in October and did BUCS Duathlon the following month. It’s all kind of skyrocketed from there as that win earned me a place at the Europeans where I finished fourth, which was honestly completely unexpected.

“The race was intense, fast, and unforgiving—everything you'd expect at the elite level – and I gave everything I had to stay competitive right to the finish.

“It was such an honour to race with the British team and be amongst some of the best athletes.

It’s been a really great experience having such a successful season and it's only the beginning!”

Franco joined Bath to progress both her academic and sporting careers. She is a Research Programme in Health PhD student, researching the relationship between muscle loss and body fat in ageing, and does her running, swimming and strength and conditioning training at the Team Bath Sports Training Village, home to a British Triathlon Performance Pathway Centre. Cycling takes place at the nearby Odd Down

Lansdown Cricket Club (1ST XI) Saturday 24th May – 12pm Lansdown CC v Old Bristolians Westbury CC West of England Premier Cricket League 2025 – Prem 2 Saturday 31st May – 12pm Lansdown CC v Clevedon CC West of England Premier Cricket League 2025 – Prem 2

Team Bath Netball Saturday 24th May- 2pm Team Bath v London Pulse (Away) Friday 30th May – 5pm Team Bath v Manchester Thunder (Away)

Get Involved

Isabelle Franco (centre) with University of Bath Director of Sport Stephen Baddeley and Performance Sport Officer Sarah Collin | Photo © Team Bath

Sports Ground.

Franco, who is coached by Jack Hall, said: “Joining the Bath Triathlon Centre has been the biggest game changer of my sporting career. The coach and athletes have welcomed me with open arms, made training really fun and they've been tremendous in getting me to the next level.

“It’s completely different to how I was training before and I can't be more grateful to have this professional and individualised training set-up while also being in an amazing group. Thank you

so much to everyone that has got me here.”

The Athlete of the Month award celebrates the achievements, commitment and dedication of student-athletes on the Breakthrough Programme, which provides bespoke support designed to help student-athletes maximise their academic and sporting potential.

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Crossword answers - Issue 103 (09/05/2025) Across: 2 Stepped up, 8 Clap, 9 Oats, 10 Leotard, 11 Salami, 12 Snow, 13 See fit, 14 Ballot, 15 Isle, 17 Egg, 18 Study, 20 Spitz, 23 ECG, 26 Chef, 28 Philip, 29 Lean-to, 30 Olga, 32 Narrow, 33 Shakers, 34 Sufi, 35 Ties, 36 Scholarly.

Down: 1 Pleasant, 2 Sprawled, 3 Enlists, 4 Protege, 5 Dealing, 6 Pods, 7 Stroll, 16 Ski, 19 Use, 21 Priority, 22 Tailored, 23 Eyelash, 24 Genteel, 25 Sponsor, 27 Helium, 31 As is.

Whether you'd like us to include your upcoming fixtures in the newspaper, or feature a match report, we'd love to hear from you. Send fixtures lists to sport@ bathecho.co.uk and we'll add your next event to our sports calendar. If you have photographs that we can use, we'd also like to include them. We're happy to host match reports from across Bath - send them to sport@bathecho.co.uk This newspaper is produced using paper from sustainably-managed forests.

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