Bath Echo - Issue 121 - 16/01/2025

ECHO

Friday 16th January - Thursday 29th January 2026

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Issue No. 121

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M&S DATE CONFIRMED Relocated city centre store to open at the start of February - P3

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New plans for 200 homes at Sulis Down site - P2

Decision due on Lansdown traffic restrictions - P4

Threatened Brutalist church is put up for sale - P5

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New plans for 200 homes at Sulis Down site

In this issue...

Top Stories

Friday 16th January - Thursday 29th January 2026

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Pictures from the Past

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Crossword

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Food & Drink

P10

What's On

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Community

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Health

P16

Education

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Business

P18

Politics

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Sports & Fixtures

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For news items and press releases: news@bathecho.co.uk 01225 585484 Editor Sebastian Hawker editor@bathecho.co.uk Becky Feather, Reporter becky@bathecho.co.uk Richard Briggs, Sports Reporter richard@bathecho.co.uk Advertising & Marketing: Rob Last - 07990 253664 rob@mediabath.co.uk For sport and match reports: sport@bathecho.co.uk 01225 585484 Want to have a letter published? letters@bathecho.co.uk Subscriptions/Distribution: production@bathecho.co.uk 01225 585484 Published by Media Bath Limited

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PEOPLE are being invited to have their say on new proposals for around 200 homes at Sulis Down on the southern edge of the city, before a planning application is submitted to Bath & North East Somerset Council.

A public consultation, showcasing the plans, was held on Tuesday, 13th January, at Odd Down Community Centre.

The proposals are available to view and comment on at www. sulisdown.info.

Plans for up to 290 homes on the land on South Stoke Plateau, which is owned by the Hignett Family Trust, were refused by Bath & North East Somerset Council in 2024 and subsequently dismissed at appeal last year.

The land was taken out of the Green Belt a decade ago for a “mixed-use” development of up to 300 homes.

But with 171 homes already built during the first phase of the Sulis Down development, the proposed 290 new properties would have exceeded the 300 figure by more than half.

Three hundred would not have been considered a cap had all other placemaking strategies been met, but the planning inspector appointed by the Secretary of State did not agree that they had, and warned that the scheme would have a harmful

effect on the Cotswolds National Landscape.

The latest plans are said to have been “carefully revised” to reflect feedback from the community, B&NES Council and other stakeholders following the appeal decision.

A spokesperson for land promoter Welbeck Land, which is working with the Hignett Family Trust, said: “We are taking a careful, landscape-led approach at Sulis Down, with fewer homes and clear community benefits.

“At this early stage, our focus is on listening to local views and working with the community to shape proposals that are right for the area.”

The latest proposals include increased tree planting and green buffers, and a “strong focus” on benefits for local people and the wider area. These include public open space, improved walking, cycling and public transport links, opportunities to enhance wildlife habitats, and contributions to local services.

The press release added: “Sulis Down sits within the Cotswolds National Landscape and forms part of the setting of Bath’s World Heritage Site.

“The updated proposals aim to protect views and minimise landscape impacts while providing a balanced mix of

How the new homes could look | Image © Welbeck Land / Hignett Family Trust

homes, including smaller homes for younger people, homes for older residents wishing to downsize, and affordable housing to help meet local needs.”

We reported last month that controversial proposals for allotments to serve Phase 1 of the Sulis Down development had been refused by councillors, contrary to the advice of B&NES planning officers, who felt that delivery and certainty of the scheme would outweigh the potential benefits arising from the co-location of allotments in the future as and when the other phases of development are approved.

By a majority vote, the committee rejected the application from Countryside Properties (Vistry) for nine allotment plots at

From the Editor... Opinion, insight and the stories shaping Bath this week

S

OMETHING that many of you are likely to have experienced, especially more recently over Christmas, is the service (or disservice?), provided by delivery firms including Evri.

In recent weeks, and especially over the past week, we’ve been contacted by multiple residents, and I’ve experienced the issue myself, of parcels either being left in unsuitable places, dumped with others nowhere near their intended destination or having their delivery instructions being ignored.

For me, there have been three parcels that have caused issue since Christmas, one of which was left with multiple others from

surrounding streets – I assume the driver was hopeful for a kind neighbour to do their job for them, and another other was a delivery that arrived well after our offices closed, meaning I had to make a journey back to collect it, in case it went walkabouts.

Now I must say, it isn’t just Evri that seems to be causing hassle for residents, I’ve also had problems with DHL, who left a parcel on a completely different street on a random building’s doorstep late at night, and then were completely surprised that it wasn’t there in the morning.

Thankfully, the seller of items is responsible if you do not receive your delivery, not the courier, so they have to either refund you or

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Derrymans Field at Combe Hay Lane.

As part of Phase 1, which was permitted in 2019, there was a Section 106 planning obligation for the developer to provide allotments within the allocated site before 50% of the homes were occupied. Vistry has been in breach of that.

The site at Derrymans Field is not in the allocated site, but in the Green Belt, Cotswolds National Landscape and in an ecologically sensitive area.

There had been objections from the Cotswolds Landscape Board, the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England, Bath Preservation Trust, South of Bath Alliance, and parish councils, as well as from more than 80 local people.

Sebastian Hawker

replace the purchases, but it’s all time and stress trying to get it sorted.

Those who take advantage of online shopping, either for price, convenience, or both, more times than most don’t have the option of choosing which courier will deliver their purchases.

It’s well known that companies including Evri are under increased pressure with missing and delayed parcels.

Their drivers are reportedly delivering around four million parcels a day during a busy week, but when a selection of parcels is dumped in a pile (Bathford, I’m looking at you – I promise we’re looking into it!), does that count?

Three million parcels and a few

mounds over there of some parcels that may or may not end up with their intended recipient.

The situation has got to a point where people are now buying items online from retailers that they know don’t use Evri – this may seem a relatively logical plan, but with Evri’s increasing reach, and relatively cheap means of delivery parcels, companies are seeing them as a very attractive proposition when their overheads are continuing to rise and cutting costs is needed.

If you’ve experienced deliveries like I’ve mentioned above, do get in touch. We’d love to hear from you. You can reach me directly by emailing editor@bathecho.co.uk

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Issue 121

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Your City, Your News - Bath Echo

Relocated M&S store set to open on 4th February Becky Feather

Reporter

MARKS & Spencer has officially revealed Wednesday 4th February as the opening date for its new flagship store at SouthGate in Bath.

Spanning 83,000 sq ft, the new store in the former Debenhams building will deliver M&S food, fashion, home and beauty for customers across four floors.

M&S first announced the relocation from its existing location in Stall Street in the summer of 2024, part of a larger investment across the South West, including a new full-line store at Bristol’s Cabot Circus which opened in November.

The relocation to the old department store, which has been empty since 2021, is costing £17 million.

The current store closes on Tuesday 3rd February. The café closes on Saturday 17th January.

M&S confirmed to the Echo that it

Inset: The current store | Above: The new store in SouthGate Bath

is continuing to work with Bath and North East Somerset Council on the future use of the Stall Street building.

Last November the council said M&S holds a long lease of the existing premises, which still has a “very significant period” left to run, so any decision over the future use of the building would rest with the retailer.

The new store will include a bakery and fresh produce from M&S’ Select Farms (100 of which

are based in Somerset) as well as dedicated flower and wine shops.

There will be a 140-seater M&S Coffee Shop, with views across the city, and offering a range of brunch and lunch options and barista-made hot drinks.

Bath SouthGate is one of more than 20 new or renewed stores M&S is opening in the second half of this financial year across the UK. Natalie Jordan, store manager at Bath SouthGate, who has worked

at M&S for over a decade: “We are counting down the days to reveal our showstopping store next month.

“Our customers deserve the very best of M&S and our new location will deliver just that, with new products to explore and guaranteed trusted value and quality.

“The team and I have been busy getting ready for the move and we’ve welcomed 40 new joiners which has been fantastic.

“It’s a hugely exciting time for us here in Bath and we can’t wait to welcome local residents and visitors to the city alike.”

Laurence Budden, senior asset manager at British Land, which owns the SouthGate shopping centre, said: “We are delighted to welcome Marks & Spencer to SouthGate Bath; they are the perfect addition to our strong line-up and further enhance the mix for our visitors.

“SouthGate’s prominent city centre location and strong transport links create a compelling offer, and with this the scheme is now fully let.”  Space NK set to move to SouthGate, see page 18

News in Brief Warning over use of emollient skin products Firefighters have issued a warning over the use of emollient skin products, which can increase fire risks in people's homes. In a post on social media, Avon Fire & Rescue Service said: “Regular use of some creams or ointments (often containing paraffin) can soak into clothing, bedding, or dressings. If these fabrics meet a heat source, like a cigarette, open fire, or hob. They can catch fire and spread quickly.”

Nationally, 56 deaths have been linked to emollient products in the last 10 years.

Woman hurt in crash A woman was injured in a road collision on the Chandag Estate in Keynsham this week. Avon & Somerset Police said: “At 7.34pm on Monday 12th January we received a report of a two-car collision on Kennet Road in Keynsham. Officers attended and a woman was treated for injuries that were neither believed to be life-threatening nor lifechanging. Officers remained at the scene until recovery of the cars was completed just before 8.30pm.”

Councillors consider charge for Discovery Cards Charity shop issues plea John Wimperis

Local Democracy Reporter

BATH & North East Somerset Council could soon begin charging for its Residents’ Discovery Card.

The cards, which are currently available for free to residents of the council area, grant free admission to some attractions such as the Roman Baths and a host of discounts across the area.

But now the local authority is considering introducing a “small charge” for them.

The council estimates it could save £50,000 from the change. It is one of a host of proposed savings and new ways of generating money which are being consulted on for inclusion in next year’s council budget.

The budget consultation says: “We will explore levying a small charge for the Discovery Card to cover the council’s overhead costs.”

The consultation is open until Monday 19th January.

Some of the other proposals being consulted on include

Cllr Kevin Guy and MP Wera Hobhouse receiving Discovery Cards in 2022 | Photo © B&NES Council

changing recycling centre hours, introducing new parking charges, cutting the council’s in-house pest control service, increasing Park & Ride fares, and increasing its enforcement of traffic violations – particularly drivers failing to adhere to yellow boxes.

Once again, council tax is also proposed to rise by a maximum of 4.99%.

Two of those percentage points will be ring-fenced for spending on adult social care.

Announcing the consultation in December, council cabinet member for resources Mark Elliott (Lansdown, Liberal Democrat) said: “At a time when many councils have been forced into cutbacks, we are committed to protecting and investing in

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frontline services, including adult and children’s services, as well as maintaining spend on our roads, culture and keeping our environment clean and green.

“The government has not yet told us what our funding looks like for next year, but we are pretty certain it will be less.

“Its funding calculations also assume that all councils will raise council tax by the maximum level of 4.99%.

“We don’t agree with these changes and believe that ministers should ensure no council faces a budget cut.

“But we take our responsibility for managing taxpayers’ money very seriously and have used the best available modelling and advice to put together a set of proposals we are considering bringing to council in February.

“We believe this will allow us to achieve a balanced budget once the government settlement is confirmed.” You can respond to the consultation via Bath & North East Somerset Council's website at https://bit.ly/4sxYgPX  For more on the council’s budget plans see pages 20 & 21

Dorothy House Bath Furniture on London Road in the city has issued a plea for urgent donations.

The charity shop raises funds for the Winsley-based hospice.

If you have items to donate call 01225 314428 to arrange a collection.

Weather Forecast Fri 16th Sat 17th Sun 18th Mon 19th Tue 20th Wed 21st Thu 22nd

9°c 10°c 10°c 9°c 9°c 9°c 8°c

Long range forecast:

      

(23rd to 29th January) A colder start to the week, with changeable conditions expected with longer spells of rain. Temperatures around average, but likely to stay chilly for many.

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Friday 16th January - Thursday 29th January 2026

www.bathecho.co.uk

Decision due on controversial Lansdown traffic restrictions COUNCILLORS are set to decide whether an experimental traffic restriction in central Bath should become a permanent fixture.

A report was published shortly before Christmas on the trial measures introduced in the Lower Lansdown and The Circus Liveable Neighbourhood (LN), asking Bath & North East Somerset Council cabinet members Councillor Joel Hirst (sustainable transport strategy) and Councillor Manda Rigby (communications and community) to consider the results and determine the future of the scheme.

The restrictions were brought in as part of the council’s Liveable Neighbourhoods programme, which aims to cut congestion, improve air quality and create safer, more welcoming streets for people who walk, wheel or cycle.

Following public consultation, three linked trials were installed in November 2024 to discourage through-traffic and reduce shortcutting to and from the A46/ M4: • Catharine Place: throughtraffic restriction • Gay Street: no entry from George Street, with a left-turn only back onto George Street • Winifred’s Lane: throughtraffic restriction, plus a ban on right turns into Sion Hill (East) from the top of Cavendish Road

An open letter from the Heart of Lansdown Conservation Group

Winifred’s Lane before the restrictions were introduced

The report explains that, back in November 2021, local people were first invited to set out the problems they experienced and what might help.

The most common issues reported were through traffic (69%), speeding (61%), parking pressures (33%) and school-run traffic (33%). A majority – 61% of respondents – felt that restricting through-traffic would have the biggest positive impact.

Bath & North East Somerset Council has said councillors are reviewing the outcomes of the six-month consultation, traffic monitoring, air quality data and feedback gathered through engagement with key groups, including nearby schools.

If they agree to make the changes permanent, the report suggests a series of mitigation measures.

These include the proposed installation of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR)

cameras at the Cavendish Road/ Sion Hill junction and at Upper Gay Street/George Street to improve compliance, subject to a separate public consultation.

Further recommendations include improving signage at the northern end of Winifred’s Lane to reinforce the no-entry for motor vehicles and cyclists, and revising parking on Sion Road to create better passing places and visibility.

The Lower Lansdown and The Circus trial is one of several Liveable Neighbourhood schemes rolled out across Bath & North East Somerset.

Earlier trials introducing through-traffic restrictions in Queen Charlton Lane (Saltford), Southlands (Weston) and Church Street (Widcombe) were all made permanent in 2024, while measures in New Sydney Place and Sydney Road (Bathwick) were made permanent in 2025.

Dear B&NES councillors, On 19th December 2025, reports on the three Lower Lansdown ETROs (Experimental Traffic Regulation Orders) were published.

This is welcome, not least with regards to Winifred’s Lane (WL).

Throughout the process there have been grave concerns by residents within the WL trial area around safety, the environment, and divisiveness of the measures. The council has maintained a stance of being objectively data led, and the reports now provide the opportunity to understand the data regarding WL. There are significant key issues – which the reports show - which must now be considered: 1) No evidence links the three ETROs. Their combination after initial single-member decisions remains arbitrary with no legal basis - they can be unlinked just as easily.

2) The WL scheme is deeply unpopular and empirically unsafe.

The council's own report shows 72% opposition within the trial area, 84% overall.

3) Traffic past junior schools increased by an average of 1401 daily (1522 in the comparable November periods), meaning over half a million more vehicles drove past junior schools annually due to the closure of WL. These are seriously concerning numbers, not least with regard to schoolchildren’s safety and health.

4) Critical data appears to have been omitted or is flawed in the reports: speeds, kilometres driven, carbon emissions, known collisions, and costs are all absent. Active travel figures for cycling around WL appear miscalculated; pedestrian activity is down overall. These are the worst results of any Bath ETRO, possibly of any UK LTN. Your own provided analysis demonstrates that any recommendation rests on unsound data and is unwelcome by the very people it’s aimed to help. We hope that Councillors Hirst and Rigby, who are responsible for making the final decision, will act objectively, reflecting the views and safety concerns of local residents “who know their area best" to quote Councillor Rigby.

Please separate and reopen the Winifred's Lane ETRO. Here, safety and the lived experience of residents must come first - reality over hope.

£6m project to improve safety on A46 near Bath to get under way

Free evening Park & Ride trips being offered

NATIONAL Highways is set to carry out a £6 million upgrade on the A46 north of Bath, in a scheme designed to improve safety, reduce flooding and make journeys more reliable.

The works will take place over the coming months on the stretch between the London Road roundabout and the Cold Ashton roundabout, a key route linking Bath with the M4.

As part of the package, the route will be resurfaced, drainage will be upgraded to help prevent flooding, and new signage will be installed.

At Hartley Bends, new highvisibility chevron signs will be introduced to improve road safety on the bends.

Sean Walsh, National Highways route manager, said: “More than 20,000 drivers use this route every day for work, home deliveries and the movement of goods and services, so it’s essential we continue to provide the essential maintenance and upgrades needed to make sure journeys remain safe and reliable.”

The project will be delivered in phases. The first phase begins on Sunday 18th January, when ground investigation surveys and monitoring equipment will be installed at Charmy Downs to inform future improvement work.

VISITORS heading into Bath later this month will be able to use the city’s Park & Ride services for free in the evenings, thanks to a new offer from the West of England Combined Authority (WECA).

From Monday 19th to Saturday 24th January, all return journeys after 5pm from the Lansdown, Newbridge and Odd Down Park & Ride sites will be free.

Buses on services 21 (Newbridge), 31 (Lansdown) and 41 (Odd Down) will run until 11.30pm, giving people the chance to enjoy an evening out without needing to park in the city centre.

Since the spring, the regional authority has invested £250,000 to extend and increase the frequency of Park & Ride services, which previously ended at 8.30pm. Buses now run every 15 minutes, with last departures from Bath city centre at 11.30pm.

Further details are available at www.travelwest.info/freep&r Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, said: “We want to give people heading into Bath the opportunity to see for themselves just how easy it is to use our Park & Ride services.

“There’s no need to sign up or register, simply park up at Lansdown, Newbridge, or Odd Down and then hop on the bus for free from there.”

Work is set to begin on the A46 north of Bath | Photo © National Highways

Later in the year, phases two and three will bring drainage improvements at Four Winds Farm and resurfacing at Hartley Bends.

To carry out the work safely, overnight closures and lane restrictions will be in place: 18th January to 20th March A46 between Cold Ashton roundabout and London Road roundabout: Closed in both directions overnight, Monday to Friday, from 8pm to 6am.

Signed diversion in both directions via: • A420 (Marshfield) • A350 • A4 (Corsham / Box) Access to properties directly on the A46 within the closure will be maintained by escort – residents

should speak to the site team at the nearest closure point.

18th January to 20th March A46 at Charmy Down: Lane closures on the three-lane section. One lane will run in each direction under a contraflow.

National Highways is urging drivers to plan ahead and allow extra time, warning that closure details may change at short notice due to factors such as severe weather.

A dedicated webpage on the National Highways website will provide updates. It can be found at https://bit.ly/4pzJ5TB

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Councillor Manda Rigby, B&NES Council’s cabinet member for communications and community, added: “Following the success of the evening extension implemented last April, it’s now even easier to experience Bath with free Park & Ride return journeys after 5pm between 19 and 24 January from Lansdown, Newbridge and Odd Down. With services running until 11.30pm - and Bath’s Park & Ride rated second best in the country for a third year in succession - it’s a simple, sustainable way to enjoy our city’s culture.

“From performances at the Theatre Royal, gigs at The Forum and Komedia, and our outstanding independent restaurants, bars and cinemas without needing to park in the city centre.”

Rob Pymm, Commercial Director at First Bus, West of England & Wales, said: "This is a great way for visitors and local people to get into Bath and enjoy everything the city has to offer.

“Using the Park & Ride saves the hassle and cost of parking and by reducing car journeys into the city, helps to relieve congestion, create cleaner air and bring benefits for all road users.

"We're delighted to be supporting the scheme and look forward to welcoming everyone on board.”

Issue 121

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Threatened Brutalist church in Batheaston is put up for sale John Wimperis

Local Democracy Reporter

AN unusual Brutalist church in a village near Bath has been put up for sale as a “development opportunity”.

Planning permission was granted for the Church of the Good Shepherd to be demolished last year.

The Catholic village church, which has always divided opinion locally for its striking Brutalist design, had closed in 2020. Now the Diocese of Clifton is putting the unique building up for sale.

A listing on property website Rightmove said: “Connells are delighted to present an exciting residential development opportunity in the highly soughtafter village of Batheaston, Bath.

“Located on Brow Hill, the site benefits from full planning consent for the erection of four dwellings with associated landscaping and parking, following the demolition of the existing mass centre (former church).

“In addition to the development site, the property includes an attractive Grade II listed building, currently arranged as two self-contained one-bedroom apartments with the added advantage of communal storage space and a private rear garden.”

Offers are invited by the end of January, with the church to be sold through informal tender.

Interested parties are invited to bid for either the former church, the adjoining grade II listed apartments, or both.

Built in 1967, the bold angular design of the church stands out against the Georgian homes of Batheaston and is still provoking debate today.

While some call the little Catholic church the “village joke”, others see it as an “important historical statement”, and it has now been locally listed.

Over 700 people have signed a petition on change.org urging the Bishop of Clifton to give locals the first chance to buy the church.

Petition starter Sasha Laskey wrote: “The Church of the Good Shepherd has stood as a beacon of unity and community spirit in Batheaston, a space where individuals from various walks of life came together, fostering bonds of belonging, trust, respect, and pride.

“As the future of this site hangs in the balance, we, as residents committed to preserving our shared values, call on the Bishop of Clifton, the Right Reverend Bosco MacDonald, to grant our community the first option to purchase the site, and up to six months to formulate a development plan that aligns

The former church in Batheaston | Photo © John Wimperis

with our community’s interests.”

She added: “Our community is not averse to redevelopment or repurposing.

“Instead, we see this as an opportunity to shape a new chapter for the site that has been part of our village for over 50 years and that remains true to its original spirit of service to the community.”

The church was designed by Bath architect Martin Fisher who was also behind the design of St Peter and Paul’s in Combe Down - and consists of poured concrete blocks. It does not have a traditional spire, but instead its square roof slopes up to the south-east corner, reflecting the tent of a travelling pilgrim.

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Rather than stained glass, it uses blocks of a material called Kalwall, which look almost concrete-like from outside.

Their coloured pattern can be seen from the inside as the light shines in through the window, but is only revealed to people outside when the church is lit up from within. After plans to demolish the church were submitted, Bath & North East Somerset Council’s conservation expert Caroline Power said the architectural value of the building had been “underplayed by the applicants”.

She had the church locally listed as a non-designated heritage asset.

She said: “The church is a landmark structure that

contributes towards the character of the locality and is worthy of retention, despite its contrasting materiality and built form.

“Solutions demonstrating its reuse as part of the redevelopment of this site should be provided before demolition is considered.”

Emblematic of the changing face of the Catholic Church, the Church of the Good Shepherd was the first church in the area built after the major changes of Vatican II and adopted the now iconic Brutalist style of the times.

Three years later, similar ideas would lead to the construction of Clifton Cathedral in Bristol, the seat of the bishop.

Clifton Cathedral was Grade II* listed in 2000.

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Crime & Court

Friday 16th January - Thursday 29th January 2026

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Charity founder admits Man admits charges of stalking and two criminal offences making threats to kill his ex A 26-YEAR-OLD man from Southdown in Bath who stalked and threatened to kill a woman after their twomonth relationship ended has appeared in court.

Bath magistrates heard on Wednesday 7th January that Nathan Russell, of Cedar Grove, made threats to kill the woman between 10th and 11th November 2024 at The Oval in Southdown.

Everett will be going on trial in June

THE founder of a well-known charity has appeared in court charged with three offences, two of which he admitted.

Michael Everett from Keynsham, who launched Bristol-based Suicide Prevention UK in 2018, appeared before District Judge Lynne Matthews on 17th December 2025.

The 32-year-old admitted that on 17th November 2025 at Bath he used threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour or disorderly behaviour, causing a man harassment, alarm or

distress.

Everett, whose address was given in court as Greenfield Road, also pleaded guilty to resisting PC 4594 Muccini in the execution of his duty but denied assaulting PC 3590 Mitchell in the execution of her duty.

Everett is due to go on trial for that charge at Bath Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 24th June.

Following his conviction for two offences, Suicide Prevention UK this week told the Echo: “At the time, Michael Everett was no longer representing the charity.”

to kill and stalking involving fear of violence. The court heard from the prosecutor that the case had taken so long to get to court because of the wait for call log analysis.

Magistrates remanded Russell on conditional bail and ordered presentence reports to be prepared with a focus on his mental health.

He will be sentenced at the court on 27th February.

Appeal launched after cars are damaged with sledgehammer AVON & Somerset Police are appealing for witnesses after a number of cars were damaged with a sledgehammer in Bath earlier this month.

The incidents happened on the evening of Saturday 3rd January, between 7pm and 11pm, in the Bear Flat and Twerton areas of the city.

Officers attended and arrested a man in his 40s on suspicion of criminal damage. He has since

Four activists to go on trial in July following protest at Bath Abbey FOUR Christian climate activists, including a retired Church of England vicar, are to go on trial later this year following a protest at Bath Abbey.

The Reverend William ‘Bill’ White, Stephen Pritchard, Emma Ireland and Katherine Chesterman first appeared before Bath magistrates on Wednesday 7th January each facing two charges, the first being that having trespassed at Bath Abbey on 13th September, they obstructed or disrupted tours by barricading themselves on the roof.

The second charge is aggravated trespass, with each of them accused of failing to leave the abbey as soon as practicable after being given a direction to do so.

A cordon was thrown around the abbey after members of Christian Climate Action climbed on to the roof as part of the launch of a campaign urging the Church of England to take radical and urgent action in the face of the climate and nature emergency.

The four hung a four-metre banner displaying the words ‘Don’t Crucify Creation’ from the bell tower.

At their court appearance last week they each denied the two charges and indicated they do not want legal representation.

They were back in court on

He had also bombarded her at the time with phone calls, text messages, and voice notes, which amounted to stalking, causing her to fear on at least two occasions that violence would be used against her.

The court heard that Russell had demanded money from her for the upset she had caused him, and she had sent him £120.

Russell admitted making threats

been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

A review of CCTV footage has been carried out and houseto-house enquiries have taken

place, and officers are now asking anyone with information or footage of the incidents to come forward.

Police are also keen to hear from anyone whose vehicle was damaged in the area that night and who has not yet spoken to an officer.

If you have any information which could help the investigation, call 101 and quote reference number 5226002058.

Pair in court over fatal crash on A36 near Bath

Bath Magistrates’ Court

The four activists during the protest on the roof of Bath Abbey | Photo provided

Wednesday 14th January for a case management hearing with District Judge Lynne Matthews.

On both occasions the Reverend White, 71, from Bollington near Macclesfield, appeared by video link.

Stephen Pritchard, 66, is a former parish councillor from Lower Whitelands, Radstock.

Emma Ireland, 41, is a mental health worker from Hanover Street in Bristol, and 60-yearold Katherine Chesterman is a retired university worker from Lympne in Kent.

Around 30 people took part in a peaceful prayer vigil outside the building in North Parade Road last Wednesday. There were also supporters in the public gallery during the court appearances last week and this week.

At the hearing this week the four indicated that their defence for their actions will be “necessity”.

The trial is scheduled to take place on 16th and 17th July at Bristol Magistrates’ Court before a District Judge.

Unconditional bail was extended for all of them until then.

TWO men have appeared before Bath magistrates jointly charged with causing the death of a young woman by dangerous driving.

Lewis Glasby, 23, and 22-year-old Alfie Cook are accused of causing the death of Ella Cook (no relation) on the A36 Warminster Road at Claverton on 15th April 2023.

In their first court appearance, Glasby, of The Beeches in Warminster, and Cook, of Brook Street in Warminster, stood side by side in the dock on Wednesday 7th January.

The court heard that Alfie Cook had been driving a BMW and Lewis Glasby had been driving a Ford Fiesta. There had been a head-on collision between the

BMW and a Ford Fiesta being driven by Ella Cook.

As well as both men being accused of causing her death, they each face two charges of causing serious injury by dangerous driving to Toby Harridge and Nicole Colliss, who were passengers in Alfie Cook’s vehicle.

Causing death by dangerous driving is an indictable only offence.

Magistrates adjourned proceedings to Bristol Crown Court, where the two men are due to appear on 6th February.

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Issue 121

Your City, Your News - Bath Echo

26-year-old charged with sex offences

Man pleads guilty to Boxing Day burglary

A 26-YEAR-OLD man from Midsomer Norton has appeared before magistrates in Bath charged with 14 historic sex offences.

All the offences that Kenan Broadway, of Silver Street, is charged with are said to have taken place in Bath.

The first of the alleged offences dates back to 2013 against a boy aged 12.

The most recent alleged offences were in 2018 against a 15-yearold boy.

Eight of the 14 charges are so serious they are indictable only.

At the hearing on Wednesday 7th January, magistrates sent the case to Bristol Crown Court where Broadway will appear on 13th February for a plea and trial preparation hearing. He was granted unconditional bail.

Youth violence and anti-social behaviour POLICE say they have seen a rise in youth violence and antisocial behaviour (ASB) in Bath city centre – with some children as young as 13 involved.

In an update, the neighbourhood policing team said the increase over the last couple of months has been in the evening at weekends.

They said: “This has mainly revolved around one group in particular. Significant work has been completed to identify members of this group and partners have been engaged to identify which interventions are best for each young person.”

This includes police-led ASB interventions and Bath & North East Somerset Councilled social and children’s services intervention, as well as interventions from specialist children’s outreach services.

The police added: “We would urge all parents to make sure they know where their children are and who they are with, especially late at night.

“On several occasions we have found children as young as 13 years old out in the city centre as late as 4am, which is clearly inappropriate.”

Robert Jenkins | Photo © Avon & Somerset Police

A 53-YEAR-OLD man has admitted carrying out a Boxing Day burglary at a business in Bath.

Robert Jenkins, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to a charge of non-dwelling burglary when he appeared at Bristol Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 31st December.

He has been remanded in custody ahead of sentencing at Bristol Crown Court on Wednesday 28th January.

The charge relates to a break-in at premises in Princes Street on Friday 26th December, during which cash was stolen.

Police say CCTV footage from the scene shows a second person taking part in the burglary, and that enquiries to trace them are ongoing.

Driver who took 10 drugs is jailed for causing serious injury A DRIVER high on 10 drugs when he hit a car coming the other way on the A431 near Bath has been jailed.

At Bristol Crown Court on 5th January, dashcam footage from the vehicle travelling behind Matthew Button showed his driving before the crash. His Range Rover repeatedly crossed into the other lane and at one stage hit a hedge.

The court also watched the impact on dashcam footage from the car Charlotte Waddell was driving on 2nd June 2025. Her many injuries included a bleed on the brain, lacerated spleen, cervical and lumbar spinal injuries and fractured ribs.

The mother-of-three was in court to hear His Honour Judge Edward Burgess KC jail Button, of Downfield in Keynsham, for 28 months and ban him from driving for five years and two months.

Button had pleaded guilty at Bath Magistrates’ Court in November to causing serious injury by dangerous driving, two drugdriving offences and two offences of possessing controlled drugs.

Blood analysis found benzoylecgonine – a metabolite of cocaine – present at 280 micrograms per litre. The legal limit is 50. He also had 2.7 micrograms of Delta-9tetrahydrocannabinol the main psychoactive ingredient in

cannabis - per litre of blood. The limit is two.

Button was also in possession of Class C drugs Alprazolam and Pregablin.

Magistrates had ordered a pre-sentence report and sent him to Bristol Crown Court on unconditional bail.

Defending Button, Bartholomew Scholefield unsuccessfully asked the judge for an adjournment, explaining that the pre-sentence report said Button needed to be assessed for a drug rehabilitation requirement and mental health treatment requirement, but didn’t attend the appointments as he wasn’t notified.

The court heard that Charlotte Waddell underwent an operation on her vertebrae and spent three months in a cervical collar.

She suffered significant nerve damage to her right arm and has limited movement in her neck.

She could recall little about the impact but was grateful to have survived. She highlighted her loss

of independence and the pain she still suffers.

Whilst “extremely angry and upset”, Ms Waddell said she couldn’t help but feel some compassion for the repercussions Button might face.

Mr Scholefield said Button is “incredibly remorseful”. His parents had been heroin addicts, he’d started taking drugs aged 13 and had suffered abuse as a child.

Since severing a tendon three years ago he had not been able to work. At the time of the collision, he was self-medicating and had 10 drugs in his system. Eight were for anxiety or had a sedative effect.

The judge noted the defendant’s difficult upbringing but said that aged 37, he must take responsibility for his actions.

For each offence of driving over the controlled drugs limit, Button received three months, to run concurrently. There was no penalty for the possession offences.

The business owner discovered the break-in on 27th December, returning to find that entry had been forced and that an untidy search had been carried out in a ground-floor office and the basement.

PC Jed Kingdon, officer in the case, said: “Burglaries from businesses are not victimless crimes, and the harm they can cause can be immeasurable.

“Such offences can have a detrimental, economic impact on the running of a businesses, which can also cause alarm and distress to owners and those who work there. We will continue to deliver high-visibility patrols in areas where there are known to be issues, responding to reports and pursuing prosecutions.”

Why do we ‘name and shame’ in our stories?

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

HGV driver loses job after drink-driving

Library image | Photo © Avon & Somerset Police

A 42-YEAR-OLD man has lost his job as a lorry driver after admitting a drink-drive offence.

At a hearing at Bath Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 7th January prosecutor Maree Doyle said that in the early hours of 4th December, a man had called 999 to say there had been a crash in Church Lane in Midsomer Norton and he was concerned that the driver was intoxicated.

The police had arrived and David Hurding, of Rock Road in the town, failed a breath test.

He was arrested and a reading at Keynsham Police Centre revealed he had 58 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, exceeding the legal limit of 35 micrograms.

Ms Doyle said the witness had estimated Hurding was travelling at between 50 and 60mph in his Lexus. However, Hurding’s

solicitor Will Palmer told the court that although his client admitted he was going “a little too fast” he challenged the speed the witness claimed as there had not been much damage caused.

Mr Palmer said his client has “had a bad year” including a divorce and not being able to drive HGVs due to having a bad ankle. He would now lose his job and have no income until his benefits come through.

The court heard that Hurding, who doesn’t normally drink much, was of previous good character.

Magistrates banned him from driving for 16 months. His disqualification will be reduced by 25% if he completes a drinkdrive rehabilitation course.

He was also fined £120 and ordered to pay £85 prosecution costs and a surcharge of £48.

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Friday 16th January - Thursday 29th January 2026

www.bathecho.co.uk

Pictures from the Past Canal Disasters

Fishing in the canal in Sydney Gardens in 1956

Kirsten Elliott Akeman Press

AS users of the Llangollen Canal recently found out, sometimes things can go horribly wrong with canals.

The Kennet & Avon Canal has had its fair share of troubles over the years. While this view from 1956, showing the canal running past Sydney Gardens, looks peaceful enough, in 1898 this spot was the

A sunk canal boat in the Widcombe Deep Lock

scene of great activity when there was a substantial leak, and the section emptied.

This was caused when an old conduit from the Bathwick Waterworks gave way. The canal emptied into the Pulteney Street sewer but as this was not able to take all the water, a manhole on the Great Western Railway was pushed up. As the Bath & County Graphic somewhat gleefully reported, while the navvies worked hard to repair it ‘many amusing scenes could be witnessed of urchins dabbling in mud

up to their knees in search of eels, of which thousands were captured.’

More recently there have been great problems at Widcombe Deep Lock – three words which can strike terror into the novice boater’s heart. This unusual construction was found necessary because, when Rossiter Road was built in 1974, it cut across the next lock – Lock 8 or Chapel Lock. It was therefore degated – the canal term for being made redundant – and Lock 9 or Bridge Lock made as deep as

the two locks together. As we can see here, this has resulted in many problems and the hirers of this Sally Boat were not alert enough to realise they were trapped on the cill and the boat was tilting until it was too late – the result was this spectacular view which, as in Sydney Gardens, caused some amusement to seasoned canal users once everyone had been safely rescued. Since the 1990s, when this was the first such accident in Deep Lock, similar accidents have happened on the Widcombe flight.

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Crossword

Congratulations to Pauline Vincent for winning £20!

You can find the answers to last issue's crossword on page 24

Complete our crossword for your chance to win £20!

Across 1 Makeup mishap (6) 5 Ecclesiastical rules (5,3) 9 Forced high notes (8) 10 Say again (6) 11 Right after (2,3,5,2) 13 Char a bit (4) 14 The world of schools and universities (8) 17 Wine source (8) 18 Shoot the breeze (4) 20 Raconteurs (12) 23 Punching combo (3-3) 24 Bide one's time (3,5) 25 Part-time judge (8) 26 Spliff (6)

Down 2 Address to Her Majesty (4) 3 Verbal exchange (9) 4 Living thing (6) 5 Increasingly near (6,3,6) 6 Avengers wrecked chemical weapon (5,3) 7 Gateway to Everest (5) 8 Having similarity (10) 12 Opposition (10) 15 A bit thick (9) 16 Errant Toad's off for a bite (4,4) 19 Canopy over a bed (6) 21 Harking back to an earlier style (5) 22 Card dispenser (4)

Entering our competition - via email or post For your chance to win £20, submit your full name, postal address and answers by email to puzzles@bathecho.co.uk or via post to: Crossword Competition 1601, Bath Echo, PO Box 5395, Bath, BA1 0YA The winner will be the first randomly opened entry with the correct answers on 28/01/2026.

They will be notified using the details they provide when entering the competition. Winners will be given the option of receiving a High Street shopping voucher or be provided the £20 via a BACS transfer.

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Food & Drink

Sponsor this section!

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

Melissa Blease

Food Writer

Tasty Dates For Your Diary Picnic in the Park (Upper Bristol Road) have unveiled a schedule of pop-up events that guarantee Friday foodie fabulosity all the way through to the end of April. On the menu: African, Spanish, Japanese, Greek and Thai explorations, wine tastings a go-go… and the legendary Our Table experience on Friday 27th February.

Don’t delay: book TODAY!  @picnicinparkbath The brand new set lunch and dinner menus have landed at Clayton's Kitchen (George Street) - enjoy a 2-course lunch for just £28 (3/£34) or a 2/3 course dinner (£35/£40) every Wednesday to Friday. www.claytonskitchen.com Come for the piper, stay for the supper, Address the Haggis and sing along to Auld Lang Syne

Recipe

(with, perhaps, a dram or two of whisky?) before you depart: that’s Burns Night at Hartley Farm (nr.

Bradford on Avon) on Thursday 22nd January (£35pp). https://bit.ly/3YDu6gz The £10 weekday lunch specials are back at the Marlborough Tavern (Marlborough Buildings): think, daily-changing, hearty, classic winter warmers served in hearty, classic, cosy surroundings of one of Bath’s loveliest pubs. www.marlborough-tavern.com Escape to the (nearby) countryside on Saturday 24th January and hole up at the gloriously convivial Upton Inn (Upton Cheyney) when bagpipes, haggis, whisky and a 4 course Scottish-themed banquet dominate the Burns Night agenda (£38.50pp). www.theupton.co.uk

Play the 5-6-7-8 numbers game this January at Vino Vino (Saw Close): enjoy selected cocktails for £5 at 5pm, £6 at 6pm, £7 at 7pm and - yup! - £8 at 8pm every Monday - Thursday. Cheers! www.vinovinowinebar.co.uk

Enjoy 25% off food every SundayFriday at laidback sports bar Ludo (Brunel Square) from now until the end of January - simply book a table online and select ‘Quarterback offer’ to score the saving. https://bit.ly/4jzjKb3

(Kelston) when superchef Dan Moon will be serving up an extra-special, mouth-watering, romantic 7-course menu to make your heart go pitter-patter (£85pp). www.yuzubydanmoon.co.uk

Beautiful modern French/ European bistro Chez Dominique (Argyle Street/Pulteney Bridge) are having a January sale!

Max out on 2 courses for £20 (3/£25) every lunchtime 12pm - 3pm and 5pm - 9pm SundayThursday evenings from now until Friday 30th January. www.chezdominique.co.uk

Raya’s Thai Thali pops up again at the Village Cafe and Bar (Larkhall) on Thursday 29th January - hoorah! https://bit.ly/4pElLnH

Back by popular demand: the Prix Fixe Menu at The Bear (Bear Flat): 2 courses for £18 (3/£22) every Monday - Thursday, 12pm - 8pm. www.bearinnbath.com

It’s the first one of 2026 - and tickets won’t hang around for long! Book today for Dinner With Goldstone at The Curfew (Clevedon Place West) on Wednesday 28th January (£55pp).  @Goldstonefood

Wednesday night is Curry Night at The Packhorse (South Stoke): a gert big plate of homemade curry plus sides and a drink for just £20. www.packhorsebath.co.uk Grab your loved one (or loved ones, or family, or friends) on Friday 13th or Saturday 14th February and indulge in a sensual Valentine’s Menu in the candlelit setting of Bath Soft Cheese HQ

Melissa regularly reviews eateries across Bath and the surrounding area.

You can find out more on her website at: www.theprandialplayground.uk Follow Melissa on X Find her @ThePigGuide

Haggis Shepherd’s Pie

Sunday 26th January is Burns Night - and this recipe presents haggis plus the traditional neeps and tatties accompaniment in a familiar, family-friendly format: a Scottish Shepherd’s Pie, if you like, rich, comforting and guaranteed to chase the deep midwinter chills away.

If you’d prefer to lighten the load, vegetarian haggis is a super-flavoursome alternative for offal-avoiders.

Ingredients (serves 4)

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil • 1 small onion, peeled and chopped • 1 carrot, peeled and diced • 1 stick of celery, sliced • 1 small haggis (usually 454g) • 400g can chopped tomatoes • 125ml red wine • 300g swede, peeled and chopped into chunks • 3 large floury potatoes (eg. King Edward), peeled and chopped into chunks

Method

• Heat the oil in a large, deep frying pan and sauté the onion, carrot and celery over a medium heat for around 10 minutes while you remove the haggis from its packaging, cut into chunks and microwave for half the time stated on the pack instructions. Add the warm haggis chunks to the vegetables in the pan and continue to sauté for 2-3 minutes. Add the chopped tomatoes and red wine, stir well and simmer (uncovered) for 30 minutes.

• Meanwhile, bring a large pan of salted water to the boil. Add the swede and simmer for 15 minutes before adding the potatoes to the pan and continuing to simmer for a further 10-15 minutes or until both the swede and the potatoes are soft enough for mashing. Drain well, allow to steam dry in a colander, return to the pan and beat in the butter, milk and white pepper to taste to create a smooth mash.

• Preheat the oven to 200c/gas mark 6. Tip the haggis mixture into a suitably-sized baking dish, top with the mash and bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden on top and bubbling around the edges. Allow the pie to ‘settle’ for around 5 minutes before serving.

Issue 121

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Your City, Your News - Bath Echo

What's On

Friday 16th January - Thursday 29th January 2026

Man in The Mirror

The Hucklebuck

Poster Power!

The Rivals

The Forum 17th January, 7.30pm Enjoy a Thriller of an evening, as they celebrate the legendary music of the king of pop. This is the Man in the Mirror, the must-see, electrifying tribute concert to Michael Jackson.

The Bell Inn 21st January, 9pm Bucking your Huckle, so ChatGPT tells us, is an old English custom involving ale and various leather accoutrements whose actual use has been forgotten over the centuries.

Victoria Art Gallery 23rd January – 10th May This colourful exhibition showcases an exceptional range of British posters from the 19th and 20th centuries, drawn from the collections of the Victoria Art Gallery and Bath Record Office.

Theatre Royal 27th – 31st January The most famous play set in Bath celebrates its 250th anniversary in a sparkling revival! Bath in the Roaring Twenties: risqué revelry, romance, and rivalry in the Assembly Rooms

Rodney Branigan

Dave O’Higgins - Saxophones

I Can’t Believe It’s Not Buddy

Stardust: A Musical Journey

The Grapes 18th January, 4pm Rodney Branigan brings his Americana folk and roots music to The Grapes. The Texas-born, London-based guitarist learned his craft across Austin, Los Angeles and Nashville.

St James Wine Vaults 22nd January, 8.30pm Dave O'Higgins is a saxophonist, composer, arranger, educator, recording engineer and producer. He has been popular on the UK and international jazz scene for 30 years.

Chapel Arts Centre 24th January, 8pm Buddy Holly & The Crickets are brought back to life as they looked and sounded on their first tour of the UK in 1958 by the outstanding Spencer J & the Copy-Cat Crickets.

Bath Abbey 28th January, 6.30pm Featuring a Voices for Life massed children’s choir from local schools. Over 200 primary school children will sing their way to unknown galaxies in Jools Scott and Sue Curtis’ beloved musical.

Wassail! with Kilter Theatre

Mettle

Zandra Rhodes: A Life in Print

ReBalance Bath

Bath City Farm 18th January, 11am According to ancient custom, Wassailing fruit trees at this time of year is the only certain way to guarantee good crops in the autumn. It’s as old as the hills and as daft as a brush.

Ustinov Studio 22nd & 23rd January Nicholas Collett tells the story of his father’s service during the Atlantic Convoys of World War Two. An odyssey that takes us from Sheffield to Liverpool to Nova Scotia, Boston and West Africa.

The Holburne 24th January – 10th May A celebration of one of Britain’s most influential fashion designers. This exhibition brings together a selection of Dame Zandra Rhodes’ screen-printed garments from the 1960s, 70s and 80s.

Various Locations 29th January – 15th February Over the three-week festival, there will be plenty of events, each inspired by wellness, separated into the categories of mental wellbeing, physical wellbeing, talks, and free events.

The Spirit of the Rainforest

The Skids: The Absolute Game Tour

Jack & the Beanstalk (Sort Of)

David McCloskey for The Persian

BRLSI 19th January, 7.30pm Scientist and author Rosa Vásquez Espinoza takes us on a deeply personal journey into the heart of the Amazon.

Blending indigenous wisdom with cutting-edge science.

Komedia Bath 23rd January, 7pm The Skids celebrate their third studio album 'The Absolute Game', which was their most commercially successful album reaching number nine in the UK album charts.

The Egg 24th January Family theatre and rock star legend Kid Carpet is back with a totally brand new show! Kid Carpet hates panto. The Noisy Animals absolutely love it. So guess what they’re doing? Yep. A panto.

Topping & Company Booksellers 29th January, 7pm Mixing suspense with strikingly cinematic action, David McCloskey takes readers deep into the shadow war between Iran and Israel, delivering propulsive storytelling.

Join the Bath Echo delivery team We’re looking for a reliable and enthusiastic person to help deliver the Bath Echo newspaper every week.

You’ll be taking on established routes, ensuring our dedicated readers have the latest copy.

✅ £12.50 per hour ✅ 3–5 hours per week to start ✅ Flexible weekday schedule ✅ Keep active and earn extra income!

If you’re dependable, friendly and enjoy being outdoors, we’d love to hear from you.

�� Local rounds available now �� Get in touch with us today Email: jobs@bathecho.co.uk Call: 01225 585484 Please note: You will be required to collect the newspapers and associated equipment from our offices in Weston village each week

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Friday 16th January - Thursday 29th January 2026

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Community Theatre Royal’s pantomime raises more than £12,000 for charity PANTOMIME audiences at the Theatre Royal in Bath raised more than £12,600 for charity during the festive season.

The money was collected across 14 post-show bucket collections held between Thursday 18th and Friday 26th December 2025, after matinee and evening performances of The Further Adventures of Peter Pan. Audience favourite Jon Monie, who wrote the script and also starred as pirate Smee, made an announcement from the stage on behalf of the charities involved before each collection during the nine-day fundraising period.

Well known for his roles in Casualty and Coronation Street, Tristan Gemmill, who starred as the iconic baddie Captain Hook, said: “We would like to say a massive thank you to each and every one of the extremely generous theatregoers for this amazing total raised.

“Bath’s pantomime audiences have dug deep for these fantastic charities, who will be able to continue their incredible work in 2026.”

The Theatre Royal’s annual Charities Week raised £9,525.48, which will be shared equally between four charities: Parkinson’s UK, 2 Wish, CCS Adoption and Guide Dogs.

Additional bucket collections held the following week brought

Water advice offered as winter weather arrives

Jon Monie and Tristan Gemmill with Front of House members Sam and Lola

in a further £3,170.15 to support the Theatre Royal Bath’s new community theatre, Venue 4.

Jon Monie and Tristan Gemmill were joined on stage by Holly Atterton (Tinker Bell), Sarah Jane Buckley (Mrs Darling/Ethel Mermaid), Marcus J Foreman (Peter Pan), Bobbie Chambers (Emily Darling), comedy acrobats The Nitwits, dancers from The Dorothy Coleborn School of Dance, and Sam and Lola from the Theatre Royal’s Front of House team to celebrate the generosity of theatregoers.

The charities supported through Charities Week work across a wide range of causes: • Parkinson’s UK works to improve life for people with Parkinson’s, from funding groundbreaking research and running support services to campaigning for better health and care.

• 2 Wish provides immediate and ongoing bereavement support for anyone affected by the sudden and unexpected death of a child or young adult aged 25 or under, including memory boxes, hospital bereavement rooms, counselling, play therapy and complementary therapies.

• CCS Adoption, a voluntary adoption agency and children’s charity based in Bristol and serving the South West, finds and supports loving families for children who can no longer safely live with their birth family, offering lifelong support to help them heal, grow and thrive.

• Guide Dogs helps children and adults with sight loss live the life they choose, providing life-changing mobility services and dogs to support active, independent and fulfilled lives.

Photo © Wessex Water

HOUSEHOLDERS are being urged to make sure they know how to turn off their water supply as freezing temperatures increase the risk of burst pipes.

Wessex Water is advising residents to locate and check their stop tap – the valve that controls the water coming into a property – so they can act quickly if a pipe cracks or bursts in the current cold snap.

The stop tap is usually found under the kitchen sink, in an airing cupboard or in a garage.

Turning it clockwise shuts off the property’s water supply, which can help prevent major damage if a pipe fails.

Stephanie Jones, Wessex Water’s Director of Water Supply, said:

“Pipes can crack and burst when water inside them freezes, causing an increase in pressure.

“It’s a good idea to test the stop tap regularly to make sure it hasn’t seized up, and doing so now could save precious time and minimise damage to your home if a burst happens.

“We help hundreds of customers every year whose homes have been flooded internally, often during freezing weather.”

Wessex Water’s website offers a step-by-step guide on what to do if a pipe bursts, as well as advice on thawing frozen pipes and preventative measures such as lagging and insulation.

More information is available at wessexwater.co.uk/cold-weather

Dorothy House launches map to connect locals with support DOROTHY House has launched an interactive online Community Map designed to connect and support people and families living with an endof-life diagnosis.

Timed to coincide with Blue Monday on Monday 19th January – often described as the ‘saddest day of the year’ – the hospice hopes the new digital resource will help turn the tide for local people facing isolation, a life-limiting diagnosis, caring responsibilities at the end of life, or anticipatory grief and bereavement.

The Community Map is accessible via the Dorothy House website

and is designed to place people at the heart of care by making it easier to find information about local groups, services and events that offer companionship, wellbeing and practical help.

The user-friendly, accessible map allows anyone to search for social and support groups, events, clinics, walks in nature and services.

By bringing together hundreds of local organisations, Dorothy House describes it as a digital intervention offering care and support when people need it most and close to where they live.

Whether people are seeking support for themselves or

looking for ways to help others, the charity says launching the map on Blue Monday symbolises its commitment to reducing isolation and providing care and support to more people in the community.

In 2025, Dorothy House launched its new strategy – It’s Personal – with a clear purpose to empower individuals, collaborate with community partners and deliver accessible, compassionate care for all.

Dorothy House’s Chief Executive, Wayne de Leeuw, said: “Giving control back to people, empowering them to shape their own end of life, getting back to

nature to rediscover what’s set deep in our human DNA, all fits with the founding philosophy of Dorothy House.

“Now in our 50th anniversary year, by collaborating with partners and launching this Community Map, we aim to meet the growing needs of our communities.

“In the end, we are just a small yet vital part of what it takes to live well at the end of life, or after a death.”

The Community Map is free to use and open to all, in line with

Dorothy House’s commitment to inclusive, compassionate care. The hospice says that by empowering individuals, working with local partners and delivering tailored support, it hopes to help build a stronger, more connected region.

Dorothy House is inviting local residents, organisations and community leaders to explore the map, share it, and help shape its future. You can view the map at www.dorothyhouse.org.uk/ community-map/

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Issue 121

P13

Your City, Your News - Bath Echo

Opinion sharply divided over Widcombe solar scheme plans Becky Feather Reporter

OBJECTORS to a proposed solar array development at Widcombe fear it could damage the Bath Skyline Trail.

There have been over 160 objections to the proposals to install 320 solar panels in the grounds of Grade II listed Rainbow Wood House.

Bath & North East Somerset Council has also received more than 50 letters of support, including from the Widcombe Association, A website - savebathskyline.com - has been set up, claiming the development will generate far more power than can possibly be needed solely for domestic purposes.

It says the proposed scheme is on Green Belt land and in a Site of Nature Conservation Importance (SNCI) where development can only take place in "very exceptional circumstances".

As the estate is more than 13 acres, the website says the landowner has “multiple options” for locating solar panels in ways that do not affect public views, and allowing the application would “set a precedent that threatens the future of the Bath Skyline Trail itself”.

The website highlights that

shortly before the application was made, a tall fence was erected, blocking the panoramic view from the trail and reducing light on a very steep, uneven path.

The development is proposed in a field above the access roads to Rainbow Wood House and Macaulay Buildings.

In its letter this week the Widcombe Association says it has carefully examined the application and supports it, calling it “an exemplar for the provision of green energy”.

“It is our view that the proposed infrastructure has been carefully planned to minimise impact on adjacent properties and on the wider landscape of Bath, and we believe that there will be little or no harm to the quality of the Green Belt, the Bath Conservation Area, the Cotswolds Natural Landscape or the World Heritage Site from this scheme.”

It says the proposed location of the pipes for the ground-source heat pump have been moved in response to residents’ concerns about drainage in the field above their houses: “The heat pump pipes will be inserted vertically and the pipes and mechanics linking them to the heat pump will be buried.

“There will be no impact visually other than access manhole covers at ground level.”

The association says that below

the walled garden, a fence has been erected which blocks views into the field, and behind it there is a sparse hedge: “We understand that the wooden fence is temporary until the hedge has been strengthened with additional planting.”

A local planning consultancy last week submitted an objection on behalf of neighbours who would be directed affected, highlighting “significant and unresolved planning issues”.

Context Planning describe the proposal as “inappropriate” development in the Green Belt and say it would cause harm to the setting of several designated heritage assets and the landscape character.

They say the application “relies on assumptions, rather than robust evidence in several key areas, including surface water drainage, and does not demonstrate that reasonable alternative, less harmful, locations within the site have been properly assessed”.

They add: “A particular concern is the reliance on a recently erected, unauthorised fence to screen views from a well-used public footpath.

“This structure is not part of the application proposals, may require separate consent, and cannot be relied upon as mitigation in landscape terms.”

The National Trust owns and

320 solar panels are proposed for land at Rainbow Wood House

manages various parcels of land in the Skyline area.

In a letter to the council the trust says it will not be supporting or objecting to the proposal.

It says it is supportive of renewable energy and that “appropriate development can play an important role”.

It adds that it also has a role in “standing up for the special places in its care” and has an interest in the use and enjoyment of the Skyline path. The trust asks the council to fully appraise the implications of the application.

Meanwhile the Cotswolds Conservation Board says the planning authority “has a duty to seek to further the statutory purpose of conserving and enhancing the natural beauty of

the National Landscape”.

Avon Gardens Trust has this week told the council that Historic England needs to be consulted on the potential impact to the setting of the Grade II* listed Gothic Temple within the garden of Rainbow Wood House: “As far as we can tell, no such consultation has been carried out to date.”

A ‘call-in’ request for the planning committee to decide on the application, rather than delegate it to planning officers, has been made by Councillor Toby Simon (Bathwick, Liberal Democrat).

He said: “I see there have been a lot of objections to this application.

“While not taking a view on the merits, I think it should be considered by the committee.”

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www.bathecho.co.uk

Bath Press lorry movements being ‘closely monitored’ after breach

Road closure planned to complete gas works

THE developer of the Bath Press site at Lower Bristol Road said this week that associated vehicle movements are being “closely monitored”.

It follows reports the Echo has received about lorries from MJ Church and another construction company using the A431 through Kelston and Bitton in breach of planning conditions.

The site on Lower Bristol Road is being redeveloped for housing by City & Country.

In October we reported that tipper trucks taking waste material from the site to Wick Quarry had been using the A431 as an unofficial short cut.

Then cement mixer lorries were caught travelling to and from the site along the A431.

The council issued a Breach of Condition Notice to the developers of the Bath Press site on 11th December, requiring compliance within 28 days.

There have been concerns about the impact of heavy lorries on the bridge over the River Avon in Bitton village as four years ago it was revealed that it might need strengthening or even replacing.

This week, City & Country confirmed that MJ Church is its contractor.

In a statement Simon VernonHarcourt, design and planning

RESIDENTS and businesses in Upper Weston are being invited to find out more about upcoming gas works as Wales & West Utilities prepares to return to the High Street area to complete a major upgrade of the local gas network.

The final phase of the project, which will see more than 615 metres of gas pipes replaced in total, is scheduled to take place between 13th and 23rd February.

As part of the work, a drop-in information session will be held at All Saints Centre, High Street, Bath, BA1 4BX on Thursday 22nd January, between 9.15am and 3.45pm. Members of the community will be able to view the plans and put questions directly to the project team.

The scheme is described as “vital” to ensuring gas continues to flow safely and reliably to homes and businesses in the area.

During the final stage, Wales & West Utilities has agreed with Bath & North East Somerset Council that a road closure will be needed on the High Street between its junctions with Eastfield Avenue and Lansdown Lane.

The closure will be in place from 7pm on 13th February until 6am

The Bath Press site

director for City & Country, said: “We have been very clear that all sub-contractors must adhere to the agreed construction management plan.

“Following rigorous checks on site activity, we have confirmed that our contractor has complied with the agreed guidelines, aside from an isolated deviation which was immediately identified and corrected. The other contractor in question is not and has never been associated with Bath Press.

“We are continuing to monitor vehicle movements closely and will not hesitate to take appropriate action should any breaches of the agreed plan occur. We are also keeping the local authority informed on this matter.”

This week the council said: “The developer was served notice

for breaching the conditions attached to the Bath Press, which came into effect on 8th January 2026. Since then, the council has received no evidence that the notice is being breached.”  An appeal by City & Country to keep the 88-inch TV screen on top of its sales suite is still in progress.

Bath & North East Somerset Council planners have refused two retrospective applications for advertising consent for the screen, saying it could pose a hazard for motorists at the busy junction where Lower Bristol Road, Windsor Bridge Road and Brook Road converge.

They also said it looks out of place and the illumination impacts on local residents. After the first application was turned down, the council lodged an appeal with the Secretary of State.

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on 23rd February.

Wales & West Utilities' Simon Lee, who is managing the work, said: “We’d like to see members of the local community at our drop-in event so that we can share plans for the work. This work will bring our project, which was largely completed last year, to a close.

“We know that working in areas like this is not ideal, but it is essential to make sure we keep the gas flowing to homes and businesses in the area, and to make sure the gas network is fit for the future.

“While most of the gas network is underground and out of sight, it plays a central role in the daily lives of this community.

“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 is 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.”

Queries can be directed to the Wales & West Utilities Customer Service Team on 0800 912 2999.

Issue 121

Locals being urged to join Big Bath Sleep-Out LOCAL homelessness charity Julian House is calling on people to swap their beds for cardboard and sleeping bags for one night, as the Big Bath Sleep-Out returns to Alice Park on Friday 6th March.

The fundraising event, which has been running since 2009, is back after a year off and invites participants to spend a cold night outdoors to raise money and awareness of homelessness.

It is free to take part for under-16s, while adults pay a £10 entry fee, which includes a hot breakfast.

All money raised through ticket sales and sponsorship will help keep Julian House’s vital services in Bath and across the region running.

The Sleep-Out has proved popular with groups of friends, colleagues and families over the years, with children as young as four joining in.

Rachel Avent, from Julian House, said: “No one is under any illusion that spending one cold night in Alice Park could possibly come close to the stark reality of being homeless and sleeping on the streets.

“People taking part in the Big Bath Sleep-Out may get cold and wet, however, the next morning those taking part can go home, and catch up on lost sleep.

P15 15

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Photo © Julian House

“The significant difference for people who are forced to sleep rough is that they do not have that option and no idea when their struggles will end.”

The charity says it is under increasing pressure from rising costs, growing demand and funding cuts.

It has already had to make difficult decisions to protect its long-term sustainability, including the recent closure of its Bike Workshop social enterprise on Corn Street in Bath city centre in October.

Despite the number of people needing help continuing to rise, Julian House warns that future funding is at risk, and that events like the Big Bath Sleep-Out are crucial to keeping its projects going.

Last year, the charity provided life-changing support to more than 2,000 vulnerable people who were experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness in Bath and across the South West.

Greenfingers… with Alan Titchmarsh Alan Titchmarsh - talented broadcaster, gifted gardener, author and all-round horticultural visionary.

This month, he talks about unifying the outdoors with indoors, at a time when we usually separate the two.

They say time flies – it seems only yesterday I was lucky to receive my CBE at Windsor Castle, with the breaking of summer and the long days beginning to stretch out. Yet now, we’re seeing the turn of the darker seasons and bracing ourselves for winter, when we lock ourselves away and retreat… or do we?

Perhaps it’s an age thing and I’m trying push myself to new extremes, but more than ever before, I consider winter not to be a season of closing doors, but of finding new ways to connect inside and out.

There’s a subtle art to bringing the garden into the home at this time of year, and likewise to carrying the comfort of the indoors into the garden. It’s about continuity - making the

two feel part of the same living space, even when frost lies thick on the lawn and the days are short.

One simple way to do this is through planting and display.

In my own home, I gather sprigs of holly, ivy and laurel and arrange them in simple earthenware jugs or glass vases. The deep greens, glossy leaves and frosted berries become a living decoration; while branches of eucalyptus, for example, bring a faint citrus scent indoors.

It’s a reminder of the outdoors, even when the windows are closed tight.

Of course our biggest window to the outdoors at winter is the window itself!

From frosty lawns to sculpted skeletal branches and more, if you can make an outside view part of your interior, you can really celebrate winter, so keep window ledges clear and place seating nearby to encourage

pauses to look out.

And of course on the days you do venture out, a bench by the door, a hot drink and a blanket to warm you up, is a marvellous trio that really stimulates the senses.

Lighting also unites the spaces.

Low-level garden globes, lanterns, or even strings of warm fairy lights around a conservatory frame draw the eye between inside and out.

Come evening, they make the garden feel part of the home’s living space.

So this winter, rather than locking the garden away, invite it in. And step outside with a little of the indoors in your pocket. You might just discover a new way to live with both!

P16

www.bathecho.co.uk

Friday 16th January - Thursday 29th January 2026

Health Air ambulance charity records very busy year

Bath MP calls for ‘proper funding’ during visit to St Martin's Hospital

THE Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance Charity has revealed it was called to more than 1,100 emergencies last year, underlining the vital role it plays in delivering critical care across the region.

Mission statistics for 2025 show the charity’s crews responded to 1,159 incidents, all funded by donations from the public and local businesses.

In Bath alone, the critical care team attended 97 emergencies over the past year, bringing hospital-level treatment directly to patients at the scene.

From Lansdown to Larkhall, and Twerton to Widcombe, crews were called to a range of serious incidents, including road traffic collisions and medical emergencies.

The Royal United Hospital in Bath was the most frequent destination for patients in need of further treatment, with 99 people transferred there from across the region.

The figures highlight both the hospital’s key role in emergency care and the importance of the air ambulance’s ability to reach it quickly when every second counts.

Chief executive designate Barbara Gray said: “Behind every number is a real person – someone’s loved one. These figures show just how

BATH MP Wera Hobhouse recently visited St Martin’s Community Hospital in Odd Down to hear how new community health arrangements are taking shape under provider HCRG Care Group.

HCRG was appointed in April 2025 by the Bath, Swindon and Wiltshire (BSW) Integrated Care Board to lead community care services across the region.

On 5th December, Mrs Hobhouse visited the St Martin’s site to see how the new provision is bedding in.

HCRG, previously known as Virgin Care, is one of the UK’s major independent providers of community health and care, operating from around 500 locations in England.

Val Scrase, HCRG Care Group Regional Director, said: “We focus on excellent patient experience, efficiency and improved outcomes through safe, evidence-based practice and continuous improvement.”

At St Martin’s Hospital, HCRG runs a community ward and a range of outpatient clinics designed to “bring care closer to home”.

Specialist services include audiology, Parkinson’s support and paediatrics, delivered by multidisciplinary teams working

Photo © W+B Air Ambulance Charity

vital our work is, and I couldn’t be prouder of our team.

“We’re so grateful to everyone who supports us and helps keep this lifesaving service running.”

The data also shows that critical care doctors were on board for 61% of missions, allowing the crew to carry out enhanced clinical interventions at the scene, including advanced pain management, anaesthesia and emergency surgery.

Over the year, 333 patients were transferred to major hospitals across the region. After the RUH in Bath, the most common destinations were Southmead Hospital in Bristol, with 93 patients, and Great Western Hospital in Swindon, which received 43 patients.

The charity receives no direct government funding and relies entirely on public support to keep its helicopter flying and critical care cars on the road.

with local NHS colleagues.

Ms Scrase added: “St Martin’s showcases our community model in action, providing accessible, patient-centred care that supports recovery, independence and better longterm health.”

Deputy Director of Operations Jo Meacham said the organisation is now leading a major transformation programme with the BSW Integrated Care System.

“Across Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire, we are now delivering a major transformation with the BSW Integrated Care System.

“We are leading an innovative community-based care partnership with the NHS, local authorities and the voluntary sector, integrating nursing and therapy into neighbourhood teams so people receive more personalised support at home, in schools and in their communities.

“This extends our existing services, including Wiltshire and B&NES 0–19 years services and B&NES all-age community health services, and adds new responsibilities.”

Key aims include a stronger focus on prevention and early intervention, simpler access to care through a single “front door”, better support for people with long-term conditions, and a

commitment to invest £7 million a year from the end of 2027 in voluntary and community sector partnerships.

During the visit, Mrs Hobhouse toured the community inpatient ward, speaking with patients about their rehabilitation and discharge from acute care.

She also joined ward leads and nursing staff to walk through the wards and outpatient clinics, including adult audiology and podiatry.

The visit concluded with a round table discussion with senior leaders on the future of community services in Bath.

Wera Hobhouse, Liberal Democrat MP, said: “Strong and effective community health partnerships like the one here at St Martin’s are essential for a resilient healthcare system.

“When service providers work efficiently alongside NHS services, we not only improve health outcomes but reduce pressure on our healthcare system.

“Under the Conservatives' shameful neglect our NHS fell to its knees, and we Liberal Democrats will continue to put pressure on the government to restore proper funding in all areas of our health service to enable these partnerships to deliver excellent and timely patient care.”

Staff at mental health charity Second Step go on strike over pay

New director for Combe Down hospital

STAFF at mental health charity Second Step, which has offices in Bath, are taking strike action over pay, UNISON has announced.

More than 100 workers are walking out at sites in Bath and the West of England.

Strikes took place on Tuesday 13th and Wednesday 14th January, and more are scheduled for Wednesday 21st and Thursday 22nd January.

Almost four in five employees (78%) who took part in the ballot backed industrial action.

Those striking include support workers, recovery specialists and central staff.

Second Step delivers mental health services funded by local authorities and the NHS. UNISON says employees have seen the value of their wages fall year after year because pay awards have not kept pace with inflation, leaving staff struggling with the rising cost of living.

It also criticises the charity for refusing to negotiate pay with UNISON, despite it being the UK’s largest trade union.

UNISON South West regional secretary Tim Roberts said:

BATH Clinic has appointed a new Executive Director to lead the private hospital into its next phase of growth.

Andrew Oakerbee has taken over the management of the 46-bed Circle Health Group hospital in Combe Down, beginning his role in January.

He will oversee an ambitious growth strategy focused on strengthening Bath Clinic’s position in the self-pay and insured healthcare markets.

Mr Oakerbee has spent most of his career in healthcare and joins from private hospital operator Practice Plus Group. Over the past six years, he has served as a hospital director overseeing two facilities in Bristol and Shepton Mallet.

A management accountant by background with strong commercial management experience, his appointment consolidates Bath Clinic’s standing as one of the leading private hospitals in the region.

Specialising in secondary acute care, Bath Clinic has been a key part of the healthcare system in Bath and the surrounding area for more than 40 years.

“Workers want to focus on supporting people experiencing mental health difficulties, not worrying about how they will pay their bills.

“Staff are suffering financial hardship because their pay has failed to keep pace with rising costs.

“Second Step still has time to resolve this dispute by coming forward with a fair offer and recognising the union.”

Second Step recovery worker Dan King added: “Second Step’s response to this dispute is out of touch with the reality facing lowpaid workers. Rents, energy bills and grocery costs continue to rise.

“Staff shouldn’t need to resort to strike action to make management listen. The charity must drop its delaying tactics and bring a serious offer to the table.”

Picket lines are in place from 7.30am to 10.30am at Second Step’s head office in Pennywell Road, at High Support Accommodation in North Street, at the Greenway Centre in Doncaster Road, all in Bristol, and at the Bath office in Southgate Street.

A Second Step spokesperson said: “Following detailed and ongoing discussions with UNISON representatives, we can confirm today (9th January 2026) that strike action involving up to 112 Second Step employees will take place for four days on 13, 14, 21 and 22 January 2026.

“While we respect the right of union members to take lawful industrial action and remain committed to constructive conversations with UNISON, our main priority remains maintaining safe, continuous support for the people who rely on our services every day.

“This is why we are implementing our business continuity plans to minimise disruption. Team managers will support colleagues who are working to ensure continued service.

“This is not without its challenges, particularly at this time of year, and we are grateful to our hundreds of colleagues and clients for their understanding and support.”

“If people have questions or concerns, they can contact us on 0117 909 6630 or email reception@second-step.co.uk”

Andrew Oakerbee

Originally from Southampton, Mr Oakerbee will focus on strengthening the clinic’s role as a leading private hospital in North East Somerset and is keen to expand its service offering to meet rising local demand.

He said: “Bath Clinic has a fantastic reputation for providing its patients with an outstanding quality of care as well as being an integral part of the business community in Bath.

“It’s a privilege to be leading the team during what is an exciting chapter in the history of the hospital.

“I look forward to working closely with my colleagues across the hospital and Circle Health Group, harnessing all of our skills and experience to take Bath Clinic forward to new heights in the months and years ahead.”

Issue 121

P17 17

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Plans submitted to turn Grosvenor House into accommodation Becky Feather Reporter

PLANS to turn more office accommodation in Bath into student flats have been drawn up.

Grosvenor House, formerly known as Cramer House, at The Square in Westmoreland, is a former engine shed which was redeveloped into offices over two floors in the early 1990s.

Although The Square was previously established as an office location, some buildings have already been converted to residential use, including adjoining Marr House which has been converted into flats.

The former Pickfords warehouse has been demolished and Aquila Court, a development of 203 student bedrooms, has now been built in its place.

Planning permission was also granted last year to convert the offices at Berkeley House at The Square into accommodation for 34 students.

The plans for Grosvenor House involve turning it into cluster flats of up to 103 bed spaces (two of the rooms would be accessible).

The applicant is Bathford Partners, which operates several student housing buildings in Bath.

A selection of three, five and sixbed cluster flats and duplexes are being proposed. All living areas and bedrooms will comply with HMO minimum standards.

There will be 42 bike spaces and the proposed development will be car-free with the exception of Blue Badge and maintenance staff parking provision.

There are plans to rename the building as The Goods Shed in reference to its historical significance.

The site was originally Westmoreland Road Goods Yard, which opened in 1877. It remained in use as an engine room and goods yard before being converted to an office building in the 1990s.

A report from property consultants Carter Jonas says that for most Bath-based businesses, the office is simply too large and is “highly suitable” to be converted into student accommodation.

It says: “Bath is a high-demand student city with over 25,000 undergraduate students across the University of Bath and Bath

The proposals would create 103 bed spaces for students

Spa University.

“While first-year students typically stay in universitymanaged halls, second and thirdyear students predominantly move into private rental housing, creating strong demand for shared houses (HMOs) and affordable off-campus accommodation.

“Despite the increasing supply of PBSA (purpose-built student

accommodation) within the city, this mainly ensures provision for first-years and postgraduates, and there is still an under-supply of accommodation for second and third-years.

“The private market seeks to address this issue with the conversion of family homes into HMO units, or with private flats being taken by student sharers.

Rents on the private market

within Bath rose 9% in the last year, influenced by private student housing demand.

“Properties with energy efficiency and proximity to amenity and transport links are in particular demand for higher year students.”

The report says that Grosvenor House is situated close to one of Bath’s most popular student areas and the site has excellent transport links to both universities while being close to supermarkets, cafés and studentfriendly services “The site is highly suitable for student accommodation, especially for second and thirdyear students currently seeking shared houses or flats.”

The planning reference is 25/04893/FUL and the deadline for comments is 28th January.

In November, we reported on the approval of plans by developer Rengen Minerva Ltd to turn vacant 1990s office block Minerva House on Lower Bristol Road into purpose-built student accommodation with 52 bedrooms.

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Business Plans lodged for 272 co-living studios at old gas works site Becky Feather Reporter

A PLANNING application has been lodged with Bath & North East Somerset Council for up to 272 co-living studios with communal facilities on the old Bath Gas Works site.

BC Bath Ltd has owned the site on the corner of Windsor Bridge Road and Upper Bristol Road, since 2007.

The west side is undeveloped whilst the east half contains Victoria Park Business Centre, a courtyard of light industrial buildings built in the late 20th century.

These units, which will be demolished, have been occupied under short-term licences.

The site has been identified in successive development plans as a regeneration opportunity as part of the Western Riverside area. Following the refusal of a purpose-built student housing scheme on the site in 2015, evidence was submitted to the 2022 Local Plan Examination which demonstrated that a conventional housing scheme with the required level of car parking would be unviable.

The application notes that the

suitability of co-living, on a predominately car-free basis, combined with the council’s decision to relocate the existing household recycling facility on the adjacent Midland Road waste depot site to Locksbrook Road in 2026, has enabled the proposals to be progressed.

A partnership has been formed between the applicant BC Bath Ltd, c/o Blue Coast Capital, and VervLife as a prospective manager of the proposed coliving development of four riverside buildings.

The application says: “VervLife are the largest manager of coliving in the UK and have fed their practical management experience of existing operational schemes into the design brief.

“The provision of co-living space will provide additional housing choice in a highly accessible location that will be particularly suitable for younger professionals and graduates, as well as adults that are relocating to the area or require accommodation whilst on shorter term secondments and work contracts.”

Co-living is already established in London and is being increasingly promoted in provincial cities.

Experience from London indicates that the average age of

Space NK set to move

Other co-living schemes for city

Image © Blue Coast Capital

depot site at Midland Road. BC Bath Ltd notes the “uncertainty” over the phasing of the permitted housing scheme so says its co-living proposals can be implemented on a “standalone” basis by utilising the existing vehicular access from Midland Road. The scheme makes provision for the future possible delivery of a centralised point of access.

Meanwhile vacant land to the south of the river is currently being developed by the council and St William/Berkeley Homes.

The planning reference is 25/04961/FUL. The deadline for comments is 12th February.

shopfront at ground floor level at 17 St Lawrence Street, including illuminated signage, which is being considered by Bath & North East Somerset Council.

The application says: “The style is modern and is complementary to adjacent shopfronts in the square, which are of contemporary styling.”

The council is set to determine the application this month.

PLANS to install a Timpson pod in the Sainsbury’s car park near Green Park Station have this week been approved by Bath & North East Somerset Council.

Timpson’s services include key cutting, shoe and watch repairs, engraving and dry cleaning, The pod will be in the section close to the crossing to the north west of the store.

Three customer parking spaces will have to be removed to make way for the pod. Four bollards will be installed to protect the building.

The timbe-clad unit will measure 6.6 metres by 2.8 metres.

The council had received one objection raising concern about the impact of the proposed pod on the Conservation Area and

Photo © Peter_Fleming / Shutterstock.com

nearby listed buildings, and about the level of illumination.

Council planning officers said the retail pod would be of a “very modest” size.

Their report said: “In terms of illumination, amendments have been made since the objection was received, significantly

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In 2021 Watkin Jones’ plans to build what would have been the city’s first co-living flats on the old Regency Laundry site at Lower Bristol Road were refused by Bath & North East Somerset Council on the basis of a loss of employment floor space.

A total of 155 en-suite studios with kitchenettes had been proposed, with residents sharing facilities including a gym, communal kitchens and dining areas, reading room, TV lounge, laundry room, co-working lounge and landscaped gardens.

The site instead became a self-storage centre, with planning permission being granted in 2023 to Vanguard to redevelop the site.

Meanwhile Kosy Co Living’s plans to demolish 1-4 Wells Road in Bath and build a block of 77 co-living flats on the site were approved by B&NES Council’s planning committee in August 2024.

The Section 106 planning agreement was finally signed off two months ago.

Proposal for Timpson pod at Green Park Sainsbury’s is approved

The former Hollister store in SouthGate Bath

THE Hollister fashion store in St Lawrence Street in SouthGate in Bath has closed down this month, with upmarket beauty company Space NK set to move in later this year.

Space NK plans to relocate from its current outlet at New Bond Street Place.

There is a current planning application from the company relating to the installation of a

occupants is 28 and the average duration of stay is 11 months.

The statement says: “This form of ‘launchpad’ housing provides a genuine alternative for younger adults to the existing alternative of houses in multiple occupation (HMO) and private rented sector shared housing and has potential to supplement existing housing supply and support the local economy.”

The proposed rooms range in size from 23 square metres to 34 square metres. Facilities will include a shared lounge, communal kitchen and dining facilities, bookable private dining, a co-working space, conference room, flexible event space, gym, wellness studio, secure cycle storage, residents’ storage area, concierge, parcel management and a laundry room.

Shared private gardens with a south-facing river aspect are proposed. It would be a predominantly car-free development including four car club spaces (one Blue Badge space) plus two visitor spaces.

There are also proposed travel planning measures to encourage the use of public transport.

Council-owned Aequus Construction Ltd has permission to build 176 homes on the waste

£5,320 £4,795 £4,353 £2,870

reducing the number of illuminated signage to one, as well as significantly reducing the illumination index, which is now within the desired parameters.”

It added that given the overall capacity, the loss of three spaces will not affect materially parking provision for customers.

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Issue 121

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Your City, Your News - Bath Echo

Parking plan in wake of failed EV charging scheme AFTER a planning inspector pulled the plug last year on a developer’s scheme for an electric vehicle charging site at Newbridge, new proposals for four marked parking bays on the land have now been brought forward.

Zest Eco, which is backed by the government’s Charging Infrastructure Investment Fund, had appealed to the Secretary of State to try to secure permission for four EV charging bays in May Lane, a private road off Evelyn Road.

The company had accused Bath & North East Somerset Council of “falling short” of its duties after four times delaying a decision on whether to permit the commercial site at the end of the lane where it joins Evelyn Road The freehold land had been sold at auction in 2024 for £12,500.

People living nearby raised objections to the proposals, saying the narrow lane is unsuitable for such use, and is well used by pedestrians, cyclists and dog walkers. It was flagged up that the lane is an access to and from seven homes and some lock-up garages, there was no lighting, and charging bays being used round the clock could

impact on local residents.

B&NES Council planners told the inspector that had a recommendation been made, it would have been to refuse permission due to concerns about the impact on a public right of way and the lack of information about biodiversity net gain (BNG).

Although the inspector considered that users of the public right of way would not be put at an “unacceptable level of additional risk” he said a lot of key information had not been provided including whether the layout design took account of the fact that charging ports appear on both sides of vehicles, whether commercial vans would be allowed to use it; the estimated level of use and whether drivers would need to wait with their cars.

The inspector also queried whether external lighting would be needed, what level of noise would be generated and whether refuse vehicles use the lane.

Regarding biodiversity, he was critical of the report provided by the developer, saying “its content comes nowhere near addressing the minimum information requirements”.

Jewellery maker to share profits with annual toad campaign A DERBYSHIRE jewellery maker is donating a share of its profits to support a Bath-based team of volunteers who help thousands of amphibians safely cross a busy lane each spring.

Feather and Frost has pledged to give 5% of all profits from sales of its handcrafted ‘Charlcombe Toad Pendant’ necklace to the Charlcombe Toad Patrol.

More than 50 volunteers spent over 600 hours on Charlcombe Lane, on the northern edge of Bath, during the 2025 migration season, helping 3,995 toads, frogs and newts cross a half-mile stretch of road.

Over the past 22 years, the patrol has assisted more than 50,000 amphibians.

Charlcombe Lane is closed annually from mid-February to the end of March, with volunteers patrolling every night from dusk to guide toads, frogs and newts safely to their breeding lake.

The Charlcombe Toad Patrol is one of more than 200 patrols taking part in the national ‘Toads on Roads’ project, run by amphibian and reptile conservation charity Froglife.

April Yates, designer and founder of Feather and Frost, said: “We’re proud to support the Charlcombe Toad Patrol.

“This pendant is perfect for nature lovers, wildlife protectors, and anyone who feels a fond connection to these wonderful little amphibians.”

5% of profits will support the cause

The copper and silver ‘Charlcombe Toad Pendant’ is made in the Feather and Frost workshop from recycled sterling silver, with a warm copper silhouette of a toad resting against a silver frame.

The necklace is described as lightweight, earthy and full of character, “embodying muddy ponds, springtime crossings, and the gentle magic of wild amphibians”.

The pendant is available via Feather and Frost’s website for £55.

Helen Hobbs, Charlcombe Patrol Manager, said: “This is such a kind gesture, helping to support the important work of our volunteers.

“We are dedicated to lending a helping hand with the amphibians’ journey to their breeding lake, combining citizen science with conservation in action.

“Having the support of Feather and Frost helps to build awareness of our work and that of thousands of volunteers across the UK.”

Finance Expert

Rupert Barlow Adviser

Sarah Bartlett

Relationship Manager

Why Investing Beats Saving: A Financial MOT for the New Year May Lane is located off Evelyn Road

Now Zest Eco has submitted plans to B&NES Council for a row of four parking bays. A planning statement with the application says: “The proposed development is modest in scale and seeks to make more effective use of land that is currently underutilised and overgrown.”

It says providing formalised parking bays will: • Improve the organisation and usability of the site • Support existing residential and garage access along May Lane; and • Deliver a safe and clearly defined parking arrangement without harm to highway safety, visual amenity or neighbouring

uses.

Regarding BNG, the report says the proposed development will result in vegetation clearance and that achieving the mandatory minimum 10% biodiversity net gain is unlikely to be feasible on site.

“The applicant recognises that any biodiversity shortfall will need to be addressed through an appropriate off-site biodiversity gain solution, secured in accordance with current legislation and agreed with the local planning authority.”

The planning reference is 25/04868/FUL. The deadline for comments is 28th January.

Townhouse scheme is given green light Becky Feather Reporter

A NEW mixed-use development of a Grade II listed townhouse in the city centre has been approved by Bath & North East Somerset Council.

18 Upper Borough Walls, where sandwich shop The Butter Pat used to be, will have two commercial spaces on the ground floor and six boutique hotel-style rooms on the upper floors, with a new mansard roof level creating a third floor.

Barrow Renovations’ scheme also includes the conversion of

the basement into a speakeasy which reflects the history of it being a spirit merchant and wine vault. The architect’s report said the new mansard roof level will reinstate the floor that historical evidence suggests previously existed.

The report added: “This proposal provides a sensitive and contextually appropriate enhancement to 18 Upper Borough Walls.

“It contributes to the ongoing vitality of Bath’s historic centre by introducing sustainable residential use, while preserving the listed building’s character and significance.”

Council hoping to sell Broad Street property Becky Feather Reporter

BATH & North East Somerset Council is to sell the freehold of a crumbling property in Broad Street in the city centre.

A council report notes that No. 25, which has been vacant since 2021, is in “a very poor state and deteriorating, with very onerous refurbishment costs”.

With the property declared surplus by the council’s commercial estate, it has been transferred to the corporate

No. 25 Broad Street

estate to be sold on the open market.

The report notes that there has been no interest from Aequus, the council’s development company, for housing.

At Barlow & Bartlett Wealth Management, we believe the start of a new year is the perfect time to give your finances a thorough MOT. One of the biggest questions we hear from clients in Bath is whether to keep money in a Cash ISA or consider a Stocks & Shares ISA. Cash ISAs offer stability, but they rarely keep pace with inflation.

Interest rates may look attractive compared to recent years, yet the real value of cash savings often erodes over time. By contrast, Stocks & Shares ISAs give access to equities, bonds, and funds that have the potential to deliver stronger long-term growth. For clients with medium to long term goals - retirement, education funding, or building wealth for future generations - investing can be far more effective than saving.

It’s no coincidence that far more Americans invest in the stock market than Britons. In the US, investing is seen as a mainstream route to building wealth, with millions of households holding shares through retirement accounts and mutual funds. In the UK, many people still rely heavily on cash savings, missing out on the compounding growth that investments can deliver.

The upcoming Rachel Reeves reforms in 2027 will reinforce this shift. Under 65s will only be able to put £12,000 into a Cash ISA, with the remaining £8,000 directed into a Stocks & Shares ISA. Over 65s will retain the full £20,000 cash allowance, but for many savers this change will be a wake-up call: investing is no longer optional, it’s essential.

Of course, investing carries risk the value of investments can go down as well as up. That’s why we take the time to get to know our clients really well. Understanding their goals, their family priorities, and importantly, the level of risk they’re comfortable with, allows us to build portfolios that feel right for them. Over the years, we refine those strategies together, ensuring inheritance tax planning and protection are built in, and that every plan evolves with life’s changes.

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P20

Friday 16th January - Thursday 29th January 2026

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Politics Newton House respite centre saved from closure John Wimperis

Local Democracy Reporter

PARENTS of the area’s most vulnerable young people are “overjoyed” that a lifeline respite care home is set to be saved from closure.

Newton House, on the edge of the city, is the only respite care home in Bath and North East Somerset which offers young people with the most severe care needs short stays away from their full-time carers. For parents of children who, even into adulthood, require a near constant level of care, the service is a “lifeline.”

But at the end of 2024 they were told it would have to close as it had become “unaffordable.” The current arrangement had been set to end in October.

Now, after a year of campaigning, families have been told that the council is negotiating a contract for the service for another five years. It was on 13th January - a year to the day that four Newton House parents went to the council to share their stories and urge it to keep Newton House open - that they were invited to a meeting to be told the news.

Richard and Julie Franklin’s son Ryan - who has a condition which means he is small, is non-verbal, and needs medication and a very high level of care - regularly stays at Newton House, where his parents say they know they can

trust the team and do not have to worry about him. Speaking after the meeting, Mr Franklin said: “It’s just a big relief. When I got home with Julie the pair of us just cried together.”

Wendy Lucas, who only gets a full night’s sleep on the two nights her daughter Rhiannon attends Newton House, said after the meeting on 13th January: “It’s wonderful news for all the families and we are beyond overjoyed. We have been told today that a five-year contract will be negotiated directly with Dimensions who run Newton House. It is everything we fought for. I can not emphasise what a huge relief this is and a complete vindication of everything we have been telling the council in meetings for the past 12 months.

It’s also proof that parent power really does matter.”

The 22 families who used Newton House had been sent letters from the council and care provider Dimensions in November 2024 telling them the respite care service would be closing at the end of January 2025. Ms Lucas never received her letter and found out about the news when she saw it on Facebook.

The letters were sent out before the council’s cabinet member for adult services, Alison Born (Widcombe and Lyncombe, Liberal Democrat), had even been told the service was ending.

A few days after the shambolic

announcement, Bath and North East Somerset Council wrote again to the families of people who use Newton House to apologise for the distress caused and say that the closure had been “paused” — initially to January 2026 and later to October.

Mr Franklin, a Keynsham window cleaner, launched a petition now signed by almost 3,000 people calling for Newton House to be kept open. His local councillor Dave Biddleston (Keynsham South, Labour) helped him raise the issue with the council.

For a year, the Newton House families were a permanent fixture of council committees every time the future of the service was discussed and joined a council working group on the issue.

Now the council says it is able to negotiate to keep the respite care service open for another five years thanks to new powers introduced in the Procurement Act 2023 which allow it to make a direct award. A paper going before a council committee next week said: “This approach reflects the expressed preferences of families and it addresses the critical need to ensure continuity of care for vulnerable adults and their carers.”

The council said it had been in close contact with Dimensions throughout the process and would finalise the arrangements within the next three months.

The paper added: “We are firmly

committed to ensuring there is no gap in service provision from 1st October (when the current arrangement ends), guaranteeing continuous support for all individuals and families relying on respite care at Newton House.”

Mr Franklin said: “It was a singular relief and it is a nice welcome after Christmas. We have actually been listened to here. People have seen how valuable this service is.”

Councillor Biddleston said: “Respite care is not a luxury, it is absolutely essential. Parents and carers of people with severe impairments provide extraordinary levels of care, often around the clock, year after year.

What is sometimes forgotten is that these parents never stop being parents. Their caring role does not end when their child becomes an adult, it continues for the rest of their lives.

“Respite services like Newton House provide vital breathing space, protect carers’ physical and mental health, and ultimately help families stay together and well. Ensuring stability, continuity, and choice in respite provision is the right thing to do, both morally and practically.”

The update on Newton House will form part of Councillor Born’s cabinet member update to the council’s children, adults, health, and wellbeing scrutiny committee on Monday 19th January in Bath Guildhall.

Budget cuts could see reduced opening of tips Becky Feather Reporter

BATH & North East Somerset Council is looking at reduced opening hours at its new Bath tip - before it has even been built.

As part of its budget planning for 2026-2027 the council is reviewing capacity and usage at its household waste recycling centres (HWRCs).

It is considering rotating closures of the Bath centre (currently at Midland Road but due to relocate to Locksbrook Road in 2026) and the Old Welton centre in Midsomer Norton.

Residents have to use a booking system to attend both.

The Keynsham centre, where residents do not need to book, would be unaffected, but concerns about the impact of the extra traffic that would be directed to the Pixash Lane site have this week been raised.

No details of revised times are given but the council says the review could save £200,000 in the coming financial year.

Maximising efficient redeployment of permanent staff, the proposal would realise

savings by reducing the need for additional agency use to manage the sites.

The Old Welton site would continue to operate as a transfer station on the days that the recycling centre is closed to the public.

B&NES Council-owned Aequus Construction Ltd has permission to build 176 homes on the Midland Road site. Planning permission was granted last year for a replacement council tip at Locksbrook Road although the Environment Agency has not yet granted a permit.

This week an Environment Agency spokesperson told the Echo that the application is progressing through the necessary assessment process and is “on track to be issued”, adding: “We are committed to determining this application as quickly as possible whilst ensuring all regulatory requirements are properly satisfied.”

B&NES Council says that the Keynsham centre is large enough to accommodate additional visitors and it can ensure a recycling centre service is always available to residents from across

Planning Round-up Repair work needed at landmark building Listed building consent is being sought for structural work at The Old Walcot School in Guinea Lane in the city centre.

The application submitted to Bath & North East Somerset Council says “essential” repair work is needed to one of the iconic towers of the historic building where a stone supporting beam has failed. Temporary propping and scaffolding have been erected to hold the stonework whilst approvals and tenders are sought, says the application from Oval (765) Limited. The building occupies a tight triangular site towards the bottom of Guinea Lane. The school was constructed in 1841 and once accommodated 1,000 children. It was closed in 1901, later to become Bath Antiques Market. The property has since been converted into flats.

Bid to fell dangerous tree at garden centre Prior Park Garden Centre at Widcombe has applied to fell a poplar tree after part of it came down last month, crashing through a storage shed and just hitting the corner of the main building. The tree has a preservation order and is in a conservation area, according to the application submitted to Bath & North East Somerset Council.

The application says there was a “major stem fail” on Monday 8th December, with rot seen all the way up the stem when it was being cut and cleared up, so the whole tree needs to be dismantled as it is a danger.

Warehouse approved at leading glass firm

How the redeveloped site could look | Image © B&NES Council

the district.

It acknowledges that the increased travel distances could present significant challenges, including inconvenience and accessibility issues. And it says “clear communication” would be needed on efficiency gains and alternative site availability.

Saltford Parish Council this week formally objected to any “budgetdriven changes to opening hours”.

It said: “The Pixash Lane household waste recycling centre is accessed via local roads including the A4 which already experience significant congestion, particularly at peak times. Any increase in traffic volumes through surrounding

villages, including Saltford, would have a detrimental impact on highway capacity, road safety, residential amenity and local air quality.

“Saltford Parish Council considers this risk to be particularly acute if weekday closures or reduced opening hours at other HWRC sites encourage displacement of users to Keynsham.”

The parish council also highlighted that the Keynsham centre was only granted planning permission with the “explicit condition” that there would be no significant increase in traffic, particularly on the A4.  Budget plans to raise more income from traffic fines, page 21

A leading glass partitioning company near Bath has been granted planning permission for a new distribution warehouse.

Optima Products’ Bath Manufacturing Facility is based at Mill Road in Radstock.

The warehouse, measuring 96 square metres, will be built on what is currently an area of hardstanding and will be used for the storage and distribution of glass which can get damaged by direct sunlight.

Pub plans are approved Pub chain Fuller’s plans to carry out alterations to the Grade II* listed Huntsman in the city centre have been approved by Bath & North East Somerset Council.

The works include reopening a modern partition from the private bar into the main bar and reinstalling a staircase.

The changes will only affect a modern part of the building at Terrace Walk and the pub operator says they will help improve functionality and connection.

Issue 121

P21 21

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Have your say on future funding for Avon Fire & Rescue AVON Fire & Rescue Service (AF&RS) is asking residents and businesses to help shape its future priorities and funding plans by taking part in a new public survey.

The consultation focuses on the service’s Community Risk Management Plan 2024–2028, and invites people to comment on the priorities it sets out, as well as how AF&RS should be funded.

Feedback will be used to understand what matters most to local communities, manage risk effectively and ensure the service provides value for money.

The Community Risk Management Plan outlines AF&RS’s commitment to improving community safety through fire prevention,

risk reduction and effective emergency response. It includes initiatives to address emerging risks and strategies to prevent incidents before they happen.

Chief Fire Officer Matt Cook said: “Our primary aim is to keep communities safe, by preventing fires through education, protecting you in your homes and workplaces, and responding swiftly and effectively when incidents occur.

“We are now two years into our four-year plan, and your views on our objectives are more important than ever. This survey is your chance to make your voice heard.

“The safety of our communities remains our top priority, and we are committed to working with

local people, partners, and staff to deliver the best possible service.”

The survey asks for views on key areas of the service’s work, including how resources are allocated, emergency response strategies and how AF&RS engages with the communities it serves.

Paul Goggin, Chair of Avon Fire Authority, added: “Community input is vital in shaping the future of Avon Fire & Rescue Service.

We encourage anyone with ideas on improving services to share their opinions. The authority’s role is to ensure the service meets the needs and expectations of local people and businesses while using available resources as effectively and efficiently as possible.

Yellow box enforcement could increase to raise extra funds

Local Democracy Reporter

BATH & North East Somerset Council could soon increase its enforcement of yellow boxes as it plans to raise more income from traffic fines.

Drivers who are caught stopping in a yellow box or turning the wrong way down a one-way street could be more likely to get a fine from next year.

But they can be comforted by the knowledge that by doing so, they are helping the local authority to

balance its budget.

The council plans to increase its use of the powers to bring in another £250,000 next year.

It is one of a host of proposed savings and new ways of generating money which are being consulted on for inclusion in next year’s council budget.

An equalities impact assessment said: “Enforcing more types of traffic restrictions such as banned turns and one-way streets will make roads safer for all users.

“It will encourage all drivers and riders of motor vehicles to comply with restrictions.”

“We can only achieve this by listening to you.

“I urge everyone to learn more about our priorities for tackling risk across the area and to share

Other proposals being consulted on include changing recycling centre hours, introducing new parking charges, cutting the council’s in-house pest control service, increasing Park & Ride fares, and introducing a “small charge” for the council’s currently free discovery cards.

The consultation is open until Monday 19th January.

Once again, council tax is also proposed to rise by a maximum of 4.99%.

Two of those percentage points will be ring-fenced for spending on adult social care.

BATH & North East Somerset Council has scored highly in a national survey of residents’ satisfaction with local services, including topping the table for how easy it is to get in touch and report a problem.

The council achieved the highest satisfaction score out of 111 local authorities for contact and reporting, while its Park & Ride service was rated second best in the country, for the third year running.

Around 700 randomly selected residents took part in the National Highways and Transport Network Satisfaction Survey.

Satisfaction with highway maintenance was ranked fourth nationally, up from 11th last year. The council says the improvement reflects increased investment in its road network.

In 2025/26, Bath & North East Somerset Council is spending almost £10 million on highway services, £760,000 more than in 2024/25, including a

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their views by taking part in this survey.”

The survey will close on Monday 9th February at 5pm. To take part, visit https://bit.ly/3LHr5cc

Praise for highways and Park & Ride services

Enforcement of yellow boxes could raise £250,000

John Wimperis

Locals can have their say on priorities and future funding for the service

recently completed £5.1 million resurfacing programme.

Councillor Lucy Hodge, cabinet member for sustainable transport delivery, said: “It’s a real achievement to have some really high resident satisfaction rankings again this year. A big thank you to all the residents that took part.

“We are continuing to invest in our highways, and this survey allows us to compare our performance against more than 100 other local authorities.

“It’s really important to see what we’re doing well but also to look closely at where we can make improvements.”

The survey also placed the council in the national top ten for satisfaction with cycle parking, public rights of way, parking restrictions, communication and the speed and quality of responses from officers.

However, residents reported low satisfaction with traffic levels and congestion.

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Bath shrug off early blows to bag first win in France since 2015 Richard Briggs Reporter

BATH Rugby secured their first victory on French soil since 2015 to maintain their place at the top of Investec Champions Cup Pool 2 with one round of group matches to go.

The Blue, Black & White shrugged off two first-half yellow cards as they won 43-20 at Castres Olympique in Round 3 on Friday 9th January to give them their second success from three outings in the competition this season, following a 40-14 victory at home to Munster Rugby and a 45-34 defeat at RC Toulon.

And after the completion of Round 3 on Sunday 11th January, Johann van Graan’s side hold pole position with 11 points and Edinburgh Rugby – who will come to The Rec on Friday 16th January in Round 4 – lie in second place, a point behind.

Toulon (nine points) are third, Munster (six) are fourth, Gloucester Rugby (six) are fifth and Castres (five) – who started the game against Bath in second place – are bottom of the pile.

The Blue, Black & White outscored Castres by six tries to two and had 53% of the possession and 55% of the territory. Bath gained

Photo © Richard Briggs

261 metres in attack, the hosts gaining 241 metres. And whereas the visitors conceded only nine penalties, Castres – who also suffered two yellow cards, one in each half – gave away 16.

Before a crowd of 9,894, Castres took the lead with a sixth-minute try, Teddy Durand-Pradere touching down on the right from a line-out drive. Jeremy Fernandez converted.

But Bath were soon back on terms.

In the 11th minute, Cameron Redpath held off the attentions of two would-be tacklers to cross from three metres on the left following a pass from Ben Spencer. Finn Russell added the extras.

However, the guests were down to 14 men almost immediately.

Beno Obano was sent to the sin bin by Irish referee Eoghan Cross in the 13th minute – and Castres soon took advantage.

Nathanael Hulleu received the ball five metres out on the left in the 15th minute and touched down not far from the posts.

Fernandez majored again and Castres led 14-7.

After Obano returned, the Blue, Black & White were shown their second yellow card. Will Muir received his marching orders in the 23rd minute after challenging Theo Chabouni in the air on the left, five metres from Bath’s try line.

But Bath soon tied the game once more. In the 32nd minute, Ted Hill crashed over from four metres beneath the posts following a pass from Spencer. Russell was successful from the tee.

And the travellers took the lead for the first time in the 36th minute, Tom Dunn scoring from a rolling maul on the right.

Durand-Pradere was sin-binned for attempting to collapse the maul – and then Russell landed the conversion that took him past 500 points for Bath.

However, Castres – who are in 10th spot in the Top 14 – reduced Bath’s lead to 21-17 when Pierre Popelin slotted over a 22-metre penalty from the right in the 40th minute.

The Blue, Black & White claimed the bonus point in the 47th minute, when Alfie Barbeary passed to Obano three metres out and the loosehead evaded Christian Ambadiang’s attempted tackle to dive over on the left. Russell’s conversion attempt struck the left stick.

Fernandez kicked a 38-metre, 57th-minute penalty from in front of the posts to cut the gap to 26-20.

But anything Fernandez could do, Russell could do better when it came to penalties. The British & Irish Lion booted a 40-metre

penalty from in front of the posts in the 62nd minute and Bath were 29-20 up.

And the cushion was extended in the 71st minute, when the Blue, Black & White grabbed their fifth try. Max Ojomoh offloaded to Muir 10 metres out and he ran in unopposed for a score that Russell converted.

Castres suffered another setback when Guillaume Ducat was yellow-carded – and Bath punished them with their final try, Tom Carr-Smith the scorer after coming off the bench only seconds earlier.

Carr-Smith touched down under the posts from 15 metres in the 77th minute having received the ball from Will Butt, who had made a powerful 23-metre run.

Russell majored to complete the scoring.

So overall an excellent evening’s work from Bath, who showed why they are among the favourites for glory in this season’s Champions Cup. Kick-off against Edinburgh, who are 10th in the 16-team United Rugby Championship, will be at 8pm.

Finishing on top of Pool 2 will hand Bath home advantage in the Round of 16 and increase their chances of a home quarter-final, should they reach that stage.

Durbin proud to be handed Larkhall Athletic manager’s job Richard Briggs Reporter

PERHAPS not surprisingly, Larkhall Athletic have unveiled John Durbin as their new firstteam manager. And the gaffer says he is proud to have been entrusted with the role.

Durbin took charge of the side on an interim basis in December – following the resignation of boss Ollie Price after four years at the helm – and led them to three wins from three games in Pitching In Southern League Division One South.

Bideford were beaten 3-0 at The Sports Ground on Saturday 20th December, visitors Bristol Manor Farm were overcome 3-2 a week later and Melksham Town were defeated 2-1 away on Saturday 3rd January.

Athletic advertised the manager’s position last month, applications closing on Monday 29th December.

And on Friday 9th January, the Camella Stadium club announced that, after “a thorough and in-depth process to appoint our new first-team manager”, Durbin had been handed the hot seat.

Before arriving at Plain Ham last summer, as assistant to Price, Durbin had been coach at Manor

Farm and Brislington, manager at Hengrove Athletic – who he led to their highest league finish, ninth in the Western Premier Division in the 2017-18 campaign – and joint boss at Shepton Mallet and Paulton Rovers.

Of his new job, Durbin said: “I’m delighted and proud to be appointed as first-team manager.

“Since joining the club in the summer, I’ve been made to feel incredibly welcome by the leadership team, players and fans.

“I’ve been hugely impressed by the culture and set-up here and I’m proud to be given the opportunity to lead a football club that’s in a period of growth, both on and off the pitch.

“We’ve all worked hard to stabilise the club over the past three weeks, during a period of change, and I’m excited to build on the strong foundations that have already been put in place.

“A massive thank you to the football leadership team for their transparency and openness during the process and also for entrusting me to push the football club towards an exciting future.”

Larkhall director of football Andy Gilbert praised Durbin – and the players for responding so well following Price’s exit.

Gilbert said: “Durbs has made a significant impact since joining

the club at the start of the season as assistant manager.

“During the recruitment process, Durbs stepped in to lead the team, and I have been fortunate to work closely with him throughout this period.

“I’ve been extremely impressed with the way the team has been set up and structured, which has played a key role in the positive results and performances we’ve seen in recent weeks.

“Those results and performances have given the football leadership team the time needed to review all available options carefully, ensuring we appointed the best candidate for the role.

“I’d like to thank the players for their response, attitude and commitment over the last few weeks, and I look forward to seeing how the team continues to progress under John’s leadership.”

Durbin’s reign as permanent manager got off to a perfect start, as the Larks won yet again in the league – when they visited neighbours Westbury United on Saturday 10th January. Athletic prevailed 1-0.

Also perhaps not surprisingly, Price was installed as boss of uhlsport Hellenic League Premier Division club Mangotsfield United – who he managed previously – over the New Year.

John Durbin is the new manager of Larkhall Athletic | Photo © Phil Scovell

Price was appointed by the South Gloucestershire outfit following the resignation of gaffer Glyn Ashton on Tuesday 30th December. Ashton had intended to quit at the end of the campaign, but decided to step down earlier than planned in order for Price to come in.

Ashton said: “Taking into consideration that I’d be finishing at the end of this season, I made it clear to the club recently that if the right manager became available we should make the change now rather than waiting until the end of the season, as a change now might just give us the extra impetus we need and

maybe we could still force our way into play-off contention and win some silverware too.

“I believe there’s still a lot to play for this season and I believe we’ve made the right choice in manager for the benefit of both the shortterm and long-term ambitions of the team.”

Price made a winning start by guiding the Mangos to a 3-0 success at Pershore Town on Saturday 3rd January.

But his first home game in charge ended in disappointment, Droitwich Spa recording a 1-0 victory at the Paul Sellick Brickwork Stadium on Saturday 10th January.

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One week to go until Team Bath’s 2026 NXT Gen League opener Richard Briggs Reporter

THERE is only a week to go until Team Bath open their 2026 NXT Gen League programme.

Team Bath Arena will be the venue for the visit of London Pulse in Round 1 on Friday 23rd January (7pm).

Tickets are available at https://bit. ly/3LiIl7A but can be purchased at the arena for a £2 additional charge.

Doors will open at 6pm and spectators are asked to arrive at least 30 minutes before the match starts.

Team Bath will also be at home the following Friday, 30th January, when they entertain

Nottingham Forest.

Their first away match will be against Leeds Rhinos at Leeds Beckett Arena on Saturday 7th February.

The Team Bath squad for 2026 is Millie Burns, Lucy Button, Daisy Collett, Ellie Ervine, Daisy Harrison, Lucy Herdman, Becca Hinkins, Lily Jones, Saskia Lea, Katherine Mansfield, Ellen Morgan, Lottie Robinson, Sienna Rutherford, Sydney Sawyers, Sophie Siffre, Poppy Tydeman and Lowri Windsor.

Team Bath’s 2026 NXT Gen League fixtures: • January: 23rd London Pulse (H), 30th Nottingham Forest (H).

• February: 7th Leeds Rhinos (A), 13th Manchester Thunder (H).

• March: 6th Birmingham Panthers

Photo © Team Bath

(H), 14th Cardiff Dragons (A, TBC), 20th Loughborough Lightning (H), 28th London Mavericks (H).

• April: 4th London Pulse (A), 11th Manchester Thunder (A, TBC), 17th Leeds Rhinos (H), 25th London Mavericks (A).

• May: 9th Birmingham Panthers (A, TBC), 16th Cardiff Dragons (H), 23rd Loughborough Lightning (A), 31st Nottingham Forest (A).

Uncapped Bath pair join capped clubmates in England U20 squad Richard Briggs Reporter

FOUR Bath Rugby players took part in the England U20 training camp that got under way in Portugal on Tuesday, 13th January.

The 32-player England cohort were in Browns Sports Resort, Vilamoura, for a four-day camp.

The Blue, Black & White’s previously capped England U20 players Connor Treacey and Tyler Offiah are in the squad, alongside their clubmates James Linegar and Sam Winters.

England U20 head coach Andy Titterrell’s men will open their

season with a warm-up fixture against Bath United at The Rec on Saturday 24th January (2pm), before their U20 Six Nations Round 1 meeting with Wales at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens, Northampton, on Friday 6th February.

The home nation will be back at The Rec in Round 3 on Friday 20th February (7.45pm), when Ireland visit.

Titterell said: “As a squad, we’re looking forward to setting the tone for the campaign and starting our journey together in Portugal.

Our objectives this season are to embrace the mindset of getting better, supporting each other in a high-performance environment

Medal success for Bath team in Switzerland

and earning the right to achieve top honours.

“Most importantly, we want to build connections on and off the field, between coaches and players, in an open and honest environment.

“Building towards the U20 Six Nations campaign is an exciting prospect for all involved. Recent years have seen some of the bestattended England U20 fixtures in over a decade and we aim to grow the rose with strong performances and player development.”

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Above: Matt Weston | Inset: Tabby Stoecker | Photos © Viesturs Lacis IBSF

BRITISH Skeleton slider Matt Weston has completed a remarkable hat-trick of victories in St Moritz, adding the European title to his World crown and making it three gold medals in three days – while team-mate Tabby Stoecker took European silver in the women’s event.

The latest IBSF World Cup in Switzerland, which also doubled as the European Championships and was the penultimate race before the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games, proved a showcase for the University of Bath–based athlete.

Weston followed up his emphatic World Cup win in a rearranged men’s race on the same track with another dominant display, clocking a combined time of 2:16.58. The result left him almost a full second ahead of his rivals, earned him a fifth World Cup gold from six races this season and secured a second European title of his career.

He now heads into next month’s Olympics as both World and European Champion.

There was more British success in St Moritz as Jacob Salisbury and Freya Tarbit claimed European bronze in the mixed team race, edging fellow Brits Marcus Wyatt and Amelia Coltman by just onehundredth of a second.

Wyatt, last year’s European Champion, finished ninth overall in the men’s race and sixth in the European standings, while Salisbury produced his best World Cup result of the season in 13th, ranking ninth among European sliders.

In the women’s competition, Stoecker produced two solid runs to finish fourth overall in 1:10.92 and second among Europeans, behind race winner Kim Meylemans of Belgium.

Coltman placed 10th and Tarbit 12th, putting them sixth and seventh respectively in the continental rankings.

The day concluded with the mixed team race, where both British pairings came home fourth and fifth in the overall World Cup classification, each moving up a position in the European standings.

COLUMN | Ben Hicks, Clerk of the Course - Bath Racecourse Photo © Johnny Hathaway

A

S we move on from the festive period, I hope everyone had a wonderful time, and that 2026 is a happy and healthy year for all.

Here at the racecourse, the team continues to remain busy with all the usual winter jobs across the site, working hard to keep everything in top condition during what can be a challenging time of year.

Winter ground conditions demand constant attention – and from daily maintenance to longer-term preparation, there is plenty of work going on behind the scenes.

One area that continues to move in the right direction is the weighing-room renovation.

It is always satisfying to see a major project progressing well, and this

significant transformation will be providing such an important upgrade to our facilities.

The improvements will make a real difference for jockeys and officials on race days, and we are very much hoping to have everything completed by the end of February.

We can then focus on all the soft touches ready to welcome everyone back in April.

On the racing administration side, preparations for the season are moving forward well.

The first few fixtures now have their races confirmed, which is one of the major steps in the race planning process.

We always review what has worked well, and where slight changes can improve the competitiveness of each day.

Having those races agreed allows me to arrange race orders and add race titles as we approach each fixture. If sponsoring a race sounds like something you would be interested in, where naming the race, presenting winning connections with a trophy and choosing the best-turned-out horse is all part of the package, please contact us whilst we have some remaining.

One of the advantages we have in terms of technology is the accurate data available to help guide our planning.

An interesting statistic from our weather station shows that during December 2025 we recorded 117mm of rainfall, compared to just 40mm in December 2024.

Those figures highlight just how different one year can be from

the next, and they play a key role in how we approach track maintenance.

With last spring being notably dry in the months prior to racing, this information allows us to plan, manage the fertiliser programme and put ourselves in the best possible position.

This weekend sees a busy and exciting few days for the grounds team as we head to Royal Windsor to assist with the Berkshire Winter Million Festival. Racing takes place on Friday 16th January and Sunday 18th January, with Ascot hosting Saturday 17th January’s action. It is a fantastic festival for National Hunt racing and one that always produces highquality competition and a great

atmosphere.

While racing is at Ascot on Saturday, the team at Windsor will still be hard at work on the track. They will be moving hurdles and adjusting running lines in preparation for Sunday’s race day, ensuring everything is perfectly set for the final day of the festival.

Sunday’s card is a strong one and features the Fleur de Lys Chase, a race that regularly attracts some of the sport’s top steeplechasers.

As we head towards my fifth season here, it is always amazing how quickly spring arrives once Christmas has been and gone.

No matter how far away April might feel in mid-winter, previous seasons tells me it will be upon us before we know it.

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Raynes sent off as Bath bow out of FA Trophy

Approval for Odd Down sports ground upgrades

Richard Briggs

Becky Feather

JOE Raynes was sent off as Bath City’s Isuzu FA Trophy run came to an end on Tuesday 13th January, despite a gallant performance against highergrade opponents.

Raynes was dismissed in the 20th minute of the fourth-round tie with Southend United, who were 3-1 victors at the Cannon Clarke Stadium @ Twerton Park.

The Shrimpers, who lost their Football League status in 2021 and are currently in the Enterprise National League playoff zone, will now visit Pitching In Isthmian League Premier Division club Chatham Town in the last 16 on Saturday 31st January.

Bath fans in the crowd of 1,131 sensed a giant-killing when Raynes headed home early on.

But his effort was ruled out for offside.

The hosts were matching the Essex outfit but suffered a major blow when Raynes received his marching orders after handling on the line a shot from Jack Bridge.

United were awarded a penalty for the offence – but City keeper Harvey Wiles-Richards tipped over Bridge’s spot-kick. However, Gus Scott-Morriss headed in from the resulting corner.

Wiles-Richards made another fine save in the 34th minute, this time blocking a drive from Sam Austin. Harry Cardwell put the loose ball over the bar.

But Southend extended their lead in the 55th minute. Cav Miley set up Austin, whose weak shot was deflected past Wiles-Richards by Kieran Parselle.

However, the Romans were by

BATH & North East Somerset Council’s proposed improvements at Odd Down Sports Ground in Chelwood Drive have been approved.

The scheme includes a new pedestrian access to the pavilion, an extension to house a gym and an associated outdoor training area, and a re-organisation of the car park.

The 3G pitch floodlights will be replaced with LED lights and there will be further lighting on the existing rugby pitch.

The scheme also includes a nature trail with landscaping and play provision, along with a cycle paddock and mini cycle track.

The proposals drew more than 30 comments of support and seven of objection.

Among the concerns was that the proposed lighting lux levels are too high, the outdoor gym will be noisy, that some trees had been removed and that not all the proposals are funded.

Some objectors also said that padel tennis courts should not be included at the site at a later date.

Local authority planning officers said that padel tennis provision had been refused under a previous planning application at the site.

They said that there has been consultation on a potential new location and scheme for padel tennis at the sports ground and that any future application would be assessed on its own merits.

Padel is similar to squash but played with a solid racquet. It has boomed in popularity since lockdown but there is currently nowhere to play it in Bath.

Lansdown Tennis Club applied

Reporter

no means dead and buried. They reduced the arrears in the 61st minute when Jordan Alves lashed home a 30-yard free-kick. And the scores were almost level a minute later, a Brad Ash shot hitting the outside of a post.

Wiles-Richards made an excellent save to deny guests’ substitute Slavi Spasov in the 77th minute. And seven minutes later, a curler from the Shrimpers’ Leon Parillon hit the outside of a post.

But it took a goal in the seventh minute of injury-time for United – who were backed by 254 travelling supporters – to seal their victory against brave Bath.

With City chasing the equaliser, Wiles-Richards took a free-kick deep in Southend territory.

But it was cleared and Parillon charged upfield, rounded the retreating Wiles-Richards and put the ball away to complete the scoring.

The match was due to have been played on Saturday 10th January but was postponed because of frost.

Next up for the Romans is an Enterprise National League South game at Dover Athletic on Saturday 17th January (3pm).

On Tuesday 20th January, City will entertain Street – from the Jewson Western League Premier Division – in the Francis Hillier Cup quarter-finals.

Bath City FC Previous plans included padel courts Image © B&NES Council

for permission for two padel courts in 2024 but the planning committee said the “gunfirelike” noise of the game would be harmful to neighbours’ mental health and refused permission.

A planning inspector backed that decision.

In their assessment of the Odd Down Sports Ground proposals, the planners said that overall, the design of the extension is reflective of the character of the existing pavilion and the proposals will preserve the character of the conservation area.

Given the existing use of the site as a sports ground, the proposed outdoor gym is not likely to cause additional noise and disturbance that would cause significant harm to neighbours.

The new lighting is said to have extremely low lux levels.

A row of trees at the front of site had previously been removed due to ash dieback. The scheme’s landscaping plan includes 99 new trees.

The officers also said that the proposed overspill parking had been removed from the scheme and access and parking arrangements are acceptable.

Regarding concern that some areas of the project are not funded, the officers said: “This is not a planning matter for consideration.”

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