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Government permission needed for Rec stadium
Becky Feather Reporter
THE government has ordered Bath & North East Somerset Council not to grant planning permission for Bath Rugby’s proposed new stadium at the Rec “without specific authorisation”.
The direction has been issued by officials on behalf of the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities & Local Government under delegated powers.
The council received the letter at the end of August, when the Secretary of State was Angela Rayner. Following her resignation, Steve Reed has taken over the portfolio.
The direction has been issued to enable the Secretary of State to consider whether to direct under Section 77 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 that the application should be referred to them for determination.
The letter from the head of casework to B&NES Council adds: “This direction does not, of course, prevent your council from considering the application, forming a view as to the merits or, if they are so minded, refusing
permission.”
Thousands of people have responded to the latest plans for the home of Bath Rugby.
Planning officers say the plans are acceptable and the planning committee will consider the proposals at a meeting next Wednesday, 17th September, at the Guildhall.
More than 5,400 representations have been received, 5,085 in support of the application and 368 objecting.
The latest design retains much of the planning application
from 2023, including an 18,000-capacity stadium, increased community use, regeneration of the riverside and a new café/restaurant, club shop and museum for non-matchday use.
The revised design includes a new curved roof form which reduces the height, resulting in increased views of the city and surrounding hills; enhanced landscaping to the river; a redesign of the East and West Stand façade; and a re-engineered and enhanced seating bowl.
A high-profile objector is the film-maker Ken Loach, who has lived in the city for over 40 years.
In his objection to revised plans for a new stadium, he said it would be “the biggest carbuncle Bath has yet suffered”.
A separate application seeking listed building consent for the demolition of the existing unlisted clubhouse and the construction of a permanent North Stand is recommended for approval.
Keep an eye on our website for the latest updates on this story.
Cheap Street security barrier operated manually
Becky Feather Reporter
THE sliding security bollards at Cheap Street in Bath have been operated manually due to a problem with the video intercom unit, Bath & North East Somerset Council has confirmed.
The problem has reportedly been going for more than six weeks and means a traffic management member of staff has to be there every day.
Since 2022, vehicles have been restricted in more than a dozen streets as part of the city centre security scheme.
Dubbed the ‘ring of steel’, the restrictions aim to protect the most crowded spaces from the risk of vehicle-based terrorist attack.
The zone limits vehicle access from 10am to 6pm. Some vehicles have limited exemption, including emergency and council services, Post Office and Parcelforce, and construction and utility companies. Private vehicles or taxis with an occupant or picking up a passenger carrying a Blue Badge card can also use the Cheap Street access point.
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On Wednesday this week, the
council told the Echo: “All the barriers are fully operational. Those at Cheap Street are being operated manually by a traffic management operative while we wait for replacement parts for the video intercom unit.”
How the stadium would look from inside | Image © Stadium for Bath / Bath Rugby
Manually operating the bollards on Cheap Street
Temporary fire station plan for Lower Bristol Road
Becky Feather
Reporter
PLANS for a temporary fire station at Lower Bristol Road in Bath have been revealed.
Avon Fire & Rescue Service says the pre-fabricated facility is essential to maintain critical emergency services during the proposed redevelopment of the existing fire station site in Bathwick Street.
The plan is to demolish the historic fire station and build a new, fully sustainable one on the site.
The Art Deco station is said to be no longer fit for purpose, but the loss of an important landmark building has drawn criticism, including from the Bath Preservation Trust.
Bath & North East Somerset Council is due to make a decision on the proposal by 15th October.
Avon & Fire & Rescue Service has identified the former Unigate Dairies site to relocate operations for 18 months during the
Bathwick Street redevelopment.
The proposed Portakabin facility at Lower Bristol Road will accommodate six fire appliances. There will be maintenance facilities for emergency vehicles and equipment and essential staff welfare facilities, including a gym.
The application says there
is sufficient space for rapid emergency deployment, with vehicular access via Roseberry Road.
It says the existing hardstanding area makes it suitable for the temporary fire station with “minimal adaptation required”. The site has outline planning consent for mixed-use
development and the temporary fire station is described as “an appropriate interim use”.
It will not prejudice future development potential and also maintains an active use on an otherwise vacant brownfield site.
The planning reference is 25/03246/FUL. The deadline for comments is 17th September.
Weekend closure of M4 between Bath and Bristol
Becky Feather Reporter
THE M4 will be closed again for a weekend next month when eight steel beams are lifted into place for the new A432 Badminton Road Bridge.
The old overbridge was demolished in March with the M4 closed in both directions for the work to take place.
Used by around 16,000 vehicles a day, the Badminton Road Bridge linking Yate and Bristol had been closed to traffic since the summer of 2023 after extensive cracking was discovered. Investigations revealed the damage could not be repaired long term or cost effectively and a new one would have to be constructed. Access was maintained for cyclists and pedestrians until shortly before the demolition. The M4 was also closed for a weekend last October to allow for utilities in the overbridge to be diverted under the motorway.
Now National Highways is planning to close the motorway again in both directions between Junction 18 (Bath) and Junction 19 (M32 interchange) from 7pm
on Friday 10th October to 6am on Monday 13th October.
With between 3,000 and 4,000 vehicles using this section of motorway every hour during peak weekend periods, National Highways warns people to expect “substantial disruption”.
“We strongly advise you to avoid the area where possible and plan your journey for a different time.”
If you're travelling westbound:
• Leave the M4 at Junction 18 and join the A46 towards Bath
• Take the A420 towards Warmley at the A46/A420 junction past Pennsylvania
• Join the A4174 towards the M32 at the A420/A4174 junction in Warmley
• Connect to the M4 at Junction 19 via M32 Junction 1.
If you're travelling eastbound, follow the same diversion in the opposite direction.
Drivers are urged to follow diversion signs and not satnavs.
The work depends on good
weather. If the team can't work that weekend they will rearrange the closure for Friday 17th October to Monday 20th October.
National Highways says this will be the last full weekend closure of the M4 for this project.
“Once the beams are in position, we'll complete the rest of the bridge with minimal disruption to the motorway below.”
The new bridge is due to open in early 2026. The cost of the project has yet to be confirmed.
Royal Military Police help on streets of Bath Officers from the Royal Military Police helped keep the streets of Bath safe at the end of last month.
Over the weekend of Friday 29th and Saturday 30th August, Avon & Somerset Police officers were joined by officers from the Army corps to boost their presence in the night-time economy.
The Bath City Centre team said: “We hope this is the start of a productive, proactive relationship between our two forces. Officers from the Neighbourhood Team, Response Team and Military Police spent the evening working alongside City Marshals from Bath BID [Business Improvement District], Bath City Pastors and the Suicide Prevention UK Welfare Team.”
On that Friday evening, there were also further ‘Project Vigilant’ deployments. The project involves specially trained officers and proactively targets predatory behaviours in the night-time economy, especially those aimed towards women and girls.
Building to get facelift
A plan to clean and repair the stonework of one of Bath’s most important Georgian buildings, which has suffered traffic pollution, has been approved. The application said No.18A Queen Square has been subject to a lot of road contaminants and dirt as traffic stops and starts at the nearby crossing. This has left the façade of the building in need of remedial works.
Long range forecast: (19th to 25th September)
Unsettled weather to start with showers expected on most days, with some strong winds. As the week progresses, there may be drier and settled spells.
The site earmarked for a temporary fire station
A CGI image of how the new bridge over the M4 will look | Image © Highways England
Auction house goes into liquidation owing thousands to customers
AN auction house in Bath that has been used by thousands of local residents over more than five decades is set to go into liquidation.
Aldridges of Bath Ltd, based on the Lower Bristol Road, has appointed insolvency practitioner Begbies Traynor to act on its behalf.
On its website, Aldridges says it was “founded in the mid-18th century, originally an equine auctioneers and ‘horse bazaar’ based in London’s Covent Garden until 1940”.
Aldridges of Bath Ltd was established in the 1970s, originally trading from Walcot Street before moving to premises on the Lower Bristol Road. Begbies Traynor has confirmed that notices will be sent to creditors of the business this week, commencing 8th September.
A spokesperson from the firm said: “We can confirm that we have been engaged by Aldridges of Bath Ltd.
“We are anticipating that notices will be issued to creditors of the company this week. At this current time we are unable to confirm any more details.”
The Echo has been advised that client money was not kept in separate accounts, and any funds owed to customers will form part of the assets in the liquidation proceedings.
We also understand that at least one customer, who sold assets from their late mother’s estate totalling more than £1,000, has not received funds from the sale of goods in various auctions dating back to June.
The customer was advised on 29th August that payment was due to be made, however just one payment of £32 was received
on 2nd September. Further requests for information have not been responded to, and the answerphone was no longer accepting messages as it was full.
The Echo has been contacted by multiple customers of Aldridges, many of whom have said that contact including emails and phone calls are ignored, and they are owed substantial funds by the company.
One of them, who has been buying and selling through the firm for more than ten years, said they were “disgusted” by the company’s denial that there was anything wrong.
All of the company’s social media accounts have been deactivated.
The auction house’s website said: “We take pride in providing an honest and friendly service, and make the process of selling & buying antiques at auction as simple as possible.”
Rally planned over dried-up pond in park
A RALLY is being planned in Royal Victoria Park later this month to highlight concerns about the state of the duck pond.
Last September, we reported that a £75,000 project to restore the pond had been delayed after a leak was discovered.
Then in July of this year, signs went up by the empty pond advising visitors about why it has dried up.
Bath & North East Somerset Council said the regular water source had been cut off a number of years ago by Wessex Water because the condition of the pipes had resulted in flooding to nearby properties.
The council said the pond had also been losing water over several years, despite repairs
to the lining, and that long, dry and hot spells, and the effects of climate change, had compounded the problem. At the time, the council said it would be considering the pond’s long-term future over the coming months and engaging with the public to consider “all options” as part of its Greener Places Plan. The organisers of the rally say: “The rapid decline in the last couple of years is totally unacceptable and now there is no sign of any life in or around the pond.”
They say the pond had been home for many years to wildlife including fish, newts, frogs, toads, and many types of birds and insects.
An “apolitical” rally is being planned on Sunday 21st September at midday and everyone is welcome, including children. People are asked to take along banners.
88-year-old man found to have unlawfully killed wife at home
A JURY has found that an 88-year-old man from Bath unlawfully killed his wife at their home in the Lansdown area of Bath in June 2024.
During a two-day “finding of fact” hearing at Bristol Crown Court, the jury was told that William Haxworth was not fit to stand trial.
The prosecution outlined the case that Mr Haxworth had unlawfully killed his wife Delia, 85, at their home in Upper Lansdown Mews on Tuesday 18th June 2024.
Police were alerted to the incident when members of the public called reporting concerns for an elderly man who had climbed scaffolding on Bennett Street.
The court heard that the man, identified as Mr Haxworth, told those trying to help him that he had murdered his wife.
When police attended, they found him to be agitated and upset, and he repeated the claim.
Officers went to the couple’s home and found Mrs Haxworth deceased.
A postmortem examination established that she had died from suffocation, with evidence of smothering.
Detective Chief Inspector Tom Herbert said: “Our sympathies remain with the Haxworth’s family and friends following this tragic case. Medical evidence showed that although Delia had some recent health issues, including falls, she had no terminal illness.”
DCI Herbert added: “It’s important that, as Delia’s
unexpected death was not due to natural causes, there was a full investigation with the evidence put to a jury which unanimously agreed that she was unlawfully
killed by her husband.”
Despite his initial comments, Mr Haxworth gave police no account of what had happened and he has now been deemed unfit to stand trial, so no defence case has been presented.
Mr Haxworth has been bailed by the court for psychiatric reports, pending a further hearing on 28th October.
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The Aldridges of Bath Ltd premises on the Lower Bristol Road in Bath
Becky Feather Reporter
The dried-up duck pond in Royal Victoria Park
Delia Haxworth was found at her home
Drivers’ frustration over traffic lights disruption in Weston village
Becky Feather Reporter
LONG delays caused by Wales & West Utilities’ temporary traffic lights in Weston High Street are causing huge frustration for drivers.
The utility company is upgrading the network in the Weston area and completed work over the summer at Lansdown Lane.
Works began on the High Street on 26th August and are due to last for eight weeks.
Three weeks of work are also planned at Wellington Buildings / Trafalgar Road from 6th October. This week, a local businessman told the Echo: “We expected some disruption from this work, but for it to take nearly half an hour to complete a five-minute journey from Newbridge to Weston High Street due to the poor traffic light system is nonsensical.
“Wales & West Utilities have not made any effort to sort the traffic lights out, and there have been multiple occasions when they have been stuck on red.
“The congestion being caused this side of the city is causing considerable issue, both to businesses, patients/visitors to the Royal United Hospital and residents.”
The Bath Echo asked Wales & West Utilities if it wished to respond to comments on the long delays.
The company’s programme controller for Bath, Simon Lee, said the upgrade of the network “is essential to keep the gas flowing safely to heat and power local homes and businesses and to make sure the gas network gas is ready to transport greener gas in the future”.
He added: “We worked closely with Bath & North East Somerset Council to plan this work, and to
keep the local community, road users and our colleagues safe, traffic lights are in place along High Street as our works progress down the road.
“We are working as quickly and as safely as we can, and barring any unforeseen circumstances, we expect to finish by 17th October.
“We are sorry for any inconvenience our work may cause. We know working on roads like this is not ideal, but the work really is essential to upgrade the network and to keep the gas flowing safely.”
Police investigate suspected arson at café
AVON & Somerset Police have confirmed they are investigating a suspected deliberate fire at Alice Park Café in Bath and want to speak to a group of youths seen in the area at the time.
CCTV at the popular community café shows there had been a latenight outside birthday party on Friday 22nd August, involving a barbecue.
Avon Fire & Rescue Service have said they were called at 6.54am on Saturday 23rd August to a fire affecting decking and that the cause was thought to be accidental.
However, Avon & Somerset Police have now said: “Officers are investigating a suspected deliberate fire which damaged a café in Alice Park, off Gloucester Road, Swainswick, near Bath,
at around 10pm on Friday 22nd August.
“Enquiries are ongoing and anyone with any information is asked to call 101 and quote reference 5225238189.
“Officers are especially keen to speak to a group of youths who were in the area at the time. If you can help, please get in touch.”
The damage runs into thousands of pounds. One of the café’s loyal customers has set up a GoFundMe page (www.gofundme.com/f/ alice-park-cafe) which has so far raised more than £1,600.
Although there is a lot of work to do to repair the structural damage to the covered outside area, the café remains open every day from 9am to 5pm.
It has now introduced a new rule banning disposable barbecues in the park.
Work is ongoing on Weston High Street
Some of the fire damage | Photo © Alice Park Café
Crime & Court
Serial Bath shoplifter is remanded in custody prior to sentence
A SERIAL shoplifter has been remanded in custody by Bath magistrates while she awaits sentence.
Samantha Selway, of Loxton Drive, Twerton, committed eight thefts from the One Stop store at The Hollow in Southdown in July and August, despite having been banned from entering the shop following four shoplifting offences in June in which she took food, wine and cleaning products totalling more than £200.
At her court appearance in June, Selway had admitted the thefts and also jointly stealing a £19,000 car with co-accused Ben Rixon.
The vehicle belonged to a manager at Lidl on Lower Bristol Road and was stolen from the supermarket’s car park. Selway had got in as a passenger; there was subsequently a collision and the vehicle was extensively damaged.
Magistrates had ordered a presentence report and bailed Selway on condition that she kept away from One Stop and had no contact with her co-accused in the car theft.
But Selway then committed a string of further thefts from One Stop, to which she pleaded guilty when she appeared in custody at Bath Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 27th August.
The 35-year-old admitted:
• Stealing chocolate, health and beauty items, meat and alcohol worth £250 on 17th July.
• Walking out without paying for
household items to the value of £150 on 19th July.
• Stealing household, health and beauty and frozen items worth £152 on 31st July.
• Shoplifting Cadbury’s Milk Tray chocolates worth £80 on 11th August.
• Stealing chocolate and household items to the value of £130.65 on 14th August.
• Shoplifting twice on 18th August – taking wine and chocolate worth £50, and pet food and health and beauty items worth £100.
• Stealing £100 of fresh meat on 19th August.
The court heard that she has
suffered from anxiety for years and had been stealing to fund her alcohol and drug habit and to feed her two dogs. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) had imposed sanctions and she had no income.
Magistrates were told that Selway had apologised for the thefts and admitted she needs help and support, despite missing appointments. The court also heard she has more than £3,000 in outstanding fines.
Selway was remanded in custody. A pre-sentence report will be prepared, and she will be brought back to the court for sentencing on 17th September.
Disqualified man fined for riding motorbike
A MAN who borrowed a neighbour’s motorbike to go and pick up his prescription was caught riding it in Keynsham while disqualified and without insurance or MOT.
John Coggins appeared in custody at Bath Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 3rd September. He should have attended court on 23rd July in relation to the offences, but failed to turn up so a warrant was issued for his arrest.
The 51-year-old had been stopped by police in Queens Road on 27th March while using the Yamaha motorcycle, and checks were carried out. He used to live in Ludlow Close in Keynsham but following the breakdown of his marriage now lives in a caravan at Phoenix Marina at Broadmead Lane in the town.
The court heard that Coggins had not changed his address on his driving licence since moving, and his post goes to a central area.
Duty solicitor Sam Stevens told magistrates that Coggins used to have his own business installing safety nets, but was no longer able to work due to a heart condition and is on benefits.
He hadn’t realised he had been disqualified and believed his licence details were given by someone else for driving offences, which had resulted in the ‘totting up’ of points.
Mr Stevens said Coggins had borrowed the Yamaha motorcycle to go to the pharmacy to get his medication, as his condition means he struggles to walk. Magistrates fined Coggins £200 for driving whilst disqualified, endorsed his licence and banned him from the road for six months. He was also fined £120 for driving without insurance and his licence was endorsed again. Magistrates also ordered him to pay a £128 surcharge and £85 prosecution costs. They made no separate penalty for the MOT offence.
Dog who bit child is saved from destruction by magistrates
A DOG at risk of being put down after biting a child in the city centre has been granted a reprieve by magistrates who have allowed him to be reunited with his owner.
However, they warned Susan Jones, whose cross-breed called Bear had been kept in police kennels since the incident in April last year, that she must abide by strict conditions, including keeping him out of a city centre exclusion zone.
Jones, of Wedgwood Road in Whiteway, was in court on Wednesday 3rd September for sentencing after admitting at a previous court appearance that she had been in charge of a dog which was dangerously out of control and had injured a child. The case had been adjourned for a pre-sentence report to be prepared and for a dog destruction order to be considered.
Magistrates were shown CCTV footage of the incident which happened at Seven Dials on the afternoon of 9th April 2024, and of the bite mark on the 13-yearold boy, which drew blood.
Prosecutor Sadie Waits said the boy had ridden past Bear on a scooter and the dog had bitten him on the ankle. The boy dropped his scooter and ran off, returning with his mother who confronted Jones.
The dog was then taken away and has been in police kennels ever since, running up an accommodation bill of £8,100.
Miss Waits said that Jones, who is 57, had previously received a community protection warning and notice relating to Bear and her lack of control of him, which stated that he had to be muzzled and kept on a lead in public. She said it was now considered that removal from her care was the most suitable option.
But solicitor Lisa Rowley, defending Jones, said that she had owned Bear for 10 years since he was a six-week-old puppy and had never seen him aggressive.
Miss Rowley said that the evidence presented by the prosecution was “flawed” and that the community protection warning and notice from police had been issued in relation to
another dog called Bear living at Carrswood View travellers’ site in Bath.
Miss Rowley said there was no evidence against the Bear belonging to Jones, and no conviction following the orders. She also said that a contingent destruction order issued 15 years ago in relation to another dog Jones owned was not breached.
Miss Rowley said that on the day Bear bit the boy, Jones had gone into town to buy dog food and had seen a homeless friend who she went to sit with.
Bear had been “startled” by the scooter and Jones had apologised and offered to pay for a taxi to take the boy to hospital, but the mother had “ignored” her, called the police and Bear was taken away in a police van.
Miss Rowley referenced a report from independent dog behaviour expert Michael Barnett who had assessed Bear in the police kennels and concluded he is not aggressive and could be successfully acclimatised to wearing a muzzle.
She said Jones had lived as a
rough sleeper for many years and one of the barriers to her being housed was that she had a dog. However, towards the end of 2021 she had been given a Curo property.
The court heard that Jones had not returned to her flat since Bear was taken away. She was in danger of losing the property but had insisted she would only return if she got Bear back.
Jones has intensive support and a member of the multi-disciplinary team working with her spoke in court in support of her being allowed to keep Bear. He said that he had not seen evidence of Bear being aggressive, that Jones takes good care of him, and the team are happy to have him in the car when taking her to appointments. Magistrates issued a contingent
destruction order which gives Bear a reprieve provided that the conditions imposed are met. When in public, Bear must have a lead of no more than 1.6 metres held by someone over 18 and attached to a collar that has a metal buckle. He must also wear a muzzle. Bear is not allowed to enter a mapped area of the city centre except for pre-arranged vet appointments at Julian House in Manvers Street and accompanied by a social worker.
The magistrates made a community order which will see Jones tagged and under curfew for six months. She must remain at her home in Wedgwood Road between 8pm and 8am. She was also ordered to pay £366 towards kennelling costs as well as £114 compensation to the victim.
The magistrates warned Jones that she needs to become a “really responsible dog owner”. If she does not comply with the conditions, Bear may be seized and destroyed.
“Bear is living on a knife-edge,” chair of the bench Gill Briggs warned her.
35-year-old Samantha Selway | Photo © Avon & Somerset Police
Coggins had borrowed the Yamaha motorcycle to go to the pharmacy
Bath Magistrates' Court
Unpaid work sentence for weapon offence Man admits to sending crossbow threats
A 34-YEAR-OLD man has been sentenced to do unpaid work after admitting to being in possession of an offensive weapon in Kingsmead Square in Bath.
Leroy Harding appeared before Bath magistrates on Wednesday 3rd September to admit he had an extendable baton with him on 11th August.
Harding also pleaded guilty to two further charges on the same day – of using threatening or abusive words or behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress in Alfred Street, and of
causing criminal damage to a police vehicle in the city.
The court heard that Harding, of Linley Close in Whiteway, was very remorseful for his “out of character” behaviour.
As well as a 12-month community order during which he must carry out 80 hours of unpaid work, the magistrates ordered the forfeiture and destruction of the baton.
They also ordered Harding, who works as a kitchen porter, to pay £200 compensation for damage to the police vehicle as well as £85 prosecution costs and a £114 surcharge.
A BATH man has admitted sending messages to both Greater Manchester Police and Dorset Police in which he threatened causing serious harm with a crossbow.
Kether Everett appeared in custody before Bath magistrates on Wednesday 28th August, having been arrested the previous day when police went to his flat at the Paragon.
The 41-year-old was interviewed and accepted he had sent emails conveying a threat of serious harm from a crossbow. No weapons were found.
In his emails to the contact centre of Greater Manchester Police, Everett had referenced “Dale Cregan 2”.
Cregan killed two Greater Manchester police officers in a gun and grenade ambush in 2012 and had previously murdered a father and son.
The messages to Greater Manchester Police were sent between 22nd October 2024 and 11th August 2025.
The emails to Dorset Police complaints department were sent between 15th June and 30th June 2025.
The court heard that Everett had no specific issues with Greater Manchester Police but had a grudge against Dorset Police who
he accused of “misconduct”.
Ruth Tily, defending, told the court that Everett has some mental health issues and had “no intention” of acting on the messages he had sent. He is currently being housed by the Genesis Trust charity and doing some work for them, including garden maintenance and laundry. He has a support worker at Turning Point and is on a waiting list for professional counselling. Magistrates adjourned the case for a pre-sentence report until 29th October.
Everett was granted bail on condition that he does not contact any police force using their email system.
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Why do we ‘name and shame’ in our stories?
Since the introduction of our Crime & Court section in July, we've been contacted by concerned members of the public, defendants and guilty parties regarding the inclusion of their names, ages, and partial addresses. We are proud to be able to provide court coverage of cases at Bath Magistrates' Court, something that many local newspapers are unable to do due to restricted time for their reporters. Reporting court cases acts as a deterrent against crime. Printing a defendant’s age and address stops anyone with the same name from being defamed. We do not have access to police or CPS files regarding cases, so everything reported is based on what the prosecution and defence say during a court hearing. HM Courts & Tribunals Service encourages and facilitates media access to courts and tribunals. We have the right to attend and report on proceedings held in open court, unless a statutory restriction applies, or a court order prevents this. Our stories are governed by the regulator IMPRESS, the Independent Monitor for the Press. We follow their dedicated Standards Code, which can be found at https://bit.ly/4n0d9qN
Harding had an extendable baton with him on 11th August
The case was adjourned until October
Pictures from the Past
The lake in Royal Victoria Park
Kirsten Elliott Akeman
WHEN Royal Victoria Park was laid out by Edward Davis in 1830, it featured a small pond, which, apart from routine maintenance, seems to have required little attention.
In 1870, however, the depth of the pond was reduced ‘to avert danger to which it was imagined the public was exposed’. Before long, problems with the water supply were being reported and by 1874 the pond was ‘offensive from the water being stagnant’. Pipes were laid to bring in a new supply of water, but this provided only a temporary respite, and in 1877, the Bath Argus reported that ‘in spite of a better supply of water in the pond, it is still occasionally in an offensive condition. Nothing short of levelling and making a uniform depth of about three feet with a concrete bottom will meet the difficulty’. The following year, Edward Milner, a landscape architect, was called in.
He agreed that the pond should be shallower, with a uniform depth, but he also suggested making it much larger, taking in around an acre and a half of the Middle Common. Work got under way in the spring of 1879, and it was finished eighteen months later. Instead of the troublesome pond, there was now ‘a very handsome ornamental lake’, encircled by a ‘winding walk, with ‘a mass of shrubs and plants affording to the eye a pleasing break in the serpentine outline of the lake … Across an arm of the lake a rustic bridge has been built’, while ‘a stone pedestal has been placed on the ground jutting into the centre of the lake, and on this it is proposed to place a marble vase’. This photograph, taken at the time, clearly shows how gloriously Mr Milner had carried out his brief and what an asset to the city the lake must have been when new.
It was not long, however, before problems arose. In July 1891, there was ‘the greatest anxiety’ over ‘the supply of water to the lake’. Two years later, once again there was a ‘want of water in the lake’. Nothing was
done, apart from occasional repairs to stop leaks, and, as the years went by, lack of water became an ever more pressing issue. In July 1936, the lake was described as a ‘pitiful sight’. Two years later, it was reported that ‘the scarcity of water in the big lake … is a problem exercising the minds of the Parks Committee’. The city engineer suggested providing a new supply from the mains and the work was completed shortly before the outbreak of war drew people’s attention to more immediate concerns.
By 1948, however, the lake was once more being described as ‘an eyesore to the city’. There were calls for a new supply of water to be laid on, but, despite various measures being taken, in 1974 it was concluded that ‘an urgent £5,000 scheme must be started at once to prevent the lake … becoming an eyesore’. One expedient adopted was draining and sealing off the southern arm of the lake beyond the bridge.
In 1991, the pond was drained and repaired yet again, and in 1995, with water levels still extremely low, the southern
COLUMN | Clare Moody, Labour Police and Crime Commissioner
Your Streets, My Priority is a coordinated programme of action I’m overseeing to enhance neighbourhood policing and create safer, more vibrant town centres and high streets across the region.
You’ve told me you want safer streets and more visible policing and I’m doing it. I’ve listened to your concerns about antisocial behaviour, retail crime, and criminality in town 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.
Over the summer, I have visited many places and have seen and heard the impact this work is having on people and their high streets.
Below are just a few of the policing activities that have been making a difference across Bath:
• A flat in Bath received a closure order due to continued reports from the community about drug-related anti-social behaviour and disorder at the address.
• The local police neighbourhood team are spending additional time patrolling shoplifting hotspots, targeting prolific shoplifters and speaking to the public about the work they're doing to prevent future offending. They are
also working with local businesses to understand the issues, so they can assign their resources where they are needed.
arm was reinstated and circular pumps were installed ‘to ensure a continuous cascade of water into the lake, even in times of drought’. Two years later, when the Avon Gardens Trust published a guide to Bath’s parks, it sounded a note of cautious optimism in its summary of recent developments: ‘leaks persisted for over a hundred years and the water level was usually rather low but the lake has now been relined and the southern arm re-excavated’.
Sadly, there is little cause for optimism today. Not only has this summer has been exceptionally dry and hot, but no water now flows through the pipes which once fed the lake. Not surprisingly, it has dried up, and what could be one of the jewels in Bath’s crown is a greater eyesore than ever. The loss of something that was a source of pride and pleasure for so long – albeit with recurrent difficulties – would be a tragedy not only for residents and visitors to the city, but also for the wildlife that depend upon it and for the ecological diversity of Bath’s Grade I listed park.
• Additional high visibility patrols were also carried out on the Bristol and Bath Railway cycle path, engaging with users of the path about their feelings of safety, and holding events to mark bikes throughout the city.
In addition to all the policing
activity that has continued throughout the summer, there have also been community stalls and pop-ups happening, so our police and partners can hear from people about any issues they are facing.
If you’d like more information about the work happening under ‘Your Streets’, please visit our website at www. avonandsomerset-pcc.gov.uk
The pond around 1880, after redevelopment work was undertaken
Press
Congratulations to Kevin Gale for winning £20! You can find the answers to last issue's crossword on page 28
Across
1 Fascinate (7)
5 Fourth book of the Old Testament (7)
10 Love it to bits on the spectrum (6)
11 Belonging to a country (8)
12 Plan of attack (8)
13 Constricted (6)
14 Determined (10)
17 Central part of an idea (4)
18 Eye problem (4)
20 Middle period of many stays at university (6,4)
22 One who sets up shots (6)
24 Block (8)
26 Force into service (8)
27 Freezing compartment (6)
28 Raise one's voice (5,2)
29 He looks down in the mouth (7)
Down
2 Capital of Bhutan (7)
3 School tool (5)
4 Abreaction (9)
6 ___ upon Severn, Worcestershire town (5)
7 Life story (9)
8 Computer information (4-3)
9 To all appearances (2,3,4,2,2)
15 Inflammation of the lungs (9)
16 Overwhelming victory (9)
19 Cafe (7)
21 Parks offshore (7)
23 First prime minister of India (5)
25 ___ Butler, "Gone With the Wind" leading character (5)
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 1209, Bath Echo, PO Box 5395, Bath, BA1 0YA
The winner will be the first randomly opened entry with the correct answers on 24/09/2025. 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
Celebrate the 250th anniversary of Bath’s most famous former resident by (in)elegantly diving into the Jane Austen-inspired Pride and Pepperoni menu at the Bath Pizza Co (Green Park Station) from now until Wednesday 24th September: Darcy’s Delight, Sense & Salami, Love & Friendship Fries and more, all best enjoyed with a Jane & Tonic. www.bathpizzaco.com/jane
The Bath Brunch Club at Komedia (Westgate Street) continues to liven up our weekends with the Mamma Mia! Bottomless Brunch on Saturday 20th September. Expect an all-singing, all-dancing, Abbacentric experience featuring a delicious brunch and 1.5 hours of bottomless drinks (prices vary). http://bit.ly/4gcmCcg
Book today for the monthly
Recipe
Sponsor this section!
Get in touch with Rob Last via rob@mediabath.co.uk
foodie event that’s setting tasteful tongues wagging across Bath: Dinner With Goldstone at The Curfew (Clevedon Place West) on Wednesday 24th September (£55pp).
@Goldstonefood
Enjoy Happy Hour bar bargains from just £4 at the Victoria Pub and Kitchen (Upper Bristol Road) every Monday-Friday, 3pm-7pm. www.victoriabath.co.uk
Make merry at Walcot House (Walcot Street) on Wednesday 24th September when Walcot Group Head of Beverages Yoann Camail and Master Sommelier Claire Thenevot host an evening exploring Corsican native Nicolas Mariotti Bindi’s expressive, impressive wines, each paired with a course from the Walcot House kitchen (booking essential; £85pp). www.walcothousebath.com
Get your week off to a flying start with distinctly upper-crust Steak Frites for just £25 at the Hudson Steak House (London Street), who have recently added Monday evenings to their regular Tuesday-Saturday opening hours. www.hudsonsteakhouse.co.uk
Welcome the arrival of autumn in unique surroundings at Hartley Farm (Winsley, near Bradfordon-Avon) on Thursday 26th September when their amazing organic market gardener (IG: @ growngreenkate) will present a vibrant, plant-based, 3-course, seasonal feast (“From Tunnel to Table”) served at the heart of the growing action in the farm’s polytunnel itself (£40pp).
https://bit.ly/46d01Ym
Grab a burger and a pint for just £12 at The Cork (Westgate Buildings) all day/night long
Sweet and Sour Chicken
Melissa Blease Food Writer
every Tuesday.
www.thecork.co.uk
Premium wines from exceptional regions and artisan producers: yup, the autumn/ winter Wine Tasting schedule at Comptoir+Cuisine (George Street) has been revealed!
Incoming: a tour of Alsace wines on Monday 29th September, followed by a Loire Valley excursion on Monday 20th October (£20pp, to include wine tasting and exclusive on-thenight discounts).
www.comptoirpluscuisine.com
The Unique Autumn Wine and Drink Festival will be living up to its name at the Avon Valley Railway (Bitton Station) on the evening of Friday 3rd October. Expect to sample an abundance of locally produced wines, gins, rums, craft beers, ciders and more against the backdrop of an
utterly charming historic railway station (£27pp)!
https://bit.ly/46pMyxP
Where better to taste Tequila outside of Mexico than modern Mexican cantina Dos Dedos (Bartlett Street)? Celebrate the first in a series of DD-hosted Tequila-related showdowns on Wednesday 8th October when El Tequileño tequila and Banhez mezcal battle it out for supremacy; Ai Caramba indeed! (£25pp).
https://bit.ly/4mbuZq7
Melissa regularly reviews eateries across Bath and the surrounding area. You can find out more on her dedicated website at: www.theprandialplayground.uk
Follow Melissa on X Find her @ThePigGuide
This recipe recreates a classic takeaway fave rave that moves from stovetop to table in the time it takes for a home delivery to arrive - and costs less than half the price too!
Ingredients (serves 4)
For the sauce:
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, peeled and chopped into large chunks
• 1 red pepper, deseeded and chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 1 green pepper, deseeded and chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tsp garlic paste
• 1 tsp ginger paste
• 150ml tomato ketchup
• 2 tbsp malt vinegar
• 2 tbsp dark brown muscovado sugar
• 400g canned pineapple chunks in juice
For the chicken:
• 400g skinless chicken thigh fillets, chopped into bite-size chunks
• 3 tbsp cornflour
• 90g plain flour
• 1 heaped tsp five spice powder
• 2 eggs
• 5 tbsp vegetable oil
To serve: steamed rice; spring onions (peeled and sliced)
Method
• Start by making the sauce: heat the oil in a large frying pan over a medium-to-high heat, add the onion and peppers and sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onions start to turn translucent. Add the garlic and ginger pastes and continue to sauté for another minute before adding the tomato ketchup, vinegar, dark brown sugar and the pineapple (including the juice). Stir well, bring to the boil, then simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
• Keep warm over a very low heat while you prepare the chicken:
• Tip the cornflour into a shallow bowl, beat the eggs in a second shallow bowl, mix the flour and five spice powder together in a third shallow bowl, then line all the bowls up.
• Dredge the chicken pieces first into the cornflour, then into the beaten egg, then into the seasoned flour, making sure every piece of chicken gets thoroughly coated in each component.
• Heat the oil in a wok or large frying pan until very hot, then add the chicken pieces and fry for 6-7 minutes, turning two or three times until crispy and brown (you may want to do this in batches so as not to crowd the pan), removing the cooked chicken from the pan and placing in a bowl lined with kitchen paper as you go.
• Transfer the cooked crispy chicken to the sauce and gently toss to coat.
• Serve immediately with steamed rice and a sprinkling of sliced spring onions.
What's On
A Night at the Opera by Candlelight
Bath Abbey
12th September, 7.30pm
London Concertante presents a sensational evening at the opera with an array of the finest opera arias and overtures, performing works from Puccini, Verdi, Rossini, and Mozart.
Autumn Tennis Fest
Bath Tennis Club
14th September, 12pm – 6pm
Experience firsthand the new courts and improvements to their facilities, all designed to extend the tennis season into autumn and winter. Open to all ages and abilities.
Sculpting the Earth
The Holburne
19th September – 4th January
This special exhibition, Sculpting the Earth, brings together the ceramic works of three little-known women artists of the 20th century: Natalie Bevan, Psiche Hughes and Ann Stokes.
Extra Ordinary
The Mission Theatre
23rd & 24th September
Rachel and Max are an ordinary couple, living ordinary lives until something extraordinary turns everything upside down. Now they have the single most important decision of their life to make.
Jane Austen Festival
Various Locations
12th – 21st September
Throughout the 10 day festival, visitors will enjoy events inspired by the timeless works of Jane Austen including: guided walks, costumed balls, theatrical performances, talks and much more.
Fine and Folk Art in America
American Museum
16th September, 2.30pm-3.30pm
Autumn Talk - Hear more about how the European taste for fine art during the 18th and 19th centuries influenced artists in America and the unique tradition of Folk Art.
FolkLaw and Special Guests
Chapel Arts Centre
19th September, 8pm
FolkLaw & Special Guests return to Chapel Arts for a rip roaring celebration of their successful festival season and the launch earlier this year of their latest album “Catch the Sun”.
Ocean Film Festival World Tour
Komedia
24th September, 7.30pm
Brought to you by the team behind the Banff Mountain Film Festival UK & Ireland tour, this selection of short films combines breath-taking marine life and wild seafaring voyages.
Friday 12th September - Thursday 25th September 2025
Heritage Open Days
Various Locations
12th – 21st September
Venues across Bath will open their doors this September for Heritage Open Days. Now in its 30th year, the nationwide celebration of history and culture is a chance to see inside hidden places.
Seascraper with Benjamin Wood
Mr B's Emporium of Reading Delights
17th September, 7pm
Seascraper is a portrait of a young man confined in by his class and the ghosts of his family's past, dreaming of artistic fulfilment. It confirms Wood as an exceptional talent in British literature.
From Cloister to Court
St Mary’s Church
20th September, 3pm
Musicke in the Ayre continue their concert series with a programme covering five centuries of compositions by women, beginning in the High Middle Ages with Hildegard von Bingen.
Firewalk for RUHX
Lansdown Cricket Club
25th September, 6pm
Join RUHX for their annual fundraising firewalk. Everything you need to complete this epic challenge will be provided for you on the night, so no pretraining is required.
The Wurzels Live Raceday Bath Racecourse
13th September
Get ready for a proper West Country knees-up as The Wurzels bring their legendary sound back to Bath Racecourse! Enjoy an evening of live music and thrilling horseracing.
Rend Collective
The Forum
18th September, 7.30pm
Hailing from a small town off the coast of Northern Ireland, Rend Collective wants to be known as a celebration band, worshipping for God’s Glory and fame.
Circuit of Bath Fundraising Walk
Various Locations
21st September, 7.30am – 6.30pm
A 22-mile scenic route around Bath, starting from checkpoints which are open from 7.30am – 6.30pm. The circular route takes participants along the beautiful outskirts of Bath.
Met by Moonlight Rondo Theatre
25th – 27th September
Met by Moonlight is a queer, modern retelling of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Follow our four lovers as they venture deep into the forest of Athens.
Fear Gorta Ria Lina
Emmanuel Sonubi
Impromptu Shakespeare
Stevie Martin
The Naughty List
Boats are assisted through fire-damaged lock
Becky Feather Reporter
A LOCK on the Kennet & Avon Canal which was closed for more than two weeks after the bottom gates were damaged during a boat fire reopened this week to allow the first vessels through under supervision. The fire at Kelston Lock near The Shallows at Saltford happened on Bank Holiday Monday, 25th August.
The cause of the blaze, which was extinguished by Avon Fire & Rescue Service crews from Bath, Hicks Gate and Bedminster, is thought to have been accidental. No one was injured.
The Canal & River Trust said the fire damage to the gates was “significant”.
The damaged vessel was removed by contractors on Friday 5th September and engineers have been assessing the damage to the lock and bottom gates this week. There are 105 locks on the Kennet
Church fete near Bath raises record amount
BITTON’S church fete was blessed with good weather and raised around £12,500, which is believed to be a record amount.
Held on Saturday 6th September, the annual fete is part of yearround activities to maintain historic St Mary’s Church. The fete was opened by villagers Ken and Jill Gibson, who until recently led much of the planning and organising of the event over many years. The event, which was held on the Glebe Field next to the churchyard, as well as in the church and at neighbouring Church Farm, included a dog show run by Highcroft Veterinary Group.
Bitton Dawn Chorus, the new village community choir, performed and also appearing for the first time was Bristol Rag Morris, a traditional folk Morris group.
Oldland Brass, the Jazzbeanz and St Mary’s Minstrels provided
musical entertainment. As well as stalls, games and food and drink, there was a children’s tent and a display of classic vehicles. St Mary’s popular autumn craft/ artisan fayre will take place in the church on Saturday 1st November from 11am to 3pm.
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Insurance Expert
& Avon Canal from Bristol to the River Thames, including six on the navigable section of the River Avon from Bristol to Bath.
Kelston Lock is Lock 5 and signs on the charred structure advise people that it is unsafe and they should not attempt to use it.
On Wednesday, 10th September, some 15 boats were given assisted passage through the lock.
Mike Discombe and Lee Brain, from the Canal & River Trust, and trust volunteers Martin and Pete, helped boaters safely through the
damaged gates, among them the former RNLI lifeboat the Beryl Tollemache, which was heading for Bath towing two smaller vessels.
Further assisted passage is being offered this Saturday, 13th September from 11am to 2pm, and on Tuesday 16th September from 10am to 4pm
Replacement gates for the site are not expected to be fitted until next April, but boats will not be using the lock over the winter season.
New footbridge planned in village
ENGLISH Heritage has submitted a planning application for a new footbridge which gives access to a Neolithic tomb near Bath.
The plan is to replace the existing timber footbridge across the Wellow Brook at Littleton Lane in Wellow with a new bridge constructed of steel and timber. The existing bridge provides pedestrian access to the Stoney Littleton Long Barrow, one of the country’s finest accessible examples of a Neolithic chambered tomb.
Abi Brinkhurst Branch Advisor
Howden Bath
Hello Bath Echo readers!
Abi Brinkhurst here, Branch Advisor at Howden Bath; your friendly, local high street insurance broker. We love being a part of the Bath community and in this 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! It has been a long, (mostly) hot summer here in Bath and a summer to remember! If you have popped in over the last couple of months you may have noticed we’ve been undergoing a refit. Our sparkly new office is now finished and with that we can bring our boot exchange back into the mix.
Dating from about 3500 BC, it is 30 metres long and has multiple burial chambers open to view.
A report accompanying the application says that in the short to medium term, the bridge, which was built in 1983, requires “significant repair” so the best solution would be to replace it.
The concrete bearing pads/ abutments would remain as they are in adequate condition to support the new structure.
The planning reference is 25/03378/FUL and the deadline for comments is 30th September.
The boot exchange, in partnership with Bath Rugby Foundation, has helped many local young people partake in a sport, let’s see this continue to make a positive impact. If you need a pair of boots, have a pair to swap, or simply wish to donate a pair please do pop into the office. We are very excited to announce we our launching our very own networking forum! Our first event will be held at our lovely neighbours, Boston Tea Party, on Alfred Street, on Wednesday 24th September from 10:30am to 12:30pm. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, this is your chance to highlight what you do, meet like-minded people, and grow your network - all over great coffee and pastries in a relaxed setting. No pressure. No pitches. Just good vibes and great conversations. If this sounds like something you would like to be involved in just give us a call on 01225 788 044 or email me on abigail.brinkhurst@ howdeninsurance.co.uk and I can send you the link for tickets! As always, our dedicated team are on hand and always happy to help with any insurance queries. There are free Howden tumblers up for grabs at the moment so please do pop in and speak to a member of the team to see how you can claim yours!
Howden Bath
7 George Street, Bath, BA1 2EH 01225 788044
www.howdeninsurance.co.uk
The fire damage at Kelston Lock
Becky Feather Reporter
Ken and Jill Gibson
The existing bridge provides access to the Stoney Littleton Long Barrow
The gates were temporarily opened | Inset: Beryl in the lock
Residents invited to explore city's heritage for free this week
SITES across Bath & North East Somerset are once again throwing open their doors for Heritage Open Days, England’s largest festival of history and culture.
Running from Friday 12th to Sunday 21st September, the festival offers an opportunity to explore fascinating buildings and landscapes, all completely free. The 10-day celebration features more than 20 venues offering guided tours, exhibitions, talks, and family-friendly activities. Highlights include:
• The Roman Baths Clore Learning Centre where visitors can join archaeology sessions and handle real Roman artefacts (12th, 15th and 16th September).
• The chance to go behind the scenes at the Victoria Art Gallery and explore the art stores and hidden collections (18th September, booking required).
• Take a guided tour through Bath Abbey Cemetery and uncover the stories of Bath’s past residents (13th September).
• Tour the award-winning creative Locksbrook Campus,
home to art, design and media students at Bath Spa University (21st September).
• View Bath’s Royal Charters, ceremonial regalia and 800 years of civic history at the Mayor’s Parlour in the Guildhall (15th to 19th September).
• Albert Mill in Keynsham where you can step inside the 1700s building to see original machinery and enjoy refreshments in the garden (13th and 14th September).
• Explore interactive models,
brass rubbing, and nature trails for children at Saltford Brass Mill (13th, 14th, 20th and 21st September).
• Book a tour with English Heritage of Stoney Littleton Long Barrow near Bath (15th and 16th September).
For the full programme, visit www.heritageopendays.org.uk
Care home team raises more than £2,000
STAFF from a Bath care home tackled an obstacle course to raise funds for residents’ trips and activities.
Some of the money raised, which tops £2,000, will also go towards improving the garden at MHA Stratton House in Park Lane.
Amy Jacobs, Emily Millns, Cosmin Dranceanu, Aniz Damani, Fleur Preedy, Jake Grant, Louise Gascoigne, Milly Yiend and Anne Head were joined by their loved ones to take part in the Tough Mudder challenge at the Badminton Estate in South Gloucestershire last month.
Tough Mudder creates hardcore obstacle courses in either a 5k or 15k format designed to test strength, stamina, and mental grit.
In total 15 people took part to raise funds for the home.
Harriet Law, the home’s administration manager, who went along on the day to show
her support, said: “Having done the challenge last year, I know just how challenging and gruelling it can be, so all the participants deserve a lot of credit and praise.
“Thankfully all of them want to do it again, with the majority wanting to push themselves and do the 15k course, so we are already planning on getting a team for next year.
“We are over the moon with the figure we have reached already and have absolutely smashed the target we had set.
“The money will go a long way in getting the garden spruced up so the residents can continue to enjoy it amongst other trips and activities.
“On behalf of everyone at MHA Stratton House, I want to thank everyone who took part in the challenge, those who came on the day to show their support, and also everyone who contributed to the amount raised.”
Becky Feather Reporter
The Roman Baths Local History Store Lansdown | Photo © B&NES Council
Staff from MHA Stratton House after the Tough Mudder challenge | Photo © MHA
First ranking of NHS trusts sees RUH in the bottom quarter
Becky Feather Reporter
THE Royal United Hospitals
NHS Foundation Trust in Bath has been ranked 112th out of 134 in England in a new league table.
A new interactive dashboard provides a view of how NHS trusts are performing in key services including urgent and emergency care, elective services, mental health and more.
The league tables are part of NHS England’s commitment to transparency and improvement, and every trust will be ranked every three months.
The league tables are ranked into quarters, with Segment 1 representing the best performing areas, down to Segment 4 which is the “most challenged”.
The RUH finds itself in the bottom quarter in the acute trust league table. In terms of neighbouring trusts, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust is ranked 13th and is in Segment 1. Somerset NHS Foundation Trust is 20th and North Bristol NHS
Trust is 24th. Both are in Segment 2. Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is 76th on the league table and in Segment 3.
Topping the table is Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in London. Bottom is The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, King's Lynn, NHS Foundation Trust.
This week a spokesperson for the Royal United Hospital said: “We are fully supportive of an accessible way for the public to see how their local health services are performing, and we acknowledge the published position of the Royal United Hospitals Bath in this quarter’s data.
“We are working hard to make sustained improvements to our position over the coming weeks and months with as much pace as we can.
“There are already a number of plans under way including a focus on diagnostic waits, referral to treat time and cancer diagnosis.
“We are grateful to our staff for their commitment to our patients and we are working really hard to put the right plans in place to deliver the improvements required.”
In the league table of England’s 10 ambulance trusts, South Western Ambulance Service NHS
Third of hospital charity RUHX’s income comes from gifts in Wills
RUHX, the official NHS charity of The Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust, has revealed that a third of its income is from gifts in Wills, and it is calling for more people to consider donating. According to the Money and Pensions Services, over half of UK adults don’t have a Will. Donations to RUHX go towards improving the health, happiness, and wellbeing of people in Bath and the surrounding area, and the charity relies on the gifts to continue providing their services. Mary, the daughter of Daphne, who left RUHX a gift in her Will, said: “As a family, it’s a comfort to know that people going through cancer treatment have been helped by our mother’s generosity and kindness. It’s a positive thought during a sad time.”
The Royal United Hospital treats more than 230,000 patients each year, and serves half a million people in the community through its family of hospitals and treatment centres.
Having a Will, and making sure it’s up to date, is the best way of making clear what you wish to happen to your estate in the future. You can also include who cares for your children or pets, should anything happen to you. It's important to make sure that friends and family are cared for in
your Will, but you can also make sure the causes that matter to you are included too, as your legacy for the future. A Will can be used to help both the people and the causes closest to your heart.
In 2024, £4.5 billion was donated to charities across the country through gifts left in Wills (Legacy Futures 2024 research) and across the UK, one in five people have included a gift in their Will to charity (Remember A Charity 2025 research).
By leaving a gift in your Will, you’re helping the RUH Bath to continuing supporting your family, friends, and community. To find out more about how a gift in your Will can support your local hospital, head to www.ruhx. org.uk/gift-in-wills to download their free gift in Wills guide or speak to the Gifts in Wills team on 01225 825 900.
Foundation Trust is ranked ninth.
Topping the list is North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust while East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust is bottom.
A spokesperson for the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are committed to improving the care that our patients deserve and rightly expect.
“Delays in our care is not something we want any of our patients to experience, and when a delay does occur, it’s taken very seriously.
“We are working with system partners to improve the operating environment within which we work, including reducing hospital handover delays.
“We have also increased the number of trained clinicians working within our Emergency Operations Centres (where 999 calls are received), who assess relevant calls to determine the best response.
“This means that in some cases, the best care for the patient may be a hear and treat response where advice and guidance, sometimes involving referral to another healthcare service is
provided.
“This not only allows us to deliver appropriate and effective care but also helps to keep ambulances available for those in urgent need.
“We would like to thank our people and partners who continue to work hard, often in challenging circumstances, to deliver dedicated patient care.”
In the non-acute trusts Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust is ranked 38 out of 61.
Its chief executive Dominic Hardisty said this week: “We welcome the publication of the league tables and fully support the aim to be more transparent.
“AWP is currently placed in Segment 3. While we are making significant progress across many areas and services, we also continue to address known issues where performance isn’t yet where we would want it to be.
“Our focus must always be on providing the very best care and experience we can to all our patients, families, and carers, across all our services every day, and on the systems and processes which help us do it.”
Eight governors sought to help shape future
THE Royal United Hospital has begun a search for eight new governors, six of them public and two of them staff, to help shape its services and plans for the future.
There are public governor vacancies across the City of Bath, North East Somerset, Mendip, North Wiltshire and South Wiltshire constituencies where current governors have come to the end of their terms.
A public governor helps to ensure that the RUH Trust delivers services that meet the needs of patients, carers, staff and local stakeholders.
Governors do this by creating stronger links with the communities that the RUH serves by reflecting patient and public views and interests.
The core time commitment for public governors is four Council
of Governor meetings per year, plus the Annual Members’ Meeting, but there are many other activities you are encouraged to get involved in to get more out of the role.
Governors receive full training for their role as well as ongoing support from the RUH Membership Office.
Nominations for both public governors and staff governors are now open and will close at 5pm on Tuesday 23rd September. You can complete a nomination form on the election website at www.cesvotes.com/RUH2025
For a printed nomination form, call 0208 889 9203 or email ftnominationenquiries@ cesvotes.com
You need to be a member of the Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust to be eligible to stand as a public governor.
Photo © RUH Bath
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Controversy over special unit planned at Combe Down school
Becky Feather Reporter tree will be planted within the wider playground.
A NEW resource base is being planned in the grounds of a Bath school to support pupils who have special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
A planning application has been submitted for the new singlestorey stand-alone unit next to Mulberry Park Educate Together Primary Academy, following a local consultation over the summer during which some concerns were raised.
Under Bath & North East Somerset Council’s proposals, Mulberry Park, which opened in 2018, will remain a 210-place primary school, with the new facility providing 10 pupils from the existing mainstream school with extra support.
A report from the architects says the overall size of the resource base was reduced following a pre-application discussion with the council’s planning team but without compromising SEND provision.
The proposed resource base will have a classroom, two small group/break-out spaces and toilet facilities.
The architects’ report says the development will result in the loss of a “small area of modified grassland in poor condition and one small dead tree”.
The new building will have a ‘green’ roof and a replacement
Overall, there will be a 34.62% increase in habitat biodiversity net gain (BNG).
A small outside space area is proposed for the resource base but pupils will also have access to the play areas within the main campus.
The report says the resource base has been designed to “integrate seamlessly” with the existing campus at Mulberry Way, using the same copper cladding and brickwork.
Although there will be no increase in pupil numbers at the school, there will be up three fulltime equivalent additional staff, but the report says there will be no significant impact on parking arrangements.
A feedback analysis report submitted with the planning application says a public open event held on 16th July was attended by just five peoplethree parents, a local resident and a member of staff from the school.
There were three votes in favour of the proposed resource base and two against. Comments by email were also welcomed by 23rd July from people unable to attend the open event.
Two open letters signed by 30 parents and three individual emails from parents were received and al were against the proposed facility.
Concerns raised included the loss of outdoor space, disruption to pupils during construction, the short consultation period and the lack of detailed information on the use of the resource base. Other issues were the potential disruption at drop-off and pickup times and that the design lacks natural light and is too small for the intended use.
In a statement as part of the application, the council says it is committed to increasing the number of places for children and young people with an Education, Health and Care plan (EHCP) within the B&NES locality.
It adds: “This additional accommodation will enable Mulberry Park to open a special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) resource base. Resource bases are for children and young people with special educational needs and an EHCP who will attend mainstream school and receive additional specialist support at a resource base.
“The resource base will support children whose primary need is Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH). The provision of additional resource base placements at mainstream
schools meets the wishes of families in B&NES who have told us that they and their children want to be able to access education in their local community whenever possible.
“This project will deliver for children and young people, their parents and carers while meeting climate and environmental aspirations by reducing travel and transport for out-of-area school provision and specialist services.”
The planning reference is 25/03288/REG03 and the deadline for comments is 25th September.
WECA to invest £3m on project to better connect schools
A PROJECT to improve transport connections between schools and residential areas in Bath has received a funding boost of just under £3 million from the West of England Combined Authority (WECA).
WECA will invest the funds into the Scholars’ Way scheme to benefit walking, wheeling, and cycling routes across the south of Bath, on top of almost £2.4 million already committed by Bath & North East Somerset Council.
The scheme will see a mile of walking, cycling, and wheeling improvements installed, with four new and two improved crossings, as well as four new or improved bus stops.
The western section, funded by B&NES Council, will link Combe Down Primary School & St Martin’s Garden Primary School, via Mulberry Park, parallel with Bradford Road.
Work on that section started in mid-July, including off-road paths, upgraded crossings, and improved pedestrian and cycling routes, and is expected to finish in early 2026.
A new zebra crossing by Ralph Allen School on Claverton Down
Road was completed ahead of the new term starting in September.
Work on the eastern section, funded by WECA and B&NES Council, covering Oakley, Copseland, Widcombe Hill, Claverton Down Road, Quarry Farm and Ralph Allen School, will take place in 2026.
Helen Godwin, the Mayor of the West of England, said: “We all want better, safer walking, wheeling and cycling routes for people’s everyday journeys.
“Working together with the local council, that is what the Scholars’ Way project will deliver with our joint investment here in the south of Bath.
“Whether it's families on the school run or commuters getting to work, these improvements will make a real difference that people can see and feel.
“Active travel is an important part of how people get around, with real health benefits. It also cuts pollution, which we here in the West Country really care about.
“Getting the basics right now by improving our walking and cycling infrastructure, and fixing our roads and bridges, will lay the foundations for a better transport system overall for our part of the world.
“We secured £752 million for that next stage in the Spending
Review. That means that the West can get out of the slow lane on transport and start to catch up with other city-regions.
“That’s about active travel, as well as better buses, more trains, and mass transit.”
Councillor Lucy Hodge, cabinet member for sustainable transport delivery, said: “This significant joint investment into Scholars’ Way marks a major step forward in making the south of Bath safer and more accessible for everyone.
“The project includes match funding of £2m from the Clean Air Zone reserve and will deliver improved walking, wheeling and cycling routes.
“Scholars’ Way will not only help families and young people travel more easily between schools and homes, but also encourage healthier, greener ways of getting around. Bath & North East Somerset Council is proud to lead this project, and we remain committed to creating a more connected and sustainable future for our communities.”
Scholars’ Way is part-being funded by the UK government as part of the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement, secured
by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority.
This announcement follows the West of England Metro Mayor joining counterparts from across England in July to set out their ambition for a national active travel network, and news of a record £752 million secured for better transport across the West announced in the Spending Review.
Ms Godwin hosted Chris Boardman, the National Active Travel Commissioner, in the region, where he welcomed our area’s plans as a “shining example of how regions across England are being empowered to make their areas happier, healthier, and greener”.
In July, the regional authority also approved £4.7 million for better walking and cycling in and around Bath Quays, working with Bath & North East Somerset Council.
Plans were also backed for further such investment including new School Streets and cycle hangars across the West of England, and pedestrian and walking improvements in areas such as Twerton and Oldfield Park in Bath.
The primary school is next to the community hub at Mulberry Park
The new crossing by Ralph Allen School on Claverton Down Road | Photo © WECA
Education Guide 2025 ECHO
Our guide brings together everything you need to know about local schools, from their ethos and achievements to details of upcoming open days. Whether you’re exploring primary, secondary, or sixth form options, you can use it to plan the next step in your child’s education. With insights into facilities, extracurricular opportunities, and community spirit, it’s the perfect starting point for making an informed and confident choice for your child’s future.
Bath Academy
27 Queen Square, Bath, BA1 2HX 01225 334 577
info@bathacademy.co.uk
www.bathacademy.co.uk
Bath Academy is a sixth-form college specialising in personalised education. As a small, private, tutorial college, academic courses are tailored to individual needs, providing students with the best opportunity of applying successfully to the university of their dreams. Our non-selective college is on the edge of Queen Square and teaching takes place in small class sizes. Regular testing and formative assessments enable students to recognise their strengths and weaknesses and set realistic and challenging goals, yet the atmosphere remains relaxed, with teachers on first name terms and no uniform. Our highest priority is students’ happiness and fulfilled ambitions. Wellbeing and career guidance include psychometric assessments, UCAS application support, our Learning Support Specialists and our Enrichment Programme. We offer GCSEs, A-Levels, resits, and Foundation programmes. This September 92% of alumni achieved entry to their first-choice university.
Every day is an open day at Bath Academy - book by calling 01225 334577
Bath College Downside School
Bath College, Avon Street, Bath BA1 1UP 01225 312191 info@bathcollege.ac.uk www.bathcollege.ac.uk
Meet your kind of people at Bath College. College is more than just courses, it’s about connection, community, and finding your place. At Bath College, you’ll discover a welcoming, inclusive environment where you can be yourself, meet new people, and feel supported every step of the way.
Whether you’re starting fresh or switching paths, we’re here to help you:
• Settle in and feel at home
• Join clubs, societies, and student-led events
• Build friendships that last
• Thrive in a space where everyone belongs
• Explore your interests and grow in confidence
We believe college should be a place where you feel seen, heard, and valued. Let us help you find your people, and your path.
Kingswood School
Lansdown Road, Bath, BA1 5RG 01225 734200
reception@kingswood.bath.sch.uk www.kingswood.bath.sch.uk
An introduction from the principal of the Kingswood Foundation, Andrew Gordon-Brown What sets Kingswood apart is the true sense of community and quality of our pastoral care. We have a welcoming, inclusive community where academic rigour is matched with opportunity and a culture that encourages students to flourish. Our incredible teaching and support staff ensure each pupil feels valued and cared for. This forms the basis of each young person’s sense of self-worth and self-confidence and the foundation that allows them to learn, build friendships and find and develop their talents. It was a particularly proud moment this year when, after excellent A-Level results, our Year 11 cohort achieved our best-ever GCSE results, leading the way amongst the Bath and Bristol schools. Our vision is to offer a well-rounded, modern education; for young people to leave with great exam results, but just as importantly with personal qualities, character and to go on and lead meaningful lives.
Senior School Open Morning: Saturday 4th October, 9am - 11am
Stratton-on-the-Fosse, Radstock BA3 4RJ 01761 235100 reception@downside.co.uk www.downside.co.uk
Discover Downside, one of England’s leading co-educational schools for pupils aged 11–18. Just 25 minutes from Bath and set within acres of peaceful countryside, Downside offers the best of both worlds: space to grow and learn, with easy connections to the city. A daily minibus service runs from the centre of Bath, making the journey simple and convenient for families.
Renowned for outstanding academic results, Downside is equally committed to exceptional pastoral care. Day pupils benefit from wraparound care until 9pm, providing support, structure and flexibility for busy families. Rooted in the Roman Catholic tradition but warmly welcoming pupils of all faiths and none, the school fosters a community where every individual is known, valued and encouraged to flourish. At Downside, education extends beyond the classroom: it’s about character, confidence and compassion. Come and experience the calm, purposeful environment where young people thrive.
Monkton Combe School
Church Lane, Monkton Combe, Bath BA2 7HG 01225 721100
reception@monkton.org.uk www.monktoncombeschool.com
Be Known: At the heart of our community is a commitment to building meaningful relationships between staff and pupils. The benefits extend well beyond the classroom; most importantly, each child is known and supported to discover more about themselves, their beliefs, values, skills, and strengths.
Be Inspired: Inspiring pupils takes many forms: fostering a love of learning in academic subjects and our rich co-curricular programme; finding inspiration in older students and, in time, becoming role models. It’s about discovering passions and gaining a deeper understanding of themselves and their journey.
Be Ambitious: The kindness that permeates Monkton means pupils feel empowered to be bold, take risks, and learn from their experiences. Our goal is for pupils to leave not only ambitious to succeed, but with a true sense of success: building ethical companies, fighting injustice, creating beauty through the arts, tackling scientific challenges, or making a difference as compassionate leaders.
Senior School Open Morning: Saturday 11th October, 10am - 12pm
Andrew Gordon-Brown
St Gregory’s Catholic College
Combe Hay Lane, Odd Down, BA2 8PA 01225 832873 stgregorys_sec@bathnes.gov.uk www.st-gregorys.org.uk
St Gregory’s Catholic College is a high-performing, co-educational secondary school for students aged 11–18, where academic excellence, personal growth and spiritual development go hand in hand.
As a Catholic school, it provides students with a moral compass rooted in Gospel Values and Catholic Social Teaching, supporting their unique growth and development. With a broad and inspiring curriculum, outstanding pastoral care and a culture of aspiration, students are empowered to flourish: academically, personally and spiritually. The school fosters curiosity, creativity and leadership, preparing young people to thrive in a changing world. Whether through the arts, sciences, sport or service, students are encouraged to explore their passions and become confident, compassionate individuals. St Gregory’s warmly welcomes families of all faiths or none into its inclusive and supportive community, where every child is known, valued and inspired to become their best self.
St Mary's Calne
Curzon Street, Calne SN11 0DF 01249 857200 office@stmaryscalne.org www.stmaryscalne.org
St Mary’s Calne is an exceptional independent day and boarding school for girls aged 11 to 18, set on a 27-acre site in Wiltshire.
With an intentionally small community of 350 pupils, we ensure outstanding pastoral care and highly personalised education.
Every girl is known, supported and encouraged to thrive. Pupils enjoy first-class facilities, including modern science laboratories, a theatre and sports complex. Yet it is the spirit of the school that sets us apart.
Head Mrs Anne Wakefield said: “Our community is built on a strong culture where pupils are encouraged to be bold, be kind and, most importantly, to be themselves.”
This summer, 71% of GCSE grades were 9–7, with over 41% of pupils achieving at least nine of those top grades. At A-Level, 62% of grades were A*–A, enabling leavers to progress to leading universities. We invite you to experience St Mary’s Calne at our open day on Saturday 20th September.
Supermarket chain set to open store in Lower Bristol Road development
Becky Feather Reporter
TALKS are under way with retailers including Sainsbury’s and the Co-op to fill one of the units at a new development at Lower Bristol Road in Bath.
Block 1 at Signal Box Yard is a new residential build-to-rent development with commercial units on the ground floor. A planning application has been submitted to Bath & North East Somerset Council to install temporary full-height perforated window vinyls to the remaining vacant units to conceal bare interiors and ongoing fit-out works while tenants are secured. The vinyls will be perforated to maintain clear views from inside, and it is anticipated they will be removed “within a short timeframe”, subject to securing tenants.
“Active negotiations” are said to be under way with national retailers as well as local independent businesses.
The gym frontage at units 6c–7a has already been approved and is being fitted out.
New warehouse needed for top glass company
A LEADING glass partitioning company based near Bath has applied for planning permission to erect a new distribution warehouse.
glass which can get damaged by direct sunlight.
Optima Products’ Bath Manufacturing Facility is based at Mill Road in Radstock.
The company also has offices in High Wycombe, Manchester and Aberdeen, as well as overseas.
Sauna micro-business in Bathwick proposed
PLANS to open a sauna business in the back garden of a Bathwick house have been submitted to Bath & North East Somerset Council.
The proposed development at 60 St John’s Road involves a change of use of the garage and a small part of the garden to create a “micro-scale wellness facility” offering pre-booked sauna sessions.
The planning application says a purpose-built timber-clad outdoor sauna will be installed. Internal and external alterations are proposed to the garage to provide changing/shower facilities and storage. There will also be new timber decking and soft landscaping.
The facility will be run as a microbusiness by the homeowner and accessed via online bookings. There will be no staff or reception, and no walk-ins.
The hours of operation will be 8.30am to 6pm. Access will be gained via the existing gate and a
new side garden path.
The proposal includes secure, on-site cycle parking next to the garage. Two hours of free onstreet parking are available on St John’s Road between 8am and 7pm, Monday to Saturday.
A statement from the applicant says: “As the homeowners and future operators of this facility, our foremost priority is to ensure the proposal has a negligible impact on our neighbours.
“We have excellent relations with the surrounding residents and are deeply committed to maintaining these, as we will continue to live and work from 60 St John’s Road.
“With this in mind, we have carefully considered the potential for any impact from the outset, and the application details how noise, transport, and heritage considerations have been sympathetically addressed.”
The planning reference is 25/03239/FUL. The deadline for comments is 25th September.
The planning reference is 25/03281/AR.
The deadline for comments is 18th September.
For Units 6A and 6B the vinyls will be permanent to provide advertising for the development and to conceal a maintenance store.
The proposed warehouse will be built on what is currently an area of hardstanding and will be used for the storage and distribution of
The planning application submitted to Bath & North East Somerset Council says the new development will be constructed using sustainable construction methods. It adds that there will be no loss of light or increased noise, smell, overlooking, traffic or other disturbances from the new warehouse.
The planning reference is 25/03352/FUL. The deadline for comments is 9th October.
Scheme revealed to turn old vehicle test site into van sales centre
Becky
Feather Reporter
THERE are plans to turn the old Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency site near the M4 at Tormarton into a seven-daya-week commercial van sales centre.
South Gloucestershire Council has received a planning application for the depot from Bath Van Centre Ltd.
The site at Bath Road is immediately to the west of the A46 and about 300 metres south of Junction 18 of the M4.
Until September 2023 it was used by the DVSA as a vehicle testing centre for checks on commercial drivers and vehicles.
The goods vehicles would be escorted from the M4 and other local roads to the site. They would be inspected for potential offences including breaches of driver hours legislation,
overloaded vehicles and the general road worthiness of the vehicles. Fixed penalty notices and other reprimands were issued as appropriate.
Vehicles would enter from the west, pass the control room for booking in and then follow an anti-clockwise one-way route around the perimeter of the site to a designated parking bay for inspection. They would then exit to the A46 northbound carriageway.
Bath Van Centre Ltd plans to continue the same entry and exit arrangement. The existing administration building will be replaced with a new sales building, together with entrance and exit control kiosks.
The intended opening hours are 8am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm on Saturday, and 10am to 4pm on Sunday.
Expected customer numbers are 10 a day. There will be up to 10 members of staff involved in management, administration,
sales and the cleaning of vehicles
The site is within the Green Belt and Cotswolds National Landscape. To the north is a National Highways maintenance depot, and to the south land that was formerly used as a car park/ picnic site.
The planning reference is P25/01989/F.
The deadline for comments is Saturday 13th September.
The Signal Box Yard development on the Lower Bristol Road
The site was used by the DVSA
The company will be using the warehouse for storage and distribution
Plans submitted to redevelop site behind Royal Crescent
THERE are plans to turn a commercial site behind the Royal Crescent in Bath into a two-bed mews style home.
An application seeking full planning permission and listed building consent has been submitted by HJ Paradise & Co Building Contractors for their premises in Crescent Lane.
The plans involve demolishing the detached two-storey building, which has elements dating from the late 18th century and mid to late 20th century, and construct a new two-storey home.
The scheme involves keeping the Grade II listed rubble stone north, east and west boundary walls, and the new building will be within the confines of an ‘L’ shaped footprint, similar to that of the original coach house, with a gated courtyard providing parking for one vehicle.
The building will be Bath stone with vertical timber cladding to the ground floor undercroft area
and a grey slate roof.
A report by the architects says: “The reversion from a commercial to a residential use containing accommodation is a positive change for the building and will lessen the impact of the building’s use on the amenities of the surrounding neighbours.
“The proposed development continues the theme of redevelopment of mews buildings in the local area, with a variety of designs prevalent
in Crescent Lane within the curtilage of properties in the Royal Crescent.”
HJ Paradise was established in Bath in 1949. The two current owners are now nearing retirement, with their sons continuing the business under the same name. The company plans to relocate to larger, purpose-built premises.
The planning reference is 25/02599/FUL. The deadline for comments is 9th October.
Five reasons given for refusal of holiday home
A RETROSPECTIVE planning application for holiday accommodation in a village near Bath has been refused.
The application had been submitted to Bath & North East Somerset Council after enforcement officers visited Park Farm at Colliers Lane in Newton St Loe, where a shipping container had been converted into a cabin-style holiday let.
The enforcement team said there had been an unauthorised change of use of the land and considered the container to be a building, while the decking amounted to development.
A retrospective application was then submitted by planning consultants on behalf of Allota Futureland Limited to formally change the use of agricultural land for stationing the shipping container for holiday use, along with timber decking, a hot tub and balustrade.
The holiday let, which is green corrugated metal with floor-toceiling windows, is close to farm buildings and next to a track that leads to a public footpath.
The consultants argued that the shipping container is closer to the technical definition of a caravan, and the scheme is an appropriate and sustainable form of rural development.
Planning officers disagreed, however and have turned down the application on five grounds. They said insufficient information had been submitted to show the development will not result in a net loss of biodiversity, nor that an appropriate biodiversity net gain can be provided. They branded it “inappropriate” development in the Green Belt and there were no special circumstances to outweigh the harm caused. They objected to the nonagricultural use, meaning a loss in Grade 2 agricultural land, and said substantial sustainability benefits had not been demonstrated to justify that loss. They also said the proposal sought to regularise visitor accommodation in an unsustainable location, where users would be car dependent, and had concern about light spill on the largely dark hillside.
Council refuses certificate of lawfulness for mixed use site
Becky Feather Reporter
BATH & North East Somerset Council has refused to grant a certificate of lawfulness for a site in Bath with a diverse range of uses.
An application submitted last December sought confirmation that the mixed uses at the agricultural buildings and land to the rear of 142B London Road West at Lower Swainswick would be immune from planning enforcement action as they had existed for more than 10 years. The uses listed were a tour business, horse transport and operator business, vehicle storage area, retail, vehicle workshop, food bank, Christmas tree sales, non-specialised wholesale
of food, storage business, car repairs, scaffolding yard and residents’ parking.
The application also indicated future plans to build six four-bed homes on the site.
The council received eight objections and two letters on behalf of objectors.
Those opposed highlighted that the site has hosted various activities but not consistently for 10 years, and that evidence for vehicle recovery use before 2020 was lacking.
They said the site's character and intensity of use have changed significantly, especially since 2020, and the shift to 24/7 operations and the increased traffic has negatively affected nearby residents.
The site lies in the Green Belt and objectors observed that the
current and proposed uses do not meet policy exceptions and risk setting a precedent for “further industrialisation”.
They also noted that the narrow access road is unsuitable for heavy vehicles, and the site has flooded multiple times recently so its use for vehicle storage and recovery is inappropriate.
A certificate of lawfulness is
Legal Expert
a legal document stating the lawfulness of past, present or future development. Council planning officers explained in their assessment that matters such as any potential impact of the use on residential amenity, Green Belt or the flood zone cannot form part of the assessment.
They said: “This issue of a
certificate depends entirely on factual evidence about the history and planning status of the building or other land and the interpretation of any relevant planning law or judicial authority.”
In refusing the application they said: “The evidence before the local planning authority is insufficient to demonstrate that, on the balance of probabilities, the application site has been in use as mixed use consisting of a tour business, horse transport and operator business, vehicle storage area, retail, vehicle workshop, food bank, Christmas tree sales, non-specialised wholesale of food, storage business, car repairs, scaffolding yard and residents parking for over 10 years prior to the application date.”
Chloe Taylor
Chartered
Legal Executive Stone King LLP
Sponsored by
01225 337599
www.stoneking.co.uk
Upper Borough Court, 3 Upper Borough Walls, Bath BA1 1RG
Applying for a school place: help when separated parents cannot agree
The new school term may have only recently begun; however, many parents will be thinking about where their children will be attending school in September 2026.
Many schools, especially secondary, hold their open evenings in October, and information regarding the admissions process and practicalities can be found by looking up school admissions on
the GOV.UK website. There is a lot to consider when deciding on a school place, and for some it can be a source of contention that is tricky to resolve. This can be especially true for separated and divorced parents, where the disagreement may be based on several factors, and can be made even harder if the two parents now live in different locations. Whatever the source of the conflict, family mediation can be a very useful process, as it enables parents to discuss their issues in a non-confrontational way and can help them find a way forward while keeping the
best interests of their child at the centre of their decision. In some circumstances, the mediator can also meet with the child to ensure they have their voice heard, as these decisions will directly impact their life.
If parents cannot come to an agreement, then an application can be made to the court. This should always be a last resort, and our mediators are highly skilled in helping parents reach a resolution. The relevant court application is a Specific Issue Order. On receipt of such an application, the court will consider what is in the best
interests of the child and refer to The Welfare Checklist.
At Stone King, we appreciate that it can often be difficult to make decisions about choosing a school when parents have conflicting views, and that both parties will have their own opinions and concerns about what is best for their child. We are here to guide separated couples through the mechanisms of such a major decision, and make sure the outcome is focused on the needs of the child/children involved. If you would like further information, please get in touch with our Family Team.
Becky Feather Reporter
The HJ Paradise premises on Crescent Lane
The Guildhall in Bath
By-election to be held after Widcombe councillor steps down
John Wimperis Local Democracy Reporter
A COUNCILLOR has stepped down from Bath & North East Somerset Council to focus on her health after being diagnosed with cancer.
Deborah Collins praised the screening programme at Bath’s Royal United Hospital as she said she would be stepping down early to focus on her health.
Ms Collins has been one of the two Liberal Democrat councillors for the Widcombe and Lyncombe area of Bath since the May 2023 local elections.
Ms Collins said: “I’m very grateful for the screening programme and the excellent care at the RUH which I’m confident will lead to my full recovery from cancer.
The by-election will be held on Thursday 9th October
“Sadly, I am a long way from being back to normal and able to deal with the demands of being a councillor, so I have had to take the decision to stand down early and focus on my health.”
Residents encouraged to check voter details
RESIDENTS across Bath and North East Somerset are being encouraged to check their electoral voting details in an email or letter.
The contact is part of an annual canvass, which enables the council to keep the electoral register up to date.
The council is directly contact all households up until November.
Households are being asked to follow step-by-step instructions to check the information held by the council is correct, so that everyone who has the right to vote in any upcoming elections can have their say.
making sure that the information on the electoral register for every address is accurate and up to date.
“To make sure you don’t lose your say at upcoming elections, simply follow the instructions sent to you.”
The emails will be sent by the Electoral Registration Officer with the subject line ‘Check and confirm your household voter details’.
THE West of England Combined Authority spent almost half a million pounds on exit packages for senior staff and settling historic grievances in Dan Norris’ last year as mayor. “Substantial” exit packages to three directors at the organisation, together with other settlements to conclude previous cases of senior staff departures, saw the combined authority pay out £475,713 in the 2024/25 financial year.
Auditors Grant Thornton, who revealed the figure in their interim annual report, said that the departures took place during “attempts to stabilise the organisation” and were “reasonable in context”.
But the report warned that continuing to pay out to let senior staff go “is not reflective of good value for money in general terms”.
The chief finance officer, strategic director of infrastructure, and director of people and assets all departed the organisation in 2024/25.
That followed the departures of the interim chief executive and interim monitoring officer earlier in 2024 and what Grant Thornton described as a “high level of turnover” in the past.
The report said that a lack of effective performance management had limited the combined authority’s options around the exit of senior staff.
It added: “This is complicated by the legacy of poor relationships
A council by-election will be held in the Widcombe and Lyncombe ward on Thursday 9th October. Anyone planning to stand in the election had until 4pm on Friday 12th September to submit their nomination papers to the returning officer at the Guildhall.
The current composition of the council is now Liberal Democrats (39), Labour (7), Independents (4), Green Party (3), Independents for B&NES (3), Conservatives (2), and one vacant seat.
Will Godfrey, Electoral Registration Officer at Bath & North East Somerset Council, said: “It’s really important that everyone who is eligible to vote is able to do so.
“Please keep an eye out for an email or a letter from the council in the next few weeks.
“The annual canvass is our way of
Residents can verify that the email is not a scam by going on the council website (www. bathnes.gov.uk/annual-canvass) or by calling the electoral services team. Residents with any questions can contact the electoral services team by calling 01225 477333 or emailing elections@bathnes.gov.uk
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Exit packages and settlements cost WECA nearly £500k
between senior officers, and between officers and the former mayor, which has left the organisation with a greater exposure to legal challenge from employees.”
The combined authority — made up of Bath & North East Somerset Council, Bristol City Council, and South Gloucestershire Council — was given a “best value notice” by the government in March 2024 and ordered to improve relationships between officers and politicians and address governance issues.
Meetings of the combined authority committee had been marked by sometimes bitter exchanges between then mayor Dan Norris (Labour) and leaders of the three member councils.
In 2021, one meeting was boycotted by all council leaders.
The best value notice was lifted in 2024, shortly before the local elections saw Helen Godwin (also Labour) replace Mr Norris as mayor.
The auditor’s report said: “We are satisfied that sufficient progress on improving relationships was made in 2024/25 and that this has gained significant momentum since the arrival of the new Mayor in May.”
Ms Godwin said in a statement:
“In this new chapter for the West of England, we have turned the page on the problems of the past.
This report highlights some of the combined authority’s work in catching up with other cityregions, and sets out further reforms to help the organisation deliver what people across our area deserve.
“Together with council leaders from across the West, we are focused on the future.”
Grant Thornton said that Ms Godwin’s appointment of Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Liberal Democrat leader Kevin Guy as her deputy mayor had been a “significant step” in the improvement of relationships at a political level. But the report added that relationships had also already improved under Mr Norris from their lowest point.
It said: “Prior to the departure of the former mayor, it was noted that, following his election to parliament in July [2024], he had participated sufficiently to enable WECA business to be progressed.
“We note from our review of combined authority committee meetings that there had been no examples of further adjournments, walkouts or refusals to participate from members of the committee that had characterised our findings in previous years.”
West of England Combined Authority chief executive officer
Stephen Peacock said: “We welcome this report from the independent auditors, as we continue our organisational improvement journey.
“Their analysis confirms that historic issues have been appropriately addressed, with significant progress in relationships between officers and leaders.
“The strengthened governance now in place demonstrates why the best value notice was lifted by government earlier this year.
While there is still more work to do to get to where we want to be, the combined authority is now better placed to support the mayor and committee’s ambitions for the region.”
One area for further work identified in the report was to “implement additional controls” to ensure the correct procurement process was followed when bringing in contractors.
In July, Mr Peacock told a meeting of the combined authority’s scrutiny committee that the organisation had breached its own internal procurement rules — although not the law — in how it had brought in two former members of Bristol City Council staff to work at the combined authority as contractors.
Mr Norris was arrested in April, towards the end of his term as mayor, on suspicion of sexual offences against a girl, rape, child abduction, and misconduct in a public office.
He remains on police bail while an investigation is ongoing, and he has not been charged.
He was already not contesting the 2025 mayoral election as he had been elected as the MP for North East Somerset and Hanham. He was suspended by the Labour Party, although Labour whip Chris Elmore has cast Mr Norris’ proxy vote while he is understood to have been banned from the parliamentary estate.
John Wimperis Local Democracy Reporter
The money was spent settling historic grievances and exit packages
Neighbouring council set to vote on starting process to join WECA
election.”
NORTH Somerset Council
could be about to spend almost £300k to become a member of the West of England Combined Authority (WECA).
Councillors are set to vote at full council on 16th September on whether to begin the yearlong process of joining Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset, and South Gloucestershire as a member of WECA.
North Somerset had previously refused to join what many in the area felt was a mayor-run resurrection of the County of Avon — but now the council says it is missing out on funding by remaining outside.
However, joining WECA will also come at a cost. A report going before the meeting said £290,000 had been allocated “to fund staff, specialist support and consultation activity as part of the membership process”.
The process would see an eight-week consultation across North Somerset and the current members of WECA, another vote of North Somerset Council, and parliamentary approval before the council could become a member.
The report said: “It is unclear at present whether this would take immediate effect, or if full membership would wait until after the next 2029 mayoral
Joining before the 2029 mayoral election would mean that current Labour WECA mayor Helen Godwin would have major powers over North Somerset, despite nobody in the area having voted in the election. She narrowly beat Reform UK’s Arron Banks to be elected the metro mayor for the combined authority in May of this year.
In the run-up to the mayoral election, backbench North Somerset councillor Thomas Daw (Wrington, Green) had suggested that North Somerset may not want to join WECA if an “awful person” won the election. Although he did not mention anyone by name, his comment came just a few days after Mr Banks was selected as the Reform UK candidate.
Since Ms Godwin became mayor, representatives of North Somerset Council have joined representatives of WECA’s member councils and the mayor at the meetings of the WECA committee — although they have no vote on combined authority business.
Despite not joining WECA when it was created, North Somerset Council has worked with the combined authority on a number of issues such as their “bus service improvement plan” and the reopening of the Portishead Railway.
The report said that the primary reason to reconsider joining
WECA now was “the renewed government focus on regional partnerships” and the need to access funding.
It added that recent government funding, such as the £750 million in transport funding for WECA over the next five years, was being given to WECA and not North Somerset or relied on WECA’s agreement for North Somerset to access it. It said: “The council and North Somerset area would expect to benefit from significant additional capital and revenue funding in certain key areas as a result of WECA engagement and membership.”
But the report added: “WECA membership may bring costs as well as income, for example at present the other constituent authorities contribute a ‘transport levy’ towards bus services.
“Such contributions will need to be properly understood, negotiated and accounted for as part of the business case, membership and operating model discussions. Any contributions would require formal approvals through the council’s financial regulations.”
A year ago on 17th September 2024, North Somerset Council agreed to write to the government to express interest in joining WECA.
A reply to the council in February, from then local government and English devolution minister Jim McMahon, appeared to be supportive of the move.
Planning Round-up
Shop rebrand granted
Listed building consent and advertising consent have been granted by B&NES Council for the rebranding of WHSmith in Union Street in Bath to TG Jones. Signage at the front and rear of the building will be replaced.
Hotel’s restoration plan approved by council Proposals to reinstate the grand central entrance of the Grade I listed Dukes Hotel in Bath to its former glory have been approved. An application seeking listed building consent was submitted to B&NES Council to remove the lobby that was installed during the 1980s at the hotel at 53 and 54 Great Pulteney Street.
The removal of the lobby will allow the double entrance doors, side lights and fanlight above to be fully experienced from within the stair hall for the first time in more than 40 years. The Kaleidoscope Collection, who purchased the hotel in 2024, aim to re-position the status of the hotel as a luxury boutique hotel.
Repairs to historic wall given green light
Permission has been granted to partly rebuild and partly repair a boundary wall at Upper Bristol Road. The Grade II listed wall is part of the historic gas works site.
A structural engineer said plant growth and rainwater ingress had caused “significant damage”, probably contributing to the visible movement.
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR GRANT OF PREMISES LICENCE UNDER THE LICENSING ACT 2003
City Taprooms Ltd applied to Bath & North East Somerset Council on 27th August 2025 for a licence to use the premises and trading name The Edge, 14/15 Milsom Place, Bath, BA11BZ for the sale by retail of alcohol during the hours 12pm until 11pm Sunday to Wednesday and 12pm until Midnight Thursday to Saturday and the performance of recorded music Thursday to Saturday 12pm until Midnight.
Notification of the application made to the Licensing Authority is available on a register at www.bathnes.gov.uk/publicregisters
Representations should be made in writing to: Bath & North East Somerset Council Licensing Services Lewis House Manvers Street Bath BA1 1JG or by email to licensing@bathnes.gov.uk by 29th September 2025
Representations made will be disclosed in an open meeting should a hearing be necessary. It is an offence knowingly or recklessly to make a false statement in connection with an application and is subject to a fine of any amount on summary conviction for the offence.
Dated: 01/09/2025
John Wimperis Local Democracy Reporter
Sport
Van Graan praises fans after massive crowd for pre-season game
Richard Briggs Reporter
BATH
Rugby
head coach
Johann van Graan praised the club’s supporters for a massive turnout at the pre-season match against visitors Glasgow Warriors on Saturday 6th September.
In glorious weather conditions at the Rec, a crowd of 11,783 saw the Blue, Black & White demolish the BKT United Rugby Championship outfit 47-14. And van Graan said: “How amazing is that? 11,700 people for the first pre-season game. That’s incredible, that’s more than a lot of people get for a normal-season game.
“Brilliant – and the thing that struck me today was the amount of kids.
“The amazing thing about sport is the kids that we’ve got supporting Bath now will be Bath supporters for ever. It’s so great to see.”
Bath scored seven tries against the Warriors – and van Graan was delighted by what he saw. He said: “Our skill level was pretty good. And we made 11 changes at half-time. I thought we kept playing with speed.
“The two moments of the game for me were just before half-time when the score was 14-7 and we kept them out and then flipped it when the team that started the second half came on, it was immediate speed change and we scored straight away.
“Never too high, never too low, first pre-season game, just over
30 guys got game time, so pretty happy with it.
“There are loads of guys still to come back. Squad – give as many guys exposure as possible.”
Winger Henry Arundell impressed van Graan with two tries after coming off the bench for his debut, having signed for the club from Racing 92.
“Speed – the reason that we signed him is for his speed,” said van Graan.
“Specifically his first try I thought he scored really well and not a lot of our wingers get tries from mauls [as Arundell did for his second five-pointer]. So I’m very happy with his start.”
Also impressing van Graan were young full-back Sam Winters and debutant scrum-half Bernard van der Linde.
“I thought Sam Winters was class as a young lad just out of school,” said van Graan. “I thought his first run here was decisive, he wanted the ball in his hands.
“Bernard van der Linde wanted the ball in his hands. He made numerous breaks. The reason why we signed him is he takes on defences, so I thought that was really good. I’m sure a lot of Bath supporters that have seen him
today will be excited about him coming.
“But generally speaking, good team efforts, good hit outs and scoring 47 to 14, defensively we like to concede as little as possible and attack and score as much as possible. It sounds so obvious, but that’s what we had to do.”
Ethan Staddon was Bath’s star performer, picking up the Pol Roger Performance of the Match award.
“He looked really hungry,” said van Graan. “I thought he carried really well, good in the breakdown, excellent support play, good in defence and just his feeling for the ball, the ball just kept finding him specifically on the edges and I thought he did really well.”
Centre Chris Harris shone on his Bath debut after signing from Gloucester Rugby.
“Everything I expected and more,” said van Graan. “Everybody speaks about his defence, his defence was exceptional today. I thought he was really good in attack.
“He squared up, he had good moments and he was physical. I think of the turnover that we made on our own try line and he went 10 yards sideways and then forwards, so really happy with him as a human being – class.
“He’s been so good within the group. He and Butty [Will Butt] were the two centres that started the pre-season, so it seems like they’ve been playing together forever.
“I’m really happy with him and he’s fitted in really well.”
COLUMN | Ben Hicks, Clerk of the Course - Bath Racecourse
This is my fourth full season at Bath, and I’m delighted to share an update on the track as we look forward to one of the most anticipated weekends of our calendar. Our two-day fixture takes place on Saturday 13th September and Sunday 14th September, and it promises to be a highlight of the season.
The action builds across the two days, with seven programmed races on both the Saturday and Sunday. The highlight comes on the Sunday, when we stage the eagerly awaited finals of both our Sprint and Stayers Series. Each carries a total prize fund of £35,000, making them standout contests in our programme. These finals are the culmination of 10 qualifiers in each series, where points are earned – 10 for the winner, down to one point for sixth place.
Horses can also secure nine
bonus points by running in three qualifiers. This protects against elimination in the final, unlike the usual process where lowerrated horses are first to miss out when maximum field sizes are reached.
The Sprint Final is staged over five furlongs and 160 yards, while the Stayers Final is run over one mile and six furlongs. Owners and trainers have been targeting these races since spring, and we usually see very competitive fields.
Adding to the excitement on the Sunday, racegoers will also be treated to two pony races before the main card begins. These are always popular and provide a wonderful opportunity to watch some of the most talented young riders in the country.
Many professional jockeys began their careers in pony racing, and it is quite possible that among those competing at Bath on 14th September are the future stars of
British racing.
The Saturday afternoon will kick the weekend off, with gates opening at 2.05pm ahead of seven races.
Once the action has concluded, the entertainment continues with a live performance from Bath regulars The Wurzels. They have become synonymous with the racecourse over the years, always attracting an enthusiastic crowd, and many racegoers return year after year to see them perform. We are delighted to welcome them back to Lansdown.
Delivering a two-day fixture of this scale requires planning and teamwork.
As clerk of the course, it is my responsibility to ensure the track is presented in the best possible condition.
The role of the grounds team is vital, and after the Saturday racing we will be hard at work moving sections of the running
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Sudden-death misery
Richard Briggs Reporter
LARKHALL Athletic crashed out of the Isuzu FA Trophy in heartbreaking fashion on Saturday 6th September, losing on sudden-death penalties at Tavistock in the first qualifying round.
The result gave the Larks an unwelcome sense of déjà vu, because the Lambs beat them on the same ground at the same stage of the competition last season.
On Saturday 7th September 2024, the Langsford Park side were 3-2 victors. And last weekend, Tavvy emerged 7-6 winners on penalties following a 1-1 draw.
Athletic held the upper hand in the early stages, Dawid Regula and Harvey Flippance being denied by smart saves from home
keeper Will Howard.
So it came as no surprise when the travellers opened the scoring. With 27 minutes gone, skipper Sam Boulton slammed the ball home after he got on the end of a free-kick.
The visitors could have extended their lead, but the Devon team went close right on half-time. Jack Crago found himself in an excellent position but the Larks’ Max Williams made a last-ditch tackle to prevent a shot. Tavvy began the second period well, and Joel Jackson fired over. But Athletic almost doubled their lead shortly afterwards, Ryan Beckinsale’s stiff shot being claimed by Howard.
The Lambs came back into the game and Crago slammed the ball off a post in the 79th minute. Larkhall were now restricted to counter attacks.
But they almost put the match
rail and repairing the previous day’s running lines. This allows us to provide fresh ground where possible for the Sunday card, an important step in maintaining the quality of the surface that stakeholders rightly expect.
The team here at Bath take great pride in their work, and their efforts behind the scenes are every bit as important as what the public sees on the track. Looking back at the season so far, there have been memorable highlights.
In April, James Tate’s Electric Storm produced a stunning performance to win the Whitsbury Manor Lansdown Fillies’ Listed Stakes and set a new track record for five furlongs.
Her time of 58.30 seconds broke a record that had stood for 18 years. We also witnessed history on Friday 1st August, when Blue
Hero became the winning-most horse at Bath Racecourse, landing his ninth career victory here. He is a real favourite amongst the team, and it was very special to see him reach this milestone.
The success was richly deserved for his local trainer and owner, Adrian Wintle, and his hardworking team, who are regular supporters of racing at Bath.
As we count down the days, the sense of anticipation is building. A weekend of competitive racing, live music, pony racing and the unique Bath Racecourse atmosphere awaits.
On behalf of myself and the entire team here, we look forward to welcoming racegoers on Saturday 13th September and Sunday 14th September for what promises to be one of the real highlights of our season.
Photo © Johnny Hathaway
Larkhall Athletic crashed out of the Isuzu FA Trophy here at Tavistock for the second season running | Photo © Richard Briggs
Photo © Richard Briggs
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for Larks in trophy tie
beyond Tavistock’s reach in the 84th minute, Flippance lobbing Howard but seeing the ball go over the bar.
With just a minute remaining, Tavvy equalised. Kieran Edworthy – son of former Premiership star Marc Edworthy – crossed and his fellow substitute Rhys Lindsell tapped the ball past guests’ keeper Liam Armstrong. And the hosts could have snatched the lead in injury-time, only for Edworthy to drive wide. First blood in the penalty shootout went to the Lambs, Edworthy on target. Alex Camm banged in the Larks’ opening spot-kick.
Crago made it 2-1 but Regula tied things up again. Jacob Bowker put Tavistock ahead once more and Flippance made it 3-3.
Ethan Wright restored Tavvy’s advantage before the first miss of the shootout, Williams’ effort cannoning off the bar. However, the Devonians then suffered their first miss as Benjamin Cross fired over. Matt Bowman had to score to keep the Larks in the match –and he converted his penalty to see the sides level at 4-4 after the regulation five kicks each.
So the shootout entered sudden death. Charlie Madden shot Tavvy back into the lead and Sam Tisdale equalised. Then Lindsell netted and Dylan Tate tied it up at 6-6.
Oliver Northam lashed home to put the Lambs back in command.
But Asa White blasted the ball over the bar to see the visitors bow out of the competition, the defeat earning them £400 from The Football Association’s prize fund.
Larkhall starting XI: Armstrong, Williams, Gooddall, Boulton, White, Beckinsale, A Camm, Murgatroyd, Flippance, Regula, J Camm.
Tavistock’s win over Larkhall earned them £1,500 of prize money and a trip to Hampshire outfit AFC Portchester – from the Pitching In Isthmian League South Central Division – in the second qualifying round on Saturday 20th September. The Larks have an opportunity for swift revenge over the Devonians as the sides will meet again on Saturday 13th September. This time the venue is the Camella Stadium and the competition is Pitching In Southern League Division One South (3pm).
Lansdown matches plagued by rain on last day of league action
WEST of England Premier Cricket League Premier Two Bristol/Somerset runners-up Lansdown 1st XI’s hopes of finishing their superb season with a win over third-placed Congresbury 1st XI were dashed by the weather.
The match at Combe Park on Saturday 30th August was abandoned with Congresbury 132-4 in response to the Down’s 260 all out.
Lansdown opted to bat and found themselves 28-2. But opener
George Scott and number four Marc Lezar turned the innings around by compiling a 104-run stand for the third wicket.
Lezar was the man to go, his 58 off 49 balls including a six and 11 fours.
Scott was the next batter to be dismissed, for 59 – with 10 fours – from 43 balls.
The Down’s top-scorer was number six Sam Pearce, who whacked eight sixes in making 78 off only 32 deliveries. He also hit four boundaries.
However, Lansdown lost their final five wickets for only 12 runs and were removed in 28 overs. Congresbury skipper Justin Yau
snaffled 5-36 in six overs.
The North Somerset side tumbled to 77-4 in reply but number three Yau stood firm and was undefeated on 69 – from 55 balls and featuring 16 fours – when the elements curtailed the innings after 15 overs.
William Goymer took 2-25 in three overs for the hosts.
The Down finished the season 38 points adrift of champions Midsomer Norton 1st XI and 43 points ahead of Congresbury.
Rain also cut short Lansdown 2nd XI’s Bristol & District Cricket Association Division One game at Lodway 1st XI, although the hosts had 36 runs on the board from only 3.1 overs when the end came, the Down having posted 214 all out.
Lansdown lost Sam Bowery cheaply but Simon Church and Eddie Steedman put on 71 for the second wicket to take the visitors to 89-2. Number three Steedman top-scored with 40 and number four Sam Athay contributed 26 but the Down were shot out in 37.1 overs, Caolan Pearce the dominant home bowler with 5-48 from eight overs. The Pill-based hosts gifted Lansdown 38 extras.
Toby Rice was 23 not out from 12 balls for Lodway, who lost one wicket – Adam Robson ousted by Louis Mancini (1-15 off 1.1 overs) for an eight-delivery 12. Lansdown 2nd XI finished the season in seventh place. Derby day was ruined by the weather when Lansdown 3rd XI hosted Hampset 3rd XI in Bristol & District Cricket Association Division Nine East. The Down elected to field and skittled their neighbours for 92 in 24.1 overs, Hampset having collapsed from 52 without loss. Opener Sam Taylor-Weekes (32) led the way for the visitors. Three bowlers shared the wickets. Ollie Humphries grabbed 4-27 in eight overs, Will Harrison snapped up 3-26 off eight overs and Giles Johnson claimed 3-14 from 4.1 overs.
After a pair of wickets fell for one run in the 20s, Lansdown were 31-2 from seven overs at the close, captain Byron Williams making 15. Lansdown 3rd XI completed their campaign in fourth spot in the table, 41 points behind champions Bristol New Eleven 2nd XI.
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Bath Rugby
Teenage keeper ‘phenomenal’ as Romans draw
Richard Briggs Reporter
YOUNG gloveman Isaac Finch made a “phenomenal” performance as Bath City bounced back from their 4-0 mauling by Maidenhead United to force a goal-less draw at Chesham United in Enterprise National League South on Saturday 6th September. Finch – signed on loan from Bristol City to resolve the Romans’ keeper crisis following the dismissals of Harvey WilesRichards and Martin Horsell the previous weekend – made his debut for Darren Way’s side in Buckinghamshire. And 6ft 4in Finch played a starring role that earned him a place in the Enterprise National League South Team of the Week. Good opportunities at The
Meadow were at a premium, but 18-year-old Finch made a fine first-half save with his feet to deny the Generals’ Nathan Minhas. City’s best chance of the opening period fell to Brad Ash, whose shot took a deflection off a home defender and went narrowly wide. The hosts’ Mitchell Weiss fired into the side netting early in the second half.
But Bath’s Alex Fisher soon found himself in a good position, only for Chesham custodian Ben Goode to snatch the ball off his feet.
The stalemate ensured the Romans rose one place to 17th in National League South, with nine points from eight games.
City boss Way said: “Off the back of the performance against Maidenhead, the first thing we needed to make sure today was that we were strong behind the ball.
“Clean sheet, 18-year-old Isaac in goal, I thought he was phenomenal. He showed such a good pitch personality for someone of such a young age, made a good save early on, kicked very well.
“In terms of going forward with the ball from an attacking point of view we just lacked a little bit of quality, the pitch was slow, and we need to work on that.
are giving absolutely everything and I can’t thank them enough for that.
“I’ve been pleased with what the lads have produced so far [this season] because it’s been such a hard run-in for the players physically and mentally against good teams.”
Bath starting XI: Finch, Raynes, Greenslade, Tomlinson, Batten, Parselle, Jenkins Davies, Wilson, Ash, Tillson, Russe.
“This team, when it’s at its best, is really strong defensively.
“We need to take responsibility at the top end of the pitch to allow us to be more competitive in the final third.
“I want to give this squad at least 10 or 15 games before we start making changes or bring in reinforcements. But the players
The Romans will travel to East Dorset on Saturday 13th September to commence their Emirates FA Cup campaign.
They will face Wimborne Town, from Pitching In Southern League Premier South, at The Wyatt Homes Stadium in the second qualifying round (3pm).
Photo © Simon Howe
City Women lose lead and crash out of FA Cup
Richard Briggs Reporter
BATH City Women bowed out of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup at the first hurdle.
The Romans faced fellow Tier 6 side Hereford at The MandM Edgar Street Stadium in the first qualifying round on Sunday 7th September, took the lead but were beaten 2-1.
In front of a crowd of just under 100, City went ahead after 19 minutes. Tara Taylor set up Nell Bloomfield to rifle home from 25 yards. However, Hereford levelled in the 35th minute. Emily Ewing did the spadework and Sheree Smith took the ball around Bath’s debutant keeper Lucy Clay and
tapped in.
Still, the guests could have been in front at the break as good three chances fell to Maddy Brown and one to Poppy Spratt.
The decider came two minutes into the second period, Mylie Jordan curling the ball over Clay following fine work by Smith. City came close through Taylor and Emma Vilday in the closing
stages, but it was Hereford who advanced to the second qualifier where they will visit Shropshire club Broseley on Sunday 21st September.
Bath: Clay, Burridge, Fry, Gray, Taylor, Bloomfield, Spratt (Vilday, 71), Evans (Duffy, 53), ThornerAtkinson (Trivett, 75), Brown (Key, 86), Rennie. Unused subs: Moran, Hemmings, Edwards. The Romans will commence their Shield Services Group South West Regional Women’s Football League Division One North campaign on Saturday 14th September when they host neighbours Bitton at the Cannon Clarke Stadium @ Twerton Park (2pm).
Bath City Women Development are bottom of the Somerset County Women’s League Division
Crossword answers - Issue 111 (29/08/2025)
One embryo table following a 4-1 loss at Cheddar in their opener on Sunday 7th September.
The match was effectively over after only 16 minutes, by which time the hosts were 3-0 ahead.
Cheddar broke the deadlock through Sherries Binns in the fourth minute.
Ruby Johnson added to the tally in the 14th minute – and Binns netted again two minutes later.
Georgia Coles completed the scoring in the 76th minute.
Bath will be looking to bounce back when they go to Frome Town on Sunday 14th September for another league match (2pm).
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Across: 8 Boxy, 9 Disapprove, 10 Obligated, 12 Owlet, 13 Sector, 14 Software, 15 Internationally, 18 Escaping, 20 Psycho, 22 Hanoi, 23 Toadstool, 25 Endearment, 26 Asea.
Down: 1 E-books, 2 Explicit, 3 Silt, 4 Tandoori, 5 Opportunists, 6 Coulda, 7 Leathery, 11 Geographical, 15 Ice sheet, 16 At no time, 17 Lacrosse, 19 Canada, 21 Oilman, 24 Acne.
Saturday 20th September – 3.05pm
Bath Rugby v Exeter Chiefs (Home)
Prem Rugby Cup – R2
Bath City FC
Saturday 13th September – 3pm Bath City v Wimborne Town (Away) FAC2Q
Sunday 14th September – 2pm Bath Women v Bitton (Home) League
Saturday 20th September – 3pm Bath City v Chelmsford City (Home) League
Sunday 21st September – 2pm Bath Women v Cirencester Town (Away) League
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