Bath Echo - Issue 122 - 30/01/2026

ECHO

Friday 30th January - Thursday 12th February 2026

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Issue No. 122

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CAZ SET TO LOSE £800K Cost of running Clean Air Zone will exceed income next year - P3

 Read more about the Bath-based athletes heading to the Winter Olympics! P23

New e-fit in Melanie Hall murder investigation - P2

Plans submitted for new £40m Fashion Museum - P3

‘Uproar’ over planned closure of Royal High's prep school - P18

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New e-fit in Melanie Hall murder investigation

In this issue...

Top Stories

Friday 30th January - Thursday 12th February 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

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Education

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Business

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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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DETECTIVES investigating the murder of Bath woman Melanie Hall have released a new colour e-fit image of a man they want to trace, as the case approaches the 30th anniversary of her disappearance.

The Echo understands that as part of renewed enquiries, a fresh review of CCTV is to be undertaken, witnesses will be reinterviewed and that AI could be used to assist the investigation.

Melanie, 25, a clerical worker at the Royal United Hospital, was last conclusively seen at 1.10am on Sunday 9th June 1996, sitting on a stool at the edge of the dancefloor in Cadillacs nightclub (now Walcot House) in Walcot Street, after a night out with friends in the city centre.

Her remains were discovered more than 13 years later, on 5th October 2009, next to the northbound slip road of the M5 at junction 14 for Thornbury by a workman.

Despite a Channel 5 documentary in September 2023 and Avon & Somerset Police releasing an e-fit, Melanie’s killer has never been brought to justice and officers continue to appeal for information.

Police are again asking whether anyone recognises the man in the newly released colour e-fit.

He is described as white, in

his mid to late 20s, around 5ft 10ins tall, of medium build, with dark brown hair, dark brown eyes, bushy eyebrows and clean shaven.

At the time he was said to be wearing black trousers, black shoes and a brown silk shirt and may have had a gold hooped earring in his right ear and a gold watch.

Officers are also keen to trace a woman who was seen arguing with a man in Old Orchard, around the corner from the nightclub entrance, between 1.45am and 2am; they have not ruled out that this could have been Melanie and want to hear from anyone who can shed light on that incident.

Detectives are appealing to anyone who may have been involved in the aftermath of the crime in any way, including those who may have helped move or conceal Melanie’s body but were not involved in the killing itself.

They are also urging people who were in Cadillacs on the night England drew 1–1 with Switzerland in the opening game of Euro 96, and who have never spoken to police, to come forward.

Officers continue to seek information about any suspicious activity or vehicles parked on the northbound junction 14 slip road

A new colour e-fit has been released | Image © Avon & Somerset Police

of the M5 at Thornbury in the early hours of Sunday 9th June 1996, or in the days immediately afterwards, and are asking anyone who noticed a striking change in behaviour in a friend or relative, or who knows someone who has shown a particular interest in the case, to make contact. Another key line of enquiry remains the whereabouts of Melanie’s clothing and personal items, which have never been found.

These include a pale blue silk dress with a round neck; black suede mule shoes with straps across the front and an open toe, size 5 or 6; a cream single-breasted, long-sleeved jacket; and a black satchel-type handbag.

In the handbag were cosmetics,

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

I

'D like to start this week’s column by thanking those who got in touch regarding my last piece, sharing their experience of delivery companies including Evri.

I haven’t had the chance to get back to you all yet, but it certainly seems to have hit a nerve!

I’ve read all of your messages, and it seems that there are a significant number of us being affected. We will be putting together a story on the ongoing situation in a coming issue.

Something that has struck me since our last issue, is the reaction from some people regarding the planned closure of two sites operated by private schools in the city.

The Royal High School is set to close its prep school in Weston this July, and will no longer offer provision for nursery to Year 4.

King Edward’s School, which operates its pre-prep at premises also in Weston, has announced the intention to sell up and move all pupils to North Road from 2027, following planned redevelopment at the junior school site.

There have been many comments on social media regarding the changes, mostly relating to the division between private and state schools.

One such commenter was fully in support of the closures, noting that the ‘privileged’ children didn’t deserve to be attending

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a Midland cheque book and bank card, along with jewellery including a Next watch with expanding bracelet and silver drop earrings.

Officers are asking whether anyone has ever seen or come into possession of items matching this description.

Information can be submitted directly to police via the Major Incident Public Portal at https:// bit.ly/4blQhzw You can also contact police by calling 101 and telling the call handler you are calling about the Major Crime Investigation Team’s Operation Denmark inquiry.

Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

Sebastian Hawker

the schools, and another saying that the ‘rich parents’ can simply move their children to another feepaying school in the area.

As some commenters pointed out, many families of children who attend fee-paying schools such as the Royal High School or King Edward’s aren’t as well off as people may think.

They are making significant sacrifices to enable their children to receive a private education, and many pupils rely on bursaries provided by the schools to gain a place.

Of course, there are families who are able to afford the fees with ease, but there is a sizeable portion of children who are

attending the schools with financial assistance.

Private education is very much like private healthcare - if you have the means to take advantage of it, then many will do so.

Without the private side to these sectors, further strain is put on the already under-pressure staterun education or health system, meaning taxpayers’ money has to be spread more thinly than it already is.

Going to a private school doesn’t automatically make you entitled.

It should make you proud of your family who have no doubt, for a good proportion of those attending them, made sacrifices to get you there.

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Issue 122

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Your City, Your News - Bath Echo

Plans submitted for new £40m Fashion Museum Becky Feather Reporter

THE much-anticipated council planning application to relocate Bath’s Fashion Museum to the city’s Milsom Quarter has now been submitted.

The site includes the Old Post Office building at 25-27 New Bond Street, the Regency terrace houses at 21, 23 and 24 New Bond Street and the courtyard behind.

Bath & North East Somerset Council’s heritage services department is seeking planning permission and listed building consent for the scheme, which is expected to cost up to £40 million.

External and internal alterations are proposed, and the scheme will see the loss of both 1,945 sqm of retail space and nine flats.

Fashion Museum Bath (FMB) is due to open in 2030 and will have double the floorspace of the former museum which was at the city’s Assembly Rooms for nearly 60 years.

The original collection was formed by the writer and dress historian Doris Langley Moore and gifted to the city in 1959. It has grown to more than 100,000 items, but the museum has been closed since 2022 when the National Trust took back

Inset: How the museum will look | Image © B&NES Council

the Assembly Rooms.

The world-class collection is currently being held at Dents at Warminster.

Flats 1-6 on the second floor of the Old Post Office and Flats 7-9 located at 23- 24 New Bond Street are said to be vacant and not in a good state of repair as they are damp.

The application says the proposed change of use of the flats will provide a more suitable future use as part of the new museum.

Retail floorspace will be lost within the Old Post Office, at 24 New Bond Street and the rear of 21 New Bond Street. The application says much of it is currently vacant. It notes that much of the current shopping frontage has limited openings and the change of use is not expected to result in any harmful

impact to retail in the wider city centre.

The new museum aims to welcome 250,000 visitors each year. Two floors of galleries will showcase more of the collection than ever before, alongside exhibitions from other major museums. A sweeping staircase and spacious lift will connect all levels. At street level, there will be a café and dedicated museum shop. A new courtyard building is proposed, which will provide adaptable spaces for learning, events and exhibitions.

The former yard will become a courtyard garden, bringing in natural light and fresh air.

The museum will include new universal and accessible WCs and a Changing Places WC. There has been wide consultation with stakeholders, amenity groups, local groups, and B&NES residents to help shape the

proposals for the museum.

A statement with the application says: “The Fashion Museum Bath (FMB) will be the leading museum in the UK dedicated to the history and heritage of fashion. It will showcase more of the internationally renowned FMB collection than ever before.

“The FMB will welcome tourists and locals, be accessible, inclusive and with a strong focus on learning and skills. It will stimulate economic regeneration and be an exemplar of sustainable retrofit of a heritage building.

“The FMB holds one of the world’s leading collections of fashion from 1600 to the present day.

It is a collection of outstanding national significance and has grown to over 100,000 items, with particular strength in European, especially British, fashionable dress and accessories.

“The project will create a new home for the collection in the centre of the UNESCO World Heritage City of Bath, repurposing the existing Grade II listed Old Post Office building and creating a new world-class museum in a highly sustainable location.”

The planning reference is 26/00101/REG03. The deadline for comments is 26th February.

The Echo asked the council how it was funding the £40 million development, however no reply had been received at the time of going to press.

Bath's Clean Air Zone set to make £800,000 loss John Wimperis

Local Democracy Reporter

BATH’S Clean Air Zone is expected to make a loss of £800,000 next year - but the council says this was always the plan.

Introduced in 2021 to tackle air pollution, the CAZ requires drivers of a host of types of vehicle to pay a charge to drive through a central part of the city, although private cars are exempt.

Drivers who fail to pay the charge face a hefty fine. By the end of 2023, the CAZ had netted the council £7 million from fines alone. But now it is expected to make a loss, with the cost of the zone set to be higher than the money the council expects to make from drivers.

Speaking at a Bath & North East Somerset Council scrutiny panel

The Clean Air Zone was introduced in 2021

on 22nd January, Councillor Saskia Heijltjes (Green, Lambridge) said: “I understand that the Clean Air Zone is forecast

to run a deficit of £800k in 2026/27 from earlier papers.”

But the loss did not appear on the council’s projected costs for the

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next year.

Asked why by Councillor Heijltjes, council officers said this had always been the plan and the loss had already been balanced from earlier profit from the CAZ which had been specifically set aside for this purpose.

Council cabinet member for resources Mark Elliott said: “The expectation was that it would become successful and therefore less profitable.

“The aim was never to make a huge profit, it was to stop polluting vehicles coming into the middle of the city.”

Council officers said this had worked and the numbers of vehicles contravening the CAZ were reducing. They said that the money put aside would continue to keep the scheme going for “the end years,” until the CAZ was either decommissioned or replaced with a new scheme.

News in Brief Crews tackle blaze at industrial estate Fire crews tackled a significant blaze at an industrial unit in Keynsham on Monday 19th January. Roads surrounding the site on Broadmead Lane were cordoned off by police, with multiple emergency services arriving throughout the evening.

Avon Fire & Rescue Service (AF&RS) said they were called at 4.45pm to reports of the fire.

The industrial estate is the base of an engineering firm, a boat builder, a scrap metal dealer, a skip hire firm and multiple vehicle businesses. At the height of the incident, AF&RS had 12 fire engines, two turntable ladders and their Service Command Unit at the scene. One person was treated by paramedics at the site, and taken to hospital via land ambulance.

Wedding showcase event at Bath's Guildhall Couples planning their wedding can tour Bath’s Guildhall at the annual Wedding Showcase on Sunday 8th February, 10am2pm. Hosted by B&NES Council’s Registration team, visitors can explore the full Registration Suite, including five ceremony rooms and the register office, and get advice from council registrars. More than 50 local wedding suppliers will exhibit alongside representatives from approved venues across Bath and North East Somerset.

Ceremony rooms cater for between two and 118 guests, and prices start from £270.

Weather Forecast Fri 30th Sat 31st Sun 1st Mon 2nd Tue 3rd Wed 4th Thu 5th

10°c 9°c 9°c 10°c 9°c 10°c 9°c

Long range forecast:

      

(6th to 12th February) Mostly unsettled weather to continue, with longer spells of rain for many.

Temperatures close to average, with increased winds possible.

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Friday 30th January - Thursday 12th February 2026

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Developer ‘remains committed’ to turning old Min into 160-bed hotel

Body recovered from river in Keynsham

Becky Feather Reporter

THE developer who won permission in 2021 to turn the old Mineral Water Hospital in Bath into a hotel “remains committed” to delivering the conversion.

The Grade II* listed building in the city centre has been vacant since 2019 when the Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases (RNHRD), to give it its official name, relocated to a new building on the Royal United Hospital site at Combe Park.

The historic hospital was originally planned, designed and constructed to provide access to treatment in the thermal waters of Bath for the ‘sick poor from Britain and Ireland’.

Royal Assent was given in 1830 for the mineral waters to be diverted into the hospital from the King’s Bath spring.

In 2021, Bath & North East Somerset Council granted Fragrance UK (Bath) Ltd planning permission and listed building consent to change the use of the hospital to a 160-bedroom hotel.

The site is bounded to the north

The cordon in place at the Lock Keeper pub

The former Mineral Water Hospital in central Bath

by Upper Borough Walls, to the east by Union Street, and to the west by Bridewell Lane. The two main buildings, the east and west wings, are connected via a bridge over Parsonage Lane.

Planning consultants acting for the developer have this month submitted a listed building application to install four wall ties which they say are needed to support scaffolding over the apse roof on the east-facing side of the west wing facing Parsonage Lane to enable repairs.

They state in the application:

“The applicant is committed to delivering the approved scheme of the conversion of the former hospital into a lifestyle hotel.

“The scheme will secure the long-term conservation of an important heritage asset, bringing a vacant site back into use and benefitting the wider public interest.”

The council is requested to grant listed building consent “as expeditiously as possible”.

The planning reference is 26/00057/LBA and the deadline for comments is 12th February.

A CORDON was put in place next to the River Avon in Keynsham on Thursday 22nd January, after a body was discovered.

Emergency services were called to the scene just before 10am, with Avon Fire & Rescue Service’s water rescue team entering the water.

The body was discovered in the river opposite the Lock Keeper pub on Keynsham Road.

A spokesperson from Avon & Somerset Police told the Echo: “A body was recovered from the River Avon, near Keynsham.

“Work to identify the person and inform their next of kin is ongoing. Their death is not believed to be suspicious and enquiries are being carried out on behalf of the coroner.”

The pub car park was taped off, and the cordon was extended during the operation to include the riverside footpath in both directions.

Two blue forensic tents were erected in the pub car park, and forensic officers were seen working at the scene.

A spokesperson for the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) said: “We were called at 09:58hrs on Thursday 22 January to an incident in Keynsham. We sent one double-crewed ambulance, an operations officer, a critical care car, and the hazardous area response team to the scene.”

In an update from police on Tuesday, a spokesperson said enquiries are still ongoing.

Controversial conversion approved at foot of Solsbury Hill Becky Feather Reporter

CONTROVERSIAL plans to turn a barn at the foot of worldfamous Solsbury Hill into a house have been approved by five votes to four.

At Bath & North East Somerset Council’s planning committee meeting last Wednesday, 21st January, the conversion of the Bailbrook Lane building was granted by five votes to four.

Solsbury Hill was the inspiration for the song by Peter Gabriel.

The barn was built around 2016 under permitted development.

The ground floor is used for agricultural storage and the upper floor as offices. The owners applied for residential use, saying it was not suitable for modern agricultural use.

The scheme was revised during the application process, with fewer new windows and a proposed extension deleted.

Planning officers recommended approval, saying the conversion would not cause substantial harm to the Green Belt nor harm the Cotswolds National Landscape, the setting of the Bath World Heritage Site or conservation area, and if anything, there would be less traffic.

The planning committee was asked to make the decision after a ‘call-in’ by ward councillor Sarah Warren (Bathavon North, Liberal Democrat) and Green councillor Saskia Heijltjes from neighbouring Lambridge.

Batheaston parish councillor Peter Lewis told the committee the site is very visible and used constantly by the public with a footpath running immediately above it.

“This is inappropriate development in protected countryside and it adds a residential, urbanising use into a place where policy is meant to protect openness and rural character.”

He added: “What used to feel like countryside now feels more like a private compound, with the footpath squeezed and views degraded.”

The barn sits alongside the replacement development of Vine House, often referred to as Bath Springs. Councillor Lewis said: “Work has continued there despite the long-standing expectation and condition that the original house, Vine House, would be demolished as part of that permission. If that condition was there to prevent multiple dwellings in such a sensitive location as Solsbury Hill, then approving another residential unit here directly contradicts that principle.”

Councillor Joanna Wright (Lambridge, Green) told the committee: “Formally, this application sits in Bathavon North ward; however, the ward councillors seem unable to represent on this application.

Directly next to this site sits Lambridge ward and many residents in the area have contacted me on this application

Councillor Joanna Wright by the barn that will be converted

as well as on the ongoing issues at the site.”

She said she’d met planning enforcement officers to discuss various issues; mature trees had been damaged or felled and piles of earth from the building development had been dumped onto what was once open meadow land.

The new windows would cause loss of privacy to nearby residents, and local people and Lambridge ward councillors questioned why a highways report was not sought as the conversion would “increase conflict” between vehicles and walkers, the councillor continued.

She said that in 2019 the previous owner had applied to convert the barn into a house and it was refused: “Nothing seems to have changed since then, except that this proposal is even more ambitious.”

Councillor Shaun Hughes (Midsomer Norton North, Independent) questioned why the agricultural building is no longer considered suitable.

The case planning officer said the site’s agricultural use had

changed, with the new owner introducing an organic vineyard.

A new barn is currently under construction at the site under permitted development rules.

The officer also said the site is “literally on the edge of a settlement” but it would involve potentially a car journey to access facilities; that could be a short car journey and then walking or using public transport.

Councillor Hughes also voiced concern about the “cycle of permitted developments then becoming housing developments” but planning officers said the committee must consider this separately.

Councillor Tim Warren (Midsomer Norton Redfield, Conservative) said it was very hard to find a legal reason that would stand up to refuse the application: “Whether we like to or not is another point.”

Councillor Eleanor Jackson (Westfield, Labour) “strongly disagreed” saying the fact that the barn not currently in “congenial use” was not a valid reason for development in the Green Belt which would have a significant

impact on Solsbury Hill. She added: “It’s just not acceptable if it’s not accessible without a car.”

Councillor Fiona Gourley (Bathavon South, Liberal Democrat) said to make the barn suitable for agricultural use “you could just make bigger doors frankly”. She pointed out that the barn being built has lots of windows facing south, adding: “I am slightly concerned about the future, I guess.”

Site’s history over the last 20 years

Plans were first submitted in 2005 to demolish Vine House and build a five-bed sustainable home close by, but they were withdrawn.

In 2008 an application to replace Vine House with a very modern four-storey sustainable property set into a steeply sloping area of ground was granted by the development control committee, against the advice of planning officers.

They had felt it was inappropriate development in the Green Belt and would be very prominent and intrusive. In 2010 revised plans were submitted with changes including a reduction in the number of storeys to three, and permission was secured in 2011. There have also been various applications approved for agricultural storage buildings.

Issue 122

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Lack of ‘dedicated work’ on impact of introducing parking charges John Wimperis

Local Democracy Reporter

BATH & North East Somerset Council has not carried out any “dedicated work” into the impact on small businesses of its decision to introduce parking charges in two towns.

The council introduced emissions-based parking charges to previously free car parks in Midsomer Norton and Radstock last year.

The move was hugely controversial, with local shops in Midsomer Norton telling the Local Democracy Reporting Service it would “kill the town.”

Now, at a council scrutiny panel on Thursday 22nd January, Councillor Eleanor Jackson (Westfield, Labour) asked if the council had done any studies into the impact on small businesses since the parking charges were bought in.

She said: “I know of businesses who say it’s the last straw, they can’t take the parking charges for their staff.”

Council officers said: “We have not done any dedicated work on the impact on small businesses but we do look at national data and use data such

Midsomer Norton's South Road car park | Photo © Shaun Hughes

as the association of town centre management who have seen no direct impact between low parking charges and economic vitality and vibrancy within any particular area.

“We do continue to monitor though and if any evidence comes forward we will consider it as part of the process.”

They said: “It is well recognised nationally that well-managed parking facilities encourage high turnover of vehicles which generates additional economic viability and vitality in market towns.

“It is always a really difficult balance to recognise the requirements for those that have vehicles and want to park them for free, and manage it against those who have no access to a vehicle and have to pay for other forms of transport, such as buses, trains etc.”

The parking charges were introduced to South Road car park in Midsomer Norton and to Church Street and Waterloo Road car parks in Radstock in March 2025. People can still park for free for two hours, a compromise introduced by Bath and North East Somerset Council after the public outcry at the proposals.

The car parks use “emissionsbased parking” where cars are charged an additional amount based on how polluting the engine is.

The system was first used for car parks in Bath in 2023. In 2024, ahead of the emissions-based charges being introduced to Midsomer Norton and Radstock, Councillor Jackson warned they would unfairly affect the poorest who could not afford an electric car. She compared them to something the Sheriff of Nottingham would do.

BED E BUYS

Two centuries of poster art go on show in Bath A NEW exhibition at the Victoria Art Gallery is charting 200 years of British poster design, from Victorian playbills to bold modern graphics.

The show looks at how posters have promoted theatre, entertainment, travel, transport, political campaigns and even First World War recruitment, reflecting changing tastes and social attitudes.

Bath features prominently, with designs advertising Theatre Royal productions, the Bath & West Show, Walcot Street community events and Bath Festivals.

Two Richard III posters for the Theatre Royal – an 1805 text-only playbill and a vivid 1989 design featuring Derek Jacobi – highlight how dramatically poster styles have evolved.

Highlights also include posters

by Bath designers Clifford and Rosemary Ellis, known for their work for London Transport and Shell in the 1930s, and classic railway posters promoting Bath’s Georgian architecture and Roman Baths.

Councillor Kevin Guy, leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council, said: “Poster Power! brings colour, creativity and history into the city, highlighting the impact of graphic design on everyday life and social change.”

Image © Gordon Nicoll / British Railways / B&NES Council

The exhibition is family-friendly, with a children’s train linked to the railway posters, a farmthemed activity area, hands-on activities, a fuzzy felt animal wall, a free trail and school holiday crafts.

Poster Power! runs until 10th May 2026. Entry is £9 for adults, £4 for children over six, and free for under-sixes and Bath & North East Somerset residents with a Discovery Card.

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Judge brands serial drink-driver from Bath a ‘danger and menace’ A SERIAL drink-driver from Bath has been given a suspended jail sentence and banned from the road for five years.

David Liddell was more than three times over the alcohol limit on 6th October last year when he was seen driving erratically on Gloucester Road in Bath before crashing. Fortunately, no one was injured.

Liddell was found to have 121 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of his breath. The legal limit is 35.

The 52-year-old admitted his guilt at a hearing at Bath Magistrates’ Court at the end of October when the bench requested a pre-sentence report from the Probation Service. He was also given an interim driving ban.

Liddell, of Bladud Buildings, was back in court on Wednesday 14th January for sentencing by District Judge Lynne Matthews.

It was revealed that he had previous convictions for drinkdriving in 2005 and 2019.

Liddell was represented by solicitor Ned Kemp, who told the court that prior to 2005, his client had worked as a professional auditor but had been knocked off his pedal cycle in an accident which had changed a lot about him.

A character reference was submitted to the judge along with medical evidence and a letter from Liddell’s partner, who is said to be “dismayed”.

Mr Kemp said Liddell

Cannabis factory at disused hotel removed

Inside the former hotel on Monmouth Place | Photo © Avon & Somerset Police

Liddell was given a suspended sentence

is “extremely, extremely remorseful” and since the incident last October has cut down on his drinking.

He is currently doing some removal work and wants to get back into full-time employment.

Mr Kemp added: “He is a gogetter.”

District Judge Matthews told Liddell: “You are a danger and a menace on the road.”

She jailed him for 14 weeks but suspended it for 12 months because of the likelihood of rehabilitation.

Under his community order, Liddell will undergo alcohol

Appeal after man assaulted by youths AVON & Somerset Police are appealing for witnesses after a man was attacked by a group of youths while sitting inside a taxi in Bath.

The incident happened at around 11.30pm on Saturday 17th January on Dorchester Street.

The victim, a man in his 30s, suffered facial injuries in the assault.

His injuries were not deemed to be serious and he did not require hospital treatment, but police say he was left distressed by what happened and has been offered access to support services.

The offenders are described as a group of young people, including both boys and girls.

Officers are now asking anyone who was in the area at the time, or who may have seen the group, to come forward.

As part of the investigation, police have already carried out CCTV enquiries, spoken to witnesses and conducted reassurance patrols in the area. They are

Friday 30th January - Thursday 12th February 2026

treatment for six months and must also complete up to 10 rehabilitation activity requirement (RAR) days.

He was also ordered to complete 100 hours of unpaid work within 12 months and to pay £85 prosecution costs and a £154 surcharge.

Liddell’s five-year disqualification runs from the start of the interim ban which was 29th October.

District Judge Matthews warned him that if he doesn’t comply with the requirements of the community order, drives while over the limit or while banned, he will be going to prison.

A SUSPECTED cannabisgrowing operation has been shut down at a disused property, after police were alerted to the former hotel in Monmouth Place, Bath.

Officers were called to the building earlier this month when the owner reported being unable to gain access.

The premises were put under scene guard while utility companies worked to make the site safe.

A crime scene examination was completed and on Wednesday, 21st January, officers began removing cannabis plants and growing equipment as part of an ongoing investigation.

Neighbourhood Chief Inspector Scott Hill said the action was an important step in tackling local drug supply.

He said: “The disruption of this cannabis growth set-up is a positive step in tackling the

presence of drug availability in Bath and North East Somerset.

“Our local policing teams are working with our communities to develop community intelligence to further disrupt these harmful criminal operations.”

He also warned of the wider risks associated with such sites.

“Cannabis growing often involves bypassing of mains electricity, which can post a significant fire risk, over and above the antisocial behaviour and crime associated with drug supply.”

Police are urging residents to share any concerns or information about drug activity to help them target offenders and reduce associated crime and disorder.

People affected by drug misuse, or those worried about someone else’s use, can find details of local support through Bath & North East Somerset Council at https:// bit.ly/4rh9vLo

Carer denies stealing from client A 46-YEAR-OLD woman has appeared before Bath magistrates charged with stealing £410 from an elderly, disabled man she cared for.

In court on Wednesday 21st

January, Vicky O’Callaghan pleaded not guilty to stealing the cash from the man at his home in Westfield, near Radstock, between 31st August and 25th September last year.

Magistrates remanded O’Callaghan, of Bryant Avenue, Westfield, on conditional bail until her trial, which will be at the court on Wednesday 16th September.

Drug-driving case collapses as CPS offers no evidence on day of trial The victim sustained facial injuries

now appealing to the public for further help.

Officers are particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage from Dorchester Street and the surrounding area, from immediately before or after the incident.

Anyone with information that could help the investigation is asked to call 101, quoting reference 5226015537.

A CASE being brought against a Bath woman accused of drugdriving has collapsed with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) offering no evidence on the day of the trial.

Pagan Taylor, of Odd Down, had denied driving on Sulis Manor Road on 20th January last year with two controlled drugs in her blood that exceeded the specified limits.

The 38-year-old was due to go on trial at Bath Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 14th January. She had pleaded not guilty due to concern

over the line of continuity of the blood sample she had given.

The CPS had alleged she had driven when the proportion of Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (cannabis) in her blood was 7.9 micrograms per litre, exceeding the specified limit of two.

The alleged proportion of Benzoylecgonine (a breakdown product of cocaine) at 179 micrograms per litre of blood exceeded the specified limit of 50. Although the drug-drive allegations were dismissed, Pagan Taylor did admit another

offence at her appearance last Wednesday. She pleaded guilty to having 0.8 grams of cannabis, a class B drug, in her possession on 23rd August 2025 in Bath.

District Judge Lynne Matthews fined Taylor £100, also ordering her to pay £85 prosecution costs and a £40 surcharge.

The judge also ordered the forfeiture and destruction of the cannabis.

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Issue 122

P7

Your City, Your News - Bath Echo

Man faces charges over Further accusations against former teacher extreme animal porn

Derek Barker pictured leaving court in May 2025

A FORMER teacher at Monkton Combe School near Bath, who was charged last year with historic sexual offences against a pupil, is now facing three further charges of indecent assault.

Derek Barker, now aged 91, first appeared before Bath magistrates on 22nd May 2025 when he was accused of carrying out three sexual offences on a boy in the mid-1970s at the independent school.

Magistrates heard that the alleged offences, which Barker denies, were so serious they could only be dealt with at Crown Court.

Barker, of Winsley Hill at Limpley Stoke, was back at Bath Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 14th January when District Judge Lynne Matthews read out the three new charges he faces.

They are: • That between 26th April 1972 and 30th August 1972 at Monkton Combe School he indecently assaulted a man aged 16 or over.

• Between 9th February 1979 and 8th February 1981 at Monkton Combe School he indecently assaulted a boy under 14.

• Between 3rd April 1981 and 31st August 1982 at Monkton Combe School he indecently assaulted a man aged 16 or over.

District Judge Matthews told Barker, who entered not guilty pleas, that he must attend a trial preparation hearing at Bristol Crown Court on 23rd February.

Barker is due to go on trial starting 2nd November.

He remains on unconditional bail.

Bath Magistrates' Court

A 66-YEAR-OLD man from Bath has appeared in court to face four charges including possession of extreme animal pornography.

Gary Randall, of Woodhouse Road in Twerton, appeared before Judge Lynne Matthews at Bath Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 14th January.

It is said that on 8th January 2023, Randall was in possession of 41 images and three videos, described as “grossly offensive”, involving horses and cows.

Randall is also charged between

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26th December 2022 and 9th January 2023 of attempting to cause or incite a girl aged 13 to engage in sexual activity.

He faces two charges of attempting to engage in sexual communication with children under 16 between the same dates.

All the alleged offences took place in Radstock.

Judge Matthews sent Randall to Bristol Crown Court for trial and granted him unconditional bail.

He will attend a plea and trial preparation hearing there on 23rd February.

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

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Pictures from the Past Burnt House, Odd Down Kirsten Elliott Akeman Press

THIS week’s archive photos feature the Burnt House Inn at Odd Down, which stood at the junction of Wellsway and Old Fosse Road, and was demolished almost 20 years ago, in December 2006.

It first appears on a map of 1787 as a turnpike house, when it was already known as the Burnt House.

How it got the name nobody knows, although, as it was commonly given to buildings that had burnt down and been rebuilt, it seems reasonable to assume that this is what happened here.

Whether, as local legend has it, it had been torched by colliers incensed by the tolls they had to pay to bring coal into Bath, is something else we are unlikely ever to find out.

In 1861, when the turnpike gate was moved further along the road, the Burnt House was put up for sale and became a pub.

The first landlord was Charles Chamberlaine, but the licence was soon transferred to Thomas Stride, in whose family it remained until 1988.

As Bath expanded out towards the Burnt House, and as country walking and cycling became more popular, the pub grew rapidly.

By 1898, its accommodation was lavish: three bars, a halfacre garden, a tea room for lady cyclists, a stable for seven horses, a coach house, a brewery, a cattle stand (for drovers to park their cattle while nipping in for a drink), and a skittle alley. From cowmen to lady cyclists, the Burnt House catered for them all.

Over the years there were several changes and in 1901 the building was extended.

The brewery remained in production until 1946, when it was converted to a skittle alley.

Much of the building was gutted in the 1970s, but the exterior remained largely untouched.

On the wall of the outbuilding beside it, there was even a ring to tether your horse to if you felt so inclined.

But, despite its history, and despite it being in a World Heritage Site, it somehow escaped listing, and in 2006 permission was given to redevelop the site.

The first photograph shows what the Burnt House looked like when it became a pub and gives a good idea how undeveloped this area remained until well into the 20th century.

The second photograph shows the Burnt House after it had been extended and covered with a fine display of signwriting.

Above: When the Burnt House became a pub

Below: The Burnt House after it had been extended

Issue 122

Crossword

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Complete our crossword for your chance to win £20!

Across 9 Lettuce variety (7) 10 Renaissance master (7) 11 Firmament (5) 12 Borscht topping (4,5) 13 Animating force (9) 15 1954-77 defensive alliance (2,1,1,1) 17 Like National Trust properties (4,2,3,6) 20 Hangman's knot (5) 22 Alterations for Dr. No to make an entrance (5,4) 24 Picked up accidentally (9) 26 Strong thread (5) 27 Batch of letters (7) 28 Doubter (7)

Down 1 Hollywood (10) 2 If life be so strange, faith results (6) 3 Tablet is cracked the tiniest amount (5,3) 4 "Jumpin' Jack Flash, it's ___ ..." (1,3) 5 Site of nuclear explosion (6,4) 6 Historical periods (6) 7 US national sport (8) 8 Especially valued (4) 14 Too far away (3,2,5) 16 Turn of events (10) 18 For the few (8) 19 Innominate (8) 21 Of a cultural group (6) 23 Duller of the senses (6) 24 Resistance units (4) 25 Partial darkness (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 3001, Bath Echo, PO Box 5395, Bath, BA1 0YA The winner will be the first randomly opened entry with the correct answers on 11/02/2026.

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 Bath Restaurant Week hits our 2026 radar for a week from Tuesday 17th March.

If your food and drink business wants to get involved and showcase what you do best, sign up today - but don’t delay!

Deadline: Saturday 7th February. https://bit.ly/4t2C1ly Mamma mia! 2 courses for £17 (3/£20) at Bosco (Shires Yard) 126pm every Monday - Friday. www.boscopizzeria.co.uk If you’ve ever wondered if your favourite wine would pair well with Monster Munch, this is the date for you!

Get yourself along to Wolf Wine (Walcot Street) on Tuesday 10th February and experience a wine tasting like no other: six wines expertly paired with six iconic

Recipe

crisps. Yes, really! (£25pp). www.wolfwine.co.uk The impeccably refurbished (seriously: check out their gorgeous Insta posts!) Bird in Hand (Saltford) has launched a brand new Tapas menu to complement their already impeccable array; sample 3 dishes for £22, or 5 for £30. www.birdinhandsaltford.co.uk Don’t miss No 3 café’s Valentine’s pop-up at Doubletree by Hilton (Walcot Street) from 10.30am-4pm on Thursday 13th, Friday 14th, Wednesday 19th and Thursday 20th February: homemade Valentine’s Day cakes and cupcakes, Love Bug shortbread, DIY cupcake decorating kits, coffee, tea and fizz.  @cupcakecatering_2025

Enjoy 1 snack and 2 plates from a fascinating menu for just £15 between 12-2pm every MondayFriday at Root Bath (Shires Yard).

Lingering long? Add a glass of house wine for just £5. www.rootrestaurants.co.uk Good times at The Good Bear (Bear Flat) are in the pipeline!

Book today for forthcoming Supper Clubs One Night in Venice on the evening of Saturday 28th February, Italian Spring on Saturday 21st March and/or One Night in Puglia on Saturday 23rd May - but be warned! Tickets sell out VERY fast!

Email info@thegoodbear.co.uk to secure yours. www.thegoodbear.co.uk Style lunchtime out with 3 small plates and 2 glasses of house wine

for just £25 at Vino Vino (Saw Close) every Monday-Thursday from 12-5pm (when big deals on cocktails begin - just sayin’!). www.vinovinowinebar.co.uk Steak Frites; Fish Pie; Ham, Egg and Chips… or seasonal Winter Stew with those all-important dumplings? They’re all on the £10 lunch menu (Monday-Friday, 123pm) at nearby pastoral paradise the Redan Inn (Chilcompton) . www.theredaninn.co.uk Treat yourself to a spot of midday indulgence at Raphael (Upper Borough Walls) where the beautifully-crafted Set Lunch Menu (2 courses £25; 3/£30) served in a stylishly seductive environment brings the joy every Monday-Friday 12-2.30pm. www.raphaelrestaurant.co.uk

Curried Leek and Cauliflower Cheese Soup

Soup, curry and cauliflower cheese in one glorious, soul-soothing pot.

Ingredients (serves 4)

• 2 leeks, trimmed, peeled and sliced • 1 tbsp curry powder (mild, medium or hot, according to personal preference) • The florets from 1 large cauliflower • 1l vegetable stock • 150g cheddar cheese (or vegetarian/vegan alternative), grated • 2 tbsp mango chutney • 100ml semi-skimmed milk To serve: • naan breads; toasted flaked almonds

Method

• Heat a little olive oil in a saucepan over a medium heat and sauté the chopped leeks for around 10 minutes or until silky soft, adding the garlic and curry powder for the last minute or so of cooking time.

• Add the cauliflower florets to the pan followed by the stock.

Stir well, bring to the boil then reduce the heat and simmer for around 10-15 minutes, or until the cauliflower is very tender.

• Allow the mixture to cool for a couple of minutes before pouring into a food processor (or use a hand blender) and pulse to create a thick purée.

• Add the grated cheese and mango chutney and pulse again to thoroughly combine.

• Return the soup to the pan, loosen with the milk, season to taste and gently reheat to simmering point.

• Serve in warm bowls topped with toasted flaked almonds with hot naan breads on the side.

The gorgeous Corston Wheatsheaf has reopened under new ownership, hoorah!

Reacquaint yourself over the Set Menu lunch which offers a range of seasonal delights for £20 for 2 courses (3/£25) alongside full lunch and dinner menus and plenty of pub classics.

Meanwhile, brunch is served every Friday and Saturday from 10am-1pm and Sunday roasts go large here. thecorstonwheatsheaf.co.uk Melissa regularly reviews eateries across Bath and the local area.

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

Issue 122

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Your City, Your News - Bath Echo

What's On

Friday 30th January - Thursday 12th February 2026

Don McCullin: Broken Beauty

Darren Walsh: Do You Like Puns?

Silent Discos

Wedding Showcase

The Holburne 30th January – 4th May As legendary photographer Sir Don McCullin turns 90, the Holburne is proud to present Broken Beauty, a rich selection of images drawn from across McCullin’s career.

Rondo Theatre 5th February, 7.30pm Witness a pun Goliath in person, as Darren Walsh brings his 8ft frame and award-winning act on the road.

Combining sound effects, videos, oneliners and improvised jokes.

The Roman Baths 6th February, 7pm Head along for a feel-good night out at the Roman Baths' Silent Discos.

Grab your friends and a headset and dance the night away at this very special venue in the city centre.

The Guildhall, Bath 8th February, 10am – 2pm The wedding showcase is back and bigger than ever. Explore elegant ceremony rooms, discover the licensed wedding venues and meet with talented local suppliers.

Shaparak Khorsandi: Scatterbrain

The Tragedy of Julius Caesar

The Sleep Show

Too Small To Tell

Komedia Bath 1st February, 7.30pm Having reassessed her life through the prism of an ADHD diagnosis in last year's moving memoir, one of Britain's most beloved and most scatter-brained stand-ups lets you back into her mind.

The Mission Theatre 5th February, 7pm Step into a brilliantly reimagined world of Shakespeare’s classic. Set deep in the bowels of the Catholic Church, we find an almighty Caesar preaching to the masses, but his pulpit is unsteady.

The Egg 7th & 8th February A dreamy performance which transforms the mysteries of sleep into an adventure.

It mixes dance and imaginative storytelling to explore all the funny and frustrating parts of trying to fall asleep.

Ustinov Studio 9th & 10th February In the '90s, Lisa Rose worked as an assistant for Harvey Weinstein. Nearly 30 years later, in the wake of recent stories Lisa reflects on her time and asks: Why does this keep happening?

Be A Chorister

Jazz at the Vaults: Bruce Adams

Festival of Libraries

Indian Ink

Bath Abbey 1st February, 1pm Experience life as a Bath Abbey chorister. Explore the Abbey and the Song School, meet the current choristers and sing with the choir for Evensong.

Ideally suited for boys aged 6-8.

St James’ Wine Vaults 5th February, 8.30pm Bruce is a multiple British Jazz Award Winner having been nominated more than 20 times. Originally Bruce wanted to be a guitarist but proved so inept that his father bought him a trumpet.

The Podium 7th – 21st February Where stories spark, creativity flows, and communities come together. This year’s festival is packed with incredible experiences for all ages, and the best part is that everything is free.

Theatre Royal 10th – 14th February Felicity Kendal returns in the first major revival for 30 years of one of Tom Stoppard's most nostalgic plays.

Satirising the self-importance of both academia and the ruling class.

CandleLIT Poetry Slam

Archaeo-Heritage Film Festival

Curator’s Tour

Rethinking Roman Religious Sites

Bath Brew House 4th February, 7pm Nine poets will compete to be crowned the winner. Expect a fun, vibrant, and eclectic night of spoken-word slam, plus sets from Clive Oseman and headliner mithago, the 2023 UK Slam Champion.

The Little Theatre Cinema 5th – 8th February Archaeo-Heritage Film are diving into nautical archaeology on screen.

Exploring everything from shipwrecks to sea shanties, it's going to be a rollicking adventure for old and young shipmates.

The Museum of East Asian Art 7th February, 11am Join the first day of the new exhibition Reimaginings. Head along for a tour with Exhibitions Manager, Eden, and explore the new show. This exhibition is co-curated with Hannah Lim.

BRLSI 12th February, 7.30pm This talk is organised by Bath & Counties Archaeological Society (BACAS).

David Roberts is a specialist in Roman and prehistoric landscape archaeology and excavation.

P12

Friday 30th January - Thursday 12th February 2026

www.bathecho.co.uk

Community

Legal Expert

Carers’ Centre marks birthday with new contract THE Carers’ Centre for Bath & North East Somerset has secured a new seven-year contract to continue supporting thousands of unpaid adult and young carers - a major milestone that comes as the charity celebrates its 30th birthday.

Founded in 1996 to support anyone looking after a loved one who relies on their help, The Carers’ Centre now runs a support line and wellbeing services for more than 6,200 adult carers and 1,000 young carers.

Over three decades, it has expanded its offer, earned the nationally accredited ‘Excellence for Carers’ award and attracted funding from major funders including Henry Smith and Children in Need.

The new contract with Bath & North East Somerset Council secures long-term funding for its core Carers and Family Support Service, meaning hundreds more carers will be able to access help.

This will include a forthcoming AI tool on the charity’s website to signpost users to tailored advice and guidance alongside the existing support line.

Jacqui Orchard, the charity’s chief executive, said: “We are delighted to have won this new contract with our key partner, Bath & North East Somerset Council.

“Being able to continue our core service provision for our community of carers means everything to us.

“We can also now continue to extend our reach, as we know there are thousands more carers out there in need of our support, many of whom do not see themselves as carers and may be navigating the challenges in silence.’

Councillor Alison Born, cabinet member for adult services at Bath & North East Somerset Council, said: “All carers should be recognised, valued and supported to live good lives.

“The Carers and Family Support

Understanding the end of a relationship: Clear Guidance at a Difficult Time

Support services are available through the Carers' Centre

Service provision is crucial in supporting unpaid carers, both young and adult, by ensuring they get timely help, access to the relevant support, and allowing them to maintain a life outside of caring. We look forward to continuing our partnership work with The Carers' Centre and seeing the impact this invaluable service has on even more carers across B&NES.” Alongside the council contract,

the charity is continuing to fundraise to support extra wellbeing activities for carers. It plans to enter a team in the Bath Half in 2026 and is also seeking volunteers and trustees.

People interested in getting involved or joining the carers’ community can find out more at banescarerscentre.org.uk, where details of the centre’s 30th birthday celebrations will be shared later in the year.

Demolition work Odd Down History begins at Tintagel Close Group set for busy year

Demolition gets under way at the site | Photo © Curo

Becky Feather Reporter

DEMOLITION work has begun on the derelict Tintagel Close estate in Keynsham, prior to Curo’s £16 million redevelopment of the site where 45 new homes will be built.

The three-bed maisonettes at Tintagel Close, which Curo says dated from the 1970s, had been deemed no longer fit for purpose and tenants in all 44 properties were rehoused.

Working with development partner EG Carter, Curo secured planning permission for the redevelopment last March and the bulldozers began knocking down the block on Tuesday, 20th January.

Controlled removal of asbestos across the development had already taken place.

The new energy-efficient homes for social rent and shared ownership will range from one to four bedrooms, with several

adapted for wheelchair use. Each home will have its own private entrance, designated parking and electric vehicle charging point.

A new access road will open up the area amid landscape improvements and accessible open space.

As demolition began, Sarah Maylor, Curo’s director of development, said: “We’re so excited this day has finally arrived – it’s the start of a journey that will completely transform this site.

“And as we say goodbye to Tintagel Close, we look forward to amazing new affordable homes set in beautiful green space.

“We’re a not-for-profit, which means we’re led by our values.

That’s why we’re investing £16 million here – we care about this community and want it to be a great place to live.”

The subsidised homes for social rent will be offered through Bath & North East Somerset Council’s lettings system HomeChoice.

The remainder will be available for shared ownership purchase.

A COMMUNITY history group on the southern edge of Bath is going from strength to strength, two years after it first launched at Odd Down Sports Ground.

Odd Down History Group began in 2023, meeting at the sports ground café on the third Thursday of each month at 2pm.

The very first session drew an overwhelming turnout, and it quickly became clear there were two distinct interests among those who came along.

One group of residents wanted an informal space to reminisce and share memories of Odd Down’s recent past – from colourful carnivals in the 1950s to life in the post-war prefabs. That nostalgic strand has not only sparked lively conversations but also helped forge new friendships and rekindle old ones.

At the same time, many attendees were keen to record local history for future generations. From that ambition, a dedicated website was created by volunteer Trudi Mayo, with funding for the domain provided by Odd Down Community Association (ODCA).

Two years on, the group now offers both - a space for memorysharing and a platform for preserving Odd Down’s stories.

In 2025 members were invited to Odd Down Football Club, where they have since been hosting regular talks and film screenings.

Attendance typically ranges from 10 to 40 people.

The group is informal and inclusive, with no expectation of regular commitment. Residents are encouraged to simply drop

Photo © Odd Down History Group

in when they can and enjoy the sessions.

It is run entirely by volunteers and is free to attend; organisers only ask that, if possible, people buy a drink or snack at the venues that kindly host the meetings to help keep the group accessible to all.

One regular is former Mayor of Bath, Laurie Coombs, whose 99th birthday coincided with one of the group’s events, a milestone that was duly celebrated alongside his 90-year-old nephew.

With interest continuing to grow, members say Odd Down History Group is set for an even busier year ahead, including an appearance at the Museum of Bath at Work this summer.

More information is available at www.odddownhistorygroup.org

Find us on Facebook Just search “Bath Echo”

Divorce and separation are lifechanging events, often bringing uncertainty about the future.

Having clear, practical advice at an early stage can make a significant difference, helping to reduce stress and avoid unnecessary complications.

First, some basic terminology: Divorce is a legal court process that formally ends a marriage, Dissolution is the process that ends a civil partnership.

In most cases, you do not need to appoint a lawyer or attend court to get divorced or dissolve your partnership. You can do most of it online and the processes are more streamlined than they used to be.

However, specialist advice from a lawyer ensures your divorce or dissolution is handled correctly and that your interests are protected, in particular your rights over finances, property and child arrangements.

Since 2022, there is now only one legal basis for divorce or dissolution: that the marriage or partnership has irretrievably broken down. The Court does not examine the reasons behind these words. You must have been married or in a civil partnership for at least one year, and at least one of you must have lived in England or Wales during the year before applying or be domiciled here.

Applications can be made by one of you or jointly by both of you.

There is a minimum 20-week reflection period before you can apply for a Conditional Order.

During this period, you should try and agree financial matters, property splits and arrangements for children.

Statistics show that most couples reach agreement without Court intervention, with 76% of financial remedy applications being uncontested as of mid-2024.

Importantly, applying for the Final Order, which dissolves the marriage or partnership, can affect rights to property, pensions and inheritance, so careful timing and legal, accounting and tax advice are essential before this is applied for.

Throughout the process all options should be explored.

Clear, structured advice is a necessity.

At Battens, our Family Team offers expert, constructive guidance across all our offices in person or through remote appointments, supporting clients with clarity and care through every stage.

For advice, call 0800 652 8373.

01225 562581 www.battens.co.uk hello@battens.co.uk 7 Gay Street, Bath, BA1 2PH

Issue 122

Your City, Your News - Bath Echo

Gifts in Wills are helping to transform care at the RUH CHARITY RUHX, the official NHS trust charity for the Royal United Hospitals Bath, says gifts left in Wills are playing a crucial role in transforming care for patients across the community.

Since 1999, RUHX has been supporting the hospital by funding “the extraordinary work” that helps deliver exceptional healthcare, from cutting-edge technology and research to smaller comforts that make a big difference to patients and staff.

Gifts in Wills now account for around a third of the charity’s income. Whether a large sum or a modest contribution, every legacy helps RUHX go above and beyond with innovative equipment, facilities and projects.

One major development funded thanks to legacies is the Linear Accelerator (LINAC) for the RUH Radiotherapy department.

In use since December 2024, the advanced machine uses microwave energy to shape high-energy X-ray beams or electrons to match a patient’s tumour.

This allows cancer cells to be destroyed while sparing healthy tissue, helping to reduce side effects and improve recovery times.

Innovation is also being supported in cardiovascular care through Super Rehab, a lifestyle intervention project trialled at the RUH. Led by the hospital’s cardiovascular research team in partnership with the University of Bath, and funded by RUHX, the programme tests the impact of highlevel, one-to-one support for patients with heart disease as they adapt to life changes.

Get your free Will guide.

Call 01225 825900 or email giftsinwills@ruhx.org.uk

Photo © RUH

One patient said: “At first I was really scared to exercise with my atrial fibrillation, now I feel completely at ease doing it and am much more confident going to the gym.”

In recent years, the RUH has also undergone a major transformation with the introduction of robotic surgery, becoming a regional centre of excellence.

So far, 288 robotic surgeries have been performed, 14 robotic surgeons are fully trained, and the hospital’s expertise is being shared across the country.

RUHX says developments like these are only possible because of the generosity of people who choose to remember the charity in their Will, calling it “a powerful legacy to leave behind”.

The charity is encouraging people to consider making or updating their Will, ensuring loved ones are cared for while also supporting causes that matter most to them.

Anyone wanting to find out more about how a gift in their Will can support the RUH can visit www.ruhx.org.uk/gift-inwills to download a free guide, or contact the Gifts in Wills team on 01225 825900.

Registered Charity No. 1058323

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Swan rescue team Butcombe Brewing Co renews appeals to Bath anglers partnership with Bath Half

A number of local swans have been affected by discarded fishing equipment

BATH Swan Rescue volunteers say the amount of discarded fishing hooks and line they are regularly removing from the canal is “pretty heart-breaking”.

In a plea to anglers on their new Facebook page, the group highlights the injuries that swans encounter from discarded gear.

They say that last summer in the Widcombe area alone, hooks were removed from five cygnets and three adults.

“Some of these injuries were lifealtering, including one cygnet who sustained a fishing hook to the eye which caused deep infection, requiring months of

sanctuary care, and an adult who remains with a permanent beak deformity from a pike lure.

“Please don’t cast near swans and make sure you take everything home with you.

“We know accidents happen so if any anglers find their lines snap, please do report it to us and every effort will be made to sort retrieval.”

People are urged not to attempt to remove line if it has been swallowed by a swan, as metal detection for hooks is needed.

The group can be contacted via its Facebook page at https://bit. ly/4jZA5WM

BUTCOMBE’S Goram IPA Zero will once again be available for thousands of runners at this year’s GetPRO Bath Half Marathon, as the brewery returns as the Official NonAlcoholic Beer Partner for the 2026 race on Sunday 15th March.

The renewed partnership with event organisers London Marathon Events marks the second year that Butcombe Brewing Co’s award-winning Goram IPA Zero has supported the city’s flagship running event, underlining the brewery’s growing reputation as one of the UK’s leading producers of premium non-alcoholic beer.

Every finisher will be handed a can of Goram IPA Zero at the end of the race, while Butcombe will also run a bar in the Event Village in Royal Victoria Park.

Runners and spectators will be able to enjoy a range of the brewery’s beers served from the Beerfender – a converted Land Rover – as they celebrate their achievements.

The GetPRO Bath Half remains the city’s biggest mass participation event and the largest charity fundraiser in the South West, having generated more than £30 million for good causes.

Bruce Rowland, marketing

Photo © Butcombe Brewery

director at Butcombe Group, said: “We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with the GetPRO Bath Half.

“Supporting our local communities and championing charitable initiatives is incredibly important to us, and this iconic event aligns perfectly with those values.

“With Goram IPA Zero now one of the UK’s most popular and highly awarded non-alcoholic beers, we’re proud to be part of such a special day for the city.

“We wish all runners the very best with their training and look forward to raising a well-earned drink with them at the finish line in March.”

To celebrate the renewed partnership, Butcombe Brewing Co is also offering runners the chance to win a pair of entries to the 2026 GetPRO Bath Half Marathon, plus a post-race Goram IPA Zero experience at the finish line.

You can find out more at https:// bit.ly/49ZLAZN

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P16

Friday 30th January - Thursday 12th February 2026

www.bathecho.co.uk

Health RUH researchers support largest-ever Parkinson’s study RESEARCHERS at the Royal United Hospital are helping to drive a landmark international study aiming to find the first treatments that can slow or halt Parkinson’s disease.

The hospital is now recruiting patients to the Edmond J Safra Accelerating Clinical Trials for Parkinson’s Disease (EJS ACTPD) study – the world’s largest clinical trial of its kind.

The trial uses an innovative “multi-arm” design, testing several potential treatments in parallel to speed up the search for effective therapies.

Parkinson’s is one of the fastestgrowing neurological conditions globally, affecting 166,000 people in the UK. It gets progressively worse over time and, although current medicines can ease symptoms, they become less effective, leaving an urgent need for drugs that can slow or stop progression.

To begin with, EJS ACT-PD will investigate two existing medicines already safely used for other conditions, a blood pressure drug and a treatment for

an enlarged prostate.

Among the first people to sign up at the RUH is 70-year-old Pete Sinclair from Chilcompton, who was diagnosed in 2020 after noticing changes in his movement.

He said: “I’d noticed that I’d begun to start dragging my foot while walking and my left arm would hang by my side.

“Then one evening I was eating and couldn’t hold my knife and fork properly.”

Pete saw his GP, was referred to a neurologist and had scans at the RUH to rule out a brain tumour.

“The scan didn’t show a tumour but there were enough clues for the doctors to think it was Parkinson’s.

“I was put on medication straight away which has really helped me, but as there’s no cure for this condition, I’ve been keen to take part in any trials that could identify ways to slow the progression.

“So when I found out about the EJS ACT-PD trial at the RUH I signed up straight away. It might help me now, but even if it

doesn’t it will hopefully help to make a difference to other people in the future.

“I think taking part in research like this is so important – you really are playing an important role in finding treatments for conditions that could make such a vital difference to people in years to come.

“The team at the RUH have been great, so helpful and supportive.

They’ve explained everything very clearly to me and answered all my questions. I can’t wait to get started now!”

Research Nurse Ruth Blackman said: “I’m delighted that the RUH is recruiting to such an important study. By testing new drugs for this condition, we’re hoping to find new treatments that will slow or perhaps even stop progression of Parkinson’s.”

Clinical Research Practitioner Vicky Page added: “We’re really excited to have been one of the first sites in the UK to open this innovative trial and I look forward to supporting other sites in our region to deliver it in the future.”

Ruth Blackman, Pete, his wife Sue, and Vicky Page | Photo © RUH

People diagnosed with Parkinson’s who would like to take part can contact the RUH Parkinson’s Research team via ruh-tr.researchopu@nhs.net or by calling 01225 825797.

They can also register their interest using a simple online form, available at https://bit. ly/3NKGTLW The EJS ACT-PD trial is led by researchers at University College

London (UCL) and Newcastle University. It is sponsored by UCL and funded by a Medical Research Council and National Institute for Health and Care Research partnership, alongside Cure Parkinson’s, The Michael J. Fox Foundation, Parkinson’s UK, The John Black Charitable Foundation, The Gatsby Charitable Foundation and Van Andel Institute.

Woman urges others to attend ‘lifesaving’ screening tests A WOMAN treated for cervical dismissed them. cancer at the Royal United “I thought it was probably just Hospital in Bath is urging others down to my age and having had not to delay their cervical kids,” said the mum-of-two. screening, describing it as a “It was when I started to have “lifesaving” test. heavy bleeding that I just knew Carly Brown, from Devizes, I couldn’t put it off anymore so I shared her story during Cervical contacted my GP and they got me Cancer Prevention Week 2026 straight in for a screening.

(19th – 25th January), a national “I’m not sure why I was ever campaign highlighting the worried about the actual importance of screening and appointment. It’s such a simple awareness of symptoms. test, really quick and it didn’t hurt Cervical screening, often known at all.” as a smear test, checks the health After her GP appointment, Carly of the cervix and helps prevent was referred to the RUH for cervical cancer. further tests and a biopsy.

Everyone with a cervix aged “I was still in denial at that point, 25 to 64 is routinely invited for but I remember I did have that screening every five years. feeling of dread about what was Carly was just 32 when she was to come. diagnosed. She said: “I kept “When I received the call from putting off having a cervical the RUH with the news that it was screening test. I just didn’t want cancer I just burst into tears. I just to know and I kept telling myself didn’t know what I was going to I was too young to get this type of do.” cancer. Looking back now I can’t She went on to have five weeks of believeOctober how naive I was.” followed by 1 five JB Dental 1/4.qxp_Layout 1 chemotherapy 18/10/2024 14:50 Page She had noticed changes in her weeks of radiotherapy. monthly periods, but initially “Once treatment started I was

Carly is now cancer free, but has regular appointments at the RUH

actually really positive,” she said.

“I decided I was going to do whatever was needed to beat this.

“The treatment was exhausting but it was over within three months. The side effects stay with you for a while though, as does the mental impact, which takes a lot longer to get over.

“I also faced going into medical menopause, which brings its own challenges and complications.

“I can’t fault the RUH at all – the care, support and compassion I was shown was fantastic the

whole way through. Being told I was cancer free was amazing, unbelievable. I just can’t describe how wonderful it was to get that news.”

Now 35, Carly still returns to the RUH every three months for check-ups, and her message is clear: “My message to women is please don’t put off having your cervical screening. It really is such a simple, straightforward test and genuinely could save your life – the earlier something

is picked up, the quicker you can get treatment and the better your outcome is likely to be.

“Also, if something doesn’t feel right, make sure you ask for an appointment. If there’s one thing I’ve learnt, it’s that you can’t get time back – make time to attend those appointments and get the ‘I’d rather not knows’ looked at.

“Overall I feel very fortunate that things worked out so well for me.

If I’d continued to put off having a screening it could have been very different.

“I hope my experience will show women the importance of going to those appointments and not ignoring symptoms – early detection really could save your life.”

There are 3,300 new cases of cervical cancer each year in the UK. Anyone who has a cervix, including trans men and nonbinary people, can speak to their GP, sexual health clinic or transgender health clinic about being routinely invited for screening.

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New private healthcare clinic aims to tackle local shortfalls Becky Feather Reporter

PLANS for a new private healthcare practice to help tackle shortfalls in provision in Bath & North East Somerset have been unveiled.

The proposed Barncare Healthcare Centre is being developed in collaboration with a group of health professionals from Bath’s Royal United Hospital and aims to become a “valuable community asset and an example of rural healthcare innovation”.

The core services will include GP access, physiotherapy and rehabilitation and mental health counselling.

There is also interest from professionals in the fields of ophthalmology, dentistry, nutrition and dermatology.

The proposed clinic at Withy Mills, near Paulton, will have three consulting rooms and be operated by Lidia Ramos and Paula Nunes, who together have more than 24 years of nursing and healthcare management experience in the NHS. A statement with the planning application says: “Drawing on this experience, they have identified a clear and growing need for affordable private healthcare in the local area, where NHS services are experiencing

significant pressure.

“The clinic is being developed in collaboration with a group of qualified healthcare professionals from Bath’s Royal United Hospital, with the aim of establishing a communityfocused, independent practice offering accessible, high-quality care at affordable rates.

“A key challenge in the current healthcare landscape is that, while demand for private healthcare is increasing, many clinicians lack the financial means to establish their own independent practices.

“The proposed development addresses this by creating a flexible, low-cost operational model, allowing clinicians to provide services without the high overheads typically associated with private clinics. As the building will be privately funded and self-built, it will benefit from significantly lower running costs than conventional private

healthcare facilities.”

It adds: “The clinic will operate through a digital booking system allowing patients to arrange appointments with local healthcare professionals using available consulting rooms.

“This model enables clinicians to maintain their NHS roles while offering private consultation time locally, ensuring that patients benefit from timely access to care within their community.”

A study commissioned to illustrate the shortfalls in local healthcare provision relative to local population growth is included with the planning application for the site at Barnlea on Bath Road.

It highlights that in B&NES, there are only 24 GP practices serving 193,400 residents, equating to roughly 8,058 patients per practice, which is above the national average of 7,000: “This suggests stretched primary care capacity.”

The report adds: “The 10-20% projected population growth in Paulton and Timsbury has not been matched by new healthcare facilities. The B&NES Health and Wellbeing Board (HWB) acknowledges that health inequalities are exacerbated in rural areas, where access to services is limited by transport barriers.

“The lack of local GP or specialist

clinics means residents face long wait times or travel burdens, particularly for non-emergency care like physiotherapy or counselling.”

Accessed from Bath Road, the site currently includes three agricultural buildings.

The existing wooden cabin will be taken down to make way for the new building with some of its materials sustainably incorporated into it.

The application says the proposed centre, which will be built using Bath stone and feature gable windows, has been carefully designed to minimise visual impact. Mature trees will be retained and additional planting is proposed to support biodiversity and “soften” the building’s presence.

Parking for 10 vehicles is proposed including one space dedicated to a rural worker for the site’s existing smallholding.

Provision for cycle parking is also included on site.

The application says several measures have been taken to improve visibility and overall safety at the entrance. A section of hedgerow was removed last year, with permission from the local authority, and replaced with low-lying native vegetation and flowering plants which has “significantly improved” sight lines.

There are also plans to tarmac the driveway entrance.

The application acknowledges that the site is currently underserved by public bus services, with the nearest stops a 20-minute walk away. “This limited access to public transport increases reliance on private vehicles.

“However, the facility’s close proximity to Bath, Paulton and Timsbury and provision for bicycle use help to reduce this dependency.”

The proposed opening hours are 9am to 5pm on weekdays.

The centre would be closed on weekends and bank holidays.

It is expected to generate approximately 70 vehicle trips daily, with peak-hour impacts of 15 to 18 trips, mitigated by an app-based booking system that staggers appointments across 30-minute slots.

The application notes: “The proposal is modest in scale, addresses a demonstrable local healthcare need, delivers significant biodiversity net gain, and has been designed to minimise landscape, highway, and residential amenity impacts.”

The planning reference is 26/00002/FUL. The deadline for comments is 3rd February.

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P18

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Education

Friday 30th January - Thursday 12th February 2026

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‘Uproar’ over closure of Royal High’s nursery and prep school Becky Feather Reporter

ROYAL High School Bath is to close its nursery and prep school at Cranwell House in Weston this July, with rising costs imposed by the government a contributory factor.

The school, part of the Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST), announced the decision to parents on 20th January and we understand staff were told shortly before the letter went out.

There was “uproar” at a subsequent meeting, with around 40 parents, when it reportedly emerged that the closure decision was made over Christmas, and any families removing their children at the end of the spring term would still be liable for the summer term’s fees.

The announcement also came five days after state school applications closed.

The Royal School, founded in 1865, and Bath High School, which was founded 10 years later, merged in 1998.

More than 100 private schools have reportedly closed since Labour took power with the promise to levy 20% VAT on fees.

In her letter, headteacher HeidiJayne Boyes said: “After careful consideration in partnership with the GDST Executive Team, and following a detailed review, I have decided that Royal High Bath, GDST will become one school, on one site.

“From September 2026 Years 5 and 6 will move to the Senior School. creating a bridge as they prepare to move into Year 7 and into Key Stage 3, with their own dedicated learning spaces and classroom teachers.

These students will share the wide-ranging facilities, specialist teaching and enriched opportunities within a truly through-school setting at Royal High School Bath, on Lansdown Road.”

Ms Boyes said it had been a “difficult decision” to close the Prep School site including provision for pupils from the nursery to Year 4.

She said that as with all independent schools, the school has faced increasing costs with VAT on school fees, removal of business rates relief and an increase in employer NI contributions. The school’s cost base has also risen faster than pupil numbers.

Following the question-andanswer session, a parent told the Echo there had been “uproar”.

“Parents have been told by the head that contracts remain in force and that families removing their children at the end of the spring term would still be liable for summer term fees as the school will technically remain open and delivering education.”

The head also reportedly said the decision to close had been made “over the Christmas period”.

Parents say that had they been informed then, they could have served notice in line with

The Royal High Prep School at Weston Park East

contractual requirements and avoided additional fees.

With some other local independent schools already oversubscribed, and having missed the state school cut-off, many families feel they have “limited options”.

The Echo asked the Royal High School to respond and how many pupils and staff are affected by the closure.

The school told us: “We know this has been a very difficult time for our families, and as soon as the decision about the Prep School’s future was confirmed, we informed staff and parents.

“Since then, we’ve held meetings with affected families and continue to support them as they

consider the best next steps for their daughters. We understand the concerns raised, and we’re working sensitively with parents on an individual basis. Our focus remains on the wellbeing of the children and the whole school community. As this support is ongoing, we won’t be adding further comment at this time.”

Bath & North East Somerset Council advised last week that “only in exceptional circumstances” would there be extenuating reasons why an application couldn’t have been submitted before the closing date, adding this would only apply to late applications before 29th January.

This week The Paragon School

at Lyncombe Vale confirmed it had received some enquiries from families affected and all applications would be considered, with careful regard to the impact on the existing school community.

“In a small number of cases, families may face an unavoidable period of overlapping fee commitments as a result of fees paid in lieu of notice to their current school.

“Where this presents a barrier to securing continuity of education, The Paragon has offered timelimited transitional fee support.

“This is a temporary measure only and does not represent a change to the school’s status as a fee-paying independent school.”

King Edward’s to close Weston pre-prep in £3m junior move KING Edward’s School in Bath has confirmed plans to close and sell its pre-prep site in Weston Lane as part of a major redevelopment that will see all its primary-age pupils based at North Road by September 2027.

The school has announced a £3 million project to bring its preprep and junior schools together, creating a single, purpose-built school for children aged three to 11.

The Weston Lane pre-prep site will be formally listed for sale through Knight Frank in the coming weeks, alongside a planning and listed building consent application to support the proposed disposal of the site.

A separate planning application for the redevelopment of the North Road junior school campus will also be submitted imminently, with detailed plans for the new facilities to be shared later.

The move marks the next phase in King Edward’s School’s (KES) long history of primary and secondary education in the city.

The school says the investment reflects strong demand for a King

Edward’s education, following a year in which it was named South West Independent Secondary School of the Year by The Sunday Times and was a Prep School finalist in the Independent School of the Year Awards.

By uniting all three to 11 provision at North Road, KES plans to combine its early years expertise with its existing junior school, offering to deliver what it describes as a “sector-leading, future-focused primary education” that “celebrates academic ambition, nurtures curiosity and supports every child to flourish”.

The proposed £3m redevelopment of the Junior School site includes: • A dedicated early years area with bright classrooms and indoor/outdoor free-flow space • Specialised pre-prep classrooms with bespoke play areas and equipment • A reimagined STEM hub, building on the junior school’s existing science lab and emphasising technology, art and design

• Enhanced music facilities, including a new teaching and performance centre with practice rooms • A transformed outdoor learning area with an outdoor classroom, revitalised ponds, fire pits and den spaces • An extended kitchen with a menu designed specifically for younger pupils • Improved practical amenities, including new changing rooms, toilets and staff workspaces • A new reception area to provide a welcoming and secure entrance for families and visitors.

The school says the changes will give pupils a seamless journey from nursery to Year 6, with an aligned curriculum, more specialist teaching and closer collaboration between staff.

Operating on a single site is also expected to reduce crosscity travel for families and staff, cutting traffic between Weston and North Road.

It will be the first time since the 1960s that the entire KES community has been based on one campus.

The current site on Weston Lane

Headmaster Martin Boden said: “This development marks a defining moment in the history of King Edward’s School. By bringing our Pre-Prep and Junior Schools together at North Road, we are creating a truly outstanding environment in which young children can grow, explore and flourish.

“We move forward from a position of genuine strength, with our academic excellence, supportive and enriching environment, national recognition and continued popularity a testament to the quality of a KES education.

“This project will enhance the lives of current and future pupils, allowing them to thrive in and out of the classroom and ensuring

that King Edward’s continues to set the standard for primary education in Bath.”

The combined pre-prep and junior school will be led by Sean Price, currently head of the junior school.

He said: “I am enormously excited to lead this new chapter for our primary-aged community.

“Our aim is to give children of all ages a sense of belonging and continuity on the North Road site in a purpose-built school for children aged three to 11, which will be characterised by exceptional facilities and inspirational, highly skilled specialist teaching.

“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape something truly special for our pupils, and I look forward to working closely with families and colleagues as we bring this vision to life.”

With the sale of the Weston Lane site and the redevelopment of North Road, King Edward’s says it is reaffirming its commitment to “providing exceptional education, exceptional care and exceptional opportunity” for pupils aged three to 18.

Issue 122

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Your City, Your News - Bath Echo

Business

Planning Round-up

Green light for Walcot House expansion plan Becky Feather Reporter

WALCOT House in Bath has been given the go-ahead to expand, creating boutique guest rooms and turning the nightclub space into a dining and event venue.

Part of the Walcot Group empire, Walcot House at 90b Walcot Street currently has a restaurant, bars and private dining.

Both planning permission and listed building consent have this week been granted by Bath & North East Somerset Council for refurbishments and internal alterations to connect 90a and 90b Walcot Street.

The existing restaurant and offices at 90a will be converted into a reception, storage and seven boutique guest rooms.

A statement with the application said the existing office accommodation is outdated, with a series of small rooms spread across multiple floors.

“This configuration does not meet modern office requirements, and given the listed nature of the building, significant alterations

Walcot House, along with the properties being extended into, on Walcot Street in Bath

to improve functionality would be challenging and costly to implement.

“Bath currently has a considerable supply of available office space.

These competing spaces are generally of higher quality, with layouts and amenities better suited to contemporary working practices.”

The new openings will provide direct access between improved kitchen facilities on the ground and lower ground levels.

Global fashion brand Uniqlo coming to Bath

An opening at ground-floor level will connect the existing restaurant at Walcot House with a new reception area at 90a.

An internal opening will also be formed between the new reception area and the upperfloor holiday lets. The underutilised nightclub space at Walcot House will be re-configured to form a flexible dining/event venue. The works also include the restoration of glazing at the lower ground-floor level, which

is presently bricked up.

The entrances from Walcot Street and Old Orchard will be improved, but initial plans to install canopies to the Walcot Street frontage were dropped.

The Walcot Group’s other establishments are Green Street Butchers and Solina Pasta in Bath, Mother & Wild in Corsham and Little Walcot in Frome.

The company is currently renovating the vacant White Hart Inn at Widcombe.

Restaurant succumbs to financial pressures

Becky Feather Reporter

GLOBAL fashion company Uniqlo is set to open a store in Bath.

The new store will be in the former H&M fashion store in St Lawrence Street in SouthGate which has now closed.

H&M still retains a store in nearby Southgate Street.

Plans to reconfigure the shopfront at the St Lawrence Street premises in preparation for the arrival of Uniqlo have been approved by Bath & North East Somerset Council.

A separate application is anticipated for advertisement

Bath Building Society’s green energy scheme BATH Building Society at 15 Queen Square in the city centre has lodged applications with Bath & North East Somerset Council for planning permission and listed building consent to install an air source heat pump.

The work includes an external unit to the rear courtyard, insulated pipework, and an

internal unit to the plant room.

The application says the design has been led by the need to balance improved environmental performance with the protection of a “highly sensitive heritage asset”.

The site is Grade I listed.

The planning reference is 26/00165/FUL and the deadline for comments is 26th February.

Bath & North East Somerset Council has received a retrospective planning application to turn a three-bed Whiteway property into a fourbed house in multiple occupation (HMO).

The application from Keynsham-based Ladet Properties relates to 62 Rosewarn Close which was converted to shared accommodation in December 2023. Work is said to be under way to insulate the loft and install LED lighting to improve the energy rating from D to the required C. There is no offstreet parking at the property.

The planning reference is 25/03769/FUL and the deadline for comments is 5th February.

Restaurant’s terrace scheme approved The award-winning Indian restaurant The Mint Room at Lower Bristol Road in Bath has been granted planning permission to install a retractable roof over the terrace on the first floor so it can be in use all year round. The scheme aims to improve the viability of the business. The new structure will have full-length windows on the south-west and north-west sides, making the area completely enclosed.

Weston B&B conversion plan revealed An application to change the use of a property in Lower Weston from a bed and breakfast to a house has been submitted to Bath & North East Somerset Council.

The proposal for 139 Penn Hill Road says conversion work started last autumn but has not yet been completed. The property was a B&B with two rooms for guests since June 2019. The planning reference is 25/04813/FUL and the deadline for comments is 10th February.

New lighting for theatre auditorium

The store in SouthGate

consent for the signage.

Uniqlo began in Japan and there are now more than 2,500 stores worldwide. It was recently announced that Uniqlo is opening its first store in the South West in what used to be Topshop at Cabot Circus in Bristol.

Retrospective bid for Whiteway HMO

Bardacious on Quiet Street

A RESTAURANT which opened in 2024 after a £2 million refurbishment of a former city centre bank has closed.

The restaurant in Quiet Street, in what used to be Royal Bank of Scotland, was founded by Steve and Dasha Luttrell and served Californian and Mexican inspired cuisine.

The owners last year revealed hopes of making Bardacious an international brand.

But after a year and half of being open, a sign has now been posted at the front of the premises saying: “Thank you Bath. After much thought, we’ve made the difficult decision to close Bardacious.

“This is not because of a lack of guests, passion or love for

what we do - but because the financial reality of running an independent restaurant has become unsustainable.

“To everyone who dined with us, supported our team, shared meals, drinks and moments here - thank you. Independent restaurants don’t close because people stop caring - they close because the numbers no longer work. Thank you being part of our story. The Bardacious Team.”

Last year the restaurant successfully applied for permission and listed building consent to install a new access so delivery drivers waiting to collect food weren’t loitering outside or congregating in the reception area.

Bath & North East Somerset Council has approved listed building consent for new lighting at Bath’s Theatre Royal.

The scheme will provide better and safer lighting in the main auditorium. Planning officers said the sufficient public benefit will outweigh the very small amount of harm to the significance of the Grade II* listed Georgian building at Sawclose.

The application said that lighting upgrades were part of the 2009 / 2010 refurbishment of the theatre, but technology at that time did not permit updates in the main house. The existing tungsten light fittings will be replaced with current specialist LED fittings, with minimal intervention, improving light levels, controllability and saving energy.

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Politics Councillors demand answers over social worker strikes John Wimperis

Local Democracy Reporter

COUNCILLORS on Bath & North East Somerset Council are demanding answers from top council officers as a potential strike looms in its children’s social care department.

Team managers and deputy team managers in children’s social care were sent ballot papers to vote on whether to take industrial action, after they were put on the same pay grade as some of the staff they manage as part of the council’s “being our best” (BOB) pay review last year.

Children’s social worker and UNISON branch secretary Toni Mayo added: “Morale is shot to bits.

“It’s utter chaos, and members are angry both about what the council are doing and how it’s being done.”

The two sides in the dispute are engaging with each other through the advisory, conciliation, and arbitration service (Acas).

At a council scrutiny committee on Monday 19th January, Joanna Wright (Lambridge, Green) said councillors had not been

informed about the discussions going on.

She said: “The ‘being our best’ pay review was meant to improve things for officers across the council.”

She continued: “Now it would appear that social work managers are on the same pay grade as practitioners, which is causing problems, and that there seems to be a problem with morale in the level of social workers at B&NES, who it would appear are being paid less than many other local authorities.”

Councillor Wright asked how the morale of social workers was impacting their work in frontline services.

Meanwhile, Lesley Mansell (Radstock, Labour) asked how children’s social care was being impacted and whether a similar issue could happen in the council’s adult social care department.

Darryl Freeman, the council’s new executive director of people, said it would not be appropriate for him to comment in detail but that he would feed their concerns back to the head of HR and raise how issues around industrial action were communicated to

councillors.

Mr Freeman added: “From my experience in my contact with frontline workers, I have rarely come across a more motivated and committed and passionate group of people working with very vulnerable children and people across B&NES. “It is the case that a small number of our colleagues are unhappy with their current terms and conditions, whether that’s about morale or that’s about their terms and conditions.”

Director of children’s services Jean Kelly said: “I think the majority of staff in children’s [social care] benefitted positively from the ‘being our best’ arrangements, social workers included.

“As Darryl says, there are a small group of colleagues in that management and senior practitioner grade who have expressed unhappiness.”

She said: “We are working hard with colleagues to find a solution or some solutions to the issues that they are raising.”

Vice chair of the scrutiny panel Councillor Liz Hardman (Paulton, Labour) said: “It looks like there is an inequality

action here where some senior practitioners are paid the same as main grade that they are supervising.

“It does need to be resolved. It’s never black and white but it looks like quite a simple issue here.”

Council officers will give councillors on the scrutiny committee an update on the situation at their next meeting or sooner. The strike ballot closes on 4th February, with the result expected to be made public within days.

A UNISON figure said: “With the pace that members are returning their ballots, we may know sooner.”

An earlier “indicative” ballot, to measure support for industrial action ahead of an official ballot, came back 100% in favour on a 100% turnout.

Over 40 people, including UNISON staff from across the council, attended a “practice picket” outside Keynsham Civic Centre on 14th January to show support.

UNISON branch chair Amy Rushton said: “B&NES is underpaying its managers in children’s social care compared to other local authorities and it is

The practice picket on 14th January Photo © Amy Rushton

the only local authority that has a bottleneck where frontline staff are managed by workers on the same grade. They have got this wrong but are refusing to put it right. The longer this goes on the more staff we are going to lose.”

Acas’ chief conciliator, Joanna Nunn, said: “It is positive that the parties have agreed to use Acas conciliation.

“Acas has experienced and skilled conciliators that can offer a confidential space in talks to help the sides in dispute find a mutually acceptable resolution.”

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Concerns that Circus property was ‘used and abused’ by council John Wimperis

Local Democracy Reporter

A BATH property, which a widow had wanted exhibited to the public after her death, was instead used by the local council for almost 50 years.

Bath man Peter Scott, who lives nearby, said the property on Bath’s Circus had been “used and abused” by the council for its own purposes. Bath & North East Somerset Council said it had followed due process.

No. 4 The Circus is owned by a charity, set up after the death of its owner Frances Cooke in 1970, to fulfil her wishes that the townhouse be exhibited to the public for its architectural and historic interest.

But instead of being open to the public, the charity, whose trustees are appointed by Bath & North East Somerset Council, instead leased it to the local authority at a peppercorn rent for council use.

Mr Scott said: “There’s an obvious possibility of a conflict of interest here between the interest of the charity and the interest of the council.”

He added: “It looks to me that during the life of this charity over the last 50 years, the council has looked after itself.”

The charity has no bank account, and the trustees appointed by the council to run it were councillors.

Mr Scott said of the council: “I don’t think they are being fair because I don’t think they have ever really tried to fulfil the objectives of the charity in 50 years.” Mr Scott started looking into what was happening with the building after becoming concerned about the “dilapidation” of the Georgian Garden, the free-to-access historic garden at the rear of the property.

After finding “anomalies” with the charity, he contacted the Charity Commission with his concerns in August, who provided the charity with “regulatory advice

and guidance about good governance”.

In December, Bath & North East Somerset Council convened a committee to finally reappoint councillors as trustees to the charity, nominally with the intention of “supporting the dissolution of the charity” — although the council technically cannot tell the trustees what to do.

A council report, which went before the meeting, warned that its use of the house had only ever been “tangentially compliant” with the objectives of the charity.

Although the garden was open to the public, the house itself was only advertised as open to the public on one day a year on Bath and North East Somerset’s heritage open days.

The report said: “In theory, members of the public could request sight of the interior at any time and would have to be admitted, although the ability to do this has never been made public.”

Although Mrs Cooke had intended it to be a Georgian exhibition house, the report said that in the 1970s, the nearby No.1 Royal Crescent had recently opened for the same purpose.

No. 4 The Circus, which was considered too tall and narrow for use as a museum, was instead leased to the council. It was used as overflow space from the Museum of Costume and later sublet to Bath Spa University.

Mr Scott said: “It seems to me to just be a bit of a scandal really.

They have used and abused [it] and are now asking to discard this charity. They have used it for their own devices for the last 50 years and now they want to get rid of it.”

He said the reasons given for not using the building as a museum were “specious”, given other museums in similar townhouses in Bath, and called for the council to appoint trustees who are not councillors and give them a

Two councillors ditch political allegiances

chance to finally try and raise some money for the charity.

He said that No. 4 The Circus — designed by John Wood the Elder but completely by John Wood the Younger, who went on to design the Royal Crescent — could be used as a museum of the architecture of Bath.

Responding to the concerns, the council’s cabinet member for economic and cultural sustainable development Paul Roper (Kingsmead, Liberal Democrat) said: “The council has followed all due process in appointing new trustees, who act in an independent capacity, to the charity that owns No. 4 The Circus.

“It is up to the independent trustees to decide on the future of No. 4 The Circus” The council’s lease of the property ceased in 2019, and it has since stood empty, although the council has remained responsible for maintenance.

This cost the council £18,600 last year, and it is projected to cost another £6,500 this year.

Separately, the council owes the charity a currently unknown sum of money for dilapidations the building suffered while the council leased it from 1973 until 2019.

A 2017 survey put this at £291,430 — but a new survey will now need to be carried out to bring the figure up to date.

Meanwhile, Avon and Gloucestershire Gardens Trust, which campaigns to save historic gardens, has warned that the Georgian Garden has become overgrown and has lost its original planting, the “hoggin” shingle it is meant to have, and a Georgian-style bench which had been recreated for the garden.

The trust’s vice chair Kay Ross warned: “It is gradually disappearing and it would be meaningless if the planting or the hoggin was not restored.”

Photo © John Wimperis

Ann Morgan (left) and Grant Johnson (right) | Photo © John Wimperis

TWO Bath & North East Somerset councillors have ditched their political allegiances.

Ann Morgan has left the ruling Liberal Democrats and become an Independent.

Grant Johnson has left Labour and is “unaligned”.

Councillor Morgan, who was elected in 2023 to the High Littleton ward, said: “My commitment to the ward and my work supporting residents will be unaltered.”

Asked why she had left the party, she said there were “no specifics”.

Council leader Kevin Guy (Bathavon North) said: “Councillor Morgan informed us of her intention to resign from the Liberal Democrat group having been elected on our manifesto.”

He said the group’s focus remains very firmly on delivering its values and priorities.

Councillor Shaun Hughes, who represents Midsomer Norton North and is spokesperson for the Independents, said the group was “delighted” that Councillor Morgan had joined them, calling her a “strong and committed councillor”.

He added: “Independent councillors are often best placed to represent our communities, free from party pressures and able to focus entirely on local needs, ambitions and concerns.”

A few days later Grant Johnson, who has represented Paulton for Labour since 2019, announced he had quit the party after “a lot of reflection”.

“This decision is about the relationship and direction of the party nationally, rather than a reflection on the B&NES Labour Group. I’m hugely grateful to the many colleagues and local members who supported me over the years, people who shaped the councillor I am today and reminded me what local politics should be about: community first.”

He said he would continue to serve the place he was born and has lived all his life.

Labour Group leader Robin Moss (Westfield) said: “Unfortunately, undoing 14 years of the Conservative and Coalition governments’ mess means taking difficult and at times unpopular decisions in government. We would like to thank Grant for the work he has done for the Labour Party and Labour Group and wish him well for the future.”

Councillor Hughes said the Independent Group has worked closely with Grant over the years, describing him as a “dedicated and effective councillor for Paulton”.

“We genuinely wish him every success and are pleased to offer the full support of the Independent Group as he takes the step to become an independent councillor.”

The Lib Dems currently have 39 councillors, Labour has six, the Independent Group has five and the breakaway Independents for B&NES Group has three.

There are three Greens and two Conservatives.

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Bath beat Gloucester in derby but it’s too close for comfort Richard Briggs Reporter

BATH Rugby and Gloucester Rugby served up a marvellous derby at Kingsholm Stadium on Friday 23rd January. But from a Blue, Black & White perspective, the outcome was too close for comfort.

The hosts went into the Gallagher PREM Round 10 match with only one league victory to their credit this season.

But they were fired up for the game and left their visitors grateful for two late penalties from Finn Russell to secure a comeback win.

Bath led 7-0 early on but then found themselves 21-7 down and were still trailing until the 73rd minute.

They squeezed home 30-26 to move back to the top of the table, albeit until Northampton Saints overcame Sale Sharks the following evening.

Gloucester had 55% of the possession but territory was

Bath Rugby secured a PREM double over Gloucester Rugby by winning here at Kingsholm Stadium on Friday 23rd January | Photo © Richard Briggs

shared at 50% each and Bath gained 494 metres in attack, whereas their hosts gained 339 metres.

But in defence, the Blue, Black & White were forced to make 179 tackles – Gloucester made 134 – and they missed 31, George Skivington’s team missing 28.

Johann van Graan, Bath’s head of rugby, later bemoaned his outfit’s

line-out, which had a success rate of 67%. Gloucester’s line-out success rate was 93%.

However, Bath showed yet again that they can win without being at their best.

They made a dream start. Santi Carreras – playing against his old club – and Ben Spencer combined on the right to enable Louie Hennessey to run in from

Double for striker Jenkins Davies Richard Briggs Reporter

LOWLY Bath City shocked Enterprise National League South leaders Worthing by recording a stunning 3-2 victory at the Cannon Clarke Stadium @ Twerton Park on Saturday 24th January.

While the result cost the West Sussex outfit top spot, Hornchurch taking advantage to move into pole position, the Romans remain in 19th place – but morale and their battle against the drop took a big boost with three points against the odds.

With Bath’s Brad Ash and Owen Windsor out, Will Jenkins Davies was moved up front – and his efforts, which brought him two goals, delighted City boss Darren Way. The hosts, who drew at Worthing on the opening day of the league campaign, took the lead in the fourth minute. Jordan Alves was fouled on the edge of the box

by Toby Byron and the referee awarded a penalty which was put away by Jenkins Davies.

However, Bath lost Harvey WilesRichards in the 32nd minute.

The keeper went off injured after being the victim of a late challenge by Teddy Jenks eight minutes earlier. Wiles-Richards was replaced by Charlie Binns.

But the Romans were soon two goals to the good, to the delight of the majority of the 1,041-strong crowd.

A slip Worthing’s Odei Martin Sorondo gave possession to

Matt Bowman and he fired past gloveman Josh Jeffries from 12 yards to record his first goal for City.

The visitors reduced the arrears in the 71st minute when Jenks buried the loose ball from close range after Binns was unable to claim a cross from Shiloh Remy.

But Bath restored their two-goal cushion in the 87th minute.

Substitute Alex Fisher chased on to a ball forward from Jaiden Putman and knocked it into the box where Jenkins Davies banged it past Jeffries.

The Rebels scored their second goal in injury-time, Ollie Godziemski heading home.

But the referee blew his whistle for full-time straight after the resumption.

Way said of the win: “Extremely pleased. I thought going into the game it was really important that we tactically got it right.

“From a personnel point of view we had a few problems going into the game – Owen Windsor, then we had Brad Ash – so we had to adjust, brought in Reubin [Sheppard] who I thought did very well considering it was his [starting] debut.

“Jaiden Putman did really well at right-back so I was really pleased with his performance.

“To deal with those tactical changes and then put in a performance like the players did, you have to give credit to them because they executed the game plan really well.

“The goals were extremely well worked.

“The third one, I would say it’s probably the best well-worked

15 metres and touch down behind the posts in the third minute.

Russell landed the conversion.

The home side soon tied the scores through a Val RapavaRuskin try and a George Barton conversion.

Then Gloucester took control for a spell.

Charlie Atkinson scored a try in the 20th minute and Barton majored.

Worse was to come for Bath in the 25th minute as Seb Atkinson dived over for a try. Barton converted and Gloucester led by 14 points.

The Blue, Black & White hit back, reducing the deficit in the 32nd minute when Dan Frost scored in the left corner from a lineout drive. Russell’s conversion attempt fell just short.

Bath went into the break only two points adrift, replacement Guy Pepper scoring on the right from a line-out drive in the 38th minute and Russell booting the conversion.

Van Graan brought his five remaining replacement forwards

Reporter

goal, other than Jordan’s individual free-kick, that I’ve seen since I’ve been at the club.

“I’ve worked with Will for five years and I’ve never played him up front [until today]. I thought he did really well and took the role and responsibility on.

“But I have to credit the whole team because you don’t play against top of the league and get a result like we did if it’s not a ‘we’ team.

“Everyone had to work hard, everyone had to ensure that the press was well structured. It’s a good result for the club.”

Bath: Harvey Wiles-Richards (Charlie Binns, 32), Dan Greenslade, Jack Batten, Kieran Parselle, Jordan Alves (Mitch Beardmore, 89), Will Jenkins Davies, Jordan Tillson, Luke Russe, Matt Bowman (Louis Sweeten, 90), Jaiden Putman, Reubin Sheppard (Alex Fisher, 75). Unused subs: Owen Pritchard, Zion Thompson.

City’s postponed Francis Hillier Premier Cup quarter-final tie at home to Jewson Western League Premier Division club Street has been rearranged for Saturday 31st January (3pm).

You can read the full report via our website Scan the QR code

Team Bath netballers aiming to bounce back Richard Briggs

Will Jenkins Davies is joined by Matt Bowman as he celebrates with fans Photo © Simon Howe

off the bench in the 51st minute.

But Bath conceded a fourth try almost immediately, Afo Fasogbon scoring. Barton missed the conversion and the hosts led 26-19.

In the 65th minute, Bath added their fourth try. Russell pounced on the loose ball to slide over from short range on the left but his conversion attempt went wide.

Pepper was yellow-carded in the 69th minute.

But Gloucester’s Ciaran Knight was sin-binned four minutes later. Russell made no mistake with the resulting 12-metre penalty from just to the left of the posts and Bath were 27-26 up.

With three minutes left, Russell kicked a 43-metre penalty from to the right of the posts to complete the comeback.

TEAM Bath Arena is already sold out for the NXT Gen League Round 2 match against Nottingham Forest tonight, Friday 30th January (7pm).

And Team Bath, who are aiming to win the championship this year, will be looking to give supporters something to celebrate against the East Midlanders, having suffered something of a surprise home defeat by London Pulse in their opener on Friday 23rd January.

The Blue & Gold were beaten 5747 at Team Bath Arena but played well and gave valuable court time to 11 players, including three debutants – Lucy Herdman, Saskia Lea and Sydney Sawyers.

The latter was voted player of the match by Pulse for her immense defensive effort, shutting down the visiting GA who had been a key threat at post.

And another impact player, centre Lucy Button, was named most valuable player in recognition of her relentless work rate in attack and hustle in defence.

Pulse were boosted by the addition of former Blue & Gold Super League and NXT Gen centre Phoebe Maslen to their ranks.

The opening quarter saw both sides take time to settle in front of a crowd approaching 1,000.

But Pulse, after converting the first NXT Gen Super Shot, were

able to build confidence and establish a 17-11 lead by the end of the first quarter.

The introduction of Sawyers, who combined effectively with vice-captain Lottie Robinson in defence, and Daisy Collett, who added speed and creativity at GA, brought fresh energy for Team Bath in the second quarter.

However, a lack of composure and uncharacteristic inaccuracies in the attacking third prevented the hosts from fully capitalising, allowing Pulse to maintain their flow and extend their lead to 3121 by the interval.

The second half marked a noticeable improvement from Team Bath as Button’s introduction at centre lifted the intensity and cohesion through the mid-court.

Lily Jones returned at GS and the attacking unit began to play with greater freedom and confidence.

With Lea also taking to the court for her NXT Gen debut, Team Bath’s attack continued to grow in confidence and there were several momentum swings.

At one stage the margin was reduced to six but Pulse – who led 42-33 at the end of the third quarter – displayed decisive composure and clinical accuracy.

The visitors felt that they made an impressive allround performance, showing confidence, discipline and excellent teamwork.

At the conclusion of Round 1, Team Bath were placed sixth in the eight-team NXT Gen League.

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 Winter Olympics

Bath-based bobsleigh and skeleton stars get Olympic call-up Richard Briggs Reporter

THIRTEEN bobsleigh and skeleton athletes who train at the University of Bath have been selected to represent Team GB at the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Italy.

Matt Weston and Marcus Wyatt, the only athletes to win gold on this season’s International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation World Cup circuit, will go in the men’s skeleton.

And Team GB has three Olympic debutants in the women’s skeleton – Amelia Coltman, Tabby Stoecker and Freya Tarbit.

All five will be eligible for selection in the mixed team race, with Team GB qualifying two teams in a discipline that makes its Olympic debut this year.

The crews will be confirmed after the conclusion of the individual races.

Brad Hall, the most successful men’s World Cup pilot in British history, will lead Team GB in the men’s bobsleigh for a third successive Games.

He is joined in the four-man crew by fellow Olympians Greg Cackett and Taylor Lawrence, plus debutant Leon Greenwood.

Alex Cartagena is the travelling reserve.

Hall and Lawrence will also contest the two-man.

Adelé Nicoll, a travelling reserve in 2022, makes her Olympic bow

The Team GB bobsleigh and skeleton athletes selected for the 2026 Winter Olympic Games | Photo Sam Mellish / Team GB

in both the monobob and twowoman bobsleigh.

Selected alongside her in the latter is Ashleigh Nelson, who will join a select group of athletes to represent Team GB at both the Summer and Winter Olympic Games.

Kya Placide completes the women’s squad as the travelling reserve.

On Thursday 22nd January, the Olympic-bound athletes returned to their University of Bath training base – a UK Sportaccredited Elite Training Centre and home to the British Bobsleigh and Skeleton Association (BBSA)

– to collect their official Team GB kit.

They do not have long to wait until the Games begin, with the opening ceremony taking place on Friday 6th February and skeleton racing getting under way on Thursday 12th February.

First up will be Weston and Wyatt, gold and silver medallists respectively at last year’s World Championships.

They have continued that form into the 2025-26 season, Weston bagging five gold medals from seven World Cup races and only being denied victory in the other two by Wyatt.

Stoecker heads to her first Games off the back of an excellent thirdplaced finish in the women’s Overall World Cup rankings.

Coltman and Tarbit ensured GB were one of only two nations to secure the three maximum qualifying places available per gender by placing 10th and 11th respectively in the final standings.

After an Olympiad where they enjoyed historic World Championships and World Cup success, it has been a challenging season for Team Hall following the pre-Christmas injury absence of experienced brakeman Lawrence.

However, they still finished fourth – making them the highest ranked non-German crew – in both the Overall World Cup fourman and combined standings.

Between successful bobsleigh seasons, 2025 also saw Nicoll claim her third British shot-put title.

Women’s team-mate Nelson, who switched to bobsleigh last year, also has a track-and-field background, having sprinted for Team GB at the Beijing 2008 and Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympic Games.

The University of Bath is home to the UK’s only outdoor pushstart track, where bobsleigh and skeleton athletes fine-tune the all-important start during preseason before transferring those skills to ice.

Athletes have won medals at all but one of the Winter Olympic Games staged since the facility opened in 2002 – a magnificent total of eight between them.

Seven of those have come in skeleton, including three successive women’s gold medals for University of Bath graduate Amy Williams (Vancouver 2010) and Lizzy Yarnold (Sochi 2014 and PyeongChang 2018), both of whom were back at the university for the kitting-out on 22nd January.

Bobsleigh athletes have also enjoyed Olympic success, with the four-man crew of John Jackson, Stuart Benson, Bruce Tasker and Joel Fearon claiming bronze at Sochi 2014.

Winter Olympians proud and excited over Milano-Cortina calls Richard Briggs Reporter

MEMBERS of the Bathbased contingent who will be representing Team GB at the 2026 Winter Olympics have spoken of their excitement and pride at being selected.

Thirteen bobsleigh and skeleton athletes who train at the University of Bath have been picked by Team GB for the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Italy.

Matt Weston, who will compete in the men’s skeleton, said: “I couldn’t really have wished for too much of a better season going into the Olympics.

“I’m obviously picking up on the things I need to improve because I’m a perfectionist but I’m pleased with how the year has gone for me personally and for us as a team, especially after my injury in the summer.

“We missed out on having fans on the ground for Beijing so there’s an added sense of excitement this time around and I’m really excited to have friends and family out there with me.”

Tabby Stoecker (women’s skeleton) said: “Getting selected for my first Olympic Games is a dream come true.

“I feel so incredibly proud of my journey up to this point and I can’t wait to represent my country in Cortina.”

Brad Hall – the most successful men’s World Cup pilot in British history – will lead Team GB in the men’s bobsleigh for a third successive Games.

He said: “I’m excited to go to my third Olympic Games. The track in Cortina is looking good and we’re looking forward to getting out there.

“You need a good mix of start speed and driving ability in Cortina and we know that we have the right skills to do well there if we can be consistent over all four runs.

“We’ve been disrupted by injury this season but we’re building nicely and ended the World Cup campaign with some good results, so we’re excited to get out there and really challenge for a medal.”

Adelé Nicoll (monobob and twowoman bobsleigh) said: “I can’t express how proud I feel to be

representing Team GB and Wales on the biggest stage possible.

“Competing at an Olympic Games is something I dreamt of as a child.

“My family have always supported me and encouraged me to chase that dream.

“Things like this didn’t really seem possible growing up but my family made me believe that there were no limitations to what you could achieve.

“It’s crazy to think that it’s been 20 years since I wrote on a piece of paper in primary school that I wanted to be an Olympic athlete one day.”

Natalie Dunman, Team GB team leader for bobsleigh and skeleton at Milano Cortina 2026, believes her party have a solid platform for success in Italy.

She said: “We head to Cortina after a really positive Olympic cycle in which both sports have won multiple World Championship and World Cup medals.

“The squad have demonstrated their strength in depth, with those medals shared across both bobsleigh and skeleton and across the men’s and women’s teams, and the athletes have

Photo © Sam Mellish / Team GB

regularly shown that they can compete with the best in the world.

“We believe we have a solid platform for success in Italy but we know that repeating those performances on the Olympic stage will require a huge effort from all the athletes and staff.

“We’re quietly confident that

we can do the country proud but we certainly won’t be taking anything for granted and we know that we’ll have to be at our very best if we are to achieve our aims next month.”

The Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games will take place from Friday 6th February to Sunday 22nd February.

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Larkhall Athletic brought crashing down to earth Richard Briggs Reporter

LARKHALL Athletic came back down to earth with a massive thud as they were trounced at Hartpury on Saturday 24th January.

The Larks travelled to the Gloucestershire club in buoyant mood, having won five successive matches in Pitching In Southern League Division One South.

But John Durbin tasted defeat for the first time since taking the Athletic hot seat – initially as interim manager – as they were thrashed 5-0 by the university outfit at the 4ED Hartpury Stadium.

The result lifted Hartpury into eighth spot in the table, one point and one place below Larkhall.

The Acorns moved in front in the 19th minute, Nathan Jenkins controlling a cross from Noah Coates and shooting under Larkhall’s onrushing keeper Liam Armstrong.

Hartpury added their second goal

three minutes later, Coates taking advantage of a slip by Armstrong to head in.

And the hosts scored again before the break, Jenkins drilling the ball into net from 18 yards in the 35th minute.

The second half provided little memorable action until Billy Osborn hit Hartpury’s fourth goal, this in the 71st minute.

The Acorns completed the scoring in injury-time, Jenkins again netting from 18 yards to secure his hat-trick.

As the Larks said, they experienced a day to forget.

Larkhall starting XI: 1 Liam Armstrong, 2 Jeff Forkuo, 3 Spencer Dymond-Hall, 4 Ewan McMIllan, 5 Will Banks, 6 Sam Tisdale, 7 Alex Camm, 8 Jack Camm, 9 Dawid Regula, 10 Ryan Beckinsale, 11 Eben MortimerTaylor.

The Larks will be back at the Camella Stadium on Saturday 31st January for a league game against Didcot Town (3pm).

The Oxfordshire outfit are seven points clear of the relegation area

John Durbin suffered his first defeat in six games in charge of Larkhall here at Hartpury | Photo © Richard Briggs

but have played more matches than most of the clubs below them.

Larkhall Development bounced back from their defeat by Swindon Supermarine Development to hammer visitors Down Ampney 6-1 in the Corsham Print Wiltshire Senior League Premier Division on Saturday 24th January.

And with Supermarine not playing – their clash with league leaders Shrewton United was postponed – the result enabled Athletic to climb above their recent conquerors on goaldifference and into second place

in the standings, albeit having played one match more.

The Larks said they made a solid performance featuring lovely ball retention.

They opened the scoring in the 10th minute, James Payton playing in Angus Williamson who finished well.

It was 2-0 in the 20th minute, Ben Riccio setting up Ben Wickens to fire home from 16 yards.

And Larkhall struck again in the 35th minute, James Horrocks rounding Down Ampney keeper Jack Wallis and shooting into the net.

The struggling guests pulled one back before the interval when Harvey Coster netted.

But Athletic regained their threegoal cushion early in the second period, Arlo Stone on target to bring a well-worked team move to a successful conclusion.

Home substitutes Max Burge and Fenton Davey scored in the closing stages to leave Larkhall in good spirits ahead of their trip to fifth-placed Letcombe on Saturday 31st January (2pm).

Bath Rugby Sunday 8th February – 3pm

Bath Rugby v Sale Sharks (Away) PREM Rugby Cup – R7

Bath City FC Saturday 31st January – 3pm Bath City v Street (Home) SPCQF Sunday 1st February – 2pm Bath Women v Whitchurch (Away) Divisional Cup 2 Tuesday 3rd February – 7.45pm Bath City v Maidenhead United (Away) League Saturday 7th February – 3pm Bath City v Hemel Hempstead Town (Home) League Sunday 8th February – 2pm Bath Women v Paulton Rovers (Away) League Tuesday 10th February – 7.45pm Bath City v AFC Totton (Away) League

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Tennis club near Bath planning new pavilion Becky Feather Reporter

A TENNIS club near Bath is looking to build its own pavilion as members are fed up with sharing limited clubhouse facilities with the local football team.

Freshford & District Tennis Club has submitted plans to Bath & North East Somerset Council for a building at the site it shares with Freshford United Football Club at Abbey Lane.

The planning application says the arrangement to date has been for

tennis club members to share the football club facilities at Abbey Lane.

“However, the football club have continued to expand its membership and, between football games and training, the cleaning and general presentation of the premises has been very poor.

“They are increasingly not in a fit condition for use by tennis players, particularly, during the winter months.

“Also, the tennis club membership has increased and use of the toilets in the football club, given the security the football club

requires for the premises, has become a real issue.

“So much so that only about 10% of the tennis club members are allowed to use the football clubhouse. The tennis club has a shelter on the southern side of the courts, but this provides no other facility than shelter.”

The proposed site of the new pavilion is on the east side of Abbey Lane.

The site is in the Green Belt and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The application says the proposals will provide “muchneeded facilities” to improve viability and opportunity to increase membership of the tennis club, as well as supply the essential facilities such as toilets, washroom, first aid and club management for training and administration.

The pavilion will be “environmentally sustainable” and set low for minimal visual impact. The planning reference is 25/04829/FUL and the deadline for comments is 5th February.

Crossword answers - Issue 121 (16/01/2026)

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