Why some parking restrictions can’t be enforced
Becky Feather Reporter
SOME parking restrictions in central Bath are currently not enforceable, it has emerged.
Bath & North East Somerset Council is looking to rectify the problem as part of a new consultation on various changes to parking and waiting restrictions.
The list includes some that exist but weren’t included with the Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) when the council moved over to its new digital TRO platform earlier this year.
The restrictions which need to be added into a new sealed order to allow them to be enforced are:
• No parking at any time (double yellow lines) at High Street and Bridge Street.
• The conversion of single yellow lines to double yellow lines at Kingsmead Square.
waiting rooms and local libraries.
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• The 30-minute coaches only parking bay at James Street West.
• A one-hour limited waiting bay from 8am to 7pm, with no return within one hour, on Bathwick Street.
The new proposals in the TRO consultation include a threehour time restriction on the existing disabled bays in front of Bath Abbey in Orange Grove. This has been requested by the council’s Traffic Management Team on behalf of Councillor Paul Roper, cabinet member for economic and cultural sustainable development, to provide a turnaround of vehicles and allow the bays to be utilised by more Blue Badge holders.
The Parking Services team has requested a dual-use loading only bay from 7.30am to 9am and 4.30pm to 7pm and disabled parking bay operating from 9am to 4.30pm and from 7pm to 7.30am on James Street West.
The aim is to retain disabled parking provision within central Bath but provide a space for the loading and unloading of goods for the local commercial premises during certain periods of the day.
At St James’ Parade / Southgate Street, no stopping between 6am and 11.30pm except for buses, and no stopping from 11.30pm to 6am except for taxis was requested by the Traffic Management Team to amend the existing restrictions, allowing buses to park up until 11.30pm instead of the current time of 9.45pm.
At Norfolk Buildings, a proposed extension of the no parking at any time restrictions and shortening of the existing limited waiting bay has been requested by the charity Age UK to allow a drop-
off location for a minibus or for loading / unloading purposes. At Monmouth Place no parking at any time restrictions are proposed around the new buildout, separating the existing parking bay into two sections. The proposed removal of the dual-use permit holder / pay and display parking bay in London Street is to allow for the installation of a new zebra crossing. Meanwhile the proposed extension of the Residents’ Parking Zone 4 boundary to cover 13 Angel Place on Lower Bristol Road was requested by a local councillor to allow the residents to purchase permits to park within the zone. Objections and representations to the proposals must be sent to the council before the deadline of 18th December.
Calls for better bus links to Royal United Hospital
Becky Feather Reporter
THERE have been calls for better bus links to Bath’s Royal United Hospital and for a multistorey car park as visitors are currently being advised to allow extra time for their journey due to building works.
The announcement from hospital chiefs has sparked a debate on social media about the need for a multi-storey car park at the hospital’s Combe Park site and for shuttle bus links from both Newbridge and Lansdown Park & Rides.
Building works are taking place in the main patients’ car park (P1) and on roads within the site until late January.
Although no parking spaces are being removed for the work, which is part of Project Clean Heat to upgrade the hospital’s heating equipment to greener forms of energy, and disruption is being kept to a minimum, people are encouraged to allow extra time and to consider using “alternative transport” if possible.
The RUH has details on its website on how to get to the site by bus, train, bicycle, or on foot, stating that Newbridge Park & Ride is within walking distance. Comments on the RUH Bath Facebook page in response to the hospital’s announcement include: “It’s an absolute nightmare to park there, a multistorey car park or shuttle bus from Newbridge Park & Ride, like others have suggested, would be a sensible solution.”
Another said: “Gosh it’s bad enough at the best times!
Considering how large your catchment area is (many of us very rural), it’s time to invest in better parking options or a better direct Park and Ride.”
One person expressed their “hate” for the car park, adding: “I have a disabled badge and I still found it difficult visiting my dad when he had cancer. It was a complete nightmare.
“Sometimes it could take us up to two hours to find a space.”
A bus shuttle from Lansdown Park & Ride would be a “great solution” for lots of the people coming from the east side of
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Bath, said another. The RUH has said a multi-storey car park is not possible on the hospital site as the infrastructure in the surrounding area could not support it, but has thanked people for their comments and feedback. People are advised that anything further can be shared via ruh-tr.carparking@nhs.net
This week a spokesperson from First Bus told the Echo: “There has been discussion regarding how we can provide better bus connections to Royal United
Hospital Bath. Currently, our Service 3 and 4 provide links for passengers from the east and south of the city.
“To leverage the Lansdown and Newbridge Park & Ride routes specifically, we would need to overcome some operational challenges, but we are certainly open to exploring this in partnership with the Royal United Hospital and the local authority.”
We also asked the council for a comment but had not received a response as we went to print.
The Royal United Hospital in Bath | Photo © RUH
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New Locksbrook recycling centre under scrutiny
Becky Feather Reporter
DEMOLITION and remediation work is getting under way this month on part of the Midland Road recycling centre in Bath in preparation for the whole site being developed for housing.
Bath & North East Somerset Council has meanwhile announced that EW Beard will be building the new recycling facility in Locksbrook Road which will replace the Midland Road site when it closes next year. The council’s housing company Aequus Construction Limited has planning permission for 176 homes for social rent, shared ownership and market sale at Midland Road.
The council will be spending just over £10 million to relocate the recycling centre. The land at Locksbrook Road currently comprises the council’s street cleansing depot and an adjoining car park used by the local VW garage.
Work on the new recycling centre is due to start in February once the street cleansing service team has relocated to a refurbished transport depot just up the road alongside the SEND (special educational needs and/or disabilities) passenger transport service operations. Work was due to begin at the old transport depot this week.
The new recycling centre, which is scheduled to open next September, was approved by the council’s planning committee in April despite 189 objections. Nineteen local businesses publicly opposed the scheme, including Bath Spa University. Concerns focused on the flood risk and the impact on the local business and residential community including environmental health, traffic safety and congestion issues, as well as problems with accessibility due to the proposed gantry system.
Last Thursday, 27th November, councillors on the climate emergency and sustainability policy development and scrutiny panel received an update on progress from the cabinet member. They also heard from Tim Wallace, a member of Stop the Locksbrook Tip campaign, who spoke and gave a written submission.
He highlighted concerns about the raised gantry system, saying
a Google search had revealed three deaths in the UK due to people falling off steps. He branded it an “inherently more dangerous system” but said no analysis had been published by B&NES Council.
Mr Wallace also said the categories of recycling will drop from 31 at Midland Road to nine at Locksbrook - a reduction of 70% - adding that at all stages of council planning and decisionmaking, there had been no analysis of the impact on increased emissions from people travelling instead to the state-ofthe-art tip at Keynsham, nor on congestion on the A4 through Saltford and “rogue-dumping”.
Fellow campaigner and climate and environmental scientist Dr Steve Rocliffe also submitted a statement saying the plans will cut recycling provision by 70%, capacity by 20%, and place a major public facility on a floodplain.
Addressing the scrutiny panel, Councillor Paul Roper, cabinet member for economic and cultural sustainable development, said the council had committed to not leaving Bath residents without a recycling centre and had investigated more than 50 sites before settling on Locksbrook Road.
Councillor Roper (Kingsmead, Liberal Democrat) said it would not just be a relocation of the recycling centre but a “marked improvement”. He said: “It ensures continuity of service for the residents, it improves operational efficiency and it embeds sustainability.”
He said the council is undertaking flood risk management measures to ensure resilience of the site, highlighted the intended 70% biodiversity net gain and said the new centre would be fully
accessible on foot and bike from both Locksbrook Road site and the Bristol & Bath Railway Path.
Regarding Mr Wallace’s concerns, Councillor Roper said: “I am afraid that I cannot agree with his statement that this is going to be a more dangerous site. Not that the existing site is dangerous, but it is a tricky site and congested, and this will be a better site from a health and safety point of view.”
Councillor Duncan Hounsell (Saltford, Liberal Democrat) asked if there would always be enough staff at the new site to help people dispose of their rubbish. Councillor Roper said there would be, adding: “We obviously will not do anything that endangers the health and safety of residents. Obviously.”
Councillor John Leach (Walcot, Liberal Democrat), the council’s member advocate for climate resilience, asked the cabinet member about the accuracy of the claims that the range of items accepted at the new facility would be substantially less.
Councillor Roper said: “It is slightly disingenuous of people to suggest that there is a 70% reduction in the items that can
be brought to the site because it really does matter what those items are and how much we handle them.”
He added: “About 80% of the tonnage of items that are taken to the current Midland Road site can be taken to the new site. It is not right to characterise it as being 70% of things aren’t going to be able to be taken, because some of those things are things that hardly anybody takes.”
In response to a question from Councillor Saskia Heijltjes (Lambridge, Green) about the consequences if the Environment Agency permit for the Locksbrook Road site is delayed, Councillor Roper said: “We don’t think it will get delayed and affect the opening of the centre in September.”
Councillor Roper said the council recognises that major projects can have local impacts and to mitigate any potential parking displacement caused by the new facility, a residents’ parking zone is being prepared.
He also said that traffic queue monitoring will be implemented for four months after the opening to ensure the booking system and site layout function effectively.
Ongoing questions from Environment Agency
The Environment Agency told the Echo last month that there were “some outstanding technical queries” that needed to be addressed with the permit for the new tip at Locksbrook Road. And now documentation obtained from a Freedom of Information (FoI) request made by a Locksbrook Road resident has been shared with us. It reveals that the initial permit application was made by the council in December 2024 but as recently as last month, the Environment Agency was still asking the local authority to confirm waste codes and clarify the site’s activities.
It is also revealed that in October the council submitted a Noise Management Plan in accordance with Environment Agency guidance, outlining a raft of primary mitigation measures which include building a 1.6-metre concrete wall at the south of the site with an additional barrier of at least one metre installed above to screen receptors to the south.
A barrier of at least 1.8 metres in height to the north of the site is also proposed to mitigate sound emissions.
Overnight closures of A46 north of Bath
National Highways SouthWest is carrying out a range of “essential surveys” on the A46 at Charmy Down, near Bath. The southbound carriageway is being closed overnight between the Cold Ashton roundabout and London Road junction. The first closure took place on Monday 1st December. The second will be on Friday 19th December from midnight to 5am the following day. The third will be from Monday 5th January from midnight to 5am the next day. National Highways says the northbound carriageway will be open as usual and wellsigned diversions will be in place for southbound traffic via the A420, A350 and the A4. People are encouraged to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys. Access will be maintained to properties directly within the closure.
The southbound layby at Charmy Down will also be temporarily closed to vehicles until 19th December inclusive.
20mph limit to begin
A new 20mph limit is coming into force in the lanes between Saltford and Keynsham. The new limit replaces the existing derestricted speed limit on Manor Road and Courtenay Road. Following a request by Saltford Parish Council in September 2023, B&NES Council has now agreed to introduce 20mph which is set to come into effect on 29th December.
Long range forecast: (12th to 18th December)
Further unsettled conditions expected, with longer spells of rain and strong winds. Temperatures around average, with little chance of frost and snow.
Left: A protest against the tip | Above: How the recycling centre will look | CGI image © B&NES Council
Council granted retrospective consent for work on listed houses
Companies fined over unauthorised work
BATH & North East Somerset Council’s planning team has granted retrospective permission for work on two Grade II listed properties at Upper Weston that are in local authority ownership.
The application relating to 9 and 10 Wellington Buildings sought retrospective listed building consent “for works completed without permission, in relation to but not in accordance with or additional” to an application permitted in 2016.
The retrospective application involved:
• Ceiling and wall plaster repairs
• Part re-rendering of rear walls
• Replacement rainwater goods and vents
• Retention of en-suite bathrooms
• Retention of doors
• Re-pointing of stonework.
The council had received five letters of objection, highlighting points including that “the works are a criminal offence on these buildings” and: “This is not only unlawful but a serious breach of trust. Those responsible must be held accountable, and the council has a duty to ensure that such actions are not overlooked or quietly ignored.
“Works had been carried out without consent, and it was decided not to notify any cabinet member or to rectify the work.”
It was also said that “the council must not appear to treat itself more leniently than it would a private developer”.
It was pointed out: “The council should not simply sweep the issue under the carpet, it should be properly addressed to ensure it doesn't happen again.
“This application should be withdrawn and sent to English Heritage. The original specification and final account should be reviewed by an independent body.”
In a report analysing the application, council planning officers decided: “The proposals would be an acceptable alteration to the listed building to address previous works and they would preserve its significance as a designated heritage asset.”
They said photos of the building's interior and exterior from prior to the commencement of the previous listed building
application works had been provided “and demonstrate the near total loss of fabric from the interior of the building resulting in an interior with little fabric significance”.
In response to the objections raising concerns with the process for determining the application, the planning officers said in their report: “The Local Planning Authority is required to assess applications independently and in accordance with legislation and national policy.
“There is no alternative process for council application.”
The report also corrected an error as part of the application which said the buildings had permission to be HMOs.
This week the Echo invited the council to comment on the controversy of the retrospective application. At the time of going to press, no reply had been received.
BATH & North East Somerset Council has secured convictions against two companies after unauthorised work was carried out on a Grade I listed building in Bath.
Knight Frank LLP and Emery Brothers Ltd were both found guilty on 15th October 2025 of offences under Sections 7 and 9 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990.
They were sentenced at Yeovil Magistrates’ Court on 18th November 2025, with Knight Frank fined £120,000 and Emery Brothers £70,000.
The case centred on Number 4 Wood Street, part of a Grade I listed terrace designed by John Wood the Elder and built between 1729 and 1734, now used as offices and shops.
Between 1st June 2022 and 4th February 2023, historic floor structures at the property were removed and replaced with modern materials without listed building consent.
In July 2022, Knight Frank, a leaseholder of the building, had approached the council about replacing timber floor joists and stone wall tops, citing safety concerns.
They were advised by the council’s Conservation Officer that any works affecting the historic fabric required consent.
Despite this, Knight Frank instructed Emery Brothers to carry out the replacement works, which were later discovered during a council site visit in
COLUMN | Councillor Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council
OUR city is at its festive best with the Christmas Market in full swing.
Celebrating its 25th year, the market is now one of this country's most successful, making Bath an even more popular destination. Bath welcomes six million visitors annually; 3.6 million stay overnight.
We have been leading the call for cities like ours to be able to raise a tourism levy on overnight visitors. So, I welcome the government's decision to give English Mayors the power to introduce a tourism levy.
Councils should be given the
tools to manage tourism so that it reflects local needs and priorities. The levy should create a fair system that recognises the costs as well as the benefits of tourism, allowing us to reinvest directly into the services and infrastructure for the benefit of residents and visitors alike.
B&NES Council will work closely with the West of England Combined Authority (WECA), Visit West and the local visitor economy to explore how the levy could be introduced. Any scheme would be developed in consultation with the hospitality sector.
Local government is innovative and efficient, despite over a decade of dwindling support and rising demand for services. We work hard to provide essential services for our residents, but we face significant financial pressures. We need more long-term certainty from government so that we can plan ahead accurately. With the council's annual budget setting process well under way, we are still waiting to hear about funding for councils. Many will agree with government's goal of redistributing funding to places that need it most.
February 2023.
Both companies initially relied on urgent safety concerns as justification, later arguing that consent was not needed as the building’s character had not been affected.
After hearing evidence over two days, including from two expert witnesses for the council, District Judge Brereton concluded beyond reasonable doubt that the works did affect the character of 4 Wood Street and that listed building consent was required.
Knight Frank’s culpability was judged to be reckless; Emery Brothers’ was negligent.
On top of the fines, each company must pay a £2,000 court surcharge.
The council’s full costs were also awarded, with £40,000 payable by Knight Frank and £20,000 by Emery Brothers.
Councillor Matt McCabe, cabinet member for built environment, housing and sustainable development, said:
“This prosecution demonstrates the council’s determination to uphold the law and protect the city’s historic buildings for future generations.
“Only 2.5% of listed buildings in England hold Grade I status, which is a reflection of their exceptional importance and contribution to the doubleinscripted World Heritage Site of Bath.
“I hope this outcome sends a clear message: we will look to hold those who ignore planning rules accountable.”
But without more funding overall, the proposals mean spending cuts for areas like ours. A truly fair funding review would provide extra funding so that no council loses. We are calling on the government to think again.
Last spring we took Adult Social Care services back in house from private sector providers.
The council is investing £1.79 million over two years to transform our adult services. We are already seeing significant improvements. Feedback from residents using these services has
been overwhelmingly positive. We called on government to crack down on private companies profiteering from delivery of services to vulnerable children.
Our children's services budgets have grown by nearly 50% over the past few years, putting even more pressure on the entire council budget. Public money spent to support vulnerable children should not bolster private companies' profits.
I wish you and yours a Happy Christmas!
Becky Feather Reporter
Wellington Buildings in Weston village
£50m regeneration project begins at former Hartwells Garage site
A MAJOR £50 million redevelopment of the longvacant Hartwells Garage site in Newbridge has begun its initial enabling and pre-construction survey works.
It marks the first step in transforming the former brownfield site into a new mixeduse neighbourhood.
The 8.4-acre (3.4-hectare) project, led by automotive and property development company Hartwell PLC, will replace the former car showroom on Newbridge Road, which closed in 2019, with new homes, purposebuilt student accommodation, commercial space and significant improvements to public realm, walking and cycling infrastructure.
Designed by Allford Hall Monaghan Morris architects, the scheme will provide 104 studio, one, two and three-bedroom apartments aimed at young professionals and postgraduates, alongside 186 student bedrooms intended to help reduce pressure on Bath’s housing market by freeing up HMOs.
New A1/A3 commercial units will support local services and amenities.
Plans also include extensive public realm enhancements such as new trees, climate-
resilient planting, green spaces and sustainable urban drainage systems (SuDS) to improve water management and biodiversity.
A new walking and cycling route will create a safe, sustainable link to the Bristol & Bath Railway Path.
The development will contribute £1.68 million in Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding for local services and aims to improve connections in west Bath while supporting the city’s longterm housing and environmental commitments.
Construction will also provide local job opportunities, apprenticeships and work placements through a targeted recruitment and training plan.
Joanne Churchill, group property manager at Hartwell, said:
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to regenerate a key brownfield site and deliver high-quality homes, student accommodation, green public spaces, and sustainable infrastructure that directly benefit the Newbridge community and wider city.
“The project represents a major investment in Bath’s future.” She said the initial works will include removing the old canopy and carrying out pre-construction surveys, with updates to follow as the scheme progresses.
Hartwell is being supported by Allford Hall Monaghan Morris, Mcfarlane and Associates, Walsingham Planning, Ridge, Stantec, IMA Transport Planning and Aspect Ecology.
Festive changes for local waste collections
RESIDENTS in Bath are being thanked for their recycling efforts and reminded to check their Christmas and New Year collection dates.
A leaflet has been delivered to every household in the district setting out changes to recycling and rubbish collections over the festive period.
It also celebrates the area’s 60% recycling rate for 2024/25, which has helped save 51,000 tonnes of waste, enough to fill Bath Abbey to its vaulted ceiling around 14 times.
Key information in the leaflet includes:
• Changes to collection dates for all households with scheduled collections between 25th December and 10th January. A calendar with revised dates is available to download from the council’s website.
• Garden waste collections will pause from 7th December and resume on 19th January.
• Recycling centres will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
• The Reuse Shop will be closed from 21st December to 3rd January.
• Christmas trees can be collected by the council’s garden waste team or, for a small donation, by Dorothy
House. Bookings can be made via the council website.
• Only plain brown wrapping paper can go in blue cardboard recycling bags. Even if it is labelled recyclable, Christmas wrapping paper often contains glitter or other non-paper additives that mean it cannot be recycled.
Councillor Mark Elliott, cabinet member for resources, praised residents’ efforts and warned that Christmas and New Year remain a particularly busy time for collection crews, with waste typically rising by 30%.
He said: “To help them collect quickly as they cope with the increased amount of rubbish and recycling, especially food waste, we encourage everyone to wash, squash and sort their waste before putting it in the green recycling boxes. That will enable the crews to keep their vehicle moving and reduce traffic congestion in your road.”
A CGI image of the new development | Image © Allford Hall Monaghan Morris
Photo © B&NES Council
Crime & Court
25-year-old remanded in custody after assault at Bath Bus Station
A 25-YEAR-OLD man has been remanded in custody until he is sentenced at Bristol Crown Court for an assault at Bath Bus Station.
Ronan Hardman, of Overdale at Clandown, near Radstock, appeared at Bath Magistrates’ Court on Monday 24th November after a warrant without bail had been issued for his arrest the previous Wednesday.
Hardman had failed to attend court in relation to an assault causing actual bodily harm on Andrew Hall on 6th June.
At Hardman’s appearance, he admitted the assault.
The court heard that Hardman had attacked Mr Hall after a chance meeting. Mr Hall had reportedly been in a relationship with Hardman’s mother, which “didn’t end well”.
Hardman had “lost his temper” after seeing Mr Hall.
Images of the injuries Mr Hall sustained were shown to the court. He had been punched in the face three or four times and went to A&E with a swollen eye and facial fractures.
The court heard there were no long-term injuries.
The reason Hardman had not
Suspended sentence after taxi driver attack
A 27-YEAR-OLD man from Bathford has been given a suspended prison sentence totalling 16 weeks after he admitted two offences of assaulting a taxi driver in a row over the fare and stealing a wallet.
Thomas Dymond, of Apple Gates Stables at Shockerwick Lane, appeared before District Judge Lynne Matthews, who was sitting at Bath Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 19th November. Dymond admitted that on 11th April at Shockerwick Lane he had assaulted taxi driver Frederick Darko.
The court heard that Dymond, who had been drunk at the time, had struck the driver in the forehead and mouth.
The judge told Dymond, who has previous offences, that he chooses violence when things don’t go his way and that taxi drivers deserve the support of the courts.
Sentencing him to 12 weeks for the assault, the judge told Dymond he had been “really difficult” and the taxi driver must
have dreaded what was about to happen.
She said the crime was so serious that only a custodial sentence could be justified, but she suspended it for 12 months because there had been a passing of time since Dymond’s previous offence and a prospect of rehabilitation.
Dymond was ordered to complete up to seven rehabilitation activity days and do 80 hours of unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay the taxi driver £300 in compensation.
For stealing a wallet and its contents of a value unknown belonging to Joshua Baker on the same date, Dymond was given a four-week suspended sentence, to run consecutively.
attended court on 19th November as required was because he made a mistake over the date, magistrates were told.
Hardman, who is already subject to a suspended prison sentence for another matter, was remanded in custody until 23rd December. Magistrates ordered a presentence report to be prepared by the Probation Service.
Swiss man is charged over two rapes in Bath
A 27-YEAR-OLD man from Switzerland has appeared in court in Bath charged with two counts of rape in the city.
Samuel Diaper, of Waffenplatzstrasse in Zurich, attended a brief hearing on Wednesday 26th November following a postal requisition, which is a magistrates’ court summons.
The first alleged rape took place
on 6th October 2019 at an address in Camden Crescent. The second charge relates to 31st October 2020 at an address in Chatham Row.
Magistrates sent the case to Bristol Crown Court, where Diaper will appear on 5th January for a plea and trial preparation hearing.
He was granted unconditional bail.
Woman with string of convictions is fined for stealing beauty items
A WOMAN given a suspended jail sentence at Bristol Crown Court at the start of November month for dangerous driving has appeared at Bath Magistrates’ Court to admit a charge of shoplifting.
Harriet Attinger, 33, was in court on Monday 17th November charged with theft from Sally Beauty in Bath.
The court heard she had been caught on CCTV on 23rd April stealing items worth £89.11, including hair conditioner, nail polish, hair grips and earrings.
Prosecutor Paul Kelly told magistrates that Attinger had recently received a 27-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, for a dangerous driving offence on 3rd April.
At her Crown Court hearing, Attinger was banned from driving for 12 months and must do an extended re-test before she is allowed behind the wheel again. She was also convicted of possession of a Class A controlled drug. She is currently being supervised by the Probation Service.
Teenager admits various offences
A TEENAGER from the Twerton area of Bath has appeared before magistrates for offences including carrying a knife and possession of drugs. Now 18, he committed the offences when he was 17 and cannot be named. At the hearing at Bath Magistrates’ Court on 17th November the teenager
pleaded guilty to possessing 1.2g of cannabis on 14th March in Twerton and that on 9th August, he had 0.4g of the drug in his possession. He also admitted that on 9th August he had with him, without good reason or lawful authority, a bladed article, and that he behaved in a threatening or abusive way likely to cause
harassment, alarm or distress. Magistrates remanded him on unconditional bail until 17th December, when he will be sentenced. They have ordered an ‘all options’ pre-sentence report.
Defending Attinger, who has previous convictions for more than 30 offences, solicitor Bradley Axam told magistrates that she had been sentenced in August for a theft in May (stealing items worth £95.65 from the Co-op in Southdown) and the offence of shoplifting from Sally Beauty predated that.
He suggested that the two offences should have been dealt with together by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), and his client, who has ADHD, is “remorseful” and wants a “clean slate” and to move forward.
Magistrates fined Attinger £120 and ordered her to pay
compensation of £89.11 to Sally Beauty. She was also ordered to pay £85 prosecution costs and a £48 victim surcharge.
The court heard that Attinger has three separate fines accounts with the courts and owes more than £4,000 in total. These will now be consolidated.
Attinger’s address was listed on the charge sheet as Gay Street in Bath, but the court heard she is currently living in a different county.
Attinger told the magistrates: “I hope to get a job soon.”
The chair of the bench told her: “Be good, we don’t want to see you again.”
Men appear in court in connection with rape
TWO men have appeared before Bath magistrates in connection with a rape in the city.
Yuzdzhan Osman, 36, of no fixed address, is charged with raping a woman on 12th September 2021. Mehmed Delialiev, 33, of Avenue Road, Torquay, is charged with
aiding and abetting Osman to rape the woman.
On Wednesday 26th November, magistrates sent both cases to Bristol Crown Court for plea and trial preparation hearings to take place on 9th January. Both men were granted unconditional bail.
Bath Bus Station
Attinger has previously been sentenced for multiple thefts
Man jailed for 16 weeks for assaulting PCSO
A BATH man who punched a police community support officer (PCSO) has been jailed for 16 weeks after his community order was revoked. Sitting at Bath Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 19th November, District Judge Lynne Matthews heard that 49-year-old Simon Heard had missed Probation Service and drug rehabilitation appointments.
Heard, whose address was given on the court list as Rackfield House in Bath, admitted failing to comply with the requirements of a community order without reasonable excuse.
The order had been made by Bristol magistrates in April after Heard was convicted of
assaulting an emergency worker at Shophouse Road in Twerton on 16th February and obstructing an emergency worker in the execution of their duty.
District Judge Matthews was told that Heard had a heroin problem, which he had overcome, but he had spiralled into using crack cocaine.
She said that Heard saying he now wanted to engage under his community order was “too little, too late” and that his noncompliance had been “wilful”.
Revoking the order, she resentenced him to 16 weeks in prison for the assault and three weeks for obstructing an emergency worker. The sentences will run concurrently.
Man hurled brick in ‘revenge’ attack
A 40-YEAR-OLD man who hurled a brick through the window of his former friend’s house in Whiteway has been fined by Bath magistrates.
Aiden Lyons appeared in court on Monday 3rd November to admit causing criminal damage at the property in Sheridan Road on 13th October.
The court heard there were ongoing issues between the Lyons and the complainant.
Representing Lyons, duty solicitor Jo Hooper said that he had previous convictions for public order offences but that since being diagnosed with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and BPD (borderline
Annual drink and drug driving campaign gets under way
AVON & Somerset Police are urging people to do their bit to tackle drink and drug-driving this Christmas as statistics show 2025 has been another tragic year on the roads.
The roads policing team are carrying out proactive roadside checks and talking to motorists about the dangers of drink and drug-driving, which has been the core factor in 25% of the 32 fatal collisions so far this year.
The annual month-long Christmas roads policing operation was launched on Monday 1st December and people are urged to report those they suspect are getting behind the wheel while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs.
Inspector Matt Boiles said: “There is no safe way to drink and drivenot at Christmas, not any day of
the year.”
He added: “Don’t be tempted to take chances, we will be out there conducting checks and responding to intelligence.”
If you believe someone is
24-year-old charged with
currently driving under the influence of drink or drugs, call 999.
You can anonymously report a suspected drink or drug-driver at https://bit.ly/48A9bzF
knifepoint burglary in Peasedown St John
A BATH man has been remanded in custody by city magistrates in connection with a burglary in which he allegedly brandished a knife.
Antonio Mitchell, 24, of Sheridan Road, Whiteway, was brought to court on Wednesday, 26th November, charged with an aggravated burglary on 5th August at Under Knoll at Peasedown St John, in which items of an unknown value were stolen. Mitchell, who also faces a charge
of possessing cannabis with intent to supply at Odins Road in Odd Down on 24th November, was sent to Bristol Crown Court where he will appear on 22nd December for a plea and trial preparation hearing.
Why do we ‘name and shame’ in our stories?
personality disorder), he has been taking medication and is much better, with this incident being “out of character”.
She said Lyons, who lives on a barge, had not been before the court for seven years. He had acted on impulse, and there was “extensive mitigation”.
In delivering their sentence, magistrates said the offence had been motivated by revenge.
Lyons was fined £80 and ordered to pay £85 prosecution costs and a £32 surcharge.
Magistrates did not consider compensation as it was not requested by the Crown Prosecution Service and the value of the damage was unknown.
Since the introduction of our Crime & Court section, 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
Sex offender given suspended sentence
A CONVICTED sex offender from Bath has been sentenced to 18 weeks in prison, suspended for a year, for breaching court orders.
Sidney Brierley, of Jesse Hughes Court at Lower Swainswick, had been convicted at Bristol Crown Court in January 2015 of offences relating to indecent images of children and received a suspended prison sentence.
The jobless 36-year-old appeared before Bath magistrates last month charged with breaching a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO).
He admitted that on 28th February 2024 he had failed to produce 39 internet-enabled devices and digital storage.
He also admitted that on 27th February 2024, as a registered sex offender, he had failed to comply with notification requirements by not registering 15 bank cards.
There was nothing to indicate that any of the devices contained images of children.
Both the SOPO and Brierley’s inclusion on the Sex Offender Register were in place in February 2024.
His placement on the register has now expired, but the SOPO remains “indefinite”. He must apply to get it lifted.
At his appearance last month, the solicitor representing Brierley said he had purchased the
devices to repair and resell, and the reason for the numerous bank cards in his name was that he used them to create free subscriptions to platforms.
Brierley had been remanded on unconditional bail until Monday 24th November for a presentence report to be prepared. The court heard that Brierley had previously breached the SOPO, being given a community order which included unpaid work in 2021.
Sentencing him, magistrates highlighted Brierley’s “flagrant disregard” for court orders, the nature and seriousness of the offences, the deliberate breaches and his previous convictions. For the latest SOPO breach, he received an 18-week sentence suspended for 12 months. For failing to comply with notification requirements, he was given an eight-week sentence, again suspended for a year.
The two sentences will run concurrently.
Brierley was also ordered to do 80 hours’ unpaid work under the supervision of the Probation Service and pay prosecution costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £154.
Photo © Avon & Somerset Police
The court was told Lyons had acted on impulse
Heard was told his efforts to engage were “too little, too late”
Pictures from the Past
Frozen canal at Bathampton
Kirsten Elliott Akeman Press
IF you’re starting to get fed up with the weather, spare a thought for what Bathonians had to put up with a century ago.
This view of the frozen canal at Bathampton, with Harbutt’s Plasticine works in the background, was taken on 5th
December 1925.
By then, Bath was in the grip of one of its coldest winters for years. There had already been three heavy snowfalls – the most recent, three days earlier, accompanied by freezing fog. The following night, the temperature had dropped even lower, creating skating rinks across the city and beyond. Just off the London Road, nature was given a helping hand as water was pumped onto Grosvenor Meadows. There
was no need of such assistance along the canal, however, or at numerous other locations, such as Saltford, Midford and the lake at Corsham. There was to be no let-up in the arctic conditions. On 21st December, the worst snowfall yet saw cars replaced by sleighs on Lansdown, and bus services brought to a standstill across the city – although the trams still managed to run. When temperatures eventually started to rise, on New Year’s Day, melting snows
COLUMN | Clare Moody, Labour Police and Crime Commissioner
YOU may have seen recent announcements about the future of Police and Crime Commissioners (PCC).
I want to reassure you that nothing changes immediately. The current system will remain in place until 2028, and all vital work, commissioning support services, scrutinising police performance, and building safer communities continues as normal.
The relationships and partnerships built across our communities remain central and will be maintained throughout
any transition. The transition will be carefully planned, and I will share updates as they become available. My focus remains the same: working with the police to keep people safe, supporting victims, and preventing harm. The priorities laid out for me by you when I was first elected continue to guide everything I do, from strengthening neighbourhood policing to tackling male violence against women and girls, reducing serious youth violence, and improving policing standards.
I am proud of what my team and I have achieved since taking office. I have expanded victim support with specialist trauma-informed services, increased highvisibility policing, secured extra foot patrols and redeployed experienced officers into expanded neighbourhood teams. I have visited hundreds of communities, supported thousands of people with concerns about the police, and my volunteers have carried out numerous custody visits and complaint reviews.
were washed down from the hills by heavy rain. Low-lying parts of the city flooded and some residents had to take refuge in their bedrooms. Arctic conditions soon returned. On 14th January, heavy snow once more brought traffic to a standstill and made walking on icy pavements perilous. By the end of the month, though, the snow had largely gone, leaving only the legacy of potholed roads and flooddamaged homes and businesses.
Looking ahead, I’m working to transform the police response to domestic abuse, building on earlier successes. I am also working to link national legislation to local action, including protections under the Online Safety Act, that I recently discussed with Ofcom. I am also supporting the annual global 16 Days of Activism campaign. This year’s theme is ‘Unite to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls’ and
I will use it to highlight positive masculinity, prevention, and the shared responsibility we all have, online and offline, to help build safer communities and better relationships. While changes are planned for police and crime governance in the future, my commitment to the people of Avon and Somerset remains unchanged. You can find out more about the PCC at www.avonandsomersetpcc.gov.uk
The canal at Bathampton 100 years ago, on 5th December 1925
Crossword
2 Highly esteemed (9) 8 Horse's gait (4) 9 Need different Paradise? (4)
Belonging to a class (7)
Fine cigar (6)
Leave out (4)
Light brown (6)
Reserves (5)
"Good heavens!" (2,2)
Congratulations to Carole Tonkinson for winning £20! You can find the answers to last issue's crossword on page 24
"Steady State" astronomer Sir Fred ___ (5)
Oddball (6)
Showered (6)
Rotates (5)
Former Russian ruler (4)
Vigorous attack (5)
Dwarfed tree (6)
Bardic eyes (4)
Keyboard instruments (6)
Affair of the heart (7)
Garment of ancient Rome (4)
Perjured oneself (4)
Possibilities (9)
1 Long-distance digits (4,4)
2 Assailant (8)
3 Roll of tobacco (5)
4 Many set off for a dispensation (7)
5 Set marker out of kilter for traders (9)
6 1920s art style (4)
7 Party balloon filler (6)
16 Wanton destroyer of beauty (3)
17 Explosive issue (3,6)
19 Irish guerillas (1,1,1)
21 Unlawful immigrants brewed Gill's ale (8)
22 Protracted (8)
24 Purse is distributed for rebels (5,2)
26 Blue feeling (6)
29 Grecian architectural style (5)
31 Hit with the hand (4) Down
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 0512, Bath Echo, PO Box 5395, Bath, BA1 0YA
The winner will be the first randomly opened entry with the correct answers on 17/12/2025. 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
Enjoy a little corner of offChristmas Market piste peace at The Grapes’ Glühwein bar tucked away behind the pub in St Michael's Place (off Westgate Street). Alongside the Glühwein, there’s mulled cider, Boerewors sausages and all kinds of everything else available daily (except Tuesdays and Wednesdays) until Sunday 14th December.
https://bit.ly/4oD1EWQ
Join Comptoir+Cuisine founder Maud Fierobe at C&C’s George Street HQ on Thursday 8th December and experience a deep-dive exploration of three spectacular cuvées, each accompanied by the perfect cheese to match (£35pp; tickets
Recipe
available in store).
Sponsor this section!
Get in touch with Rob Last via rob@mediabath.co.uk
www.comptoirpluscuisine.com
Act VERY fast and you might just be in time to book for a very special event at the super-sparkly Little Scallop (upstairs at The Scallop Shell, Monmouth Place) showcasing “an elevated menu of unbeatable British seafood” on Wednesday 10th December. Missed the boat? Forthcoming Little Scallop supper clubs are scheduled for Wednesday 14th January, Wednesday 11th February, and Wednesday 11th March 2026.
https://bit.ly/3KyjMD2
Expect a fabulous festive foodie experience in the cafe/restaurant at Iford Manor (nr. Bradford on
Avon) on either Friday 12th or Friday 19th December when live jazz, a welcome drink and spectacular fine dining menus served in spectacularly pretty surroundings offers cheer in abundance (£78pp).
https://bit.ly/48rrM0q
From Mince Pie Specials and festive afternoon teas to the Premium Santa Express and fullblown Festive Dining Experiences on the elegant Bitton Belle steam train: get on board with a lively schedule of unique party season experiences courtesy of the Avon Valley Railway (Bitton Station) throughout December.
https://bit.ly/3XsdmbC
December 24th: You’ve planned
Melissa Blease Food Writer
the menu, done the prep and dressed the table in readiness for The Big Day; now it’s time to escape to the (nearby) countryside and chillax with a laid-back fireside Christmas Eve lunch at The Wheatsheaf (Combe Hay) where mulled cider, carol singers and sumptuous festive sharing feasts kick-start the celebratory season in fine style (£55pp).
https://bit.ly/3XYrc5x
Tuck into a big bowl of Magari pasta to accompany your brew of choice at Electric Bear Cub (Shires Yard): just scan the QR code on your table, choose from the menu and your pasta will arrive, pronto!
https://bit.ly/4pcs0A3
Chestnut, Spinach and Blue Cheese En Croute
Strike up the seasonal sparkle with a festive cocktail and an elegant seasonal snack for just £18 at The Bath Priory Hotel and Spa (Weston Road) every day between 5pm-8pm from now until Sunday 14th December. www.thebathpriory.co.uk
Choose any pizza accompanied by a pint of beer, a glass of prosecco or a coke for just £15 at lovely neighbourhood pizzeria/ trattoria Café 84 (Lower Bristol Road) every Monday - Saturday from 12pm-6pm. Going to go? Take away one pizza and get one half price every MondayThursday 12pm-6pm. www.italianpizzeria.co.uk www.theprandialplayground.uk
The elegant, meat-free party season centrepiece of your dreams, packed with festive flavours, easy to prepare and ideal for rustling up in advance. If you’re not a fan of blue cheese, brie or camembert work equally well.
Ingredients (serves 6)
• 1 tbsp butter
• 500g leeks, trimmed and sliced
• 3 cloves of garlic, peeled and grated or crushed
• ½ tbsp dried thyme
• 200g baby spinach, finely chopped
• 415g can chestnut puree
• 200g vacuum-packed whole packed chestnuts, halved
• 220g blue cheese (eg. Stilton), rind trimmed and diced
• 3 large eggs (plus 1 egg for glazing)
• 90g fresh white breadcrumbs
• ½ nutmeg, grated
• 500g pack of all-butter puff pastry
Method
• Melt the butter in a large frying pan. Add the leeks and sauté gently for 10 minutes or until soft and silky, adding the garlic and dried thyme for the last minute of cooking time. Tip into a large bowl.
• Add the chopped spinach, chestnut purée, chopped chestnuts, blue cheese, breadcrumbs, nutmeg and eggs to the cooked leeks. Season well and stir until thoroughly combined, then chill for at least 1 hour (or up to 24 hours) to allow the mixture to firm up.
• When you’re ready to assemble the en croute, roll the pastry out on a lightly-floured surface to create a rectangle large enough to completely enclose the filling and carefully lift onto a large, baking paper-lined baking tray. Brush the edges of the pastry with beaten egg and spoon the filling down one half of the length of the pastry, leaving the ends clear. Tuck the ends in, then firmly lift up the other side of the pastry to wrap around the filling. Trim any excess pastry, brush the entire en croute with beaten egg and make a few holes in the top to allow steam to escape as it cooks. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes (or up to 24 hours).
• When you’re ready to bake, preheat the oven to 190c/gas mark 5. Slide the en croute into the oven and bake for around 30-40 minutes or until the pastry is just turning golden. Remove from the oven, brush with more beaten egg and bake for a further 10 minutes.
• Allow the en croute to stand for 10 minutes before slicing (or, transfer to a board and slice at the table for extra-added theatre!)
CHRISTMAS POSTER COMPETITION
WIN A FAMILY PACKAGE FOR BOOM BATTLE BAR! OPEN TO ENTRANTS UP TO 12 YEARS OLD
DESIGN YOUR POSTER IN THE BLANK SPACE ABOVE FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN!
To enter, either take a photo of this page and email it to puzzles@bathecho.co.uk or pop it in the post to us at Poster Competition, Bath Echo, PO Box 5395, Bath, BA1 0YA. We need to receive all entries by Wednesday 17th December 2025. The posters will be judged by the Bath Echo team, and the best one will be showcased in our next issue (out on 19/12/25). When submitting a design, please provide your child's full name, along with a parent/guardian's name, postal address and either a phone number or an email address. The prize of a family package for four (1 x game (excluding axe throwing), 1 x drink each, 1 x pizza to share) will be offered to the winner using the details provided upon entry. The winner's contact details will be shared with Boom Battle Bar Bath to organise the prize. No purchase necessary. No alternative prize will be offered.
GET SET FOR THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS, BOOK YOUR GAMES TODAY! Itʼs time for family battles as you fill up your afternoons with epic games, street food and delicious drinks.
Weʼve got the perfect mix of action, competition, and fun to keep everyone entertained this Christmas. Go for the win - every game is designed to bring out your inner champion!
What's On
Beers & Carols
The Bath Brew House
5th December, 7pm
Join Bath Brew House for the most joyful night of the year. They'll be raising their voices (and their glasses) to the season, with plenty of brews, a few silly games, and all the merry chaos you'd expect.
Meet Father Christmas
No.1 Royal Crescent
6th – 21st December
Father Christmas is making a special stop at No.1 Royal Crescent, and he's keen to experience the ‘12 Tales of a Georgian Christmas’ tour. He'll be reading stories and giving out gifts.
Winter Owl Evenings
The Bird of Prey Project 6th, 7th & 13th December
Treat yourself to a cosy evening away from the hustle and bustle. Connect with nature at one of the festive owl evenings, and come face to face with some of nature's most stunning species.
Carols & Steam Evening
Avon Valley Railway
6th December
Experience an evening ride on the steam train, sing some carols accompanied by the Bristol East & Kingswood Brass Band, and enjoy some warming seasonal refreshments.
Voices for Christmas
St Michael’s Without 6th December, 7pm
A joint carol concert with the children's choir Voices for Life. The Silver Ring Choir will be singing many of your favourite carols as well as some beautiful modern ones.
The Big Christmas Sing
St Swithin’s Church
9th December, 7.30pm
An evening of uplifting gospel, festive tunes and sing-along carols in one of Bath's iconic venues. Join the Bath Community Gospel Choir's Big Christmas Sing - it's free to book.
Carols in the Abbey
Bath Abbey 11th December, 7.30pm
Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance will be hosting a special Carols in the Abbey event leading up to Christmas. Carols sung by the celebrated City of Bath Male Choir and the brilliant Chloe Jordan.
Further Adventures of Peter Pan
Theatre Royal Bath 11th December – 11th January
Stage and screen star Tristan Gemmill will don the infamous hook and sail to Neverland as the fearsome Captain Hook in this year’s Bath pantomime spectacular.
The Naughty List
Rondo Theatre
12th – 24th December
Packed with festive fun, heart, and a sprinkle of magic – this is a Christmas show that truly delivers. The Naughty List at The Rondo is suitable for all the family!
Andy Parsons
The Roper Theatre 12th December, 8pm
Life is hard. Come and have a laugh about it. After his nationwide criticalsmash sellout 2023/24 tour, comedian Andy Parsons is back with a brand-new show.
Angelus ad Pastores
Church of Our Lady and St Alphege 12th December, 6.30pm
A programme spanning four centuries of festive music. From peaceful recorder consort to rousing shawm band, there will be the usual signature mix of wellknown composers and ‘new' names.
A Christmas Celebration
Bath Abbey 13th December, 7pm
Join the Abbey Choirs including the young Melody Makers in their Christmas celebrations. Music, Readings and audience carols...there will be something for everyone.
Christmas Fair
Weston Free Church (Moravian) 13th December, 12-4pm
Over 20 stalls selling Christmas cards, decorations, jewellery, accessories, ceramics, prints and much more! Perfect if you are looking for handmade and unique gifts for Christmas. Free entry.
Swing Into Christmas
The Forum 17th December, 7.30pm
Celebrate the festive season in style with the sensational Down for the Count Swing orchestra, as they head to The Forum, Bath for their much-loved annual show, Swing into Christmas.
Winter Warmer Sessions
Roman Baths
17th – 21st December, 4.30–5.30pm
The Great Bath will come alive with the sound of local choirs in ‘Winter Warmer’ sessions. Seasonal songs beside the steaming waters will add a festive soundtrack to your visit.
Carols by Candlelight
The Pump Room 18th & 19th December
In the 250th anniversary month of Jane Austen’s birth, Bath Bach Choir presents ‘A Georgian Christmas’ as the theme for its much-loved Carols by Candlelight concerts at The Pump Room. Friday 5th December - Thursday 18th December 2025
11 DECEMBER ’25 TO 11 JANUARY ’26
Spotlight on planned changes at Bath theatre
Council champions initiatives for local Ukrainian community
19th century that is still operating.
AN application is seeking listed building consent to replace light fittings and install lights in new positions in the main auditorium at the Theatre Royal Bath.
The Grade II* listed Georgian building at Sawclose dates from 1805.
With an international reputation, it is one of the few remaining theatres dating from the early
The application states that lighting upgrades were part of the 2009 / 2010 refurbishment of the theatre, but the technology at that time did not permit updates in the main house.
Now existing tungsten light fittings will be replaced with current specialist LED fittings, with minimal intervention, which will improve light levels, controllability and save energy.
The planning reference is 25/04406/LBA, and the deadline for comments is 22nd December.
A CHILDREN’S adventure book and a community radio show are among two Ukrainian-led projects being highlighted and supported by Bath & North East Somerset Council.
One of the initiatives is a new children’s novella now available in the council’s libraries: Vitalii Petrenko and the Secret of the Roman Baths, written by Claire Bramwell-Pearson and illustrated by Ukrainian artist Alexandra Dikaia on behalf of the Friends of Oleksandriya.
Printed in Kyiv, the book has already appeared at the Bath Children’s Literature Festival. It tells the story of Vitalii, a young footballer who flees the war and finds refuge in Bath, where he encounters a legendary threeheaded dragon hidden beneath the Roman Baths. The title received its official launch at the Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution on 8th November. The council is also backing The Ukrainian Hour, a weekly show on Somer Valley FM, through the latest round of its Ukraine Support Grant. The programme
Saltford’s famous Santa Dash returns in aid of two charities
HUNDREDS of people will be taking part in the Saltford Santa Dash on Sunday 7th December to raise money for two charities. The community fun run was established in 2013 to support locally connected charities working with young people. Last year’s event raised nearly £18,000 for Keynsham & District Mencap Society and Sporting Family Change. This year the Santa Dash will again be raising funds for Mencap as well as Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY).
The children’s event begins at 10am on Sunday with loops around the playing fields in Wedmore Road. At 11am Santas will set off from the sports fields to follow either a five-kilometre or five-mile route through the scenic roads of Saltford and
Keynsham. Meanwhile Saltford’s annual Christmas Market takes place on Saturday 6th December.
The market at Saltford Hall runs from 10am to 2pm. There will be close to 50 stalls along with Santa and his sleigh.
offers Ukrainian refugees the chance to share stories, music and cultural perspectives, helping to build confidence and community connections.
A £2,500 grant will fund media workshops for the local Ukrainian community, new programme content and advanced broadcast training for presenter Vira Niskoromnykh, who came to Bath after fleeing the invasion in 2022. Council leader Councillor Kevin Guy said the authority is “proud to continue supporting our Ukrainian friends in any way we can,” praising Vira’s work in “promoting integration, and amplifying diverse voices through local radio” and welcoming the
way the Vitalii story “reinforces Bath’s solidarity with Ukraine in an imaginative way.” Zhenya Shkil, founder and trustee of the Friends of Oleksandriya, said a small project to help children in Oleksandriya learn English has grown into a story that is “inspiring kindness and friendship among children in both Ukraine and the UK” and is becoming a firm favourite with young readers across Bath and North East Somerset. They said they are “overjoyed” that the book will be stocked in local libraries, where it can “nurture compassion, understanding, and hope in future generations.” Somer Valley FM founder and executive director Dom Chambers described presenter Vira Niskoromnykh as “an amazing person who has created a community through community radio,” adding that her weekly show both welcomes people displaced by war and helps audiences across the South West understand “the richness and beauty of Ukrainian culture and the value it brings to us all.”
Annual Christmas tree collections return
Becky Feather Reporter
IN partnership with national charity Just Helping, Dorothy House Hospice Care is again running a Christmas tree collection for the area.
Run by volunteers, the Dorothy House Christmas Tree Collection has been going since 2017.
Since the first collection, 32,500 trees have been collected and more than £500,000 raised from donations to support the vital work of Dorothy House. Trees will be collected from Friday 9th January until Sunday 11th January in the following postcodes: BA1, BA2, BA3, BA4, BA11, BA12, BA13, BA14, BA15, BS31, BS39, BS40, SN11, SN12,
SN13, SN14, SN15 and SN16. Registration is now open and will close at midnight on Monday 5th January.
To book your tree in for collection, go to https://just-helping.org.uk/ Dorothy House, based at Winsley near Bath, cares for people across an 800 square mile catchment area which covers Bath & North East Somerset and parts of Wiltshire and Somerset. Services are free of charge.
Taking part in last year's Santa Dash event
Photo courtesy of Dorothy House
Becky Feather Reporter
The Theatre Royal in Bath | Photo © Freia Turland
Cllr Kevin Guy with Leo and Zhenya Shkil | Photo ©B&NES Council
First three School Streets set to ‘go
in Bath next April
THE first three School Streets in Bath & North East Somerset are expected to be up and running after the Easter holidays next April.
School Streets aim to improve the environment directly outside schools at drop-off and pick-up times by restricting access. The three flagship School Streets are St Philip's C of E Primary School at Odd Down, St Stephen’s Church Primary School at Lansdown and Widcombe Infants and Juniors.
In addition, a School Street for Newbridge Primary School is planned within the proposal for the Lyme Road and Charmouth Road Liveable Neighbourhood.
B&NES Council has approved £250,000 of Clean Air Zone (CAZ) funding to deliver a School Streets programme and £87,000 one-off funding was approved from the revenue budget for 2025/26. Further funding of £75,000 has been allocated through the West of England Combined Authority Active Travel Fund to deliver School Streets in the B&NES area. With School Streets, vehicle access is typically restricted for between 30 and 60 minutes at the beginning and end of each school day with essential access maintained for those that need it. The exact times are agreed with
each school and local community but typically run from 8.15am and 9.15am and 2.50pm and 3.50pm. Residents with vehicles registered to an address on the School Street can apply for an exemption permit.
Temporary barriers provided to the schools by the council will enforce the schemes. Under agreement with the schools, enforcement will be carried out by stewards from each school or by community volunteers. There will be early engagement with residents and school communities and statutory consultees during December. In January there will be Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) consultations and community
events, and in February data will be analysed. Pending the outcome of the consultations, in March there will be steward training, the temporary barriers will be supplied, and people will be able to start applying for permits if they qualify.
The Schools Street signs are expected to be installed over the Easter holidays prior to the launch in April.
The schools in this first tranche have already been trialling some measures to support journeys by walking, wheeling and cycling. The council intends to support as many School Streets as possible dependent on funding available going forward.
All schools in B&NES are welcome to apply, but to be shortlisted, schools must meet specific criteria and be enrolled in the Modeshift STARS programme, the national accreditation scheme which recognises excellence in promoting sustainable travel.
There are already some School Streets in neighbouring Bristol and South Gloucestershire, and a similar initiative will be trialled in Wiltshire next year.
Gas upgrade work in Southdown completed
WALES & West Utilities has completed work to upgrade gas pipes in the Southdown Road area of Bath.
The project began at the end of August and was carried out to ensure gas continues to be delivered safely and reliably to homes and businesses for years to come.
The gas emergency and pipeline service worked with the local community and liaised with Bath & North East Somerset Council to plan the scheme. It was agreed that traffic management would be needed throughout the duration of the work.
Simon Lee, who managed the project for Wales & West Utilities, thanked residents for their
patience.
He said: “We would like to thank the local community for bearing with us whilst we completed this essential work.
“While most of the gas network is underground and out of sight, it plays a central role in the daily lives of people across the area.
“Whether it’s heating your home, making the family dinner, or having a hot bath, we understand how important it is for your gas supply to be safe and reliable and there when you need it.
“This work was essential to keep the gas flowing to local homes and businesses today, and to make sure the gas network is ready to transport green gases in the future.”
A Wales & West Utilities van
Awards ceremony celebrates lives transformed by charity
Becky Feather Reporter
AN awards ceremony has been held in Bath to recognise people who have transformed their lives with the help of the charity Developing Health and Independence (DHI).
The Annual Client Achievement Awards, held at the Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution on Tuesday 11th November, brought together clients, colleagues, commissioners, trustees, volunteers and partners to celebrate the charity’s lifechanging support.
Rosie Phillips, founder and chief executive of DHI, said: “We support people who are often unheard, marginalised or considered ‘undeserving’ by society – despite lives shaped by poverty, adversity or trauma.
“Our clients can face stigma, but these awards show that, with the right help in place, change is possible.”
Ken Nicholas received the David Miell Award for Personal Achievement after receiving mental health treatment through DHI’s Criminal Justice Team.
He said: “I've come from a place of doom and gloom to a place of wonderfulness. I'm very grateful to the DHI team who’ve supported me and opened my mind to thinking more positively.”
The Contribution to the Community Award went to the Peer Mentoring Team at DHI’s South Gloucestershire Drug and Alcohol Treatment Service for their outstanding work supporting others in recovery.
Lee Combes, one of the peers who accepted the award, said: “It’s amazing for every peer who volunteers in South
Gloucestershire to have all their hard work, time and effort recognised like this. Peers make such a difference.
“They are so valued by people who walk through the door not believing they’ll ever achieve recovery, just scared to even step foot in a room.”
Frazer Simmons received the Cookie McBride Award for Optimism and Resilience, recognising his journey from substance misuse to devoted family man who supports his community.
He attended with his family – his daughter, mum, nan and partner – who wiped away tears as he accepted his award.
The awards were presented by Martin Buckland, chief executive of Marlin Communications, which supported the event.
He said: “Today's event has been absolutely humbling for me. It’s
Health centre is criticised for ‘prioritising cars over trees’
A BATH health centre’s intention to fell a tree to make space for more parking has proved controversial, with the council branding it “disappointing”.
Heart of Bath Medical Partnership submitted an application to Bath & North East Somerset Council to fell a large tree at Oldfield Surgery at Upper Oldfield Park, which is in a conservation area.
The tree is at the front of the building, on the right-hand side of the car park when facing the building.
The application said: “By removing this tree, we can then facilitate more parking spaces for the NHS GP practice. The tree would be removed and the area tarmacked to allow more parking which would be extremely beneficial to the practice.”
The practice acknowledged that the “unspecified” tree is not diseased or in poor condition, nor damaging any property.
(TPO ) and a decision has been made not to serve a TPO on this occasion due to the proximity of the tree to the building and future management requirements to contain the size and reduce overhang of the roof.
such an honour to be here today with DHI’s support workers and clients.
“DHI helps people do incredible things to give back to the community and use their own
experiences to help others going through the same challenges.” Guests also enjoyed cakes made by Jenni, a former DHI service user who has launched her own bakery business.
Orthopaedic surgeon helps raise over £90k
RUH and Bath Clinic orthopaedic hip surgeon
Harvey Sandhu recently took on an extraordinary endurance challenge in Kenya, raising £90,000.
100km a day on sandy and stony dirt tracks.
He joined 40 other fundraisers to cycle hundreds of kilometres across rugged terrain in aid of Child.org. The Bristol-based charity focuses on improving maternal and infant health in Nairobi.
It stated that the tree has a preservation order, but in the recent decision notice the council said: “The tree has been assessed for a Tree Preservation Order
The council added: “For the purposes of the legislation relating to trees in conservation areas the council is therefore bound to raise no objection to the works. However, the response does not infer that the council supports the proposed felling of the tree.”
Dental October 1/4.qxp_Layout 1 18/10/2024 14:50 Page 1
The council noted that its policies are to tackle the climate and nature emergencies and promote alternative transport methods,
adding: “It is disappointing that a medical centre gives greater priority to cars given the wide benefits of trees for the wellbeing of urban communities. The contents of the seven objections received also reflect this apparent disparity.”
The decision notice also stated that replacement planting when trees are removed is “vitally important, particularly in our urban environments given the contributory roles which trees play in climate change mitigation and ecosystem services”.
The Echo reached out to Heart of Bath Medical Partnership, asking if it wished to respond to the council’s comments.
The organisation works alongside pregnant women, new mothers, community committees and healthcare authorities, delivering life-saving healthcare and vital information through innovative digital tools and communitybased programmes.
Founded nearly 25 years ago, the charity continues to make an impact on maternal and child health, and is supported by one of Harvey’s colleagues.
Inspired by the charity’s work, Harvey travelled to Kenya to take part in a five-day cycling challenge, covering around
The trip was entirely self-funded, with each participant paying their own way. Child.org supplied the bikes, while Harvey brought his own seat and pedals –although even those small comforts could not fully soften the difficulty of the route. The challenge was both physically and emotionally demanding. Riders crossed the Masai Mara National Reserve, accompanied at all times by rangers to ensure their safety from wildlife, including lions.
Despite the intense heat, rough terrain and long distances, Harvey described the experience as unforgettable, highlighting the beauty of Kenya’s vast horizons and the strong camaraderie that built up within the group. Together, the 40 cyclists raised more than £90,000. The money will directly support Child. org’s mission to keep mothers and babies safe and healthy in Nairobi.
Jaime Brain & Kevin Milne Denture Experts
The centre will remove the tree on the right
Photo © DHI
Views being sought on plans for SEND school and children’s homes
BATH & North East Somerset Council has launched a consultation on proposals to open a new special school and two children’s homes in Keynsham, aiming to improve local support for children with complex needs and their families.
The plans would see the vacant Charlton House repurposed into a 30-place specialist school, alongside two residential homes for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Each home would accommodate four children and include living spaces, staff areas and gardens.
Demand for specialist education and residential placements has risen significantly, with many children who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) currently placed outside of the area.
These out-of-county placements often come at considerable cost and mean children are not always supported close to home.
The council also lacks local residential provision for its most
vulnerable SEND children.
The proposal includes creating modern learning and social environments, sensory spaces and landscaped outdoor areas to support pupils’ needs.
Councillor Paul May, B&NES Council’s cabinet member for children’s services, said the rising need for SEND support underlines the importance of developing local provision.
He said: “Supporting these children, young people and families is at the heart of everything we do.
“Providing local specialist places would not only reduce long
journeys for families but, in the longer term, help manage costs.
He added that discussions are taking place with nearby residents and encouraged the community to view the plans and share their views.
The consultation runs until Friday 19th December.
Residents can respond online (https://bit.ly/4rysrGb) or attend an event at Charlton House Community Room on Friday 12th December between 12pm and 7pm.
Feedback will help shape the final plans before they are submitted for planning approval.
Schools recognised for their music provision
PUPILS and staff at two local primary schools are celebrating after being recognised for the strength of their music provision.
Roundhill Primary School in Bath and St Mary’s C of E Primary School and Nursery in Writhlington, Radstock, have both been awarded the West of England Music and Arts (WEMA) Music Mark of Recognition for Ambition & Quality.
WEMA is part of the national organisation Music Mark, whose vision is “for accessible and excellent musical learning and engagement, inspiring and enriching the lives of all children and young people.”
Roundhill Primary School received the Music Mark in recognition of its commitment to musical opportunities, including taking part in events such as Voices for Life at Bath Abbey last year. St Mary’s was praised for “the value that you place on music in your school.”
Amy Randall, Key Stage Two maths and music lead at Roundhill, said: “We are excited to be able to offer musical
opportunities within school and also through enrichment visits. Key Stage Two (Years 3 to 6) are all learning an instrument and some Year 6 students are also having small group lessons on a variety of instruments. We're very excited to see where this takes us!”
Layla, a Year 4 pupil at St Mary’s, said: "I think music at our school is good… it helps us to think about emotions and I love that we get to do lots of music!
“I love performing in Bath Abbey and learning the ukulele alongside my whole class is so much fun!"
Both schools are members of The Partnership Trust, a multiacademy trust of 17 schools across Bath & North East Somerset and Somerset.
Emily Massey, CEO of The Partnership Trust, said:
“Congratulations to Roundhill and St Mary’s for receiving this music award!
“We know how important music and singing is for children’s wellbeing and development, and it’s wonderful to see this recognised at these schools.”
Charlton House in Keynsham
Bid to turn former Lansdown restaurant into five-bed house
THERE are plans to turn an Indian restaurant in Bath into a five-bed house.
Bath & North East Somerset Council has received planning and listed building consent applications for the conversion of Curry Mahal at 31 Belvedere, which forms part of Lansdown Road. The premises, which are Grade II listed, had been operating as Curry Mahal since around the turn of the century.
The business closed earlier this year. The property had been marketed as a restaurant for about two and a half years, but no offers were received.
The planning application notes that the property needs “expensive” repair works, including the restoration of windows and rear stonework.
“Currently the property is on the market and has been for over two years. It a closed commercial premises and has been closed for more than six months.
“The works will not be done unless there is a funding to do so and it is difficult, or more accurately impossible, to see where this money could come from aside from for the premises to be converted to residential.
“Therefore from a heritage viewpoint, these improvements
Joe & The Juice set to open outlet in Bath
A GLOBAL chain of juice bars and coffee shops is set to open a branch in the city centre.
Joe & The Juice is looking to open in the former Kingdom of Sweets shop at 12 Stall Street which closed in the summer after falling into rent arrears.
Joe & The Juice recently opened its first outlet in the South West
region - at Cabot Circus in Bristol. It is looking to expand to more than 1,000 branches globally in the next five years.
Plans have been submitted to B&NES Council for works at the Stall Street unit including a new shopfront and signage. The planning reference is 25/04228/ FUL.
would not happen if the status quo is maintained and so the change of use should be viewed as a heritage gain.”
Four cycle spaces are proposed for the converted property.
The planning reference is 25/04525/LBA and the deadline for comments is 4th January.
Post Office service begins at Bitton store
A NEW Post Office service has been introduced in Bitton, near Bath.
The village lost its dedicated Post Office more than 10 years ago.
The “lighter format” branch has opened at Premier Bitton Convenience Store in the High Street, run by Kandeepan and Shyamala Ambigaipakan.
Post Office says it has opened the new service in collaboration with Payzone.
“The service will be one of our Drop & Collect branches, which is one of our lighter, flexible branch formats developed to take advantage of the opportunities a vibrant, and increasingly competitive, parcels market offers.
“The new Drop & Collect offers Post Office services from a handheld device, providing convenient access for customers for bill payments and prepaid parcel collections and returns.
“To maximise accessibility to
these services that our customers are increasingly seeking, more complex services like personal and business banking will not be available at this branch.”
The Post Office says a wider range of services are available from nearby branches at Oldland Common and Saltford.
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Changes being proposed at two landmark city centre pubs
PUB chain Fuller's has lodged plans with Bath & North East Somerset Council to make changes to two landmark city centre inns.
Work is proposed at both The Huntsman at Terrace Walk and The Crystal Palace at Abbey Green.
The Grade II* listed Huntsman building was constructed between 1748 and 1750, reputedly by John Wood the Elder.
It was originally the Parade Coffee House, and in the early 19th century, the site became part of the Terrace Walk Wine Vaults.
Around the late 19th and early 20th century, it became Eldridge Pope’s The Huntsman pub.
The works being proposed include reopening a modern partition from the private bar into the main bar and reinstalling
a staircase.
The application says the alteration will only affect a modern part of the building and will help improve functionality and connection through the pub.
The planning reference is 25/04310/LBA, and the deadline for comments is 18th December.
At the nearby Crystal Palace, Fuller’s is seeking permission to remove the small modern bar in the entrance lobby and replace it with a freestanding waiter station and partition.
The pub, which is Grade II listed, dates from circa 1820 but the internal character is said to have been significantly altered, particularly throughout the 20th century.
The bar replacement proposals include solid timber doors and panelling, which the application says is “better aligned” with the significance and character of the listed building.
The planning reference is 25/04309/LBA, and the deadline for comments is 18th December.
Curry Mahal in Lansdown
The Crystal Palace pub in Bath | Photo © Alla Tsyganova / Shutterstock.com
Becky Feather Reporter
Echo”
Kandeepan Ambigaipakan outside the store in Bitton
The former Kingdom Of Sweets store on Stall Street
Company scoops seven international awards
the Rail Corridor, and the SinoSingapore Friendship Park at Tianjin Eco City in China.
Council turns down repeat bid to keep TV screen next to junction
Becky Feather Reporter
A REPEAT application by the developer of the Bath Press site to keep the 88-inch TV screen on top of its sales suite next to a busy crossroads has this week been turned down with the council saying it “prejudices public safety”.
BATH-BASED landscape architecture practice Grant Associates is celebrating after scooping a total of seven major international awards.
Grant Associates, founded in 1997 by Andrew Grant, has two main offices - its headquarters on Milk Street in Bath and a studio in Singapore.
The practice employs more than 70 people from more than 17 countries, including landscape architects, architects, 3D modellers, horticulturists and other specialists.
In Bath, the practice has collaborated with local architects on projects such as the Bath Press redevelopment and held a leading role in the Bathscape Scheme - a large restoration and conservation effort across Bath’s surrounding landscape. Andrew Grant is also co-founder of Forest of Imagination an annual pop-up “fantastical” forest installation in Bath.
The seven awards mark an unparalleled milestone for Grant Associates, with three ceremonies taking place on the same night across three time zones.
The practice won five awards at the Singapore Landscape Architecture Awards, including Gold awards for two Singapore projects – Grand Hyatt Hotel and The Reef at King’s Dock – and Silver awards for Elementum and
The Reef at King’s Dock also won the Outstanding Award in the Residential (Built) category at the International Federation of Landscape Architects AsiaPacific region Landscape Architecture & Luminary Awards.
Meanwhile, the UK studio of Grant Associates has picked up a prestigious Landscape Institute Award for its work on Appleby Blue Almshouses in London.
Andrew Grant, founder and director at Grant Associates, said:
“These awards are a wonderful recognition of the creativity, dedication, and collaborative spirit that define our work at Grant Associates.
“Each project represents a unique partnership with clients, architects, engineers, ecologists, and local communities. Together we’ve created landscapes that connect people with nature in meaningful and enduring ways.
“From Singapore to London to Tianjin, these award-winning projects show the global reach of landscape architecture in tackling today’s most pressing challenges - climate resilience, biodiversity loss, and human wellbeing.
“I’m incredibly proud of our team and collaborators whose imagination and commitment continue to demonstrate how design with nature at its heart can transform places and enrich lives.”
Ethical estate planning: aligning wealth with purpose
For many, estate planning is no longer just about distributing assets – it’s about defining legacy. As families grow more globally connected and socially conscious, there’s a rising demand for estate plans that reflect personal values, philanthropic goals, and ethical intent.
This is where ethical estate planning comes in: a thoughtful approach that balances wealth preservation with purposedriven impact.
Ethical estate planning integrates traditional legal tools – such as Wills, trusts, and succession structures – with a deeper focus on philanthropy and charitable giving, family governance
In August we reported that City & Country had been refused retrospective advertising consent for the screen with Bath & North East Somerset Council officers saying it could pose a hazard for motorists at the junction where Windsor Bridge Road, Brook Road and Lower Bristol Road converge.
They also said the backlit changing video and imagery was “at odds” with historic architecture nearby, including the Royal Oak pub and the retained façade of the Bath Press site, and “would not reflect high quality and traditional Georgian townscape, the landscape setting of the city or the carefully managed nature of the overall urban environment.” The impact on nearby homes was also a concern.
City & Country lodged an appeal with the Secretary of State in October, insisting its initial application is acceptable, but in tandem submitted the second advertisement consent application to the council for the TV screen which included some changes to reduce its potential impact.
The developer said a static image had been selected to display between 9pm and 7am to “significantly reduce any risk of distraction to drivers” and be equivalent to any other road sign, with slightly increased visibility. They also said the video played in the remaining hours had been “significantly slowed down” to pose less of a potential
Legal Expert
and values, sustainability and responsible investing, and transparency and fairness across generations. It matters because today’s wealth holders are increasingly asking questions such as “How can my estate reflect the causes I care about?”; “How do I prepare the next generation to steward wealth responsibly?”; and “Can I reduce conflict and promote harmony through my planning?”
Ethical estate planning answers these questions by embedding purpose into every legal decision. A few legal tools that support ethical planning: 1. Charitable trusts and foundations
distraction.
The council received six objections to the advertisement, highlighting concerns about it being an unnecessary source of glare and distraction at a busy and complex junction regularly used by drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians, and that collision data shows five incidents at or close to this junction since 2019.
Objectors also stated that “Bath is a haven away from such gaudy things” and the advert causes visual clutter, light pollution, and a commercial element that is out of keeping with the largely residential surroundings.
In their analysis council officers acknowledged that the applicant had sought to make changes but those amendments did not materially reduce the harm posed, and they refused the application on the grounds of public safety and amenity.
The decision report notes: “It is a highly commercialised and overtly modern form of advertising, owing to backlit style, changing video, imagery and/or written content, as well as high level of illumination throughout the day and night.
“It is located at an elevated and very prominent position within the townscape, at a crossroads on a main route into and within the city, visible by high numbers of people including adjacent residents from their homes.
Create structures that support long-term giving, whether to education, health, conservation, or community causes.
2. Letters of wishes and family constitutions
Go beyond the legal documents to express values, intentions, and guidance for future generations.
3. Ethical investment clauses Incorporate ESG (environmental, social, governance) principles into trust deeds and investment mandates.
4. Inclusive succession planning Ensure fairness across blended families, international heirs, and vulnerable beneficiaries.
5. Tax-efficient giving Use lifetime gifts, Gift Aid, and inheritance tax reliefs to maximise impact while minimising tax exposure.
At Stone King, we can help with
“Architecturally, the advert causes an unsympathetic and incohesive appearance due to being located on the roof of the sales office building. The digital advert is at odds with the Outstanding Universal Value of the dual-inscribed UNESCO Bath World Heritage Site and would be incongruous within the setting of adjacent historic locally listed buildings including the façade and chimney of the former Bath Press printworks as well as the Royal Oak public house.”
The decision notice adds: “The digital advertising display introduces distracting digital content, in a prominent elevated position three metres from ground level, adjacent to a busy signalised crossroads junction with staged pedestrian crossing. “There is a history of road traffic collisions at the junction, and higher incidence compared with the surrounding network. As a result of position, illumination and video/text content, the advert has the capacity to divert attention and confuse interpretation of signals in a location where full attention and clarity are essential to ensuring safe operation of the highway network. The digital advertising display therefore prejudices public safety.”
Meanwhile the appeal for City & Country’s first application remains in progress.
ethical estate planning in the following ways: legacy planning consultations that explore values alongside legal strategy; cross-border estate structuring for families with international assets; philanthropic giving advice tailored to personal causes and tax efficiency; and family governance support to help clients prepare heirs and reduce future disputes.
Ethical estate planning is about more than distributing wealth – it’s about shaping the future. Whether you’re funding a foundation, supporting a cause, or guiding your family’s next chapter, your estate plan can be a powerful reflection of who you are and what you stand for. For more information on any of this, please do get in touch with our Trusts & Estates Team.
Alison Allen Chair and Head
Becky Feather Reporter
The screen installed at the Bath Press site
Receiving their awards | Photo © Grant Associates
Council approves appointment of its new CEO
John Wimperis Local Democracy Reporter
BATH & North East Somerset Council has approved the appointment of its new CEO, who will net a salary of £175,000 per year.
Sophie Broadfield, who has been the council’s director of sustainable communities since 2021 and previously held senior Civil Service roles, will take over as the council’s top officer from Will Godfrey.
Mr Godfrey is stepping down as CEO after six years. A full council meeting on 20th November voted unanimously to approve her appointment.
In a statement ahead of the meeting, council leader Kevin Guy said: “Sophie’s strategic experience in making the area a better place for people to live, work, and visit and leading large-scale transformation and organisational culture change fits well with our ambitious plans for Bath and North East Somerset. “She will continue to lead the council’s work to build a fair, green, creative and connected place where we help to improve people’s lives.”
Ms Broadfield added: “I’m delighted to be appointed chief executive of Bath & North East Somerset Council. This is a wonderful place, and I feel
incredibly lucky to call it home.
“I’m looking forward to working with our brilliant colleagues, councillors and partners to make a positive difference for people right across our communities.”
As director of sustainable communities, she led the reset of the council’s Local Plan and secured investment for transport and travel, and the recent £20 million Pride in Place funding for Twerton.
She saw off 30 other candidates to secure the role and will begin on 1st January with a starting salary of £175,000.
Outgoing CEO Mr Godfrey was on a full-time salary of £174,199 as of April 2025 but, since September, he has only been paid to work three days a week as part of a “flexible retirement” to ease the
transition to the new CEO.
Mr Godfrey told councillors at the 20th November full council meeting: “It’s been an absolute honour and privilege to have served as your chief executive for the last six years.
“I came in October 2019 full of enthusiasm and thinking we were going to do some great stuff – which we have done – and then obviously six months later Covid came along and it slightly put back some of the things we were going to do.”
Marking the end of 40 years of work in local government, he said: “Local government is an amazing place to work and I want people to always remember that.
“Our mission of improving people’s lives has always been at the core of what I do and has
always been really important to me because that’s what I believe government is and does, and that’s what I’ve tried to do every day that I’ve worked in local government.”
He said: “This council delivers some incredible outcomes for our communities and people work really hard to deliver those outcomes. Your councillors work really hard to represent your views so please support them as your representatives.”
He added: “I will continue to have a keen interest as a resident holding my councillors to account.”
Councillor Guy said: “Will has led B&NES through some incredible challenges … in particular the Covid pandemic and recovery, which impacted every part of the council.
“He guided many successful initiatives to improve the way we do things locally: delivering the new Keynsham Recycling Centre, retrofitting the civic centre, big changes in adult social services which have been brought back in-house, and the BOB [Being Our Best] process of restructuring within council services.”
He said: “On behalf of us all, I thank you for your hard work and dedication to the council and from us all, best wishes for the future.”
Mr Godfrey received a standing ovation from councillors.
Call for end to ‘profiteering’ of children's care
John Wimperis Local Democracy Reporter
BATH & North East Somerset Council is spending £8 million per year looking after ten children, a top councillor has revealed.
Councils are spending an increasing amount of money on care for vulnerable children as costs skyrocket in what is now a largely privatised sector.
Now, councillors on Bath & North East Somerset Council are calling on the government to stop private companies “profiteering” from children’s care.
“For-profit companies should not be making excessive profits from providing services to vulnerable children,” council cabinet member for children’s services Paul May (Whitchurch and Publow, Liberal Democrat) told a full council meeting on 20th November.
He said that costs in the sector had increased by 70% over the last five years, nationally.
The dramatic increase has put major pressure on council budgets, which need to be balanced with cuts or new income generation in other areas.
Councillor Mark Elliott
(Lansdown, Liberal Democrat) told the meeting: “When, as cabinet member for resources, I first started to investigate why the children’s services budget was so difficult to manage, I was shocked to discover that the top ten most expensive children’s care placements were costing us a total of £8 million.”
He added: “That’s on a budget of roughly £40 million for children’s services, so 20% of the total budget for the service being spent on placements for ten children.”
He warned: “Excessive profiteering diverts resources away from children and into private gain. That is unacceptable.”
There are 2,500 children with special educational needs and disabilities in Bath and North East Somerset who have education, health, and care plans, setting out the support they need.
Councillor May said that 125 of these children are in out-ofarea day placements, while 37 are in residential homes, mainly related to autism and social and emotional mental health needs.
Councillor May said the council is spending £10.6 million on the out-of-area day placements, while the cost of the taxis to take the children between them and
their homes is “something in the order of £1.5 million.”
The council is planning to build its own 120-place special school on the Culverhay site so these children can attend school in Bath, but it is still waiting for government approval.
Bath & North East Somerset Council has 230 children in care, also known as looked-after children, with 27 in privately-run children’s homes.
The council spends £18.9 million on the provision, with the average placement costing £9,174 a week.
Councillors were debating a motion tabled by the Liberal Democrat group calling for the government to reform the social care system and cap the profits of private providers for vulnerable children.
Councillor May said: “A lack of regulation means private service providers have been allowed to run amok in a supplier-driven marketplace.”
Leader of the opposition Labour group, Councillor Robin Moss (Westfield), said he supported the proposal, adding: “There is a real desire in central government as well to see reforms in place.”
Councillor Saskia Heijltjes (Lambridge, Green), who said she had a child with special
Planning Round-up
Repair works planned at popular Bath hotel
A planning application has been submitted to Bath & North East Somerset Council to repair an historic wall and balcony at a Grade II listed hotel in Bath. Lansdown Grove was built as a gentleman’s residence in 1770 and was converted and enlarged to create the hotel around 1860. Listed building consent is being sought for repairs to the iron balcony and garden retaining wall. There have been “long-term issues with stability” and the balcony is currently cordoned off. The application says the planned repairs will reverse the “decay and corrosion”, making the balcony balustrading safe and stable, as well as meeting current regulations.
The planning reference is 25/04340/LBA and the deadline for comments is 18th December.
Improvements at Prior Park Garden Centre
Prior Park Garden Centre at Widcombe has submitted a planning application to improve “safety, functionality, and customer experience”.
needs herself, said she welcomed the intention behind the motion.
But she added: “Profiteering by private-equity backed providers is not the main issue facing B&NES families with children with [special educational needs and disabilities].
“The far bigger challenge is the lack of support to get an education, health, and care plan in place and the availability of local specialist provision.”
Councillor May said: “The Liberal Democrats are firmly committed to looking after the most vulnerable in our communities, as both adults and children.
“Making profits from the care of vulnerable children is deeply objectionable.
“We need to look for alternative, local, not-for-profit solutions.
Our message to government is loud and clear, this sector needs to change.”
Council leader Councillor Kevin Guy (Liberal Democrat, Bathavon North) has previously warned in 2023: “If the funding situation – particularly for adults and children’s services – is not rectified by this government or the next government, it is only a matter of time before all local authorities in the United Kingdom go bankrupt.”
The proposed development includes upgrading the existing pergola that covers the outdoor café seating area and providing additional outdoor seating spaces. The application says there is a “significant fall hazard” as there is no protective barrier to prevent anyone from falling from the garden seating area to the pergola seating level through the gap between the pergola roof and retaining wall. A glass balustrade is being proposed to address the problem. The scheme also involves replacing existing outbuildings used as kitchen storage facilities with a “more appropriate extension”. A new ventilation system is also proposed. The proposals include replacing and relocating external stairs. The planning reference is 25/04382/FUL and the deadline for comments is 18th December.
Solar scheme proposed in Widcombe
An application has been lodged for a ground-mounted solar array and underground boreholes for a heat pump at Rainbow Wood House at Widcombe Hill. The “residential renewables” project is for an array of approximately 320 panels. The output would supply 100% of the household’s electric and heating needs, with some surplus generation in summer fed back into the grid. The works involve 12 boreholes, each with a diameter of 150mm, being drilled 110 metres underground. The site lies within Zone C of the Avon Act Protected Area (the Bath Springs) so consent is required. The application says all identified risks are rated “low or very low”.
New CEO Sophie Broadfield | Photo © B&NES Council
HMO that sparked 59 objections is approved
Becky Feather Reporter
A TOTAL of 59 people objected to a proposal for a house in multiple occupation (HMO) in an Oldfield Park cul-de-sac but it has this week been given the go-ahead.
The application to convert 23 Maple Gardens from a three-bed house to a four-bed HMO was submitted to Bath & North East Somerset Council in September.
Councillor Ian Halsall (Oldfield Park, Liberal Democrat) had asked for the proposals to be referred to the planning committee for decision, rather than delegated to planning officers.
He said: “This application has generated a significant number of objections from local residents in my ward.
“As a member of the planning committee, I will not express any views on this application but I would like to formally request that it is referred to the committee as I feel it would be in the public interests for local residents to make statements should they wish to do so and so that this proposed change of use can be debated.
“The main concerns as expressed by neighbours relate to the amenity impacts of this change of use on modest three-bedroom dwellings in a higher density culde-sac and the loss of a C3 family home in a sustainable part of inner Bath.”
However, both the committee’s chair Councillor Tim Ball (Twerton & Whiteway, Liberal Democrat) and vice chair Councillor Paul Crossley (Southdown, Liberal Democrat) agreed the decision could be delegated as the proposal would be in alignment with current council policies.
Objections to the conversion of the end-of-terrace 1950s house included that there are no HMOs in the street and allowing one would change the character of the
“quiet, friendly neighbourhood” that is popular with families.
Locals said that affordable family homes should be retained as such, and raised concerns about parking, noise, rubbish and the devaluation of their properties.
One letter of support said:
“HMOs bring diversity to an area, whether the occupants are students or professionals - the vast majority want to be part of a community.
“The fact Maple Gardens does not currently have an HMO surely supports this application as it would create a more balanced community.”
Council planning officers said the proposed change of use would be acceptable and meet the necessary requirements.
“Whilst there are on-going discussions about future policy in relation to HMOs, at the current time these are being explored under the Local Plan Options consultation and are not a material planning consideration.”
The report said sound reduction measures would be installed and the existing garage would provide space for four bicycles.
It added: “The HMO may intensify vehicle use by occupants being of an age to be able to drive and may own a car, however, given the location of the property, the public transport provision and the proximity of a service centre that offers genuine choice of a range of services, a small-scale HMO is unlikely to create a severe transport impact to the immediate area.”
Council’s proposed development will feature no affordable housing
John Wimperis Local Democracy Reporter
A MAJOR development of almost a hundred homes in the centre of Bath will contain no affordable housing, despite the council itself being behind the plans.
Councillors on Bath & North East Somerset Council’s planning committee reluctantly approved the plans on 19th November, despite raising concerns about the lack of affordable housing. The plans will see 96 homes built in two blocks of flats on Green Park Road Car Park, as part of the Bath Quays North regeneration project.
Large developments in this part of Bath would usually be required to include 40% affordable housing, under the council’s own rules, although developers can build less if the land value would make providing affordable housing unviable.
Planning officers told the committee: “The development would not be viable with any amount of affordable housing.”
Committee member Councillor Fiona Gourley (Bathavon South, Liberal Democrat) said: “If this land is owned by Bath & North East Somerset and the developer is … effectively Bath and North East Somerset, what is it that is costing so much money that means this isn’t affordable?”
Green Park Road Car Park is a council-owned car park, and the developer is Aequus, a building company wholly owned by the council itself.
The council recently agreed to establish a limited liability partnership (LLP) with the company in order to deliver the development.
Although no affordable housing is planned, the council has said that profits from the development returned through the LLP could be used to fund further regeneration projects or subsidise future social housing.
Councillor Shaun Hughes
(Midsomer Norton North, Independent Group) said: “Aequus state as one of their stated objectives is to be fully policy compliant in terms of affordable housing.
“So I am trying to understand why we don’t have any affordable housing here when it is clearly not policy compliant.”
Councillor John Leach (Walcot, Liberal Democrat) added that the council was not a private developer which had to deliver profit to shareholders.
He said: “I am very uncomfortable with the fact that we are not able to provide any affordable housing in a development of this size.”
Council officers said the viability assessment was based on the whole Bath Quays North project, which also includes the redevelopment of Avon Street Car Park into an area full of commercial properties.
That part of the development, which received planning permission in May 2024, is being developed separately.
Councillor Eleanor Jackson (Westfield, Labour) said: “I can’t quite see why, if you have got a commercial building you are able to let for commercial rent, you can’t afford to have any affordable housing in the residential part.”
But Councillor Tim Warren (Midsomer Norton Redfield, Conservative) said: “It’s a wellknown fact that commercial isn’t viable any more. So if you want more jobs in the city, it has to be subsidised.
“In this case, it’s being subsidised by not having affordable housing which is a shame.”
In 2019, Bath Quays North
was described as “the most significant development in Bath in a generation”.
But after the company set to deliver it pulled out after Covid, the project “stalled” and building work never started.
Councillor Warren told the committee: “It needs doing.” He added: “Aequus will put affordable in if they possibly can. Private developers won’t.”
Concerns were also raised over the height of the buildings at the committee meeting, particularly the “significant” extent to which the five-storey block will tower over the two-storey building at the end of Milk Street.
Addressing the committee, neighbour Klaas Koopmans said: “I am going to lose all the light I get.”
Councillor Ian Halsall (Oldfield Park, Liberal Democrat) told the committee: “We are still a living, functioning city and we need to house people.
“I do feel that 96 dwellings in the city centre outweighs all the negatives that have been set out.”
Councillor Gourley said she found it “disappointing”.
But she added: “In a situation where we don’t have a five-year land supply and we do need more housing, I guess I am going to have to go along with this.”
The planning committee voted 7-2 to grant planning permission for the scheme.
Bath & North East Somerset Council formed the LLP with Aequus to build the flats on Green Park Road Car Park, along with another 65-home development across the river in Bath Quays South, while the local authority tries to find a new development partner to deliver the wider Bath Quays North development. Last year, the council signed a memorandum of understanding with the University of Bath to look at taking over the Bath Quays North redevelopment.
The university said it would look at using the location to create new spaces for research, innovation and “enterprise activities.”
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Image © B&NES Council
Sport
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Romans blitz Down to make Francis Hillier Premier Cup progress
Richard Briggs Reporter
BATH City fielded a powerful side in their Francis Hillier Premier Cup second-round tie at neighbours Odd Down on Tuesday 2nd December – and romped to a big victory.
With Yeovil Town having fielded a largely teenage team against the Jewson Western League Division One outfit in the previous stage and been beaten 1-0, City boss Darren Way paraded his big guns at the Lew Hill Memorial Ground to ensure the minnows did not take another big scalp. And Way got the desired outcome as the Romans emphasised the four-division gulf between the sides by cruising to a 4-0 success, having been 3-0 up at the break, in the competition previously known as the Somerset Premier Cup.
Ex-Crystal Palace youngster
Manny Yeboah opened the scoring in the seventh minute.
A cross from Kieran Parselle was cleared by the hosts’ defence, but only as far as Yeboah whose defected shot went past keeper Matthew Green.
It was 2-0 in the 24th minute, Owen Windsor getting the better of three defenders before drilling the ball beyond Green.
And Jordan Alves effectively killed the match as a contest when he hit City’s third goal, this in the 37th minute. The former Westfield player cut in from the right before shooting home from outside the box.
Yeboah completed the scoring when, in the 77th minute, he headed in to bag his second goal of the night.
Youth players Zion Thompson and Thomas Lewis came off the bench to make their City firstteam debuts. And under-18 striker Freddie Williams made his Odd Down first-team debut, also
as a substitute.
Odd Down (starting XI): Matthew Green, James Book, Lewis Bahadur, Treyvond Anderson, Joe Paradise, Alfie Kelsey, Charlie Saunders, Toby Davis, Harley Prior, Jack Kelsey, James Hare. Bath: Harvey Wiles-Richards, Joe Raynes, Ollie Tomlinson (Tresor Mabika, 78), Jack Batten (Thomas Lewis, 78), Kieran Parselle, Jordan Alves, Manny Yeboah, Mitch Beardmore, Luke Russe, Owen Pritchard, Owen Windsor (Zion Thompson, 53). Unused subs: Charlie Binns, Danny Greenslade, Brad Ash, Jordan Tillson.
Odd Down’s Western League match at AEK Boco on Saturday 29th November was postponed because of a waterlogged pitch. The Down will host Bitton in the league on Saturday 6th December (3pm).
Odd Down Development did get to play on Saturday 29th November. They romped to a
5-0 home win over Frome Town United Reserves to stretch their unbeaten start to the Trophies of Radstock Mid Somerset League Division One campaign to eight games.
Stan Dickenson hit a hat-trick for the table-topping Down against a United side whose defeat meant they slumped to the basement. Also on target for the victors, who led 2-0 at the interval, were Ruben Solomon-Gardner and Abdoulaye Ndiaye.
Odd Down Development will visit second-bottom Pilton United in the league on Saturday 6th December (2pm).
Larks stage late show to recover for incredible Falmouth draw
LARKHALL Athletic scored three late goals to come back from the dead against Falmouth Town and earn a dramatic point in Pitching In Southern League Division One South on Saturday 29th November.
A crowd of 165 at the Camella Stadium saw the Cornish side go 3-0 up and hold that lead up to the 85th minute, when the Larks began a remarkable recovery that saw them snatch a 3-3 draw. Having lost 3-2 at Malvern Town on Tuesday 25th November, Athletic seemed to be heading to a second successive league reverse when Falmouth’s Rubin Wilson completed his hat-trick to give the Duchy men their threegoal cushion in the 66th minute. But in what must surely be one
of the most thrilling games ever played at the Plain Ham venue, the Larks pulled back what seemed to be a consolation goal through Alex Camm and then netted twice in injury-time to complete the great escape. The result left Larkhall in ninth place in the table, 14 points adrift of the play-off places. Their recent results have put a serious dent in their bid to make the play-offs, with one win, one draw and three defeats in their last five games.
A penalty from Wilson in the 12th minute broke the deadlock and he doubled the lead when he put away the loose ball in the 28th minute after an Oscar Massey piledriver crashed off a post. The match seemed as good as all over when Wilson struck again with 24 minutes remaining.
But Larkhall were having none of it. Camm scored from an angle six yards out in the 85th minute. Then Gloucester City loanee Kieran Phillips found the target from 18 yards two minutes into injury-time. And debutant Henry Westlake beat Falmouth keeper Ethan Fearn to save an unlikely point two minutes later.
Larkhall starting XI: Liam Armstrong, Will Banks, Jack Goodall, Sam Boulton, Ewan McMillan, Jack Camm, Max Williams, Alex Camm, Kieran Phillips, Dawid Regula, Milo Murgatroyd.
The match at Malvern – who look
COLUMN | Ben Hicks, Clerk of the Course - Bath Racecourse
Our away days have continued to keep myself and the grounds team busy. Recent trips away from Bath have seen us supporting our colleagues at Chepstow, Worcester and Royal Windsor, assisting with both schooling mornings and for their jump racing fixtures.
It has been a busy period, but certainly productive with some valuable experiences.
The original figure-of-eight layout for jump racing at Windsor was really well received.
My fellow clerk, Charlie Rees,
and his team really did deliver a wonderful National Hunt fixture on what is Britain’s only racecourse on an island, something you may want to remember for a quiz one day!
Back at Bath, those winter jobs I mentioned previously are now well under way. We cut the track down to three inches over the winter, allowing the sward to thicken out over the next few months, and we will pretty much keep off it now apart from some aeration when conditions allow.
I am really happy with how it is
looking for the time of year, and some milder days after the season finale allowed seed to establish following the final repairs.
A major focus this off-season is the weighing room project, which has officially begun and is progressing nicely. This refurbishment will transform this hub of activity on a race day, and we are already looking forward to welcoming jockeys back into it when racing returns in April. It is an exciting project for everyone onsite and a real investment in the experience of
in with a good chance of winning the championship – saw Athletic undone by a 76th-minute goal from Charles Johnson after twice fighting back from behind.
Ryan Brunt opened the scoring by netting for the Worcestershire team in the 23rd minute –burying the rebound after Larks’ gloveman Liam Armstrong tipped onto a post a cross by Ben Hayes – only for Milo Murgatroyd to tap in a close-range equaliser 16 minutes later.
A Lewis Graham own goal restored the Midlanders’ advantage two minutes before the break but Will Banks levelled on the hour, following a corner.
However, Larkhall were beaten when Ben Baxter crossed, Armstrong parried and Johnson popped home the loose ball from six yards.
Larkhall starting XI: Liam Armstrong, Lewis Graham, Jack Goodall, Sam Boulton, Ewan
McMillan, Will Banks, Milo Murgatroyd, Alex Camm, Kieran Phillips, Dawid Regula, Spencer Dynmond-Hall.
The Larks will make the trip to promoted Portishead Town for another league clash on Saturday 6th December (3pm). Posset have had a superb season so far and top the table.
Larkhall Development’s scheduled Corsham Print Wiltshire Senior League Premier Division match at Wroughton on Saturday 29th November was postponed because of the weather.
Swindon Supermarine Development took advantage of that call-off by drawing 0-0 with Pewsey Vale and pushing Athletic out of second place in the table. The Larks will return to Wiltshire Senior League action on Saturday 6th December, when they take on Calne Town Reserves at the Camella Stadium (3pm).
everyone riding here.
Recently we were shortlisted for an award at The Business Exchange awards, in the “Going The Extra Mile” category.
I am delighted to say that we won the award, and it is a real testament to the hard work from our small team over the summer months.
I am so pleased they have gained deserved recognition.
Despite the racing season being over, the racecourse is far from
quiet. Our Christmas parties commenced on Thursday 4th December, so we have been getting all the decorations out and trees up in recent days.
As many of you will have seen, the fixture list is now published for 2026, and we have 20 race days lined up. No doubt our season opener on Sunday 5th April will come around in no time at all. Enjoy the excellent National Hunt racing over the coming weeks, and I will be back soon.
Photo © Johnny Hathaway
Photo © Richard Briggs
Richard Briggs Reporter
Action from the Lew Hill Memorial Ground | Photo © Simon Howe
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Bath Rugby
An awesome spectacle and five impressive points
Richard Briggs Reporter
BATH Rugby and Saracens served up a magnificent spectacle for a capacity crowd at the StoneX Stadium and the legions of fans watching on both subscription and freeview television.
In what could easily end up being the most thrilling game of the Blue, Black & White’s Gallagher PREM campaign, Johann van Graan’s side found themselves under the cosh for much of the first half.
They faced 14-0 and 22-10 deficits, turned around only five points down and blitzed their hosts in the second period to emerge 36-29 winners on Sunday 30th November.
With the teams gaining almost 1,100 metres between them, it was a great way for the PREM’s Round 6 weekend to end – and the result lifted Bath three points clear at the top of the table as the league goes into another break while the Investec Champions Cup takes centre stage.
Sarries shaded possession 52% to 48% but each side had 50% of the territory. The hosts gained 509 metres but Bath managed 551 on an afternoon when both teams secured a try-scoring bonus point, Bath touching down five times and Saracens doing so on four occasions.
On the artificial pitch in Hendon, North London, Saracens opened the scoring in the third minute, Max Malins going over on the left after receiving a pass from Lucio Cinti 22 metres out. Owen Farrell converted.
The situation became even better for the home side in the 14th minute, when they added their second try. Juan Martin Gonzalez crossed from short range on the right, Farrell booted the extras
and Sarries led 14-0, bringing back memories of Bath’s early 12-0 deficit across the capital – at Harlequins – in Round 1 two months earlier. But as at Twickenham Stoop Stadium, the Blue, Black & White ended up with the spoils.
Bath’s first points came when Finn Russell landed an 18-metre penalty from in front of the posts in the 18th minute.
And the arrears were cut to only four points when, almost immediately, Henry Arundell intercepted a Saracens pass just short of his own 22, dashed 80 metres down the left and crossed for a score that Russell converted. Sarries could feel rightly disappointed that their deserved advantage had almost evaporated. But they gave themselves some more daylight when, following a spell of heavy pressure, Malins touched down from five metres on the left in the 33rd minute. Farrell’s conversion attempt went wide – but he made amends by booting a 40-metre drop goal in the 36th minute to leave the home side 22-10 up.
However, like at Harlequins in September, Bath went a long way to wiping out the deficit by scoring a converted try just before the interval. This time it came courtesy of Thomas du Toit, who pounced to score from a rolling maul on the right, and Russell’s success from the tee, ensuring the visitors were only
22-17 down.
Bath produced some scintillating rugby in the third quarter to go 29-22 in front.
They tied the scores when Will Butt touched down on the left from five metres in the 49th minute after a tap penalty, Russell’s conversion kick sailing just wide of the right post. And in the 53rd minute the guests took the lead for the first time.
Arundell chipped the ball to exSaracens star Ben Spencer who was brought down just short of the line. But Arthur Green was in support and he crossed under the posts, Russell slotting over the two points to see Bath leading by seven.
Sarries were by no means finished. And on the hour, Noah Caluori got on to a high ball to seemingly score in the right corner. But after a long delay for the television match official to review matters, the try was disallowed following a knock on in the build-up.
But with Russell having been offside, the hosts had a penalty –and they made it count, pressure on the Bath line resulting in Gonzalez going over from close range on the right and Farrell converting to see matters level again in the 62nd minute.
Van Graan quickly made seven changes to his XV to give Bath plenty of fresh legs.
But Elliot Daly had a chance to edge Saracens back in front in
Crossword answers - Issue 117 (21/11/2025)
the 73rd minute, only for his 50-metre penalty from in front of the posts to sail wide of the left stick.
And Bath won the game with a superb try three minutes later. Replacement Max Ojomoh made a great run on the left and offloaded to Arundell who scored in the corner. Russell converted and the Blue, Black & White had proved once again that they should never be written off.
Bath starting XV: 1 Beno Obano, 2 Tom Dunn, 3 Thomas du Toit, 4 Quinn Roux, 5 Charlie Ewels, 6 Josh Bayliss, 7 Miles Reid, 8 Arthur Green, 9 Ben Spencer, 10 Finn Russell, 11 Henry Arundell, 12 Will Butt, 13 Chris Harris, 14 Joe Cokanasiga, 15 Tom de Glanville.
Bath replacements: 16 Dan Frost, 17 Francois van Wyk, 18 Will Stuart, 19 Ross Molony, 20 Ted Hill, 21 Tom Carr-Smith, 22 Max Ojomoh, 23 Cameron Redpath. Saracens starting XV: 1 Rhys Carre, 2 Theo Dan, 3 Marco Riccioni, 4 Theo McFarland, 5 Hugh Tizard, 6 Juan Martin Gonzalez, 7 Ben Earl, 8 Tom Willis, 9 Ivan van Zyl, 10 Owen Farrell, 11 Max Malins, 12 Nick Tompkins, 13 Lucio Cinti, 14 Noah Caluori, 15 Elliot Daly.
Saracens replacements: 16 James Hadfield, 17 Eroni Mawi, 18 Marcus Street, 19 Harry Wilson, 20 Nick Isiekwe, 21 Charlie Bracken, 22 Fergus Burke, 23 Angus Hall.
Gallagher PREM Round 7 should – on paper at least – see Bath clock up another five points as they will visit winless Newcastle Red Bulls on Sunday 21st December.
But prior to that for the Blue, Black & White are two massive fixtures in the Investec Champions Cup – against Ireland’s Munster, van Graan’s former club, at The Rec on Saturday 6th December and away to French side Toulon on Sunday 14th December.
Across: 9 Clara, 10 Hypocrisy, 11 Captive, 13 Reached, 14 Expulsion, 17 Forgo, 19 Ornate, 20 Double, 23 Flyer, 24 Underline, 27 Tank top, 29 Rampart, 32 Gastritis, 33 Rerun. Down: 1 Icicle, 2 Harp, 3 Mali, 4 Phoenix, 5 Upfront, 6 Ocean floor, 7 Rich, 8 Syndrome, 12 Tau, 15 Penny, 16 Literature, 18 Rabbi, 19 Offstage, 21 Outputs, 22 Address, 25 Lap, 26 Extend, 28 Nose, 30 Mere, 31 Airs.
Saturday 6th December – 8pm Bath Rugby v Munster Rugby (Home)
Investec Champions Cup – R1
Sunday 14th December – 3.15pm
Bath Rugby v Toulon (Away) Investec Champions Cup – R2
Bath City FC
Saturday 6th December – 3pm Bath City v Maidstone United (Away) League
Sunday 7th December – 2pm Bath Women v Cirencester Town (Home) League
Saturday 13th December – 3pm Bath City v Dorking Wanderers (Away) FAT3
Sunday 14th December – 2pm
Bath Women v Gloucester City Res (Away) League
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The Recreation Ground in Bath | Photo © Richard Briggs