Bath Echo - Issue 108 - 18/07/2025

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Scrutiny panel is asked to review waste changes

Becky Feather Reporter

AN unpopular decision to introduce waste collection changes in central Bath has been ‘called in’ by nine councillors for scrutiny.

Councillor Shaun Hughes is leading the call-in which follows the decision by Liberal Democrat cabinet member for resources Councillor Mark Elliott (Lansdown).

Councillor Hughes (Independent, Midsomer Norton) says the decision does not reflect the business and environmental impacts.

The council says changing the evening collection window from 5pm-8.45pm to a new time of 6pm-8pm for a 12-month trial aims to “improve the visual appeal” of the city centre during shop opening hours and the busy early evening period.

It aims to ensure that no business waste is left on the streets between 10am and 6pm and will help to reduce hazards and bring the evening collections into line with the city centre’s security scheme.

A Liberal Democrat spokesperson told us last week: “For too long, early evenings have been blighted by sacks of waste spilling over the pavements, and gulls feasting on whatever they can.

“By consolidating the time the waste collectors can operate with the hours of operation of the city centre security bollards, there will not be queues of lorries waiting to get in the area.

“There will always be a few businesses resistant to change, but like any other council in charge of a highly prestigious city like Bath, we have to ensure we keep the environment as attractive as possible to all.”

The council’s consultation warned that the policy change could "undermine the progress made in improving the public realm" if it results in business waste bags being left unattended for extended periods, particularly if businesses close before collections.

This could increase the risk of missed collections and fines for businesses if they fail to complete collections within the new two-

hour window.

Two waste contractors - Grist and MJ Church - both said they would have to increase the number of vehicles required to collect within the new twohour window to be able to service all customers, which could raise carbon emissions.

The council’s own business waste service said it would be unable to increase capacity in the same manner with current resources and that contracts would have to be renewed.

The cost of employing an additional enforcement officer on a 12-month basis has been put at almost £50,000.

The review will be considered by the Climate Emergency and Sustainability Policy Development & Scrutiny Panel on Tuesday 29th July.

The panel is made up of councillors who are not in the cabinet and Councillor Elliott may as a result be asked to reconsider his decision.

Giving the reasons for the call-in, Councillor Hughes says: “While we support the need to enhance the city for residents and visitors, this single member decision does not reflect the business and environmental impacts.

“Businesses identified several significant problems with the proposed waste collection changes in central Bath, leading to widespread opposition.”

In a survey, 93% of respondents did not support the proposed

change to the evening collection window as 43% of businesses currently close at 5pm and 33% close at 5.30pm.

This means no one would be available at their premises to present waste or promptly return containers during the new time of 6pm-8pm.

Councillor Hughes says 72% of respondents had stated that the extra cost of paying staff to stay later to deal with waste would be unfair or unaffordable.

“The council acknowledges that this change could ‘detrimentally affect’ already struggling small businesses, with an estimated additional cost of around £3,000 per year per business for staffing, based on an extra hour per day.

“We believe the estimated £3,000 cost to businesses has been significantly underestimated. Many local businesses operate seven days a week, and refuse collections occur daily, meaning the actual financial impact is likely much higher.

“In addition, many independent traders close around 4pm during winter months. Being required to stay open until 6pm means additional staffing costs that go beyond just hourly wages.

Premises may also need to remain heated and lit, increasing energy bills.

“The figure quoted by B&NESbased on 253 hours at National Minimum Wage - fails to account for National Insurance, PAYE tax, or pension contributions.

“This is a poor and misleading summary that suggests the decision was neither fully planned nor properly thought through.”

Councillor Hughes says there is a potential impact on employees living in rural areas with poor availability of evening transport services back home from work. He adds: “While 69% of businesses support the mandated use of reusable refuse bags and see it as a positive step forward, the current recommendation fails to address key related issues, namely, the use of food recycling containers, which many businesses have already adopted, and which have contributed to the improvements seen in the area.

“Additionally, no solution has been proposed for the return of containers to premises after collection, a crucial factor in maintaining the visual appeal and cleanliness of the public realm.”

Another of the reasons Councillor Hughes highlights is that waste operators will need to increase the amount of vehicle movements to work within the restricted collection window. He says: “This is backed by B&NES’ own assessment that they will also struggle to meet the needs of the paying businesses for their service. There is a clear conflict with both our Journey to Net Zero strategy for Bath and CAZ [Clean Air Zone] objectives.”

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A waste collection lorry in the centre of Bath

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Drug-ridden flat is closed after years of complaints

Becky Feather Reporter

A CLOSURE order has this week been slapped on a housing association flat in the city centre after complaints about drug-related crime and antisocial behaviour stretching back almost nine years.

A closure notice was served to the tenant of the Curo property at Abbey Green on Monday 30th June, which was extended until Monday 14th July when a hearing took place at Bath Magistrates’ Court.

The granting of the three-month closure order has been welcomed by businesses at Abbey Green, which is a tourist hotspot, but they say they are “very disappointed” it’s taken so long to resolve the “wholly unacceptable behaviour”.

Reported issues include:

• Multiple public order offences, involving physical altercations inside and outside the property and frequent shouting and swearing.

• Drug-related activities, including substance use and dealing suspected within the flat, along with regular cannabis smoking.

• A high turnover of visitors, including known drug users.

• Wanted people seeking refuge within the premises, requiring police intervention.

• Criminal damage, such as people forcefully kicking the entrance door when unable to gain access.

• Thefts from local shops, with stolen goods being handled from the flat.

On 23rd April, police responded to a suspected firearms incident linked to the flat. The disturbance caused widespread distress among residents and businesses, as well as substantial financial losses for nearby shops and cafés which were forced to close.

Sergeant Michelle Munro, of the Bath City Centre Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “The persistent drugs activity at the flat, and related disorder spilling into public spaces, has had a severe impact on the local community.

“The anti-social and often aggressive behaviour of the occupant and visitors has

caused distress and disruption, with businesses having to halt trading on a few occasions.

“I acknowledge the frustration felt by many towards the police’s response, believing we didn’t do enough quickly enough. I assure you we’re strengthening our local neighbourhood policing teams, building capacity to better support you and tackle ASB and crime on our streets.

“This was a complex case, and efforts were ongoing to manage the occupant’s behaviour with offers of support, interventions and injunctions.

“These measures were ignored so we had no option but to pursue the court order. Thanks to today’s outcome at court, a weight can be lifted from residents’ shoulders and local businesses will be able to provide a service to the public in safety once more.”

Restaurateur Laurence Swan, owner of The Bath Bun and Hands Georgian Tearooms, said: “The Abbey Quarter Business Association have made representations to a number of stakeholders over the conduct and anti-social behaviour that surrounds the tenant at the flat for almost nine years.

“We are very disappointed that it’s taken so long to get to this position.

“The Abbey Green Quarter, particularly the café beneath the flat, has had to endure the wholly

unacceptable behaviour related to the property affecting not only the business but the locals, visitors and tourists.

“We all welcome the news that the small independent group of businesses that work extremely hard encouraging and welcoming customers into their shops, restaurants and hotels can finally go about their busy lives and, once again, be custodians of the Abbey Green without fear of abuse or violence.

“We are grateful to Avon & Somerset Police, who drove the campaign, along with many other stakeholders, including the Bath BID [Business Improvement District], the security teams from major neighbouring stores, and Curo housing association involved in the case.”

Andrew Snee, director of housing at Curo, said: “Supporting communities is at the heart of everything we do at Curo, and we’re pleased that we were able to work with Avon & Somerset Police to achieve this closure order.

“We always take reports of antisocial behaviour seriously, and we value our long-term partnership with the police which allows us to tackle these issues, support our customers and help keep the communities we serve stronger and safer.”

The closure order could be extended after the initial three months. If anyone enters the

property during this period, they will be committing an offence and may be arrested.

We asked Curo why it took nine years of reported problems before the tenant was removed.

A spokesperson for the Bathbased housing association and house-builder said: “A closure order is a power which only the police or a local authority has the authority to apply to the court for.

“Housing associations do not have a ‘right of audience’ to make these applications; at the moment we have to rely on others taking action when crime of this nature is reported.

“We have been lobbying government to grant housing associations the ability to make these applications, which would speed things up. The Crime & Policing Bill 2025, which is currently making its way through Parliament, aims to strengthen measures against ASB.

“Key proposals in the bill include housing associations having the power to apply for closure orders, and we’re hopeful that this will give us the ability to take decisive action in this sort of case.”

Avon & Somerset Police meanwhile encourages people to come forward if ASB is causing harm in their neighbourhood.

For civil legislation such as closure orders, anonymised evidence from residents and businesses can be used to support applications to court.

News in Brief

Gas works disruption in Lyncombe Vale area

Wales & West Utilities will shortly be starting work to upgrade gas pipes in the Lyncombe Vale area of Bath which will involve road closures. The scheme will begin on Monday 21st July and, barring any engineering difficulties, will finish by the end of August. The gas emergency and pipeline service has liaised with Bath & North East Somerset Council to plan the work and road closures have been agreed.

Lyncombe Vale Road will be closed from Monday 21st July to Friday 8th August.

Lyncombe Vale will be closed from Monday 4th August to Friday 29th August.

12-day road closure at Wellow for sewer work

A road in Wellow will be closed to allow Wessex Water to carry out works. The utility company will be carrying out a sewer repair and installing a manhole which will involve the closure of the part of Bull’s Hill from outside Glebe Cottage eastwards for approximately 70 metres. The closure order begins on Monday 28th July and will be in place for a maximum period of six months. The road will only be restricted as and when traffic signs are in position which is anticipated to be for 12 days. Drivers will be diverted via the remainder of Bull’s Hill, Ford Road, Hinton Hill, Wellow Lane, the B3110, A3062, A367, Wellow Lane, Wellow Road, High Street, Bull’s Hill, and vice versa.

Long range forecast: (25th to 31st July)

Changeable weather on the way, with rain and the potential for thunderstorms in some areas. Breezy conditions later in the week, with some drier periods.

Inset: Issuing the closure notice to the tenant | Photos © Avon & Somerset Police

Hundreds object as council works to make Sydney Road LTN permanent

Becky Feather Reporter

WITH the final consultation under way on the controversial Liveable Neighbourhood (LN) scheme at New Sydney Place in Bath, there have already been hundreds of objections.

The United Sydney Unliveable Neighbourhoods Group (UNSUNG) said that less than a week after Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Traffic Regulation Order consultation opened, the number of people objecting had hit 470.

UNSUNG says that figure is higher than the number of people who voted for the Low Traffic Neighbourhood (LTN) scheme in the last council consultation. LNs are also known as LTNs.

UNSUNG has set up a web page (https://bit.ly/4lrM3Z4) inviting people to register objections and the reasons why.

Comments are invited before noon on Thursday 24th July, and they will be passed on to the council before the official consultation deadline of 5pm that day.

In April last year, the council launched the experimental scheme involving bollards which prevent drivers from cutting through to avoid the A36/ Bathwick Street junction. The scheme maintains vehicle access to homes from either side of the restriction. The council has said that vehicle numbers have reduced by up to 90% on New Sydney Place and 70% on Sydney Road. But UNSUNG says the LTN

has increased traffic by 20%-50% on surrounding roads that are less safe than Sydney Road. Campaigners say that residents have reported many instances of traffic jumping the Bathwick Street traffic lights or blocking the yellow box since the LTN introduced congestion, with several pedestrian and cycle near-misses.

UNSUNG adds: “While B&NES claim no increase in pollution, they haven’t measured traffic or pollution levels on Sydney Place, but they have recently introduced signs advising drivers to switch off engines when stuck in congestion:”

Neil McCabe of UNSUNG has said the council “messed up” the implementation of the Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) by publishing an inadequate Statement of Reasons justifying it, therefore now needs to implement a permanent Traffic Regulation Order (TRO).

The council’s cabinet member

Fire alarm system upgrade at Bath station

NETWORK Rail has applied for listed building consent to replace the fire alarm system at Bath Spa Station.

The organisation is replacing fire alarm systems at various stations to enhance safety and modernise infrastructure.

It says the system at Bath is “dated” and will be replaced with a modern addressable system, providing fire detection and protection throughout the station site.

The work includes upgrades to fire detection and alarm systems, often involving the removal of outdated components and streamlining the system.

The application to Bath & North East Somerset Council explains that to maintain continuous protection, both the existing and proposed systems will have to run concurrently for 14 days before the old one is decommissioned. The redundant parts will be stripped out and removed with any disturbed areas repaired. Any new parts will be “sensitively located” where possible and any

damage or removal of historic fabric will be avoided unless there is no other option, says Network Rail.

The Grade II* listed station in Dorchester Street is the busiest two-platform station in the country. It is historically important for being part of the pioneering Great Western Railway and its association with the engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

The planning reference is 25/02652/LBA. The deadline for comments is 14th August.

Long-term future of Royal Victoria Park pond being considered

BATH & North East Somerset Council has said the long-term future of the popular pond in Royal Victoria Park will be considered over the coming months after it recently dried up.

Signs have been put up around the pond advising visitors about the situation, which has been blamed on the hot weather.

for sustainable transport strategy

Councillor Joel Hirst said at the start of the consultation that the trial has prevented more than 3,500 vehicles a day from using a residential street as a cut-through to avoid traffic lights on the A36 – including HGVs – and trial data has showed it has not made a significant difference to traffic flows, journey times or air quality on surrounding roads.

He said the full TRO consultation – https://www.bathnes.gov. uk/sydneyroadETRO – is compliant with all the statutory requirements and will make the road changes permanent if approved. The outcome is due to be published in the autumn.

UNSUNG is trying to raise at least £50,000 to prepare for court action if necessary.

The group would be following in the footsteps of the West Dulwich Action Group (WDAG), which won its legal challenge against Lambeth Council’s over a traffic restriction earlier this year.

The regular water source to the pond was cut off a number of years ago by Wessex Water because the condition of the pipes had resulted in flooding at nearby properties.

The pond has also been losing water over several years, despite repairs to the lining. Long dry and hot spells and the effects of climate change are compounding the problem.

The long-term future of the feature will be considered in the next few months, the local authority has confirmed.

Deputy council leader and cabinet member for sustainable Bath and North East Somerset, councillor Sarah Warren said:

“We are putting up signage by the pond in Royal Victoria Park, letting people know that due to the recent lengthy period of hot weather, the pond has dried out.

“There has not been a regular water supply to the pond for some time, so it has relied on rainwater to fill up naturally.

“However, with the impact of climate change we are seeing hotter, drier summers and this leads to a challenging situation

for all our water features.

“We know this is a feature that has been enjoyed by people over many years and we want visitors to be aware that we hope to identify a longer-term water source.

“We will be engaging with the public over the coming months to consider all options as part of our Greener Places Plan.”

Work is under way to look at the future use of the space as part of the council’s Greener Places Plan, which is being developed to promote climate resilience, the sustainable protection of habitats and greater opportunities for recreation and wellbeing through engagement with nature.

The historic park, which was opened by Princess Victoria in 1830 when she was aged just 11, is close to the city centre and spans 57 acres.

It features botanic gardens, the Great Dell Aerial Walkway, a children’s adventure playground, café and the Temple of Minerva, which is used for events including weddings.

CEO set to step down after six years

THE Chief Executive of Bath & North East Somerset Council is set to step down from the role early next year, after going parttime at the local authority from the end of September.

Will Godfrey will leave the role after six years of service.

Mr Godfrey will continue in his position full-time until the end of September, before moving to a part-time role, three days a week, until the end of January.

The arrangements are subject to formal agreement at a council meeting on 17th July, and are designed to ensure a smooth and effective leadership transition.

Will Godfrey said: “The past six years have flown by, and I will always be proud of the progress the council has made often in the face of significant challenges.

“From our Covid response to investment in new facilities such as the Keynsham Recycling Centre, the council has consistently worked to improve people’s lives and help the most vulnerable.”

He added: “Having celebrated my 60th birthday in April, and with my son finishing university

this summer, it feels like the right time to change the focus of my work/life balance.

“I remain as passionate as ever about the role of local government and plan to continue contributing in new ways.”

Councillor Kevin Guy, leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council, said: “Will’s leadership has been instrumental in guiding this council through some of the most challenging and transformative years in recent memory including the Covid pandemic.

“His principled and visionary approach and deep commitment to public service have left a lasting legacy.

“On behalf of the cabinet and the wider council, I want to thank Will for his outstanding contribution and wish him all the very best for the future.”

The traffic restriction at New Sydney Place

B&NES Council’s Chief Executive Will Godfrey | Photo © B&NES Council

Safety is being enhanced at the station

The pond at Royal Victoria Park

No consultation on curbing HMOs in Bath until autumn

THE councillor in charge of housing in Bath says any consultation on changes to the rules governing houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) will not take place until later this year.

It follows two requests already this year from Bath & North East Somerset Council’s planning committee for a policy review to curb the number of shared houses in the city.

There are an estimated 3,000 houses in multiple occupation in Bath.

The council keeps a register of HMOs as it is acknowledged that a cumulative impact can significantly impact a neighbourhood. Currently, the rules state that no residential property should be ‘sandwiched’ by HMOs and that no more than 10% of properties within a 100-metre radius should be in HMO use.

In January, planning committee members called for a change to the rules amid escalating concern about the impact on some areas of Bath, particularly with uncapped student numbers. Then in April Councillor Ian Halsall (Oldfield Park, Liberal Democrat), who at the time was

chair of the planning committee, agreed to write to the cabinet member for built environment, housing and sustainable development, Councillor Matt McCabe (Bathavon South, Liberal Democrat), about the need for a review of HMO policy.

At the time, committee member Liberal Democrat councillor Paul Crossley said he had spoken against HMO proposals in his Southdown ward “so many times” and always lost because they were policy compliant. He asked that Councillor McCabe be asked to “bring forward urgently his review, which we’ve asked him for in the past, and have a timescale for getting it

because, quite frankly, we need this limit brought down from 10% to 5%”.

Councillor Crossley added:

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

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

“We have an obligation to our families and residents of Bath as well as our students, and our students are welcome, they are an important part of the economy

– but not at the expense of taking all our family homes.”

The Bath Echo regularly reports on HMO applications, chiefly in areas in the south of the city.

We asked the council what progress had been made since the first request for the rules on HMOs to be tightened, and this week, Councillor Matt McCabe told us: “Reviewing the planning policy approach for HMOs will need to be progressed through the preparation of the new Local Plan.

“The plan was reset by the council as a result of the government changing national policy and revising figures of housing need and the next stage will be preparation of an options document (further to the options document consulted on last year).

“This document will be considered by cabinet in September and, subject to approval, will be consulted on in autumn this year. The options document provides an opportunity to consult on potential HMO policy approach options.”

Recent permitted HMO applications by the council include one last month for 70 Combe Park, a three-bed endterrace at Lower Weston, which will be turned into a seven-person HMO. It will result in a 5.88% of

HMOs within a 100-metre radius. At 1 Kelston View at Whiteway, permission was granted last September to turn the semidetached house from a four-bed family home into a six-bed HMO. At the time, the council said the proposal would result in a HMO concentration of 8.8%.

Developer Kinden Ltd then applied for it to become a home for seven sharers, saying it would “help meet the increasing demand for affordable student accommodation in Bath”. It said no more building work would be needed as there is sufficient room for an additional bedroom. Those plans were approved earlier this month.

There are currently plans to change the use of 18 Woodhouse Road in Twerton into a HMO. Currently a three-bed end-ofterrace, the plans are to convert it to a four-bed property providing shared living accommodation. A decision is due by 29th July. Meanwhile plans to turn 55 Cameley Green in Twerton from a three-bed house to a four-bed HMO were refused at the start of July. The council said the change of use would have seen No. 54 ‘sandwiched’ between two HMOs, which would be harmful. The proposal also failed to meet energy-efficiency measures as it did not have the required EPC C rating.

A bedroom at an HMO property | Library image

Becky Feather Reporter

Crime & Court

Man who smeared his excrement on walls in police cell is jailed

Woman prosecuted for using racial abuse

A 49-YEAR-OLD man who urinated and smeared excrement in his police cell in Keynsham after being arrested for other offences has been jailed for a total of six months by Bath magistrates.

Jason White, of Bryant Avenue in Westfield, was in court on Wednesday 9th July for sentencing, after pleading guilty at a court appearance last month to a string of offences. He admitted stealing items including coffee and shortbread worth £36.65 from the One Stop shop at Midsomer Norton on 1st February and items worth £47.10 from the shop on 17th February. He also admitted being at the store while banned under a criminal behaviour order (CBO). Police were called to Bryant Avenue on 24th April where White was causing a nuisance. He admitted he assaulted a police officer by spitting in their face and injuring their knee, and another assault at Keynsham Police Centre where he was taken, spitting through the cell hatch in the direction of a police sergeant.

White damaged the cell by smearing his faeces over the door and walls, which needed a deep clean costing £330.

The court heard that White has 29 previous convictions for 60 offences, including 10 assaults.

Solicitor Robyn Rowlands, representing White, said he had suffered an industrial injury at work in the mid-1990s, which had left him with physical and mental scars, and he suffers from PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder).

In the past, White has had a Class A drug problem.

Mr Rowlands said that White

Efforts to drive down crime in Julian Road

Becky Feather Reporter successfully install new gating/ gated door around an open area of the second garage block on Lampards Buildings, preventing people from loitering in that area.”

NEIGHBOURHOOD police say they are continuing efforts to drive down crime in the Julian Road area of Bath, including daily patrols at the Co-op.

At the end of last year, we reported that the police were working with housing association Curo and other agencies to “deal positively” with drug-dealing, anti-social behaviour and shop thefts.

In an update report dated 29th June, the Bath City Outer beat team say that work continues. “Police have worked with Curo to

They say there are daily neighbourhood police team patrols within hotspot areas and regular multi-agency meetings and visits with residents.

Police are also patrolling daily at the Co-op as part of a problemsolving plan to crack down on shoplifting there.

cares for his father who has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The solicitor asked the magistrates to consider not imposing an immediate custodial sentence as there was the prospect of White being rehabilitated. But the magistrates said only a custodial sentence could be justified. They jailed him for a total of six months.

The CBO, which was imposed on 29th April 2024, was extended for a further two years until 9th July 2027. No order was made for compensation or costs.

A WOMAN who hurled racial abuse at her neighbour, including telling them to “f*** off back to your own country in a dinghy”, has been fined by Bath magistrates.

The court heard on Wednesday 9th July that there had been a dispute over parking in Paulton on the evening of 7th February 2024.

Carly Yates, 42, of Green Close, had attended a voluntary interview with the police at which she showed remorse for what she said during that argument.

The police decided not to take any further action, but the neighbour engaged with the Victims’ Right to Review Scheme. This gives victims the right to challenge a police decision not to charge a suspect.

Subsequently, Yates was charged with using racially aggravated threatening, abusive or disorderly words or behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress. She pleaded guilty at last week’s hearing.

Defending Yates, duty solicitor Bradley Axam told the court that she had got involved in a row that her son was having with a neighbour.

Mr Axam said that during the “petty argument over parking” there had been “back and forth” insults and Yates had been called a “silly slag” and told to “f*** off you bitch”.

He said Yates accepted that her own words were “reprehensible”, but she had uttered them when she was in an “incredibly stressed state”. At the time, her mother was in intensive care.

Mr Axam asked magistrates to consider a discharge, saying Yates was of an “exemplary” character. She is a carer with the elderly and has no previous convictions. But magistrates decided to fine Yates £415, also ordering her to pay a surcharge of £166 and prosecution costs of £85. A request by the victim for a restraining order was refused as magistrates said they did not think it was necessary The court was told that Yates is intending to move house.

‘Genuine remorse’ after assaults on stranger and police officer

Becky Feather Reporter

A WOMAN who assaulted a stranger and a police officer tearfully told Bath magistrates that she wants to write letters of apology to both victims.

19-year-old Chloe Johnson was in the dock on Wednesday 2nd July for sentencing, having admitted the offences at a previous hearing in March.

Prosecutor Kevin Withey told the court that on 1st February a woman had stopped in Bath city centre to help a man in distress and an intoxicated Johnson had assaulted her, mistakenly thinking she was to blame for what had happened to the man. Johnson grabbed the woman by the face, cutting her lip. The victim had been scared for her safety, describing Johnson as “incredibly forceful”.

In a statement, she said she had always looked out for people, but the assault had left her anxious about doing so again.

Mr Withey said that Johnson had been arrested and taken to Keynsham Police Centre where she was being supervised as there was concern for her welfare. She

was pulling out her hair and banging her head against a hard surface in her cell.

A police constable went to assist to stop her from injuring herself, and Johnson bit her on the sleeve, although there was no teeth-skin contact and no injury was caused.

The part-time pub worker wept throughout the court proceedings, saying she was “disgusted” with herself.

Magistrates read a pre-sentence report on Johnson, who lives in supported accommodation in Station Road in Yate and has previous convictions for an assault on a police officer and for being drunk and disorderly.

Anxiety is said to be a big factor in Johnson’s life, and she copes with difficulties by drinking too much alcohol.

Addressing Johnson, the chair of the bench said that sadly this was not the first time she had assaulted a police officer. He told her: “Alcohol is not your friend.” He acknowledged her “genuine” remorse and upset and told her there would be lots of help available for her. But he warned her that if she did it again, it would be very difficult to keep her in the community.

Magistrates imposed an 18-month community order involving a 12-month mental health treatment programme and 15 rehabilitation activity requirement (RAR) days arranged by the Probation Service. Johnson was ordered to pay £100 to each of her victims and £85 prosecution costs. This will be consolidated with her outstanding debts to the courts.

The man has been jailed for six months

Becky Feather Reporter

The Co-op on Julian Road in Bath

A MAN threw a Christmas tree and a paving slab at a door while “defending his younger sister’s honour” – but got the wrong address, Bath magistrates heard.

George Renison, of West View Road in Batheaston, admitted causing criminal damage to the glass door on London Road on 11th January.

The incident was caught on CCTV and Renison was picked up by the police.

The court heard that Renison, who earns £4,000 a month as a courier for a national delivery company, struggles with ADD (attention deficit disorder) which

affects his decision-making.

Magistrates ordered him to pay compensation of £1,000 for the damaged door and fined £576 as well as prosecution costs of £85.

At his court appearance on Wednesday 9th July, Renison also admitted two charges of being in possession of Class A controlled drugs with intent to supply on 23th May 2023 at St John's Road in Bathwick. He had both diamorphine and crack cocaine in his possession. For these offences magistrates committed him to Bristol Crown Court for sentence on 14th August. Renison was granted unconditional bail.

Man given restraining order after ‘traumatising’ young son’s mother

A 29-YEAR-OLD man, who threatened violence as he tried to get into his ex-partner’s home in Keynsham to take their young son, has been fined by Bath magistrates and given an 18-month restraining order.

Preston Marks, of West Tyning in Marksbury, had pleaded guilty at a court appearance in June to the incident at Constable Close on 19th January.

The case had been adjourned for a pre-sentence report and Marks was back in court for sentencing on Wednesday, 9th July.

The court heard that the couple had split up when the child was six weeks old.

It was a “civil separation” and they had been co-parenting for the last four years.

But when Marks discovered that she had a new partner from London and was thinking of moving there, he turned up at her home, ringing the bell, kicking, throwing gravel, shouting and being abusive. With their young son asleep in the property, the woman was “petrified” and called the police. Marks was arrested and taken to Keynsham Police Centre.

He admitted he had drunk a lot and had wanted to see his son but acknowledged it had been an inappropriate time.

The victim, in a statement written the following month, said she had been “traumatised” by the incident, was having nightmares and panic attacks.

She was worried her child could have been hit by the stones that Marks was throwing.

Marks’ solicitor explained that he was “deeply upset” that if she moved to London, it would affect his contact with his child. He had “deep remorse” for what he did and it had been a “wake-up call” for him to address his drinking. Marks now only drinks socially and wants to get back to coparenting with his son’s mother as they did before.

The chair of the bench told Marks, who works as a labourer and carpenter, that magistrates understood the incident had been a “one-off silly moment”. They imposed an 18-month community order, with Marks having to part in a Better Choices behavioural programme and participate in up to 10 rehabilitation activity requirement (RAR) days. He was also fined £350 and must pay prosecution costs of £85 and a £140 surcharge.

The restraining order prevents him from contacting the victim in any way except via his mother to arrange child contact and includes a ban on Marks going to Constable Close. It will remain in place until 8th January 2027.

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Becky Feather Reporter

The 20-year-old also admitted to being in possession of Class A drugs

The man appeared in court on Wednesday 9th July

Pictures from the Past

Widcombe

Deep Lock

FIFTY years ago, Avon County Council declared that the old canal bridge between the second and third locks of the Kennet & Avon canal – Chapel Lock and Bridge Lock – was weak, and that it stood in the way of a new road scheme to ‘improve’ the A36.

The two former locks were to be replaced by one deep lock, and the ‘humped’ bridge which (allegedly) blocked people’s view

would be replaced with an ‘arched’ bridge. The scheme was delayed when the new Town and Country Amenities Act meant they had to apply for permission, as Widcombe was in a conservation area. However, as it transpired that Avon had already started work before the act passed, permission was granted.

Although Bath Preservation Trust decided not to object there were many voices of dissent.

Professor Angus Buchanan pointed out it had remained unaltered since the canal opened in 1810, and that parts of it could

have been preserved.

But in 1975, the car was king and those pressing for the K&A canal to be restored were considered slightly mad.

Over the 50 years, attitudes have changed.

The so-called improvement of the A36, which drove a dual carriageway through Widcombe has been altered to make Widcombe more pedestrian friendly.

Widcombe Deep Lock – the second deepest in the country – remains much disliked by boaters, but the canal itself is busier than ever.

Both these pictures come from the Bruce

COLUMN | Clare Moody, Labour Police and Crime Commissioner

You've told me you want safer streets and more visible policing and I'm doing it. I've listened to your concerns about anti-social behaviour (ASB), retail crime, and criminality in town and city centres, and I am working with the Chief Constable to put more officers where they are needed, tackling crime in high streets and areas you care about, because you should feel safe in your high street.

I have launched Your Streets, My Priority this month – a

coordinated programme of action to enhance neighbourhood policing and create safer, more vibrant town centres and high streets across the region. Bath is one of the 19 centres targeted in the Avon and Somerset area. The focus is on making our town and city centres safer, more vibrant spaces where residents, businesses, and visitors feel secure and welcomed. Supported by the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, which has added more officers to your local teams, and the additional

dedicated patrols in targeted areas, the plans within Bath will be delivering more proactive, visible and engaging policing in your city. From increased foot patrols, to street surgeries in the city centre using the mobile police station and proactive use of powers to address anti-social behaviour. The local plans also include ways for the police to work closer with businesses to share information, respond to incidents and target prolific shoplifters.

Over the summer we will also see

Crofts Collection of the Akeman Press Archive.

The first shows the bridge in 1965. The second shows work in progress in 1975 – a view which may make modern Health and Safety experts shudder!

The full story of the Kennet & Avon Canal can be found in 'Queen of Waters - a Journey in Time along the Kennet & Avon Canal', by Kirsten Elliott, published by Akeman Press.

It's available in all good bookshops and through the Akeman Press website (www.akemanpress.com).

partnership work to support safety in the nighttime economy, through the safe space and night marshals as well as a dedicated programme of activity with the universities during welcome week.

Youth engagement will be continuing in hotspot areas, including through the Bath and North East Somerset Violence Reduction Partnership, and my team will be working with partners to raise awareness

of opportunities for young people. Throughout the summer, I will be visiting Bath to meet residents, businesses community groups, and the local neighbourhood police team to see how things are progressing. I will be monitoring progress and ensuring the campaign delivers results for you.

To keep up to date with what’s happening as part of the Your Streets, My Priority, visit my website and social media pages.

Above: The bridge in 1965

Above: Work under way 10 years later in 1975

Kirsten Elliott Akeman Press

Congratulations to Raymond McDowell for winning £20! You can find the answers to last issue's crossword on page 28

Complete our crossword for your chance to win £20!

Across

1 Falls apart (9)

6 Gesture of indifference (5)

10 Bacchanalia (4)

11 Partner in crime (10)

12 Former South Vietnam's last President, ___ Van Thieu (6)

13 Film: "The Hunt for Red ___" (7)

15 Seemingly true (9)

18 Flummoxed (2,3)

20 Actress ___ Scacchi (5)

22 Comparison standard (9)

25 Proposition demonstrated by reasoning (7)

27 Where WW1 was triggered (6)

29 "Late December, back in ___" (Four Seasons) (5-5)

30 Hairy man of Genesis (4)

31 Irish-born poet-playwright. (5)

32 Top celebrity (9)

Down

2 Unorthodox (9)

3 "Oh yeah?" (4,3)

4 Get to know (5)

5 Engrave with acid (4)

7 Lend a hand (4,3)

8 Mother's brother (5)

9 Fishing vessel (5)

14 With finesse (4)

16 Mineral spring (3)

17 Prophet also known as Esdras (4)

18 Promotions (3)

19 Meaty tortilla (9)

21 Jogged along (7)

23 They're stuffed in the kitchen (7)

24 Donnybrook (3-2)

26 Alpine heroine (5)

27 Napped kidskin (5)

28 German Mrs (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 1807, Bath Echo, PO Box 5395, Bath, BA1 0YA

The winner will be the first randomly opened entry with the correct answers on 30/07/2025. 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.

Food & Drink

Tasty Dates For Your Diary

Spice up your life with tantalising Thai dining experience Raya’s Thai Thali at the glorious Village Cafe and Bar (Larkhall) on Saturday 26th July.

Can’t make the date? RTT takeaway pops up in the King's Head car park (Weston Village) every Saturday from 5pm-9pm and Green Park Station Market every Wednesday-Friday from noon-7pm www.rayasthaithali.co.uk

Pane e Vino - the gorgeous little cafe/brasserie on St James Square, infused with Italian vibes - is now open on Sundays for breakfast, lunch and dinner; go forth and discover one of Bath’s best-kept (until now, perhaps?) foodie secrets.

https://bit.ly/4eQu5Np

Indulge your senses and delight

Recipe

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

your palate at The Pump Room (Abbey Square) every Friday/ Saturday from Friday 25th JulySaturday 30th August when a spectacular summer menu can be enjoyed in the elegant, historic surroundings of one of Bath’s most iconic landmarks while the resident pianist tinkles away in the background (£50; booking recommended)

https://bit.ly/40lT99f

See July out in style at Electric Bear (Brassmill Lane) where the craft beers du jour will be supplemented by glorious grub courtesy of Sri Lankan street food specialists Sri-Licious on Friday 25th July, Kenyan BBQ kings Maasai Kitchen on Saturday 26th July and stonebaked perfection from Jim’s Pizza on Thursday 31st July.

https://bit.ly/4lOwric

Pizzas like no other are now available to order and collect from the legendary Landrace Bakery (Walcot Street) every Monday from 5pm-8.45pm throughout July. View the menu and order via this link (click on the ‘order pizza’ button, obvs!).

https://landrace.square.site

Okay, so you’ll have to make the journey 20 miles/32kmish south-west of Bath to get to Wraxall Vineyard. But wow, the experience is well worth the journey!

Luscious lunches, delectable dinners and, of course, wonderful wines served up in a stunning location, supplemented by a vibrant schedule of events including pop-ups from Noah’s Seafood on Friday 25th July, Pura Vida Tacos on Sunday 27th July and Steak Night on Thursday 31st

July.

Melissa Blease Food Writer

www.wraxallvineyard.co.uk

Sunday Lunch is back on the menu at Woods (Alfred Street) on the first Sunday of every month: hearty roasts, seasonal sides and homemade desserts served in the uniquely uplifting surroundings of one of Bath’s longest-standing restaurant institutions. www.woodsrestaurant.com

Join the Concierge and PA Rewards scheme at beautiful little family-run Italian restaurant Antica (Pulteney Bridge) and earn big rewards, including credits redeemable at Antica’s sister restaurants Square (Abbey Churchyard) and Edesia (High Street), a dedicated email address for concierge bookings and, as your loyalty builds, complimentary Champagne and

exclusive invitations to showcase events.

https://bit.ly/4ltgM87

Yuzu by Dan Moon will be popping up at Bath Soft Cheese HQ (Park Farm, Kelston) on the evening of Friday 8th August to showcase a sumptuous, seasonal 5-course Tasting Menu using spectacular locally sourced ingredients and, of course, plenty of Bath Soft Cheese - now that’s what we call the ultimate cheese dream! (£80pp).

https://bit.ly/4kdnoX3

Melissa regularly reviews eateries across Bath. Find out more at: www.theprandialplayground.uk

Follow Melissa on X Find her @ThePigGuide

Salmon and Prawn Tacos with Salsa and Avocado Crema

A fresh, lively flavour explosion with a Mexican summer fiesta vibe.

Ingredients (serves 4)

• 300g salmon fillets, skinned and cut into 2cm cubes

• 150g raw king prawns, deveined

• 2 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1 small red chilli, finely sliced (deseed if you want to turn the heat down)

• 1 garlic clove, peeled and crushed

• 1 tbsp lime juice

• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Salsa:

• 2-3 large ripe tomatoes, diced

• 1 garlic clove, peeled and crushed

• 1 tbsp lime juice

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 large handful coriander, finely sliced

For the Avocado Crema:

• 1 avocado

• 2 tbsp mayonnaise

• 2 tbsp soured cream

• 1 small red chilli, finely sliced (deseed if you want to turn the heat down)

• 1 tbsp lime juice

To serve: corn tacos or mini tortillas; lime wedges

Method

• Place the salmon and prawns in a bowl with the paprika, cumin, chilli, crushed garlic clove, lime juice and olive oil. Toss gently until the salmon and prawns are well coated, then cover and leave to marinade at room temperature for 20 minutes.

• To make the Salsa: mix the chopped tomatoes with the crushed garlic clove, olive oil and coriander. Add the lime juice, stir well and season to taste.

• To make the Avocado Crema: mash/blend the avocado flesh with the mayonnaise, soured cream and chilli.

• Heat a little vegetable oil in a non-stick pan, add the marinated salmon and prawns and sauté for 3-4 minutes until the salmon is cooked but still moist and the prawns have turned pink and are lightly charred.

• Warm the tacos according to the instructions on the packet. Tumble the salmon and prawns onto a warm serving platter and serve alongside the tacos, Salsa and Avocado Crema, garnished with lime wedges and fresh coriander and accompanied, perhaps, by an ice-cold Mexican beer.

Afternoon Tea in Bath

Step into summer with a delicious celebration of one of our finest traditions – afternoon tea. From elegant hotels to cosy cafés, Bath is brimming with tempting spots to indulge in scones, sandwiches and sweet treats. Discover the city’s best offerings below, perfect for every taste.

ABBEY HOTEL BATH

The Abbey Tea Bar, located in the Abbey Hotel directly opposite Bath Abbey, offers a classic British afternoon tea experience in collaboration with Hope & Glory.

Guests can enjoy a full afternoon tea featuring a variety of fine English teas, delicious cakes, freshly baked scones, and exquisite sandwiches. The Abbey Tea Bar aims to provide a serene escape for locals and an authentic, memorable experience for tourists, blending traditional heritage with innovative flavours.

ABBEY HOTEL

NORTH PARAdE, BATH BA1 1LFwww. ABBEYTEABAR.COm 01225 461603

£32.50pp

SquARE GRiLL HOuSE

Located beside the iconic Bath Abbey, Square Grill Restaurant & Piano Bar offers an inviting setting for afternoon tea. Afternoon tea is served Monday to Saturday. The traditional cream tea includes fruit scones served with clotted cream, strawberry preserve, and a choice of tea or coffee. Elevate the experience with a glass of Champagne. For those seeking a more indulgent experience, the Square Afternoon Tea includes warm scones with clotted cream and jam, a selection of finger sandwiches and sweet treats in miniature form. The Champagne Afternoon Tea includes all the same delicacies, topped off with a glass of Champagne.

SquARE GRiLL HOuSE 11-12 ABBEY CHuRCHYARd, BATH BA1 1LYwww.SquAREGRiLLBATH.CO.uk 01225 684412

£32.50pp

SwEET LiTTLE THiNGS

Treat yourself to a delightful afternoon tea experience at Sweet Little Things, a family-run tea room and bakery located in the heart of Bath. Indulge in a delectable spread of sweet and savoury treats, paired with your choice of teas. And for those looking for a little extra indulgence, we also offer a bottomless drinks package to accompany your afternoon tea. Come and join us for a truly sweet and memorable time at Sweet Little Things. Regular afternoon tea: £29.95 or we offer a bottomless drinks package for £40.00.

SwEET LiTTLE THiNGS 5 OLd BONd STREET, BATH BA1 1Bwwww.SLTBATH.CO.uk 01225 592108

£29.95pp

THE ROYAL CRESCENT HOTEL

Indulge in a quintessentially English tradition at the iconic Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa; enjoy an exquisite afternoon tea - served 12.30-4pm, pre-booking advised - of delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and an array of delectable pastries, complemented by a choice of Hoogly teas and the option of a glass or flight of Taittinger Champagne. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this idyllic setting offers the perfect blend of luxury and relaxation, along with a choice of alfresco dining on the terrace or the lawn.

THE ROYAL CRESCENT HOTEL & SPA 16 ROYAL CRESCENT, BATH BA1 2LSwww.ROYALCRESCENT.CO.uk 01225 823333

£49pp

What's On

Bath Summer Fayre

Milsom Street, Bath 18th – 20th July

Visitors can explore a wide variety of stalls offering everything from handmade crafts and artisan gifts to street food and sweet treats. Enjoy the creativity of independent makers.

The Mikado

The Mission Theatre

22nd & 23rd July

A wandering minstrel agrees to die at the hands of the Lord High Executioner in exchange for one month of marriage to the love of his life. Then begins a desperate and hilarious battle.

Sense & Sensibility

American Museum & Gardens

25th July, 6.30pm

A funny, fast-paced and faithful new adaptation of Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen, from the criticallyacclaimed Pantaloons Theatre Company, featuring live music.

Fleetwood Mad

Chapel Arts Centre

26th July, 8pm

The sensational and exciting band recreating an authentic Fleetwood Mac experience. Created out of a passion for the popular band, they quickly secured their place as a “must see”.

Festival of Archaeology

Prior Park (National Trust)

19th July – 3rd August

The dig from previous years continues, unearthing more of Prior Park’s watery past (and present) in the pasture, around the site of the bason. Chat to volunteers about their findings.

Bath Bodice Ripping Book Group

No.1 Royal Crescent

23rd July, 6pm

The new queen of regency romance has been crowned. Every page of Sunday Times Bestseller Sophie Irwin’s books drip with charm and pay homage to our city’s icon, Jane Austen.

Hedda

Ustinov Studio

25th July – 23rd August

Star of stage, screen and music Lily Allen will star as the enigmatic and destructive Hedda Gabler, one of theatre’s most irresistible heroines, in a thrilling new version of Ibsen’s masterpiece.

Walk: No Swinging on Sundays

Topping & Company Booksellers

27th July, 10.30am

This literary walk is based on the years of research that led to No Swinging on Sundays, a book filled to the brim with Bath's rich history. The city's pleasure gardens are gone beyond recall.

The Man Who Was Magic

Friday 18th July - Thursday 31st July 2025

Summer Lates

Komedia Bath

20th July, 7.30pm

Following an unprecedented five years of sold-out shows around the worldthis magic show guarantees to leave you aching with laughter and dizzy in disbelief.

London City Ballet - Momentum

Theatre Royal 24th – 26th July

In keeping with their ethos of bringing to the stage rarely seen works, Momentum includes George Balanchine’s Haieff Divertimento, an early work originally lost for 40 years after its première.

Charity Fundraiser Car Boot Sale

Green Park Station

25th & 26th July

A car boot/charity sale for the Borgen Project. An advocacy group endorsing legislation across the world that helps to support those in developing countries suffering from poverty.

Elevation

Walcot Chapel

30th July – 3rd August

Elevation, a new solo exhibition by Cornwall-based Emma Saffy Wilson. This contemplative show will explore the fragile boundary between spiritual reverence and the mundane.

Roman Baths

21st July – 31st August

Relax, unwind and soak up the historic atmosphere of The Roman Baths after hours. As the sun sets, you’ll explore the ancient stones and shimmering waters by torchlight and relax with a drink.

The Evolving City BRLSI

24th July, 7.30pm

Bob Allies was appointed as Bath’s first Architect in Residence in October 2024. In his talk, Bob will explain the nature of, and precedents for, this new role, and give an initial account of his experience.

Bath Pride

Holburne Museum & Sydney Gardens

26th July, 11am – 5pm

Gather for the march from 11am at the gardens, ready to leave at 12pm. There will be music, drag performers, poets and hoop acts over on the stage, with a whole array of stalls.

Arts Award: Discover in a Day Beckford’s Tower

31st July, 10am – 2.30pm

Start your Arts Award adventure at Beckford’s Tower. Head along for a fun, creative day of art and exploration, inspired by the collection at Beckford’s Tower.

SCAN & BOOK

Sponsored by Howden Bath

www.howdeninsurance.co.uk/bath

New bid to turn former Weston loos into house

ANOTHER attempt is being made to redevelop a block of derelict public toilets that closed more than a decade ago.

The application to convert the single-storey building in High Street in Upper Weston to a twobed house has been submitted to Bath & North East Somerset Council by Context Planning Ltd. The application says the site has recently changed hands following three refused planning applications.

The block, which has been closed since July 2014, is set back with landscape planting separating it from the street.

It is next to a footpath and Brookside House on one side, and Grade II-listed Pen Hill Farmhouse is on the other.

The first planning application, lodged at the end of 2017, was to demolish the block and build three one-bed flats of similar design and appearance to neighbouring Brookside House.

The reasons for refusal were the harm to both the setting of the listed farmhouse and the Bath Conservation Area, caused by the height and scale of the flats, which would also have a significant negative impact on nearby homes in terms of loss of light and privacy.

The council also said that adequate provision could not be made on the site for parking.

The owner lodged an appeal but it was dismissed by an inspector. The second bid in 2018 was to

knock down the block and build a pair of semi-detached houses.

The reasons given by the council for refusal were the lack of a flooding sequential test, harm to road safety, loss of on-street parking, and the lack of private outdoor space.

In 2019 a scheme to convert and extend the block to form two twobed flats was also refused due to the lack of both private outdoor space and parking, which would likely result in “inappropriate parking” on the road.

In this latest application, Context Planning says the toilet block will be reused and converted to form a two-bed house. Additional space will be created with a small increase in the roof height and a front-facing, single-storey extension.

Fire in central Bath started deliberately

A FIRE at a property in Bath on Sunday afternoon, 13th July, is believed to have been started deliberately, firefighters have said.

Emergency services were called shortly before 5pm to reports of the fire at a residential property above commercial premises at Abbey Churchyard. Crews from the Bath and Hicks Gate fire stations were sent to the scene, with firefighters using water jets and hose reels to extinguish the blaze.

Six of the firefighters wore breathing equipment.

Crews then used fans to ventilate the property and gas monitors to check for any hazards. Nobody is believed to have been injured in the incident.

A spokesperson for Avon Fire & Rescue Service said: “The cause of the fire is thought to be deliberate; fortunately, no one was injured.

“Firefighters worked alongside the police on the scene to ensure everything was safe.”

All new windows and doors will be high-performance, doubleglazed units to improve thermal efficiency and reduce heat loss. Bin and bike storage is proposed. There is no parking proposed but the planning consultants say: “A solution must be found as the site has remained vacant for a significant period of time. It is not viable to deliver a non-residential development, and a residential scheme is therefore the only realistic option.”

They say there have been examples nearby of carfree developments and in this particular case, it is not considered necessary to provide on-site parking given the “highly sustainable” nature of the site and the small-scale development proposed.

The site is close to shops and facilities and well located for bus services.

Although there will only be a small, landscaped area space at the front of the property, there is said to be an “abundance of outdoor recreational space” nearby with Weston Recreation Ground and the Cotswold Way 300 metres away.

The consultants also say: “The conversion and extension of the building that has been out of use for the past 11 years would result in an enhancement to the character and appearance of the Conservation Area and preserve the significance of the neighbouring listed building.”

Anyone wishing to comment on the proposal has until the end of July.

Woman dies after swimming in river

A WOMAN HAS died after getting into difficulty while swimming in the River Avon in Bath, police have confirmed.

Shortly before 7.20pm on Friday 11th July, emergency services were called to the scene at the river in the Lambridge area of the city.

Police say the woman was last seen swimming in the water close to the Grosvenor Bridge Road footbridge.

The police helicopter was brought in to assist with the search, alongside fire crews from Bath’s fire station.

Firefighters recovered her body from the water at around 8.15pm, and she was pronounced dead shortly afterwards.

Avon & Somerset Police told the Echo: “The woman’s next of kin have been informed.

“Our thoughts are with them following these tragic events.

“A file will be prepared for the coroner in due course, but the

A helicopter assisted in the search

circumstances of the woman’s death are believed to be nonsuspicious.”

A spokesperson for the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) said:

“We were called at 19:08hrs on Friday 11th July to an incident in Bath.

“We sent one double-crewed land ambulance, an operations officer, and the hazardous area response team to the scene.”

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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!

This summer, we’re thrilled to share in the excitement of The British & Irish Lions, not only as a Principal Partner but here on a local level too.

At Howden, we’re making the tour season one to remember, not only by sponsoring major events but also by backing community initiatives, such as championing the grassroots game.

It’s a great opportunity for us to support celebrate the legacy of the game – not just through watch parties, but by recognising the incredible work of local clubs such as Bath Rugby, with whom we run our boot exchange. Rugby brings people together, and we’re proud to help bring that spirit to life locally with events that everyone can enjoy. Keep your eyes peeled for details of our upcoming watch parties, with The British & Irish Lions taking on The Wallabies in what’s set to be three epic tests! Adding to the excitement, we’re also running giveaways and competitions on our social media, with prizes including signed Lions jerseys, team kits, PerfectDraft beer kegs, Stanley cups, and more. Stay in the loop at @howdeninsurancelocaluk on Facebook and Instagram.

Howden Bath

7 George Street, Bath, BA1 2EH 01225 788044

www.howdeninsurance.co.uk

Becky Feather Reporter

Fire crews at the scene in central Bath

The former loos in Weston village

New bridge over River Avon approved A367 set to close for urgent sewer repairs

THE proposed new bridge over the River Avon linking Keynsham and Hanham has been given the seal of approval by Bath & North East Somerset Council planners.

The river is the border between B&NES to the south and South Gloucestershire to the north.

Both B&NES Council and South Gloucestershire Council (SGC) share jurisdiction over the project and South Gloucestershire’s planning team has also approved the plans.

Buro Happold (lead consultant) and Moxon Architects have designed the bridge which will be for pedestrians, cyclists, wheelchair users and horses and will cross the river near Durley Lane.

The bridge, with floodplains either side, will span 40 metres and be between about nine and 12 metres above ground at varying points.

It is part of the WaterSpace Connected project, aimed at enhancing the river corridor between Bristol and Bath.

The development phase of the project has been primarily funded by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority (WECA). Taylor Wimpey is

contributing towards the cost of building the bridge as part of its redevelopment of the former Cadbury’s site at Somerdale.

B&NES Council received 41 comments of support for the bridge proposals and four objections which highlighted concerns including the impact to the Somerdale floodplain and that the path in the Somerdale estate and onward routes need improvements.

The council's flooding and drainage team raised no objection. The Environment Agency did not object to the principle of development but did initially ask for greater clarity about the flood risk posed by the new bridge. Additional modelling demonstrated that the risk would not be significantly increased.

The Canal & River Trust also raised no objection but said that to ensure the bridge does not impede navigation during the installation phase, its code of practice should be followed.

The route from Keynsham to the proposed bridge is along public footpath BA27/87 and although B&NES Council's public rights of way team raised no objection to the new bridge, they noted that the footpath is not designated for use by cyclists or equestrians so additional public rights will be required to upgrade the public footpath to a bridleway.

The bridge will have no permanent lighting, and it is considered it will not have a significant effect on bats.

The site is within the River Avon Site of Nature Conservation Interest which is a supporting feature of the Bath & Bradford on Avon Bat Special Area of Conservation.

A survey revealed 13 species were recorded commuting and foraging within and surrounding the site.

SGC said that the primary issue in planning terms is the potential impact on the Green Belt but there is “clear and convincing rationale” for the bridge as it would encourage access into the countryside, link to wider strategic transport (the Bristol & Bath Railway Path) and promote more sustainable modes of pedestrian access.

SGC has yet to make a decision on plans for a new multi-user to link with the new bridge. An existing public right of way – the River Avon Trail - is unpaved from the point it leaves The Chequers Inn car park at Ferry Road.

The “all-weather” path will be constructed from reinforced concrete and textured to reduce slipping by horses.

WESSEX Water is set to undertake essential sewer repairs in Radstock for two weeks in August, with road users being urged to carefully plan their journeys during the work.

A short section of the A367 Wells Road near the centre of the town will be closed to through traffic for two weeks from Monday 4th August.

The repair work will be carried out between the junction with The Street and junction with the private road leading to 12-20 Wells Road.

An official diversion, using the A362 (Somervale Road, Radstock Road, Station Road, West Road), A37, and the A367 (Bath Road) will be in place, with the project due to be completed by Friday 15th August.

A Wessex Water spokesperson said: “Road closures are always a last resort but, in this case, necessary to maintain the safety both of our working team and the public while it is completed.

“We have written to customers in Radstock about the work and also been in touch with Radstock Town Council.

“We are aware that the routes of buses will also be impacted and would urge users to contact the relevant bus company for further information about services.

“Advanced warning signs will be in place around the area to warn road users about the closure and our team will be working at weekends and extended hours to try and complete the project as quickly as possible.

“We’re sorry for any inconvenience caused.”

Becky Feather Reporter

A diversion route will be put in place during the closure

Groups invited to find out about local renewable energy

PEOPLE wanting to explore the potential to create communityowned renewable energy projects are being asked to register their interest with Bath & North East Somerset Council.

The Energy in Your Community project is looking for three communities that are interested in developing capacity for local energy generation such as wind farms or solar farms.

The small-scale renewable energy projects would be set up and owned by the community, with the benefits to be retained by them.

As part of the Community Energy Network, Energy in Your Community is a partnership project involving Bath & North East Somerset Council, Bath & West Community Energy (BWCE), the Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE) and the University of Bath.

The aim is to support the development of 5MW of community-owned renewable generation across the Bath and North East Somerset area by 2030.

Councillor Sarah Warren, cabinet member for climate emergency and sustainable travel, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for any local organisations who are keen to introduce community-owned renewable energy initiatives in their area and would benefit from additional resource or expertise

to get a project off the ground.

“The communities will be offered extensive support to identify, develop and promote their schemes which, as well as cutting carbon emissions, can bring direct benefits to a community by boosting local development or creating a community energy fund for local projects.

“Establishing community-owned capacity will also help contribute to the council’s goal of 300MW of renewable energy generation capacity.”

Communities, whether they are ready to start exploring a project or are just curious, can register their interest on the council website at www.bathnes.gov.uk/ communityenergynetwork

The selection process will be based on several criteria that aim to assess local enthusiasm for and interest in communityowned renewables.

The three selected communities will work with CSE and BWCE to grow community support – attending workshops to explore local energy needs and opportunities, share ideas and views, learn about the benefits of community-owned energy and discuss what types of renewable energy might work locally.

In the second stage of the process, groups that want to develop a potential energy project further will be offered grant funding and

Police probe reports of teens killing wildlife

Becky Feather Reporter

POLICE are investigating reports that teenage boys are killing wildlife in Peasedown St John. They are also looking into various reports of anti-social behaviour in and around the village, particularly at Orchard Way.

as birds and hedgehogs.

“The group of young males involved in this behaviour are said to be aged around 14 years.

The Peasedown and Paulton Neighbourhood Policing Team say: “In recent weeks damage has been caused to bus shelters and trees.

“Also, there have been incidents of doors being knocked on in the very early hours and reports that a group of young males are involved in killing wildlife such

“Although the number of official reports to police is limited, the Neighbourhood Team are aware of several incidents that have not been reported.”

People are asked to report incidents of criminal damage, wildlife crime and anti-social behaviour, either by calling 101 or filling out an online report form at https:// www.avonandsomerset.police. uk/report/ Anyone with information about the identity of those responsible for any of the incidents is asked to contact the local team via the Avon & Somerset Police website.

support to outline which options are technically and financially realistic and explore local sites, funding possibilities and delivery models.

Three Bath and North East Somerset communities that took part in the Future Energy Landscape (FEL) pilots with the council and the CSE in 2022 have already progressed to the second stage.

Residents of these areas –Peasedown and Wellow, Temple Cloud and Hinton Blewitt and Stowey Sutton and East and West Harptree – who have not previously been involved, can complete the online form to be linked to the existing group.

The FEL methodology that CSE developed will guide this phase of the project.

Neil Best, senior town planner and community engagement expert from the CSE said: “We’re pleased to scale up our method to help shape a communityinformed and locally grounded energy transition.

“This project highlights how tailored, place-based approaches can support smarter, fairer progress toward net zero.”

Communities can complete an online form to register their interest, but if you have any questions or require an alternative format (such as large print, braille, audio, or

a downloadable version for printing), contact Community_ Energy@bathnes.gov.uk. You can also call 01225 477615 if you would prefer to complete the form over the phone.

The closing date for registering your interest is 5pm, Friday 1st August.

Energy in Your Community is part of the three-year Community Energy Network that received £1.5 million funding from The National Lottery Climate Action Fund.

Bath & North East Somerset Council partnered with Bath and West Community Energy (BWCE), the University of Bath and the Community Wellbeing Hub to successfully bid for the funding. The funding will also support the creation of a network of Energy Champions, based within community groups, frontline services and third sector and health organisations across B&NES.

They will be supporting peers, neighbours, communities and colleagues to access support around home energy, retrofit and renewables through a programme of local advice dropins and events and home visits providing basic draughtproofing and energy efficiency measures. More information about the Community Energy Network can be found on the council website.

Support for Bath allotment holders

ALLOTMENT holders at a site in Combe Down that is set to close later this year, after the owner decided to end the lease of the land to the council, are being offered support.

Combe Down Allotment users are being asked to contact the local authority to explore options for plots on other sites, ahead of the planned closure.

A letter has been sent to allotment holders making the offer and reminding them they will need to remove all their belongings by the end of 31st October.

It follows the landowner’s decision to end the lease, despite repeated requests by Bath & North East Somerset Council to secure the site so that the long history of food growing and allotments at Combe Down could continue.

The landowner has consistently refused to meet and find a mutually beneficial solution,

including the council’s offer to purchase the land, at a price deemed reasonable by an independent valuation. That offer was not accepted.

The landowner is said to be seeking £1.4 million for the site.

Councillor Sarah Warren, deputy council leader and cabinet member for sustainable Bath & North East Somerset, said:

“We fully recognise how valued these allotments are – both personally and within the wider community – and we are equally as disappointed as the allotment holders that this situation has arisen.

“The council made every effort to negotiate with the landowner to retain the site, including offering to purchase the land, at a price deemed reasonable by an independent valuation.

Unfortunately, this offer was not accepted.

“Despite this, we remain

committed to supporting allotment gardening in the area and are actively exploring opportunities to replace – and where possible, expand –provision elsewhere in the city. “While we are not yet in a position to confirm details, we are keeping allotment holders informed as this work progresses.”

To help ease the transition, the council is arranging for skips to be made available on-site during October to assist with the removal of personal belongings, chattels, and materials.

Currently, there are 64 allotments on the land off St Winifred’s Drive, which the council leases. There is no timeframe over which the obligation for an allotment site must be satisfied.

Follow on Threads Find us @BathEcho

Communities will be able to generate their own power from renewables

ECHO

We’re very pleased to reveal the winners of our inaugural Bath Echo Community Awards!

We had a fantastic number of entries to our first awards, and we’re looking forward to meeting our amazing winners at our awards reception!

We’d like to thank every single person who took the time to nominate an individual or group. These awards wouldn’t be possible without our sponsors, who have generously supported our efforts to shine a spotlight on Bath’s community.

Keep an eye out for photos and more from our awards reception in our next issue, out on Friday 1st August. We’re already preparing for 2026!

MP learns about staff challenges during ambulance station visit

BATH MP Wera Hobhouse recently visited Bath’s ambulance station on Bathwick Street, finding out more about the challenges being faced by staff.

The Liberal Democrat MP met leaders and staff during her time at the station on Friday 11th July, hearing first-hand about the issues they encounter on a daily basis.

The South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) is responsible for the provision of ambulance services across an area of 10,000 square miles – equivalent to 20% of mainland England.

Their operational area is predominantly rural, but also includes large urban centres including Bath, Bristol, Plymouth, Exeter, Swindon, Gloucester, Bournemouth and Poole.

The trust serves a population of over 5.7 million, many of which are aging, and is estimated to receive an influx of over 23 million visitors each year.

Meeting with Dr John Martin, the trust’s Chief Executive, Paul Birkett-Wendes, Head of Operations for the Bath, Swindon and Wiltshire (BSW) region, and Oliver Dalton, Operations manager BSW, Mrs Hobhouse, a member of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Emergency Care, heard how so-called “Hospital Handover Delays” are one of their biggest challenges.

For their part, SWASFT is working very closely with hospitals across the region to help ensure their ambulance clinicians can get back out on the road as quickly as possible to respond to other 999 calls in the community.

Since 2020, they have increased the number of hours their ambulances are on the road from 37,000 to over 50,000 per week across the South West. They have also improved their remote patient triage with clinicians in their Emergency Operations Centres assessing 999 calls, directing patients to the right care and reducing unnecessary hospital visits. As a result, SWASFT now has some of the lowest conveyance rates to Emergency Departments in the

country.

In addition they have teams of so-called Hospital Ambulance Liaison Officers (HALOs) –dedicated paramedics working at the most challenged Emergency Departments to provide local leadership. They assist with prioritising handover of patients waiting to be transferred into hospital care.

Collaboration with system partners has led to the development of Care Coordination (CareCo) Hubs across the regions, connecting ambulance clinicians with other health and social care professionals to ensure patients access the right care, the first time, reducing unnecessary Emergency Department admissions and ambulance dispatches, meaning patients are treated closer to home.

After the discussions, Mrs Hobhouse enjoyed a tour around the station facilities and stepped inside an ambulance where paramedics Ollie Dalton and Oli Bourton demonstrated the wide range of treatment and diagnostic equipment the teams can employ when mobile.

Dr John Martin, Chief Executive at SWASFT, said: “We were pleased to welcome Mrs Hobhouse to Bath ambulance station and appreciated the opportunity to showcase the dedication and professionalism of our teams.

“Her visit was a valuable chance to share how we’re working to improve patient care and respond

to the needs of our communities across Bath and North East Somerset.”

Wera Hobhouse commented:

“Delays in hospital transfers are often followed by unacceptably long waits in A&E itself: in the month of May nearly 500 people in our NHS area waited over 12 hours.

“Add to that the shocking state of access to GP appointments, which itself places more pressure on emergency care as one in eight of people who can’t get a GP appointment end up going to A&E, causing a possible 50,000 deaths last year, and you begin to get a picture of just how badly the Conservatives broke health services through their unforgivable neglect.

“The NHS and emergency medical services are now facing an emergency of their own.

“The Labour government is showing an inexcusable lack of urgency in fixing this, opting for review after review instead of delivering action for people in our area.

“We Liberal Democrats are calling on the government to show more ambition in order to get patients in our area the care they deserve. Anything less will just prolong the distress and suffering of thousands of people.

“I am full of nothing but admiration and the greatest respect for our ambulance service workers who deliver incredible care in these most challenging of circumstances.”

Fundraising campaign launched for scanner

A MAJOR fundraising campaign has been launched by RUHX, the official charity of the Royal United Hospital in Bath, to purchase a new PET-CT scanner.

A PET-CT scanner is a versatile, powerful tool in modern healthcare, providing critical insights across multiple treatment areas including many different cancers, dementia and rheumatic, neurological and cardiac diseases.

Its ability to combine functional and structural imaging makes it indispensable for early diagnosis, precise treatment planning and monitoring this wide range of diseases.

The RUH Medical Physics and Radiology teams currently perform over 1,700 individual scans annually, and demand is increasing every year. With the new £4 million campaign providing the latest scanning technology and increasing the number of uptake rooms, they will be able to carry out up to 5,000 scans per year with the new scanner.

The PET-CT technology will provide:

• Earlier detection, meaning better outcomes

• Better images from faster scans

• Lower radiation exposure

• More capacity, meaning shorter wait times.

Sarah Cade, Head of Nuclear Medicine, said: “This new PET-CT scanner represents a significant leap forward in medical imaging technology, combining the best of Positron Emission Tomography and Computed Tomography.

“This advanced technology will enable us to detect and diagnose conditions like cancer, dementia, and rheumatology diseases with

unprecedented accuracy and at much earlier stages.

“With the help of RUHX supporters, we can maintain our position at the forefront of medical innovation and continue to deliver the very best healthcare services to our community.”

Patient David Barton, from Bath, who recently had pre- and posttreatment PET-CT scans at the RUH Bath, said: “Both PET-CT scans gave me peace of mind. The first confirmed the cancer didn’t spread to my lungs, so that is great – and the second scan confirmed, yes, it’s gone. It was such a relief.”

David’s story highlights why PETCT scans are so vital in diagnosing and managing treatment. They don’t just provide images, they offer certainty, direction, and hope.

From diagnosing the extent of disease to confirming successful treatment, the scans help patients move forward with confidence and often get back to enjoying life with friends and family.

Now in its 26th year, RUHX has, most recently, helped the RUH Bath complete and open their new Dyson Cancer Centre, bring groundbreaking Robotic Surgery and its benefits to patients, and extend the hospitals Breast Care Unit.

Rhyannon Boyd, Associate Director of RUHX, said: “The existing PET-CT scanner is nearing its life expectancy, and technology has significantly advanced since 2016.

“The latest scanners are three times more sensitive, providing clearer results and faster scans, which is crucial for improving patient care.”

To find out more, visit: www. ruhx.org.uk/pet-ct/

MP Wera Hobhouse outside Bath’s ambulance station

Staff and supporters launching the campaign | Photo © Paul Gillis Photography

Bath teacher takes on Everest cycling challenge in aid of school

BATH geography teacher Dan Fox will be attempting to climb the equivalent of Mount Everest - 8,848 metres - by cycling up and down Lansdown Lane this Sunday, 20th July.

Dan will be starting his ‘Everesting' attempt at 4am, repeatedly ascending a safe section of the hill around 100 times.

He said: “The ride is in aid of my school association - I am a teacher at Oldfield School.

“The idea is to raise funds to encourage more of our students to get into cycling, to provide some equipment for them to make cycling to school easier and promote our school values of kindness, resilience and ambition.”

Dan, of Broadmoor Vale, said the Everesting idea was invented in 2012 by a group called Hells 500 and has become a bit of a bucketlist item for cyclists. He expects the challenge to

take him around 15 hours to complete, including breaks, and chose Lansdown Lane as it is a hill the students are familiar with.

He said: “It seemed like a good time to take it on as I have recently turned 40 and I'm also motivated to tell my dad all about it.

”He's an ex-cyclist who has been dealing with Parkinson’s for the last few years.

“So far my fundraising campaign has raised about £1,700 which is fantastic - but the more we raise, the better.”

People are welcome to go along and encourage Dan on Sunday. A gazebo will be set up outside Weston Free Church (Moravian) for donations.

Visit the GoFundMe page at https://tinyurl.com/2utnfae9

Drone team crowned world champions

A TEAM of engineers from the University of Bath have been crowned world champions in a contest which saw them design, build and fly their own drone.

Team Bath Drones won the 2025 UAS Challenge, which brought together 32 teams from universities around the world for a final fly-off event at BMFA Buckminster in Lincolnshire.

The group narrowly beat the reigning champions Beihang University (China), with Politecnico di Milano (Italy) awarded third place.

Team lead Ashviny Ramanathan has just completed a Master’s in Aerospace Engineering at Bath’s Department of Mechanical Engineering.

She said: “To win this worldwide competition among really strong competition is just amazing.

“The team have worked incredibly hard this year to make our drone even better in terms of how it flies and how it’s made, so to take the overall win is a great way to end our season.

“It was a great experience that we plan to replicate next year.”

Over 100 students, studying Aerospace, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Management and Computer Science are members of Team Bath Drones. At the event, the team were charged with setting up their drone to operate autonomously, performing a series of tasks such as navigating waypoints, delivering a humanitarian aid package and returning to base via a defined route automatically, while also demonstrating its efficiency, manoeuvrability and sustainability. Bath were the first in the competition to fly a fully autonomous mission, performing a take-off, successful waypoint navigation, payload drop and landing.

Becky Feather Reporter

Dan will be taking on the challenge on 20th July

Photo © University of Bath

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Dental practice withdraws scheme to create more parking

Becky Feather Reporter

A BATH dental surgery’s plans to create a bigger car park have been formally withdrawn.

The new parking area would have covered half the rear garden at Wellsway Dental Surgery at 56 Wellsway.

The proposals also included alterations to the existing parking area at the front and the access.

The plans would have seen the number of parking spaces increase from eight to 15. Four were intended for staff use, leaving the additional spaces for patients.

The planning application submitted to Bath & North East Somerset Council in February said the practice is extremely busy, with patients coming from Bath and surrounding villages.

The building also houses a chiropractor’s clinic.

A significant factor given for the need for more parking was the introduction of the Residents’ Parking Zone in Bear Flat six years ago, which turned existing on-street parking bays into permit-only parking bays, limited time parking and no parking in

certain areas.

The application stated that approximately 75% of dental patients come by car and nearly all appointments for the chiropractor are by car.

Although Wellsway is on a major bus route, because of where many of the patients live, bus services are either unavailable or there is not an “appropriate timetable”.

Some local residents contacted local councillor Alison Born (Widcombe & Lyncombe, Liberal Democrat) with concerns about the loss of mature trees and green space.

In March, she told planning officers: “They note that the surgery already has some off-

Holiday let conversion receives approval

A SCHEME to turn office accommodation in Widcombe into a holiday let has been approved.

The proposals submitted to Bath & North East Somerset Council for 4 Millbrook Place included an application for listed building consent to carry out internal alterations to create a shower room.

The vacant property behind Widcombe Parade is Grade II listed and was converted into office accommodation 25 years ago.

There are two small office spaces with a WC and a small kitchen area.

Assessing the application, council

planners said that given the size and layout of the premises, it is clearly “lower quality office space” and there are multiple other available office spaces within Bath that are equal to or of better quality.

They said the loss of office space is therefore acceptable, as is the proposed use as holiday accommodation.

street parking, that there is good provision of free on-street parking nearby and that the area is well served by public transport.”

The council’s transportation and highways team said in May that more information would be needed before they could determine if there was “reasonable demand” for the increase in parking, including evidence to confirm that shortstay parking in the local area was unavailable and that there would be a significant inconvenience for clients as a result.

We have asked Wellsway Dental Surgery if it wishes to comment following the withdrawal of the planning application.

Guest rooms proposed at Walcot House

WALCOT House in Bath has revealed proposals to expand, including creating seven boutique guest rooms and turning the nightclub space into a dining and event venue.

The restaurant, bar and events business, based in the city’s artisan quarter at 90b Walcot Street, is part of the Walcot Group empire.

The plans involve knocking through to No. 90a, which is currently a vacant restaurant.

A planning application and request for listed building consent have been submitted to Bath & North East Somerset Council.

In a design and heritage document, the architects Mitchell Eley Gould say: “A series of strategic openings have been proposed to create access between an updated kitchen on ground and lower ground level.

“Additionally, a minor opening at the ground level will connect the vibrant dining experience at Walcot House with an elegant reception and lounge within 90a.

“The currently underutilised nightclub space at Walcot House (90b) will be transformed into a versatile dining and event venue, capable of hosting large-scale

occasions such as weddings and corporate events.”

The report continues: “Boutique guest rooms have been envisioned to revitalise the underused upper floors of 90a, enhancing both the building’s functionality and appeal.

“The ground floor will be transformed into a welcoming reception area, serving as an inviting point of entry for both restaurant patrons and guests staying in the upper rooms.”

The report adds that providing a much-needed private event space with accommodation is “a rare offering in Bath”.

The proposals for the Grade II listed premises also aim to enhance the entrances of 90a on both Walcot Street and Old Orchard Street and to reinstate and extend the use of traditional awnings along the Walcot Street side of 90a and 90b.

The Walcot Group is a familyowned business employing 200 people. The Still family’s first venue was the Pear Tree at Whitley, followed by the Methuen Arms in Corsham. The group also includes Green Street Butchers, Mother and Wild in Corsham, Little Walcot in Frome and Solina Pasta in Bath.

Church to be demolished as plans for housing are approved

Becky Feather Reporter

PLANS to demolish the Catholic Church of the Good Shepherd at Batheaston and build a terrace of four houses have finally won planning permission.

The church is a rare example of Brutalist architecture in the Bath area. Also known as the Batheaston Mass Centre, it closed during the pandemic. With declining numbers attending mass, it was judged to not be viable to reopen.

Bath & North East Somerset Council identified it as a “nondesignated heritage asset”

following the initial planning application in 2023.

But Historic England dismissed two requests to add the building to its statutory list of designated heritage assets, concluding “it falls short of the level of interest

required for it to be listed in the national context”.

Two rounds of consultation took place, one for the initial plans and one for the revised plans, which included a reduction in the height, scale and appearance of the houses and fewer parking spaces.

In total 120 objections were received to Clifton Diocese’s plans. There was also one comment of support.

Both the planning committee chair Councillor Tim Ball and vice chair Councillor Paul Crossley agreed the decision could be delegated to planning officers and the proposals have this week been approved.

The dental practice on Wellsway in Bath

The Church of the Good Shepherd

Rival stores and bus firm object to Lidl's second store plan

Becky Feather Reporter

RIVAL retailers and a local bus company are among the hundreds of objectors to Lidl’s latest attempt to build a new store on a field off the -London Road in Bath.

Lidl’s original proposals to build its second supermarket in the city were met with a protest and more than 1,500 comments. But last July, the budget supermarket chain withdrew the planning application for the site east of Bath Rugby’s training ground.

At the time, Lidl said: “To ensure that our application is as robust as possible and contains the results of vital highways surveys, we have withdrawn our application with a view to resubmitting it later in the year once we’ve had an opportunity to carry out these surveys.”

A new application was submitted to Bath & North East Somerset Council in April, with Lidl saying it had been designed to mitigate any impact on traffic on London Road. Hundreds of comments have again been posted on the council’s planning portal, the majority against, but also many in favour.

Among the objectors are planning consultants for Waitrose who say the company has the only large supermarket within the city centre, and it is an “anchor store”.

In their report they say: “We have identified several concerns with the planning & retail statement which has been submitted as part of the planning application, in respect of a number of assumptions in regard to the assessment of retail impact.

“We consider the financial impact assessment as currently presented does not clearly demonstrate that a 'significant adverse' impact will not arise on Bath city centre.

“Our client's store plays a key role in supporting overall vitality and viability of Bath city centre and is likely to support footfall and linked trips spending within the wider city centre.

“The impacts arising against

our client's store therefore present a significant planning consideration for the authority in their determination of the application.”

The proposed Lidl would be almost four times the size of the Co-op store in St Saviour’s Road in Larkhall. Planning consultants for The Co-operative Group say the application has failed to address previous concerns:

“The Co-operative Group recognises that commercial competition is not a material planning consideration and only objects to proposals for retail developments that are clearly contrary to national and local planning policies that seek to ensure the vitality of town centres and to support the role that these centres play in the heart of their local communities.”

The Co-op report says the proposed Lidl is not sustainably located and relies wholly on shopping trips by car; it describes the site as “very sensitive” in terms of its location within the Bath World Heritage Site and Conservation Area.

The consultants also describe the applicant's retail impact assessment as “flawed” and say there is a lack of local public

A PDSA study in 2024 revealed that 51% of UK households owned a pet, with a total of 10.6 million dogs and 10.8 million cats. There is a clear bond between humans and their beloved pet companions; therefore, it is appropriate to consider what happens to the family pets should a couple decide to separate.

Family pets are considered to be a “chattel” and are therefore treated in the same way as any other personal possessions, such as jewellery, cars, etc.

If parties are unable to agree

support for the new store.

Meanwhile Daniel Pickford, director of bus firm Faresaver, says that as a primary operator of bus services along the A4 London Road corridor, it has “strong concerns” about a new supermarket.

“Our principal concern relates to the anticipated impact on the inbound bus lane.

“The proposed development appears likely to result in a reduction of this vital piece of transport infrastructure, which plays a crucial role in enabling buses to bypass congested traffic, particularly during peak periods.

“Any loss of bus priority measures will inevitably increase journey times and reduce the reliability of services, to the clear detriment of our passengers and the wider goal of encouraging sustainable transport.”

Faresaver recently submitted proposals for a new timetable, which is set to take effect in September. This includes extended journey times between the city centre and Batheaston specifically to accommodate growing congestion.

Mr Pickford adds: “The supermarket development would not only reduce the length of

Legal Expert

on what will happen to their pets following separation, then they may wish to consider noncourt dispute resolution as a means of resolving the matter. For example, mediation may be able to assist in facilitating a conversation regarding the future care and ownership of pets.

As ever, court proceedings should be a last resort, however, it is helpful to consider the factors that the court would take into account when determining the ownership of a pet, namely: Who bought the pet? Who is the registered owner on the microchip database? Who is registered on the pet’s insurance? Who was the main carer of the pet during the relationship? Where

centres, such as Larkhall, Batheaston and London Road.

The Federation of Bath Residents’ Associations, which represents 34 associations and six affiliate organisations, voices concerns about the erosion of the “green ring” surrounding Bath and the “significant harm” to the Conservation Area and World Heritage city, the impact on the river corridor, and increased congestion on London Road. Comments in favour of the development include: “A choice of supermarket is needed on the east side of Bath.

“So many people drive to the west side to shop at the current Lidl, so it makes sense that less traffic will go through town if there is a choice this side.”

the inbound bus lane but also generate additional vehicle movements from customers accessing the site.

“This increase in traffic volumes will further exacerbate congestion on an already overburdened corridor, leading to slower bus journeys, reduced service punctuality, and a decline in the overall attractiveness of public transport.”

He says the lack of a dedicated Park & Ride on the eastern approach to Bath means cars remains the “dominant” mode of travel for those coming from outside the city.

Bath’s Liberal Democrat MP Wera Hobhouse has written to the council to say her objections to the previous application remain unchanged: “This application raises significant concerns on several material planning grounds, particularly in relation to traffic congestion, air quality, local amenity, and the potential impact on Bath’s World Heritage status and historic townscape.”

Ward councillors Joanna Wright and Saskia Heijltjes (Lambridge, Green) have also objected again, saying it would have a “significant adverse effect” on the vitality and viability of nearby local shopping

One supporter says: “The new proposals take better consideration of the traffic management and natural surroundings. This side of the city needs a budget supermarket to help manage the rising cost of living.”

Another comment posted on the planning portal says: “With the increasing population, and the desire to reduce cross-city traffic in mind, this eco-designed new Lidl should be welcomed with open arms.”

Meanwhile Jonathan Metcalfe, a former chair of Batheaston Parish Council, says he “wholeheartedly” supports the new store as it would bring “excellent and cheaper shopping to the east side of the city of Bath”. He adds that it was a “dreadful mistake” that the ‘Beckford spur’ was never built; the road would have come off the end of the bypass and alleviated traffic hold-ups on Cleveland Bridge. “The Beckford spur would have led into Sydney Gardens as a oneway system large roundabout and traffic would have flowed much more easily towards Widcombe and out on the south and west of the city.”

The official deadline for comments on the Lidl proposals closed in June, but comments are still being submitted.

B&NES Council is due to make a decision next month.

does the pet reside now? Who pays the day-to-day expenses related to the pet?

Previous cases relating to pets show that each case will be determined by its own facts, and by considering the factors set out above.

Therefore, no two matters are the same and each is determined on a case-by-case basis.

The court has the power to decide who should own the pet, and to make a property adjustment order, or order that the pet should be sold and the proceeds divided in a specific way.

As an alternative, to avoid pet ownership escalating to court proceedings, parties should consider entering into

an agreement as to how the ownership of pets should be considered in the event of separation, sometimes known as a ‘pet-nuptial agreement’. A pet-nuptial agreement will be treated in the same manner as a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement. It is also possible to include a pet clause within a standard prenuptial or postnuptial agreement. Such an agreement sets out the parties’ clear intentions from the outset, thereby seeking to avoid any uncertainty and heartache caused by losing a pet upon separation.

For more information, please get in touch with Stone King’s Family Team.

How the new store could look | Image © Lidl GB

Council under fire for hoisting Intersex flag at Guildhall

THE FLYING of the Intersex Progress flag above the Guildhall is dividing opinion, with one objector saying it “risks damaging the reputation of Bath”.

So far there have been 17 objections and 15 comments of support following Bath & North East Somerset Council’s retrospective planning application to fly the flag.

The council has flown the Rainbow flag - commonly known as the Pride flag - for many years to commemorate events such as LGBT+ History Month in February and Pride Month in June as a visible demonstration of inclusivity and support for LGBTQ+ communities. The application seeking advertisement consent says that in recent years, many civic bodies and organisations have adopted the Progress Pride flag.

Designed in 2018, the updated flag incorporates the original Rainbow flag and adds a chevron of black, brown, light blue, pink, and white stripes to represent historically more marginalised groups within the LGBTQ+ community, including people from black and minority ethnic communities and transgender people, plus a purple circle on a yellow background representing intersex individuals.

Liberal Democrat councillor

Shaun Stephenson-McGall (Timsbury) has written in support of the application saying: “Unsurprisingly as B&NES Council’s member advocate for LGBT+ issues, I strongly support the application by the council to fly the Intersex Progress flag from the permanent flagpole on the roof of the Guildhall, Bath.”

He adds: “I agree with the applicant, B&NES Council, that this proposal involves no substantial changes beyond the updated flag design.”

Fellow Liberal Democrat councillor Ian Halsall (Oldfield Park) says in his letter of support that he is “proud to live in and represent such an inclusive city where we respect the values and individualities of all our residents, visitors and those who work here and the contributions they make to our communities

and economy”.

He adds that “there is no politics in planning” and the application is purely to seek retrospective advertisement consent to consider the impact of the flag and its design on public safety and amenity.

“Whether there are morality issues over the meaning of the flag, and it must be noted that the state flag of Ukraine has been flying from the Guildhall for some time, the assessment of it can only be on planning grounds. “Those who object to its display is a personal choice for whatever reason that I would not agree with and if deemed by those to be a political issue, it can be tested at the ballot box in 2027, not in unreasonably refusing this application.”

Another supporter said: “It's disappointing that permission

is required, and that this in itself provides an opportunity to those who support hate, bigotry, transphobia and homophobia to object.”

Comments of objection include:

“The display of such a politically charged and divisive flag not only risks damaging the reputation of Bath but also risks reciprocity from objectors which would further damage the reputation of Bath.

“Bath is shrouded in history and is considered by many a good holiday destination but the inclusion of such a flag will deter many visitors who will object to the inclusion of such a political message.

“Having recently visited Munich during their Pride festival (unintentionally) I have firsthand experience of how a flag such as this clashes with the culture, history and appeal, and the inclusion of an intersex flag will have a similar effect.

“Pride-related flags also do not represent the vast majority of views or sexualities in Bath and is pandering to an extremely small minority. The pursuance of this does not come from an outcry from the community but is an act very evidently being used by the councillors in Bath to push an agenda they support to the detriment of residents.”

Another objector says: “The town

hall is a civic space representing all constituents, and therefore the default should be nationally recognised symbols like the Union Jack or the St George’s Cross, unless there's clear and widespread local consensus.

“Concerns may also be raised about politicisation of local government spaces or the risk of perceived exclusion if not all groups are equally recognised. It does not appear that flying flags promoting any specific interest group where there is no evidence to suggest that they are excluded is appropriate. Indeed it may antagonise groups who are not supportive to protest or feel excluded. This does seem to be the case here and on that basis I object.”

Another says: “I support the right for those of the same sex to marry, I also support the right for those who are trans adults to live their lives and receive surgery.

“I do not support any flags that are not officially recognised as regional, national or other similar flags to be flown from any public property, including a council legislature.

“If the flag is to be flown across the road at a private property with their permission, that would be fine.”

The deadline for comments is 31st July. A decision is expected by 19th August.

Consultation on pension fund investments being planned

John Wimperis Local Democracy Reporter

A MAJOR consultation on whether a public sector pension fund in the West of England should continue investing in arms will begin in September. The £6 billion Avon Pension Fund administers the local government pension scheme for the former county of Avon and has 140,000 members from over 450 employers.

But it has been under pressure to divest from companies involved in the arms trade after campaigners warned their pensions were being used to fund human rights abuses by Israeli forces in Palestine.

Campaigners had initially called for the fund to divest from companies specifically connected to Palestine but, after warnings that an investment strategy based on a particular conflict would be hard to defend legally, the Avon Pension Fund Committee debated divesting from all companies in the aerospace and defence sector. At the meeting in March, the committee voted 10-3 to keep the status quo — but the decision is only in principle until the scheme’s 140,000 members have

been consulted on what they want to happen.

Now the fund has said that a procurement process for someone to run the consultation has been completed, and the survey will begin in September.

Migration of administration systems, regulatory deadlines, the changes to investment pooling, and the summer holiday period are all understood to have factored in to the consultation not beginning until September.

In October or November, the committee will hold another public meeting where it will look at what people said and make a final decision on whether to divest from the aerospace and defence sector.

The £6 billion fund has said it currently has £18 million — 0.3% of its total assets — invested in aerospace and arms companies. Rather than having directly purchased shares in arms companies, the Avon Pension Fund’s investments are part of a passive equity pool, a financial product splitting money across thousands of companies, called the Brunel Fund, which the pension fund chose to invest in because of its climate credentials.

The Avon Pension Fund has made major efforts to be green and the pool was chosen because

it is aligned with the 2015 Paris Agreement on reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The Brunel Fund already excludes businesses making controversial weapons such as cluster munitions and chemical weapons, or those which breach a UN principle on businesses making sure they are not complicit in human rights abuses. Lockheed Martin and RTX are already excluded from the fund’s portfolios on these grounds.

When campaigners first addressed the committee over

the issue in December 2024, they were met with a “positive response”.

Head of the fund Nick Dixon thanked them for their “moral compassion”, and chair of the committee Paul Crossley (Southdown, Liberal Democrat) said: “From my own personal point of view, I have visited Palestine twice and have seen many of the issues that people have raised here.”

But campaigners said they then faced “a complete U-turn” from the tone and stance of that

meeting.

When the committee met in March, councillors warned that the companies also supplied weapons for Britain’s own defence and Ukraine’s against the Russian invasion.

Papers before the meeting warned that excluding aerospace and defence companies could mean the Avon Pension Fund would have to create its own new financial product to invest in itself instead of the Brunel Fund.

Tony Mayo, a children’s social worker and Unison activist at Bath & North East Somerset Council, who is a member of the Avon Pension Fund, told the meeting in March: “The money that I have earned by trying tirelessly, at grave personal cost, to keep children safe is being used to fund the weapons that kill my brothers’ and sisters’ children abroad. For every day I work, I’m unwillingly contributing to genocide and war.”

Both Bristol City Council and North Somerset Council have passed motions urging the pension fund to divest from weapons companies making weapons used by Israel in Gaza.

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A Palestinian flag flies at a protest in Keynsham | Photo © John Wimperis

The Intersex Progress flag has already been flying from the Guildhall

LN proposals unveiled for village on A37

Liberal Democrats hail ‘resounding win’

Planning Round-up

Permission granted for five-bed houses

BATH & North East Somerset Council is consulting on its latest proposed Liveable Neighbourhood (LN) scheme –for the village of Temple Cloud in the Chew Valley.

The LN programme, which has proved controversial in some communities in Bath, aims to improve residential streets and create better facilities for walking, wheeling and cycling.

Now people are being consulted on proposals to reduce the speed of traffic through Temple Cloud on the A37 south west of Bath, and encourage active travel.

B&NES Council says that during previous consultations, villagers have voiced concerns about speeding, HGV traffic and the limited space for wheeling, walking or cycling.

In a public engagement that runs until Friday 1st August, residents, local businesses and those travelling through are asked to share their thoughts on:

• Extending the 30mph speed limits on Temple Inn Lane and on the A37 through the village to Temple Bridge

• A new zebra crossing on Temple Inn Lane

• Widening and improving the footpath that links the village hall with Gillets Hill Lane

• Installing street lighting on the footpath between St Barnabas

Church and Brandown Close.

Councillor Joel Hirst, cabinet member for sustainable transport strategy, said: “While the designs are preliminary, they are based on considerable consultation and design work conducted with communities over several years.

“We are now seeking feedback on the proposals before developing more detailed designs.”

The council says it has already secured funding from the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority.

Find out more at https://www. bathnes.gov.uk/temple-cloud

Printed or accessible formats of the proposals and feedback form are available on request by emailing LNs@bathnes.gov.uk or calling 01225 394025.

The council’s Somer Valley Links (SVL) project is a separate, compatible scheme to improve active travel and bus infrastructure along the A37, A367 and the A362.

The SVL project team recently held a public consultation on these proposals and feedback is being analysed.

Business Directory

John Wimperis Local Democracy Reporter

THE LIBERAL Democrats have hailed a “resounding win” as they held their seat in a council by-election, while Reform pushed the Conservatives into third place.

The representative for Mendip on Bath & North East Somerset Council is the local councillor of former Conservative local MP Jacob Rees-Mogg, and once upon a time his brother used to represent the ward.

But just 84 people voted for the Tories in the recent by-election, less than 10% of the vote, and their worst ever showing in the once safe Conservative seat.

Liberal Democrat Simon McCombe was elected with 496 votes (57%). The police constable, who lives in West Harptree, just a few streets away from Mr Rees-Mogg, said: “I am proud and delighted to have been elected, and want to thank all the people who have supported my campaign and voted for me.

“I look forward to serving my communities, and delivering for my residents, working with my Lib Dem colleagues.”

Leader of Liberal Democratrun Bath & North East Somerset Council, Kevin Guy (Bathavon North), said: “B&NES Lib Dems have shown that their values and known competence are the only way to hold back the tide of

Reform.

“This is true throughout the country, those who abhor the views of Reform are turning to the Lib Dems as the only way to protect the country from the rising tide of right-wing populism.”

Reform candidate Stuart Ball netted 191 votes (22%), coming in second place in the party’s first time contesting the council seat.

The Mendip ward stretches from Temple Cloud to East and West Harptree, covering Cameley, Hinton Blewett, Coley, and North and South Widcombe.

The by-election was called after Liberal Democrat councillor David Wood stepped down on health grounds.

He first took the once-safe Tory council seat off then council leader Tim Warren in 2019, when he won 67% of the vote — and was re-elected with 75% of the vote in the 2023 council elections.

This was the second by-election on Bath & North East Somerset Council since the 2023 local elections. In January, the Liberal Democrats lost one of the two council seats representing Saltford to independent Chris Warren by four votes.

The turnout in the Mendip byelection was 37.52% with 868 votes cast. There were no spoilt ballots.

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Bath & North East Somerset Council has approved plans for two new five-bed houses at Claverton Down.

A 1940s chalet bungalow will be demolished to make way for the new family homes at 9 Woodland Grove, which is next to the main campus of the University of Bath. Where possible, salvaged material will be recycled or reused on site.

Council planners said the houses will be adequately spaced, with good sized rear gardens and parking.

Access arrangements will be undertaken from Woodland Grove.

One of the homes will also have an additional access and garage at the rear of the site from The Avenue.

The plans include a 10% increase in on-site biodiversity.

Works approved to retaining wall

Housing association Curo has been granted planning permission by B&NES Council to carry out remedial works to a high retaining wall at Camden Road in Bath where there has been some structural movement. The wall is below houses at Mezellion Place.

The retaining wall, which sits on the edge of the Bath Conservation Area and is considered to be of historic significance, pre-dates the development of Mezellion Place.

Becky Feather Reporter

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Mushtaq Mohammad visits Lansdown club

Richard Briggs Reporter

CRICKET legend Mushtaq

Mohammad was a guest of honour on Tuesday 1st July when the Lansdown club staged an afternoon of events to mark their bicentenary.

Founded in 1825, Lansdown are the oldest side in Somerset and one of the oldest in England. Among their former players are WG Grace, who turned out for them in 1861 when he was 12 years old, and Viv Richards. Lansdown moved to their current home at Combe Park in 1866. A decade later, the venue hosted the first match played by the newly formed Somerset County Cricket Club.

As part of the festivities to mark their 200th birthday, Lansdown invited Mushtaq – who played 57 Tests for Pakistan across a 20year period starting in 1959 and had a highly successful spell with Northamptonshire in the 1970s –

to Combe Park for an afternoon of nostalgia and action.

Club members and friends enjoyed lunch before listening to Stephen Chalke, the winner of three Wisden Cricket Book of the Year Awards, interview 81-yearold Mushtaq about his life in cricket.

Former England and Somerset

fast bowler Fred Rumsey, aged 89, was also a guest of honour. Later in the afternoon, Lansdown XI played Bristol Pakistani in a game that was won narrowly by the hosts.

The 1st July events were arranged to celebrate the maiden match played by a Pakistan touring team, the Pakistan Eaglets, in

Romans to open National League South season in West Sussex

Richard Briggs Reporter

BATH City Football Club will begin their Enterprise National League South 2025-26 season with a trip to West Sussex outfit Worthing on Saturday 9th August.

The Rebels finished fourth in the table last term, just one point behind champions Truro City, and lost to Maidstone United in the first stage of the play-offs.

Darren Way’s City, who secured 15th place in the standings last spring, follow up the match at Worthing by entertaining Dover Athletic at the Cannon Clarke Stadium @ Twerton Park on Saturday 16th August.

The Whites were promoted via the Pitching In Isthmian League Premier Division play-offs.

Three days later, on Tuesday 19th August, the Romans will play their first midweek match of the league campaign – at Salisbury. Former Football League club Dagenham & Redbridge will come to the Cannon Clarke Stadium @ Twerton Park on Saturday 8th November.

The Daggers were members of League One in 2011, dropped out of League Two in 2016 and were relegated to National League South this year.

Another ex-Football League club, Torquay United, will be the visitors on Tuesday 30th December.

Bath’s derbies with Chippenham Town will take place on Boxing

Day, Friday 26th December (away) and Good Friday, 3rd April (home). And the clashes with neighbours Weston-super-Mare will be played on Tuesday 25th November (away) and Tuesday 24th February (home).

The Romans will wrap up their league campaign at home to Maidstone on Saturday 25th April.

Bath’s league fixtures in full:

• August: 9th Worthing (A), 16th Dover Athletic (H), 19th Salisbury (A), 23rd Eastbourne Borough (H), 25th Ebbsfleet United (A), 30th Dorking Wanderers (H).

• September: 2nd Maidenhead United (H), 6th Chesham United (A), 20th Chelmsford City (H).

• October: 4th Farnborough (A), 11th Tonbridge Angels (H), 18th Hornchurch (A), 21st Totton (H), 25th Hemel Hempstead Town (A).

• November: 1st Horsham (H), 4th Slough Town (A), 8th

England – at Combe Park in 1952.

The Eaglets were formed to give upcoming cricketers the opportunity to play in international conditions.

Seven of the Eaglets who played at Combe Park in 1952 went on to appear for the full Pakistan team.

They included Mushtaq’s brother Hanif, who is regarded as the first star of Pakistan cricket.

A facsimile of the scorebook and photograph of the teams from 1952 were presented to Mushtaq, who received it on behalf of the Lahore Gymkhana Cricket Museum in his home country.

All-rounder Mushtaq scored 10 Test centuries, and took 79 wickets, for Pakistan.

In 1976 he skippered Northamptonshire to glory in the Gillette Cup – the Midlanders’ first trophy – and runners-up spot in the County Championship.

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News in Brief

A big welcome to our new reporter Richard

Eagle-eyed readers in our last issue and on our website over the past couple of weeks will have seen Richard Briggs' name attributed to a number of sport stories - we're very pleased to welcome him to the Bath Echo team. Richard joins us after working in regional press for nearly four decades, and has vast experience in sports coverage. He will be covering all types of sport across the Bath area, and he's already been busy making contact with local teams. If you'd like to get your team or sport included in our future coverage, please send Richard an email via richard@bathecho.co.uk

As you will see, we're expanding the sport section here in the newspaper, and there's now a category on our website to ensure you never miss a sport story. We're also introducing dedicated social media pages for our sports coverage, so keep an eye out for those!

New crest and special shirts as Avon RFC

celebrate centenary

around.

Richard Briggs Reporter

AVON Rugby Club will celebrate their centenary during the 2025-26 season, and to mark the milestone, they have a new-look crest.

Dagenham & Redbridge (H), 22nd Hampton & Richmond Borough (A), 25th Westonsuper-Mare (A), 29th Enfield Town (H).

• December: 6th Maidstone United (A), 20th Salisbury (H), 26th Chippenham Town (A), 30th Torquay United (H).

• January: 3rd Ebbsfleet United (H), 10th Maidenhead United (A), 17th Dover Athletic (A), 24th Worthing (H), 27th Slough Town (H), 31st Horsham (A).

• February: 7th Hemel Hempstead Town (H), 10th Totton (A), 14th Dagenham & Redbridge (A), 21st Hampton & Richmond Borough (H), 24th Weston-super-Mare (H), 28th Enfield Town (A).

• March: 7th Chelmsford City (A), 10th Farnborough (H), 14th Hornchurch (H), 21st Tonbridge Angels (A), 28th Eastbourne Borough (A).

• April: 3rd Chippenham Town (H), 6th Torquay United (A), 11th Chesham United (H), 18th Dorking Wanderers (A), 25th Maidstone United (H).

The club, who are based beside the River Avon at Hicks Field in Batheaston, will display the badge on special centenary shirts that will be worn for matches in the upcoming campaign.

The new crest was designed by Damien Sawyer. It retains the club colours of black and amber and still features the rampant lion. But it is emboldened by a white outline to accentuate the design, together with some text to denote the centenary. And it features crossed oars as a nod to the members of Avon Rowing Club who founded the rugby outfit in 1925.

A dinner dance to mark the big birthday will be held on Saturday 9th May 2026.

But before that, all eyes will be on the club’s new term in Counties 2 Tribute Ale Somerset.

Last season, Avon finished in third place, with 15 victories from 22 games. They will be looking for an even more successful campaign at Level 8 this time

Avon open their programme at home to Chew Valley 2nd XV on Saturday 6th September and follow up by making the long trip to the edge of Exmoor to take on Minehead Barbarians the following week. Derbies with Oldfield Old Boys will take place at Hicks Field on Saturday 22nd November and at Shaft Road on Saturday 7th March.

Avon's league fixtures in full:

• September: 6th Chew Valley 2nd XV (H), 13th Minehead Barbarians (A).

• October: 4th Hornets 2nd XV (H), 11th Imperial (A), 18th Clevedon (H).

• November: 8th Burnham-onSea (A), 22nd Oldfield Old Boys (H), 29th Castle Cary (H).

• December: 6th Rebels Rugby (A), 13th St Bernadette’s Old Boys (H), 20th Keynsham 2nd XV (A).

• January: 10th Minehead Barbarians (H), 17th Hornets 2nd XV (A), 24th Imperial (H).

• February: 14th Clevedon (A), 28th Burnham-on-Sea (H).

• March: 7th Oldfield Old Boys (A), 21st Castle Cary (A), 28th Rebels Rugby (H).

• April: 11th St Bernadette’s Old Boys (A), 18th Keynsham 2nd XV (H), 25th Chew Valley 2nd XV (A).

The Lansdown and Bristol Pakistani players line up at Combe Park with Mushtaq Mohammad | Photo © Lansdown Cricket Club

Photo © Richard Briggs

Controversial Bath padel court scheme refused on appeal

Becky Feather Reporter

LANSDOWN Lawn Tennis & Squash Racquets Club has lost its planning appeal for padel courts because of the likely noise impact on neighbours. The club at Northfields wanted to replace one of its 11 tennis courts with two padel courts and a mini tennis court, to extend the terrace and install replacement lighting. The padel courts would have been surrounded by three-metrehigh glazed glass to reduce noise. Bath & North East Somerset Council’s planning committee refused the proposals last August, amid concerns that the louder noise of the ball strike, and increased comings and goings, would increase disturbance and harm neighbours’ mental health, with the nearest home just three and a half metres away. Padel is similar to squash but played with a solid racquet. Originally from Mexico, it has soared in popularity in recent years and is one of the fastestgrowing sports.

The club said that 60 of its members were having to drive

from Bath to Bristol regularly to play the sport.

The club appealed to the Secretary of State but planning inspector Andrew Boughton has now backed the committee’s decision, which was taken against the advice of the council planning officer who had recommended approval.

The inspector said in his report: “Whilst matters of sound and its effects can be highly subjective, it is generally understood that padel tennis involves noisier volleys and a faster cadence of ball impact compared to lawn tennis.”

To assess predicted noise levels, measurements were taken from the padel court facility at Redland Green Tennis Club in Bristol, with planning consultants acting for the Lansdown club saying the “rigorous” noise assessment demonstrated there would not be a significant harmful noise impact.

But the inspector said he had “significant concerns” about the methodology used. They included that the receptors in the assessment related to ground level while his own observations suggested that

noise sensitivity for surrounding homes would likely be greater for bedroom windows and outdoor sitting areas at first-floor level. He said the club’s acoustic impact report and related documents “do not convincingly demonstrate an absence of planning harm which, having regard to my conclusions as to the sensitivity of some surrounding housing to even minor change in the acoustic environment, must be a factor that attracts significant weight against the proposal”. He added: “Although the council

did not raise concerns about the change in floodlighting, I consider the evolved presence of intense illumination of the courts, even if time limited, has increased the sensitivity of surrounding residential users to activity at the club.

“I consider the proposed changes to mast height would tend to emphasise the presence of the club in the wider location and draw attention to (or expectation of) increased activity levels, whether or not the courts are in use at the time.

“This is a harmful aspect of the proposal as it would contribute to impacts on the sense of wellbeing for some neighbouring residents.”

Among the letters of objection sent to the planning inspector was one from a neighbour who moved there in 2022.

They said their previous home in Spain was blighted by nearby padel courts and the “gunshot sounds and constant shouting can be heard from 100 yards away”.

They added: “Padel is in itself a great sport but one that needs to be positioned sufficiently away from residential housing.”

Club chairman John Higgins said: “Padel is the fastest-growing sport globally and one that many of our members have fun playing.

“The club is very grateful to those members who put a lot of work into plans for padel at Lansdown, however, we fully respect the inspector’s decision.

“We’re very pleased to see both our adult and junior membership continuing to grow, and we have many other exciting plans to invest in the sporting and social fabric of the club for the added enjoyment of our members.”

Concerns had been raised about increased noise and disturbance

FA competitions draw hands early test to Larks

Richard Briggs Reporter

LARKHALL Athletic must travel to Buckinghamshire outfit Beaconsfield Town in the Emirates FA Cup extra preliminary round next month. The Larks, who narrowly beat the drop from Pitching In Southern League Division One South in 2024-25, will take on the Rams at Holloways Park on Saturday 2nd August.

Beaconsfield play in Southern League Division One Central. Like Larkhall’s Plain Ham headquarters, Holloways Park has an artificial pitch. The winners of the tie will receive £1,125 prize money; the losers will get £375. If Athletic are successful against Beaconsfield, they will visit Berkshire’s Wokingham Town, from Cherry Red Records Combined Counties League Premier Division North, or Bristol side Brislington, from the Jewson Wessex League Premier Division, in the preliminary round on

Season of

Richard Briggs Reporter

Saturday 16th August.

A payment of £1,444 will be made to the winners of this tie, while the losers will earn £481.

Larkhall will be clocking up the miles again in the first qualifying round of the Isuzu FA Trophy, a competition which, like the FA Cup, has its final at Wembley Stadium. The Larks will journey to Southern League Division One South rivals Tavistock on Saturday 6th September. £1,500 is on offer for the winners, with the losers to benefit by £400.

The tie in West Devon will be a case of déjà vu for Athletic. They were beaten 3-2 by the Lambs at Langsford Park on Saturday 7th September 2024 at the same stage of the Trophy.

Odd Down, from Western League Division One, will also be on the road to Wembley this year. They will compete in the Isuzu FA Vase and must go to Thatcham Town in the first qualifying round on Saturday 23rd August. It will be a tough test for the Down, as Thatcham are members

of Combined Counties League

Premier Division South and lined up against Larkhall in the Southern League last term, being relegated after finishing third bottom.

The winners will receive £550 and the losers will get £160.

Bath City’s FA Youth Cup campaign will commence in the first qualifying round.

The young Romans will visit Clevedon Town or Brislington during the week commencing Monday 15th September.

Clevedon and Brislington will face off in the preliminary round a fortnight earlier.

The draws for the early stages of the FA Cup, FA Trophy, FA Vase and FA Youth Cup were announced by the Football Association on Friday 4th July.

Bath City’s seniors, from Enterprise National League South, will enter the FA Cup in the second qualifying round on Saturday 13th September. And Darren Way’s team are exempt to the second round of the FA Trophy, which will be played on Saturday 15th November.

celebration for Old Sulians Rugby Club

OLD Sulians Rugby Club are another local side who will be celebrating their centenary during the new campaign.

Like Batheaston’s Avon, Sulians will be marking their 100th birthday this term.

The Lansdown-based outfit –formed in 1926 – will again play in Counties 3 Tribute Somerset North, having finished sixth out of 10 teams last season.

Sulians will open their campaign

on Saturday 4th October, when they visit Yatton. There will be two other 1st XVs in the Level 9 division this season – Bristol Harlequins,

from Brislington, and Bristol Telephone Area, who are based in Stockwood.

Old Sulians’ league fixtures in full:

• October: 4th Yatton (A), 11th Clevedon 2nd XV (H), 18th Bristol Harlequins (A).

• November: 8th Old Redcliffians 3rd XV (H), 22nd Gordano 2nd XV (A), 29th Bristol Telephone Area (H).

• December: 6th Midsomer Norton 2nd XV (H), 13th Nailsea & Backwell 2nd XV (A), 20th Winscombe 2nd XV (H).

Crossword answers - Issue 107 (04/07/2025)

• January: 10th Clevedon 2nd XV (A), 17th Bristol Harlequins (H), 24th Old Redcliffians 3rd XV (A).

• February: 14th Gordano 2nd XV (H), 28th Bristol Telephone Area (A).

• March: 7th Midsomer Norton 2nd XV (H), 21st Nailsea & Backwell 2nd XV (H).

• April: 11th Winscombe 2nd XV (A), 25th Yatton (H).

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Larkhall will travel in the early stages of the season | Photo © Richard Briggs