In this issue... First phase of River Line improvements finished
THE first set of improvements for Bath’s long-term River Line scheme have now been finished, with changes in place along the riverside between Norfolk Crescent and Bath Quays.
The Bath River Line project is an ambitious plan to create a 10km linear park that links riverside spaces across the city, while also improving biodiversity and making it easier for people to walk, wheel and cycle along the river corridor.
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The completed works have focused on several points along the route. In Green Park, a resurfaced “all-user” path has been delivered, alongside a widened entrance and a new river viewing spot with a bench. Nearby, the seating area between Green Park and Sainsbury’s has been upgraded and is due to be planted with a rain garden, including climate-resilient and pollinator-friendly planting. Repairs have also improved and widened the riverside path outside Norfolk Buildings. Alongside the physical upgrades, the council says a major element of the first phase has been the installation of new wayfinding signage and interpretation boards aimed at creating a more connected riverside experience. The interpretation boards tell 21 stories about Bath’s riverside
history, nature and culture, and were produced through collaboration between council teams and local organisations. They include nature illustrations by local artist Marian Hill and historic images from the Royal United Hospital, Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution, Miller Knoll and Bath In Time. The material also draws on research by the late Mike Chapman, including a recreated map of the Lost Streams of Bath. Seventeen organisations helped shape the interpretation text and information, including the World Heritage Steering Group, the Environment Agency and the Bath Industrial Heritage Trust. WaterSpace volunteers provided support with site preparation for
the installations.
The signage itself was designed by Fieldwork Facility and engineered and installed by Rivermeade.
Councillor Paul Roper, cabinet member for economic & cultural sustainable development, said:
“Bath River Line is already transforming how people experience and move through our city.
“These improvements are helping to unlock the full potential of the river corridor by creating safe, attractive and connected spaces that support active travel, boost biodiversity and celebrate Bath’s unique heritage.
“A further £600,000 in grant funding from the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority,
awarded in January 2026, is a welcome endorsement of the project’s value.
“I’m pleased to see the next phase now starting, so we can continue this momentum. I want to thank our partners, local organisations and volunteers whose contributions have been vital in bringing this vision to life.” Work on the project is set to continue throughout the year, including plans to upgrade the play and seating area at Green Park.
The council says details of specific works will be shared with residents ahead of on-site activity, and that signage will be used along the route to explain upcoming changes, with the path kept open wherever possible.
FIRSTLY, I’d like to thank all the readers who got in touch with me following my last column.
Your words of praise, and appreciation for the work that the Echo team does, are much appreciated. We will continue working hard to hold those in power to account, even if it does cause displeasure to those we are calling out!
This column is somewhat a continuation of my previous piece, looking into the things we do on a daily basis, but which don’t necessarily end up being a news story.
We are approached regularly by residents who are at the end of their tether – whether
it’s problems with their housing association, potential mistreatment at their workplace or neighbours who are causing them issue, we hear about a lot of this kind of thing. And we do our best to help.
People will sometimes turn to us in the hope that the threat of the press will inspire those in the wrong to do something about the problem, and in a fair few cases, contact from the Echo team will certainly get things in motion. One such phone call came into the office earlier this week, with a student getting in touch to try and raise awareness of the poor service they have received from their Bath letting agent, and the state of the property that they
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and their housemates are having to live in, despite their best efforts to get things sorted. Mould, damp and general lack of maintenance are something we hear about a lot – rest assured we are looking into this case, and will be working on a story in the very near future. But it’s interesting to think that this has become a norm for us at the Echo. We will get in touch with organisations on our readers’ behalf to get things sorted, find out more information or to help them with situations.
It has become second nature, and it’s something we do that goes unseen as most of the time there isn’t really a need for a news story.
On the other hand, the story in our last issue regarding the possible renewable energy schemes in Batheaston, which caused some uproar from locals over their potential impact on the area, seems to have had some effect, as this week it was announced that the plans have now been abandoned (see page 4). That reminds me - I’m still waiting to hear back from the Cleveland Pools Trust about their plans for the unfortunate site, but we’ll be sure to keep you all updated when we know more. If you’d like us to look into something on your behalf, please get in touch - you can email me via editor@bathecho.co.uk
From the Editor... Opinion, insight and the stories shaping Bath this week
Sebastian Hawker
The Bath Echo newspaper is produced fortnightly. Thousands of copies are delivered and distributed across the Bath area via our dedicated pick-up points and at cafés, venues, waiting rooms and local libraries.
Near the River Avon in Bath | Photo © B&NES Council
Fashion Museum costs are not ‘over-running’
A TOP councillor has insisted “costs are not over-running” as he explained why Bath’s new Fashion Museum will cost £54 million.
The project to reopen the museum in the Old Post Office on New Bond Street was previously stated to cost £37 million, but Bath MP Wera Hobhouse told the House of Commons earlier this month that Bath & North East Somerset Council was “in the process of bringing together £54 million for a new Fashion Museum in Bath”.
Now the council’s cabinet member for resources, Mark Elliott (Lansdown, Liberal Democrat), has explained the figure.
Councillor Elliott said the cost was “steady” at £54 million, and that the figure had remained the same for the last two years.
He told a meeting of the council cabinet on Thursday 12th March: “We have a strong grip on the project, the costs are not overrunning, and we have solid, wellplanned funding routes for the whole project.”
Giving a breakdown of the £54 million figure, he said that £8 million of that was the cost of the Old Post Office building itself. He said this had been funded through “disposal of surplus
assets”, meaning selling things the council owned, but no longer needed.
Another £7 million was the cost of “improvements to the public realm outside and around the new museum”.
The council plans to turn the end of Broad Street in front of St Michael’s Church into a new pedestrianised public square, funded by the West of England Combined Authority (WECA). Northgate Square will include spill-out seating from the new museum cafe.
The remaining £39 million will be the actual cost of renovating the Old Post Office building and converting it into an exhibition space for the collection. Two semi-permanent galleries will be located on the second and third floors of the main building, while a flexible exhibition space will be located in the 2005 extension.
The Old Post Office’s “large and welcoming foyer” will be restored to its original size, with a cafe, display cases, and access to the new museum shop. An extension along the back of the New Bond Street would be demolished to restore part of the courtyard, which once existed at the heart of the building, to be used as a new garden.
More money from WECA, along with the National Lottery, and other grants and donations, will cover almost half of the cost of the renovation — but the council itself will cover £20 million of the project through borrowing. The profits of the Fashion Museum, once it is open, are planned to cover the cost of £17 million of that borrowing. Mr Elliott said just £3 million of the borrowing would be supported from the council’s operational budget.
He said: “To get an entirely new world-class museum, including improvements to the surrounding public realm for £54 million will be a great achievement. This is a project that will create a major new cultural and heritage asset for the people of Bath and North East Somerset of international importance.
“This is more than a museum: it’s a catalyst for civic pride, a driver for social and economic improvement, a major learning and skills development hub, a celebration of craftsmanship, a driver of the visitor economy, and a catalyst for the regeneration of the Milsom Quarter.”
He added: “I’m proud to be part of this Lib Dem administration that has the ambition and commitment to drive forward a project of such importance.”
A quarter of a million people per year are expected to visit the museum once it reopens in the Old Post Office. Since the museum was forced to leave its former home at the Assembly Rooms in 2022, the collection has been stored at the Wiltshire headquarters of glovemakers Dents for £150,000 a year, as it is one of the only places with the right facilities to store it.
The planning application for the new Fashion Museum was submitted in January. The target date for a decision on planning permission to be made is in April.
The planned opening is in 2030.
Partial March reopening of Jolly’s store is pulled
MORLEYS has confirmed that its new Jolly’s store in Bath will open in October 2026, as work continues to restore the historic department store building on Milsom Street.
Contractors began work on the council-owned site last year, with Bath & North East Somerset Council appointing Bray & Slaughter to carry out an initial programme of restorative works. That first phase focuses on making the building weathertight and includes extensive roofing renewals, window repairs, plus rainwater and drainage improvements. Morleys is due to follow with the internal refurbishment to complete the new store.
Jolly’s is one of Europe’s oldest department stores and has been part of Bath’s shopping scene for nearly two centuries.
During the restoration, vinyl window graphics have also been used to highlight the store’s history in the city, including its early roots as a “seasonal” shop around 1823, alongside Morleys’ plans to bring the building back into use.
Initial plans would have seen the store partially reopened this month, followed by a full completion and grand opening in October 2026.
Morleys issued a statement on Thursday 19th March, saying:
“Morleys Stores and Bath & North East Somerset Council today announce that Jolly’s Bath, the beloved and iconic department store in the heart of the city, will open this autumn.”
Ray Clacher, CEO of Morleys Stores, added: “As a store that has been part of Bath’s fabric for almost two centuries,
Newbridge Arts Trail set to return this May
Artists and makers across Newbridge will welcome visitors into venues, studios and homes this spring as the annual Newbridge Arts Trail returns for its 16th year. Taking place on Saturday 9th May and Sunday 10th May, the free event will feature 34 artists across 12 venues, giving families and art lovers the chance to explore a wide range of work and learn more about different creative techniques. Organisers say this year’s trail will include several new artists and makers alongside many familiar faces from previous years. Visitors can expect to see a mix of mediums, including painting, printmaking, ceramics, textiles, photography and jewellery making. As well as original pieces, there will also be cards and smaller handmade items on sale. Some artists will also be giving demonstrations.
Village to stage its first community fair
A village near Bath is showcasing what it has to offer at a special event. The Bitton Community Fair will be held on Saturday 18th April from 10.30am to 1.30pm at St Mary’s Church and the nearby church hall. It is being organised in response to interest from local people who would like more opportunities to discover the many clubs, groups and activities that are taking place locally, as well as those who are interested in creating new ones.
preserving the historic integrity of this remarkable building is our utmost priority.
“We are committed to ensuring that Jolly’s serves as a welcoming, modern retail space to deliver the best retail experience for Bath’s residents and visitors. We are working closely with heritage specialists Bray & Slaughter.
“Together, we are ensuring great
care is taken to restore every aspect of this Georgian icon to its former glory.”
Councillor Mark Elliott, cabinet member for resources, said: “We are investing significantly in the restoration of the building so it can continue to benefit future generations of Bath residents and visitors and we look forward to a fantastic partner in Morleys opening their store later this year.”
The statement concludes:
“Morleys Stores would like to thank Bath’s residents and visitors for their continued support and we look forward to welcoming customers in later this year to an even greater shopping experience.”
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Drier and more settled conditions are expected due to high pressure over the region, with temperatures around average though some chillier spells at times.
John Wimperis Local Democracy Reporter
The Old Post Office in Bath
The store was set to partially reopen in March | Photo © B&NES Council
Peter Crouch visits Larkhall to help children eat and play well
Richard Briggs Reporter
FORMER England striker Peter Crouch visited Larkhall Athletic Youth Football Club as part of a nationwide campaign to bring elite-level nutrition into the grassroots game.
Crouch, who played for a host of clubs including Liverpool, Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur and won 42 caps for his country, is backing a new initiative –Eat Well, Play Well: Grassroots Edition – with M&S Food aimed at closing the gap in nutritional understanding.
During his time at the Camella Stadium, the 45-year-old joined
a training session before hosting a Q&A during which youngsters asked him about the standout moments of his career.
He said that scoring with a bicycle kick for Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League was one of his favourite memories –and he named Brazilian legend Ronaldo and Steven Gerrard among his top players.
Crouch, who stands 6ft 7in tall, visited the Larks’ Snack Shack to show how simple nutrition can support young players. He helped prepare a high-protein smoothie designed to aid postmatch recovery.
His time at Plain Ham also celebrated the people behind
grassroots football, including Larkhall volunteer Doreen Gilbert, who has been involved with the club for more than 20 years. She said: “The club has been here
Contentious renewable energy talks for Batheaston are abandoned
Becky Feather Reporter
THE controversial communityled renewable energy project in the Batheaston area has this week been dropped.
Earlier this month, the Echo reported on a public meeting attended by more than 100 people which was called after a map revealed 30 potential locations for solar farms and 10 wind turbines in the parishes of Batheaston and St Catherine. Key details were missing –including that the area is in the Cotswolds National Landscape and Green Belt, as well as inside the Bath World Heritage Site. Also missing was the Charmy Down site of geological significance, nature conservation areas, topography and notable landmarks including Solsbury Hill, as well as the water source protection zone.
This week, the Community Energy Network partnership revealed that the Energy in Your Community (EiYC) project had been halted – and Bath & North East Somerset Council’s cabinet member for Sustainable Bath and North East Somerset admitted that “lessons have been learnt” from the way the process was handled.
The network is a partnership of B&NES Council, Bath & West Community Energy (BWCE), the Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE), University of Bath and the Community Wellbeing Hub to support local action on energy. The aim is to support 5MW of community-owned renewable generation across the district by 2030. A workshop was held on 3rd February as part of the EiYC project after St Catherine Parish Meeting, Batheaston Parish Council and Grow Batheaston applied to take part in it. The project uses an approach called Future Energy Landscapes, developed by CSE, to help communities discuss possible
locations for renewable energy.
The process is designed to start conversations with communities at a very early stage, before any renewable energy proposals are developed.
In a statement, the Community Energy Network said: “In every community we work with, people care deeply about the landscapes where they live. Listening to everyone’s views is the central purpose of this engagement process.
“After the first workshop, a number of concerns were raised locally. A key concern, raised by residents, related to the map used during the workshop.
at Home project.
“Over the coming weeks the Community Energy Network and local groups will continue to reflect on the feedback received and explore what forms of local energy or climate action might have broad support in the area. Further communications and activities will follow, pending the outcome of these conversations.”
“The map was intended as a discussion tool to explore where renewable energy might or might not be suitable. However, we recognise that it could have appeared to show proposals for renewable energy sites.
Whilst this was not the case, this understandably caused concern.
“In light of the concerns raised locally and the feedback we received following the workshop, CSE will not be continuing their community-led Future Energy Landscapes process in Batheaston and St Catherine.
“It should be noted that halting this community-led process does not prevent renewable energy developers from submitting proposals through the normal planning process. As part of their ongoing practice of learning from community engagement, CSE will reflect on the feedback received about how discussion materials are introduced.
“In addition to the concerns that were raised about renewable energy, many residents expressed strong support for the principle of clean, local, affordable energy, and for tackling climate change.
“The Community Energy Network works widely across Bath and North East Somerset, including supporting residents with home energy advice through the Energy
Councillor Sarah Warren, Liberal Democrat cabinet member for Sustainable Bath and North East Somerset and a ward councillor for Bathavon North, which includes Batheaston, said: “B&NES Council remains fully supportive of the development of renewable energy capacity in the right places, and welcomes the support of partners CSE and Bath & West Community Energy (BWCE) in facilitating community discussions to explore where these might be.
“We acknowledge that parts of the process in Batheaston didn’t go exactly as we would have wished, and lessons have been learnt by all partners.
“It is unfortunate that we have only been able to hear from a small number of residents in Batheaston and St Catherine to date. Given the strength of views expressed by some so early in the process, we felt that it would not be practical to continue the EiYC discussions in this area at this time. We hope very much that the local organisations who initiated the EiYC process will not be put off from taking forward further energy-based community discussions locally in partnership with BWCE and CSE.
“These might encompass support for residents with making their homes more energy efficient in the first instance, whilst continuing to raise awareness of the positive possibilities of renewable and community energy appropriately located in the local area.”
chips. But during Crouch’s visit, she worked alongside him and M&S senior nutritionist Sophia Thistlethwaite to explore simple ways to introduce healthier options, showing how small changes can support players without losing the traditional spirit of matchdays.
M&S Food is developing practical, affordable recipe ideas for clubs.
Recipes are available to download at https://bit.ly/3PXr0mg
for as long as I can remember. It’s a wonderful community in a lovely village.”
In the Snack Shack, she typically serves matchday favourites such as burgers, hot dogs and cheesy
Watch a video from the visit on our website
Scan the QR code
Concerns over plans for phone mast at city farm
A 20-METRE-HIGH phone mast is being proposed right next to Bath City Farm at Whiteway.
The application has been submitted to Bath & North East Somerset Council by EE UK Ltd and Hutchison 3G UK Ltd. It says the proposed installation at Kelston View, which will include a cabinet housing radio equipment at ground level, will provide continued and improved coverage for EE, H3G LTE and the ESN (Emergency Services Network) when the site at Bath City Football Club is decommissioned.
The application says: “It is vital to consider that although the City of Bath is a World Heritage Site, it also needs cutting-edge telecommunications services.
“A replacement site is now needed and will be crucial in maintaining network coverage in the Whiteway area of Bath.”
The proposed site is the grass verge beside the pavement at Kelston View. It is said to be in a “predominately residential” area and near the entrance to Bath City Farm.
One objector writing on the council’s planning portal says: “I am surprised that this would be the best place to put it, as many people come to view Bath from there.
“But more than that, it is going to be a possible danger to the City Farm and the people that live close to it.
“It will be only metres away from the play area at the City Farm, also the food restaurant area and outdoor sitting patio. It’s also doesn’t improve the view from any point for people looking at it from their homes.”
She highlights health concerns about phone masts and adds:
“Would this be allowed in front of the Royal Crescent; oh no, it wouldn’t.”
Another objector says the
proposed pole and equipment would significantly detract from the visual character of the main entrance to Bath City Farm, which welcomes around 70,000 visitors a year.
“While the expansion of the 5G network may be considered an important infrastructure priority, we respectfully request that alternative locations are explored which would avoid placing such infrastructure directly within the visual setting of a public green space and community destination.”
One concerned local resident comments that it’s too close to the children’s play area and animals at the farm and will be an “eyesore from my front window”.
The applicants say that discounted options have included other sites in Kelston View, three local pub car parks (Centurion Inn, Full Moon and White Horse), Meade House, Innox Park, The Hollow, Shophouse Road, Brickfields Park, Langdon Road, Bathwick Tyres, Western Lodge, and the roof of Twerton Mill.
There is also a current proposal for a 20-metre-high phone mast on the A36 Lower Bristol Road near Weston Lock Retail Park. It says the proposed mast will be a “consolidation” of the services provided by two sites nearby where a notice to quit has been served – the floodlight tower at Bath City Football Club and the rooftop of Redbridge Motors on Lower Bristol Road where redevelopment is planned.
Peter Crouch talks to some of Larkhall Athletic’s younger players
Becky Feather Reporter
The entrance to Kelston View
Crime & Court
Two Bath girls receive anti-social behaviour injunctions at youth court
TWO teenage girls from Bath have received anti-social behaviour injunctions.
Avon & Somerset Police successfully applied to magistrates for the court orders on Thursday 12th March.
The youth court in Bath heard that the pair, aged 13 and 14, are part of a group of young people who have been causing problems in the city centre, including around the bus and railway stations.
The girls had previously each been given an Acceptable Behaviour Contract (ABC), a voluntary written agreement, due to their anti-social behaviour.
In signing the contract, they had agreed to abide by the terms specified, but the ABCs were breached.
Both teenagers are also currently the subject of referral orders, which aim to prevent reoffending.
Police prosecutor Rachael Stitt asked the bench to impose a 12-month injunction on each girl, although the Youth Justice Service, which has been working with the teenagers, requested sixmonth injunctions.
Magistrates agreed to a 12-month injunction for the 13-year-old, while an interim injunction was imposed on the 14-year-old girl while she sought new legal representation.
The orders include several prohibitions. The girls are banned from entering the city centre unless accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, police officer or professional from the children’s or youth justice services. They can’t be together in public unless at a group activity supervised by professionals, and are not allowed to have containers of alcohol with them in public.
They must not intimidate or harass anyone, including on social media, and can’t enter anywhere where they have been given a written ban.
The chair of the bench warned both teenagers of the consequences of not abiding by
Cash and car stolen during burglary
POLICE have issued a CCTV appeal after a burglary at a home in Twerton in which a car, cash and bank cards were stolen.
The break-in happened at an address in Albany Road at around 1.40am on Sunday 22nd February.
A wallet containing cash and bank cards, a silver Ford Focus and other items were taken. The offenders then fled after being disturbed by the occupants.
Officers say CCTV inquiries, house-to-house visits and witness statements have already been carried out, but they are now asking for the public’s help to identify two men pictured in an image released as part of the investigation.
Police believe the men may have information which could assist their inquiries.
The first man is described as wearing a green jumper, black gloves, blue jeans and black shoes with a white trim along the bottom.
The second is described as white, with a large nose, and was wearing a coat with a fur hood, a black beanie hat and a black
jumper.
Neighbourhood Inspector Dudley Bond said: “The impact on victims of dwelling burglaries can be hugely significant, not only in terms of the financial or sentimental loss, but it can cause people to feel unsafe in their own home.”
Anyone with information, or relevant dashcam, doorbell or CCTV footage, is asked to call 101 quoting reference 5226049952.
People can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through its anonymous online form.
Crimestoppers says no personal details are taken, information cannot be traced or recorded, and those making reports will not have to go to court or speak to police.
Driver had 14 different drugs in his system when he crashed
A 51-YEAR-OLD man was last week sentenced by Bath magistrates for driving while unfit through drugs and for possessing ketamine.
Wayne Craddock, of Greenways at Radstock, had admitted the offences at a court appearance in January when he also pleaded guilty to driving without a licence.
At the time magistrates ordered a pre-sentence report and imposed an interim driving disqualification.
their injunctions. They could be sent to a detention centre for up to two years.
The public are not allowed inside youth courts, but journalists with UK press cards are allowed to cover cases with the magistrates’ permission. Although reporting restrictions prevent the youths from being named or giving other information that might identify them, The Youth Court Bench Book, published by the Judicial College, states: “Fair and accurate reports of proceedings, even where individuals are not identified, should be encouraged where appropriate as they can help promote public confidence.”
Craddock, who had previous driving offences, was back in court for sentencing on Wednesday 18th March.
The court heard that at 9.20pm on 24th June 2025, a member of the public had called 999 to say a car had crashed into a pole in Frome Road in Radstock. Police and ambulance attended and Craddock was found slumped in his seat; his speech was slurred and he was slow to respond. He was also unsteady on his feet.
A search of his vehicle revealed 0.2 grams of the Class B drug ketamine.
A urine sample revealed 14 different drugs in his system although none was over the legal limit for driving.
The Probation Service told the
court that Craddock has “complex needs” and was not suitable for the type of mental health treatment requirement (MHTR) or drug rehabilitation requirement (DRR) that the service could offer. Instead, probation officers recommended an 18-month community order with a curfew and 10 rehabilitation activity requirement (RAR) days.
Duty solicitor Jennifer Stetson told the court that Craddock, who is in “quite poor health”, was disappointed not to be considered suitable for a MHTR. Magistrates agreed with the recommendations of the Probation Service. The threemonth 6pm to 6am curfew will involve electronic tagging. Craddock was also disqualified from driving for 48 months. He was given no separate penalty for the ketamine and licence offences but was ordered to pay a court surcharge of £115.
Man, 58, strangled Bath Marina worker over wobbly mooring
A 58-YEAR-OLD man has been given a 12-month suspended prison sentence after strangling a member of staff at Bath Marina and Caravan Park at Newbridge.
Mark Phillips, who lives on a boat at the marina, initially appeared at Bath Magistrates’ Court in January to plead guilty to intentionally strangling Robin Vance on 13th May last year. Phillips also admitted that on 15th May he had caused Mr Vance harassment, alarm or distress by using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour, and on the same day assaulted PC Stephen Merryweather in the execution of his duty.
Magistrates had adjourned the case until Wednesday 18th March for a pre-sentence report to be prepared by the Probation Service.
Prosecuting, Kevin Withey told the court last Wednesday that Phillips had sworn at Mr Vance and told him: “I am going to kill you.” He had squeezed Mr Vance’s neck “very hard” for about 20 to 30 seconds. Mr Vance had “feared for his life”.
Mr Withey said Mr Vance had
been able to extricate himself and a complaint was made to the police. Two days later when Phillips again saw Mr Vance at the marina, he threatened that he would make him drink dried battery acid. Mr Vance called 999 and the police attended. Phillips swore at the police officer and struck him in the face with his arm. He was restrained and arrested.
Defending himself, Phillips told the court that he suffers from epilepsy and “tends to go a bit awkward in certain situations”. His condition has got worse since retiring as he now has more time on his hands.
Phillips, who bought a boat for his retirement, said he had been asking for the wobbly mooring at the marina at Brassmill Lane to be fixed for between eight and 10 months as it was a “disgrace” and not safe for his 80-year-old mother. He said he had been told “yes, yes, yes, we will do it”, but it had not been done.
“In the end I blew a fuse basically,” he told the court. He explained that he’d offered to pay Mr Vance compensation as a gesture to say sorry and to prevent the matter
going to court. He described his victim as “a lovely man” and added: “It all went wrong. I am very, very sorry.”
Phillips also said that when arrested, he was taken to hospital as he was hallucinating. He told the bench he has been seeking help through Talking Therapies. Magistrates said that only a custodial sentence could be justified for what Phillips had done. They gave him a 12-month sentence, suspended for 18 months, for the intentional strangulation of Mr Vance. They also have him a concurrent suspended sentence of three months for the assault on the police officer and one month for the public order offence. Under an 18-month community order, Phillips must also do 130 hours of unpaid work and 23 rehabilitation activity requirement (RAR) days. Magistrates ordered Phillips to pay Mr Vance £2,000 compensation for the trauma he suffered and to £500 to PC Merryweather.
Phillips must also pay prosecution costs of £85 and a court surcharge of £187.
Bath Magistrates' Court
Craddock has been given a curfew
The men police want to identify
Magistrates place Bath man under curfew
A BATH man with a longstanding drug problem and a catalogue of previous offences was last week given a two-month curfew by city magistrates for the theft of a pair of designer sunglasses worth £302.
CCTV caught Michael Nimmo, of Bladud Buildings, concealing the Prada Linea Rossa glasses at The Sunglass Hut at St Lawrence Street on 13th June last year, and leaving without attempting to pay.
Nimmo, 47, admitted the offence at a hearing on 26th January when magistrates adjourned the case for a pre-sentence report. He was back in court for sentencing on Wednesday 18th March.
Lorry drivers admit breaching weight limit
FOUR lorry drivers have admitted breaching Cleveland Bridge’s 18-tonne weight limit.
The Grade II* listed bridge over the River Avon has had an 18-tonne weight limit in place since it reopened in 2022 after a lengthy closure for repairs and refurbishment.
Why do we ‘name and shame’ in our stories?
The chair added: “We could have been sending you to prison but we are not doing that.”
Magistrates made no order for prosecution costs or a court surcharge as they prioritised the £302 compensation to the shop.
Magistrates revoked a previous community order imposed by Nottingham magistrates on Nimmo for driving whilst disqualified and gave him a ninemonth drug rehabilitation order (DRR) with 10 rehabilitation activity requirement (RAR) days. They also imposed the curfew on Nimmo who will be electronically tagged and must stay in between 6pm and 6am for two months. He protested in the dock about the curfew, but the chair of the bench told him it was “to keep you out of trouble as you have 80 odd offences and 30 odd convictions”.
With approximately 16,000 vehicles a day crossing it, the temporary 18-tonne weight limit was extended for another year last autumn as Bath & North East Somerset Council continues to monitor and collect data from the historic structure.
Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras capture the details of any vehicles in breach of the weight limit. The prosecutions at Bath Magistrates’ Court were brought by the council.
Pawel Plaszczynski, 46, from Offenham in Worcestershire, admitted driving across the bridge four times – on 16th, 19th, 23rd and 26th August last year – in three different 44-tonne vehicles. He was fined £83 for each and ordered to pay £320 prosecution costs and a £133 court surcharge.
Ladislav Borsanyi, 63, from Didcot in Oxfordshire, admitted failing to comply with the gross laden weight limit on 22nd August 2025 by driving a
44-tonne vehicle over the bridge. He was fined £192 and must pay prosecution costs of £320 and a £77 court surcharge.
Vasil Toskov, of Evesham in Worcestershire, admitted that he failed to comply with the gross laden weight limit on 10th August last year.
The 45-year-old was fined £192 with prosecution costs of £320 and a £77 surcharge.
Ventislav Yordanov, 49, of Cheddar in Somerset, admitted a charge of contravening the temporary traffic prohibition on 6th August 2025 by being at the wheel of a 44-tonne lorry.
He was given a £40 fine and ordered to pay £320 prosecution costs and a £16 surcharge.
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Nimmo avoided being sent to prison
Cleveland Bridge in Bath
Pictures from the Past
The Former Post Office
COLUMN | Clare Moody, Labour Police and Crime Commissioner
LAST week I attended a Neighbourhood Watch event, it was a reminder of something I see across Avon and Somerset time and again: the powerful impact of people looking out for one another. Neighbourhood Watch is rooted in that simple, vital idea of bringing people together, strengthening connections and creating places where people feel included and safe.
One of the key principles of Neighbourhood Watch is prevention which is a priority in my Police and Crime Plan and one of the most visible elements
of that work is increasing neighbourhood policing.
We have added officers to neighbourhood teams because I know that when officers are present and familiar, when they know the communities they serve, and those communities know them in return, it builds trust and reduces crime.
People feel reassured. Concerns are raised early and acted on quickly. Neighbourhood policing is practical, visible prevention and it matters.
The officer who came to the Neighbourhood Watch meeting last week demonstrated the
Kirsten Elliott Akeman Press
THE former post office has been much in the news of late, as the business of converting it to Bath’s Fashion Museum gets under way.
The story of how a post office came to be built there, though, doesn’t seem to have been mentioned – but it is a fascinating one. The first of these pictures shows what the west side of Northgate Street looked like in the 1840s.
On the left, and extending round into New Bond Street, is Lamb’s wine & spirit merchants. Next to it is the Castle Hotel, long famed as the rendezvous of the horseracing fraternity in Bath. To the right of it are Wood’s chemist’s and – on the corner of Green Street – Gunnning’s bootmaker’s.
The two photos date from around 1910.
The first shows the Castle Hotel, while the second shows the former wine & spirit merchant’s on the corner of New Bond Street, which in 1908 was converted to the New Bond Street Post Office. This replaced a sub-post office in Northumberland Place, which had become too small to cope
with demand. The problem was that the main post office in George Street was so far from the city centre that there was a growing demand for one in the heart of the business and commercial district.
The New Bond Street Post Office was only intended as a temporary measure, for already plans had been drawn up to redevelop the west side of Northgate Street and replace the existing buildings with a 45-bedroom hotel, designed by local architects Silcock & Wreay. This scheme came to nothing, however, and the post office continued in business until 1917 when it was commandeered as an army recruiting office. It reopened in 1919 but closed again five years later – along with the Castle Hotel and the other businesses – when the west side of Northgate Street was demolished to built a new General Post Office, replacing the one on George Street (which today, after a period of Revolution, is a Wetherspoons pub called the Old Post Office). The curious thing is that the former Post Office – soon to be the Fashion Museum – bore a striking resemblance to the abortive plans for that grand hotel.
effectiveness of that.
But prevention also means investing in the right support, at the right time, in the right places and this work is happening across Avon and Somerset.
Recent activity includes:
• Bath: Youth work and mentoring sessions engaging young people.
• South Gloucestershire: Youth work and graffiti prevention project engaging young people in places impacted by antisocial behaviour (ASB).
• Across Avon and Somerset: More than 100 sports diversionary sessions delivered
to young people to reduce ASB and youth violence.
Together, these programmes make shared spaces safer, support young people with positive opportunities, and reduce risks before harm occurs.
It’s the sum of many actions, choices and relationships. It’s communities pulling together, looking out for one another, refusing to let division take root, choosing compassion and care.
And while formal schemes and funded programmes are essential, so too are the everyday actions each of us can take.
Creating safer communities doesn’t come from just one initiative or one organisation, or just from better neighbourhood policing.
Every area can have a Neighbourhood Watch scheme but with or without that formal arrangement, together we can continue building safer, stronger and more confident communities where everyone can live, work and thrive free from fear. avonandsomerset-pcc.gov.uk
The Castle Hotel, which was popular with Bath's horse-racing fraternity
The building which became the New Bond Street Post Office
How the west side of Northgate Street looked in the 1840s
Crossword
Congratulations to Barney Wardale for winning £20! You can find the answers to last issue's crossword on page 20
Complete our crossword for your chance to win £20!
Across
1 "That's a ___!" (Director's cry) (4)
3 Dark outline (10)
10 Museum piece (7)
11 Legal thriller writer (7)
12 Like a double rainbow, maybe (10)
13 De-wrinkle (4)
15 Snapper (7)
16 Inscrutable one (6)
18 "Tales from the ___ woods" (Strauss waltz) (6)
21 At the apex (7)
24 The second sinner (4)
25 Kind of engineer (10)
27 Emending (7)
28 Being taught (2, 5)
29 Resting, like actors (10)
30 Probability (4)
Down
1 Like suits and boots (8)
2 Craftsperson (7)
4 Be in air craft west of France (7)
5 Brass hats (4-3)
6 Oxford college, briefly (4)
7 Earn the destruction of a place in Iran (7)
8 Blackadder's first name (6)
9 Accoutrement (9)
14 Marine calamity (9)
17 Salon workers (8)
19 Conceive (7)
20 Quickly (7)
21 Of the sense of touch (7)
22 Fruit trees aplenty (7)
23 Fancy cake (6)
26 Like a wet noodle (4)
Entering our competition - via email or post
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The winner will be the first randomly opened entry with the correct answers on 08/04/2026. 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.
Food & Drink
Tasty Dates For Your Diary
Saddle up for an evening with Saddle Goose Natural Wines at The Welly (Green Street) on Thursday 2nd April: a guided tasting of five wonderful wines complemented by a Somer Valley charcuterie sharing platters (£50pp). www.somervalleyfarms.com
Linger long after eating at Sydney’s (Monmouth Street) and enjoy 20% off your first round of drinks at the street level bar. Doing lunch? Discover the Midday Bun: choose from a choice of three fully-loaded milk bun butties (served alongside regular menu) accompanied by chips and garnish for £12.50 every Wednesday-Friday, 12-3pm. www.sydneysbath.co.uk
The pop-up schedule at the Electric Bear taproom (Brassmill Lane) is electric indeed this April! Dough Trail sourdough pizza on
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Get in touch with Rob Last via rob@mediabath.co.uk
Thursday 9th/Friday 24th April; artisan cheese courtesy of the Cheese Connection on Friday 10th April; Rebel Bites Greek Street Food on Friday 17th April; Pura Vida tacos on Saturday 11th/18th April; Pizzarova sourdough pizzas on Friday 24th April… and the EB Spring Festival on Saturday 25th April. Phew!. www.electricbearbrewing.com
Rise, shine and celebrate the arrival of spring at Alice Park Cafe, a ‘hidden gem’ of luscious greenery behind the Gloucester Road/A4 junction: any coffee paired with a freshly baked pastry for £5 until 12pm every MondayFriday.
/aliceparkcafe
Indulge in an exceptional experience celebrating the heritage and elegance of Rioja wines and featuring a meticulously-crafted menu
perfectly matched with outstanding expressions from Viña Real and Contino, two of Rioja’s most prestigious estates: it’s all going on at the iconic Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa’s Spring Wine Dinner on Thursday 23rd April (£145pp). https://bit.ly/3Nnqxcx
The sun is out, alfresco drinks are calling… and Cocktail Happy Hour has landed at se7en (Edgar Buildings, George Street): £10 cocktails for just £7 between 4pm-7pm Monday-Friday. www.se7enbath.com
Hawker Atelier (aka chef Joseph Hawker) is bringing “immersive fusion tasting menus and elevated street food” to some of the best-loved pop-up hosts in Bath including Picnic in the Park (Upper Bristol Road) on Saturday 11th April/Saturday 27th June, Newton Farm (Newton St Loe)
Review Chez Dominique
15 Argyle St, Bathwick Bath BA2 4BQ 01225 463482
www.chezdominique.co.uk
@chezdominique
If French actor, cultural icon and all-round cool guy Alain Delon was still with us and visited Bath today, I reckon he’d land at Chez Dominique for a late lunch and refuse to move until he’d drunk the last drop of Fleurie from behind the bar; it is, quite simply, “that” kind of place.
This quintessentially French/ European bistro experience has, since 2016, played a major role in turning Argyle Street into a distinctive modern Bath arrondissement all of its own, made for modern-day flâneurs. Off the street, the Chez Dom environment exudes a calmly confident vibe, intimate enough to be described as cosy yet decorously spacious.
The walls are painted in 50 shades of sage/duck egg blue, the understatedly striking modern
chandelier demands attention without dominating the space and an atmosphere of easy-going conviviality dictates the overall pace.
Head chef Sam Lewis’s menus, meanwhile, thrum along to a self-assured, confident rhythm, weaving seasonal ingredients into a classic contemporary bistro array with flair and imagination. From the get-go, our starters exemplified Sam’s modus
Melissa Blease Food Writer
on Friday 1st May and Daruma Diner (High Street, Weston) on Sunday 7th June.
www.hawkeratelier.co.uk
Oink oink! Check out the Spring Midweek Chef’s Pick Set Menu perfect for a lazy lunchtime or an uplifting early supper at the Pig near Bath (Hunstrete): two imaginative, seasonal courses served in uniquely pretty surroundings for £28.50 (3/£32.50) from now until Friday 1st May.
https://bit.ly/4sCbTNW
Klaxon! Happy Hour at the Victoria Pub and Kitchen (selected drinks from just £4 every Monday-Friday, 3pm-7pm) gets even happier on Fridays with free sausage rolls for all from 5pm.
www.victoriabath.co.uk
Julian’s next Captain’s Table
event at the Upton Inn (Upton Cheyney) is themed around… breakfast! ‘Egg and Bread’, ‘The English’, ‘Gotta be Pancakes’ - it’s all going on (and much, much more!) from 8pm on Saturday 11th April (£38.50pp).
https://bit.ly/47k3tSw
Take your tastebuds on a tour of more than 40 wonderful wines from classic tipples to exciting new discoveries all especially selected for the spring and summer months at the Great Wine Co’s Great Spring Wine Tasting at the gorgeous Treetop Café (Royal Victoria Park) on Thursday 30th April (£20pp)! www.greatwine.co.uk
Melissa regularly reviews eateries across the city of Bath and the surrounding area. You can find out more on her dedicated website at: www.theprandialplayground.uk
operandi: a beautifully seasoned, super-savoury, distinctly nondry pork terrine rich in textured contrast, with fruity/tart golden raisins adding spritzy points of interest along the way; plump Brixham scallops paired with a sublimely smooth cauliflower puree, chubby little morsels of bacon, smoky hispi cabbage and creamy new potatoes. On from those soothingly gratifying openers, the subtly
gamey aspect of my sweet, tender Creedy Carver duck breast came perfectly complimented by earthy beetroot and delicate wild garlic that welcomed the arrival of spring to the dish, a light but complex red wine sauce bringing the whole ensemble together. But would Sam mind if I ordered a side of black pudding mash with that, nicked from the chicken dish elsewhere on the menu?
If he breathed a sigh of exasperation at a diner disrupting his carefully considered combinations, I didn’t hear itand oh, that mash can only be described as deeply umami bliss. Meanwhile, across the table… Chez Dom’s steak frites have earned a reputation that seriously challenges the legendary incarnation served at longestablished Parisian brasserie Le Relais de l’Entrecôte. If you’re craving the enduringly popular partnership that is superb, highgrade steak (from a selection of carnivorous options that ranges from the humble onglet
to the grand Chateaubriand, all flaunting heritage and the benefits of maturity) served with the kind of fries that can only be described as addictive, book a table here today.
After all that, we were comfortably, satisfyingly sated. But why battle with a sudden downpour when the dessert menu offered a rich, warm, oozy Chocolate Fondant harmonised by a toasted toffee-esque salted caramel ice cream? And regardless of the weather, why deny yourself a neat slab of silky Basque Cheesecake (no baseall delicate, custard treble), the aromatic roasted apple compote and soft tumble of crumble that came with it good enough to create a third, stand-alone dessert in its own right?
Heart, charm, integrity, personality, authenticity of purpose: are we talking about Alain Delon again? Nope; they’re the well-deserved superlatives that combine to create the Chez Dominique je ne sais quoi.
The pork terrine, with fruity raisins
What's On
The Haar’s third Album Tour 2026
Chapel Arts Centre
27th March, 8pm
The Lost Day is a coming-of-age album, bursting with the poetic storytelling, heartbreaking remorse and hopeful anticipation that's synonymous with The Haar’s musical expression.
Easter Craft Fair
Weston Free Church
28th March, 12-4pm
Local crafters and small businesses selling unique, handmade items and Easter gifts. Free family-friendly activities including an Easter trail. Refreshments available, entry is free.
JS Bach / Arvo Pärt Concert
Christ Church
28th March, 7.30pm
Bath Bach Choir’s spring concert brings together two composers separated by centuries yet united in faith and shaped by traditions that value music not as an ornament but as a proclamation.
Macbeth
The Egg 28th – 30th March
Shakespeare’s exploration of the equivocation of evil and the unleashing of its brutal, destructive force is brought vividly to life in this physically and emotionally charged production.
The Beekeeper of Aleppo
Theatre Royal
31st March – 4th April
Nuri is a beekeeper, his wife, Afra, an artist. They live in the Syrian city of Aleppo – until the unthinkable happens. When all they care for is destroyed by war, they are forced to escape.
Easter Activity Morning
The Bird of Prey Project 1st & 8th April, 10am-12pm
Children will have the opportunity to fly a bird themselves, alongside crafts and hands-on activities, all centred around different types of eggs and the interesting ways that birds build nests.
J.S Bach St Matthew Passion
Bath Abbey 1st April, 7pm
In this Holy Week, go and hear the beautiful sounds of baroque virtuosic specialist players Rejouissance as they lead the nationally acclaimed singers of Abbey Girls, Boys and Lay Clerks.
HENGE + Elf Traps
Komedia
2nd April, 7pm
HENGE have been delighting audiences in the UK and Europe since they landed on Planet Earth over a decade ago. The music escapes definition, but occupies a space between rave and prog rock.
Friday 27th March - Thursday 9th April 2026
Easter at Prior Park
Prior Park (National Trust) 3rd – 7th April
10 Easter-themed stations await to be discovered on this trail. Test your skills in the egg and spoon race, decorate an egg for your tree and be ready for laughs a-plenty in the wheelbarrow race.
Easter Lates
The Roman Baths 3rd – 6th April, 5-8pm
The Roman Baths will stay open late over the Easter weekend, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the special atmosphere around the torchlit Great Bath as darkness falls.
Easter Sunday Raceday
Bath Racecourse
5th April, 12pm
Whether you're looking for an exciting outing with friends or a wholesome day of fun for the whole family, the Easter Sunday Raceday is the perfect event to round off the holiday weekend in style.
Easter Eggspress!
Avon Valley Railway 5th & 6th April
Enjoy a trip up and down the line behind a steam-hauled locomotive, as well as a brake van ride behind the beloved Fry’s Chocolate Train. Plus, children can enjoy Easter craft activities.
Harvest Mice
BRLSI
7th April, 7.30pm
Harvest mice are Britain’s smallest rodents. They live among tall grasses and shrubs where they weave an intricate cricket ball-sized nest above the ground.
The Bootleg Beatles
The Forum 8th April, 7.30pm
Following the triumph of their last concert celebrating the songs of the Beatles’ iconic five films, The Bootleg Beatles return to Bath this year with their focus on another Famous Five.
Bird Song Walk and Talk
Sydney Gardens to Bathampton 9th April, 9am-12pm
Join expert Lucy Starling for an inspiring walk and talk on birds and birdsong. The walk will focus on birds but there may be the odd butterfly species. Good for beginners to learn common species.
Hannah Lim: An Artist Talk
The Museum of East Asian Art 9th April, 6.30pm
Shaped by her upbringing in London and her mixed heritage, Lim works with materials to create playful sculptures that explore mythology, history, and personal reflections on identity.
Will Writing
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Family & Property Trusts
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£1 child bus fare cap extended until spring 2029
FAMILIES across the West of England are set for millions of pounds in further bus fare savings after regional leaders agreed to keep the £1 child fare in place until spring 2029.
The extension forms part of a wider support package being funded by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority (WECA), which says the discounted fare has already saved families around £1.1 million over the past year.
By the time the scheme ends in 2029, that total is expected to rise by another £3.3 million.
Those savings are separate from the £1.1 million already saved through the Kids Go Free scheme during the summer and Christmas school holidays since June 2025.
The combined authority said children’s bus use in lowerincome areas rose particularly sharply during last summer’s offer compared with the same period a year earlier.
A number of other fare support measures introduced since last spring have also reduced costs for passengers across the region.
According to the authority, more than £350,000 has been saved through the frozen multioperator day ticket, more than £410,000 through free travel for
care leavers, and over £45,000 through the Youth Guarantee free bus pass.
Money from the Department for Transport’s Bus Grant will now be used to keep child fares at £1 for the next three years.
The authority said that means children’s fares in the region will remain lower than they could be elsewhere, where under national rules they can be as high as £1.50 per trip when adult fares are capped at £3.
Other support is also being continued, including the multioperator fare cap, free bus travel for care leavers up to the age of 25, the Youth Guarantee free bus pass and the Diamond Pass for older and disabled passengers.
Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, said: “People around the West are already benefitting from our £1 child fare cap, so parents and carers will be glad to hear that we have frozen child fares for the next three years.
“Local families are expected to save more than £4 million as a result by 2029, helping ease the cost of living.
“Our child fare cap is making a difference that people can see and feel, as part of region-wide efforts to help lift more children out of poverty.
“Likewise, the extension of
Urban Garden marks five years of work
A BATH social enterprise described as “the smallest garden centre with the biggest heart” is celebrating five years of community work in Royal Victoria Park.
The Urban Garden, which launched in 2021, combines plant sales with training and support for local adults who are unemployed or struggling with their mental health.
Run as a social enterprise, it reinvests all profits into free courses and programmes designed to improve mental health and wellbeing, while helping people build confidence and move towards employment.
Over the past five years, more than 80 trainees have taken part.
Training coordinator Sophia Rowe said: “It has been a joy to watch people grow in skills and confidence, and improve their mental wellbeing.
“Friendships have been made and people have been inspired to follow new paths in horticulture.”
The Urban Garden was founded by Matt Smail, whose mission for the project is to “take the power of plants and use it to help people grow”.
He has developed the venture in partnership with Bath & North
free bus travel for care leavers and Diamond Pass holders will be a real help for a range of bus passengers in the West of England.”
Roads and Buses Minister Simon Lightwood said the move would help keep travel affordable for families while making it easier for younger people to reach education, opportunities and their communities.
He said: “Keeping the cost of travel down for families is vital, and I’m pleased to see the West of England is leading the way with the £1 child fare cap extended through to 2029, thanks to our Bus Grant.
“This practical, targeted, support made possible by £42 million of Government funding, helps with the cost of living while making it easier for young people to access education, opportunities, and
East Somerset Council, with the garden centre based at the lower end of the council nursery site in Royal Victoria Park. The council also supplies some of the plants sold there.
Since opening, more than 200 local people of different ages, backgrounds and abilities have volunteered with the project.
Director Matt Smail said: “The Urban Garden is truly an oasis of calm in the centre of Bath where the community can come together to learn new skills and buy plants.
“Watching individuals progress – whether it’s gaining the confidence to step into the garden centre or even securing a job – is incredibly rewarding.”
The Urban Garden is inviting people to join its official fifth anniversary celebrations on Wednesday 1st April from 3pm to 6pm.
The Importance of Having a Lasting Power of Attorney
Planning for the future is something many of us put off, yet it is one of the most valuable steps you can take to protect yourself and those close to you.
their communities.
“We’re determined to support the delivery of affordable, reliable and accessible transport networks that passengers deserve.”
The combined authority is now preparing to ask residents for their views on its developing Bus Plan, which is intended to help councils, operators and communities work together on a more reliable network.
Better buses have been identified as one of the region’s priorities following the record £752 million transport investment secured from government last year.
The Transport Vision published last month also set out wider ambitions including simpler ticketing, coordinated timetables, rail improvements, mass transit, safer active travel and better streets.
Read Easy Bath group celebrates graduations
A BATH literacy group is celebrating after helping two adults complete their reading journey, while also receiving a £2,500 donation to support its work.
Read Easy Bath recently marked the achievements of two new readers, Roger and Gary, and was also boosted by a generous contribution from the Sperring Charity, which is based in Midsomer Norton.
Roger, 58, said he never properly learned to read at school and did not feel confident enough to ask for help.
After completing the five stages of the Read Easy programme with support from his coach, he is now enjoying the benefits of reading for himself.
He said: “I’ve loved learning to read. I now know how to sound out words and am buying myself books and going to the library.”
The group is a voluntary organisation affiliated to Read Easy UK and provides free, confidential, one-to-one reading coaching for adults who are unable to read or who have limited reading ability.
Caroline Cronin, team leader at Read Easy Bath, said: “Read Easy Bath is a voluntary group affiliated to Read Easy UK.
“We offer free, confidential, oneto-one coaching with trained volunteer coaches for adults who, for any number of reasons, can’t read or have limited reading ability. We passionately believe that reading changes lives and in the National Year of Reading, there’s never been a better time to learn or improve!”
Roger’s coach, Steph Perrett, described him as a “model pupil”. He now enjoys doing wordsearch puzzles and hopes to sign up for an IT course.
Also completing the programme is Gary, 29, who found it difficult to concentrate at school because of a learning difficulty.
He later developed cooking and counter skills with the Swallow charity at its café in The Hive in Peasedown St John, but realised his inability to read was preventing him from moving forward.
Speaking about the experience, Gary said: “I was nervous at the start, but my coach was so friendly and kind, I soon got going!”
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) ensures that, if a time comes when you are unable to make decisions for yourself, someone you trust can step in and act on your behalf.
An LPA is a legal document that allows you to appoint an attorney, usually a family member or trusted friend, to make decisions about your property and finances, or your health and welfare.
A Property and Financial Affairs LPA can cover tasks such as managing bank accounts, dealing with pensions, or even selling property.
A Health and Welfare LPA is slightly different as it enables your attorney to make decisions about your daily care, medical treatment, and, if you choose, lifesustaining treatment, but ONLY if you lack capacity.
Putting an LPA in place offers control, choice, and peace of mind. It allows you to plan ahead at your own pace rather than leaving loved ones with the stress and cost of applying to the Court of Protection for a deputyship. Deputyship applications can take several months and occasionally more than a year to be processed and are often significantly more expensive.
Importantly, a court-appointed deputy has less flexibility, particularly around decisions relating to health and welfare. Without an LPA, your wishes may not be known or followed at the time when they matter most. With an LPA, you retain control over who will support you, how they will act, and what matters most to you as your circumstances change.
At Battens Solicitors, our experienced team is here to guide you through every step, ensuring your LPA reflects your needs and offers complete reassurance for the future.
Speak to the Battens team at 7 Gay Street today, on 01225 562581.
01225 562581
www.battens.co.uk
hello@battens.co.uk
7 Gay Street, Bath, BA1 2PH
Photo © West of England Mayoral Combined Authority / Anna Barclay
Photo courtesy of Urban Garden Bath
All homes now able to recycle their food waste
BATH & North East Somerset Council says every household in the district can now recycle food waste after introducing a new collection solution for hundreds of flats in central Bath.
The latest changes are aimed at more than 350 flats where there is not enough space to store large containers.
Residents in around 150 city centre flats are being given a five-litre kitchen caddy to carry food waste to newly installed onstreet communal bins. Another 200 flats will receive caddies so they can put food waste out for collection alongside their green recycling sacks.
The council says the move means food waste collections are now available to every home in Bath and North East Somerset, ahead of the government’s March deadline for councils to comply with new Simpler Recycling requirements.
The authority has also been recognised by Sustain for what it described as excellent support for projects aimed at cutting and reusing food waste.
In the South West benchmarking exercise carried out by the Alliance for Better Food and Farming, the council’s work was linked to a 25% fall in residual
Photo © B&NES Council
waste since 2017 and a household recycling rate of 60.5% in 2024/25.
Councillor Mark Elliott, deputy council leader and cabinet member for resources, said:
“This is a really positive step for residents and for our environment.
“Ensuring every home in B&NES can recycle food waste puts us ahead of national requirements and supports the ambition set out in our Towards Zero Waste strategy to reduce waste and increase recycling.
“These improvements mean more materials will be reused to generate green energy and benefit local farmland.”
Food waste collected in Bath and North East Somerset is taken to the Codford Biogas plant, where it is turned into renewable energy and biofertiliser.
The new communal food bins are being placed beside existing litter bins in Broad Street, Cheap Street, Westgate Street and Bridewell Lane.
Pennyquick's 18-tonne weight limit set to come into effect from 1st May
Becky Feather Reporter
AN 18-tonne weight restriction comes into effect on 1st May on a route on the outskirts of Bath known as a notoriously difficult climb for HGVs.
There were more than 30 objections to a recent consultation run by Bath & North East Somerset Council and a handful in support of the proposed weight limit order between the Globe Roundabout on the A4 Bristol Road and the Red Lion Roundabout on the A367 junction with Wellsway. The route includes Pennyquick, Whiteway Road, Rush Hill and Frome Road.
Concerns raised included the impacts on air quality and safety due to the displacement of HGVs, and the feasibility of enforcement.
Addressing the concerns, a council report says: “The origins and destinations of vehicles over 18 tonnes are highly varied, with many route choices most likely made outside of B&NES or even beyond neighbouring authorities.
“Because of this, it is not possible to reliably predict a single
alternative route which displaced vehicles might use.
“Classified traffic surveys show that fewer than 50 vehicles over 18 tonnes per direction currently use Pennyquick, Whiteway Road, Rush Hill and Frome Road on a weekday (and fewer than 20 on Saturdays), equating to fewer than five per hour in each direction. Given the nature and purpose of HGV movements, any displacement would be expected to be spread across several strategic routes, resulting in a negligible impact on any individual corridor such as the A37.”
network is “very unlikely to have a negative impact on environmental issues elsewhere, including in designated Air Quality Management Areas within B&NES or neighbouring authorities”.
The report adds: “The route of Pennyquick, Whiteway Road, Rush Hill and Frome Road are ‘C’ classified roads, primarily intended for local traffic and not for use by larger HGVs. The route includes very steep gradients and constrained geometry.
“It is acknowledged that other routes used by HGVs can share similar characteristics, but this is not a reason to condone the use of the route in question by larger vehicles.”
It also notes that any dispersal across the wider strategic road
It is recognised that there may be schools along the routes to which some of the HGVs could be displaced “but it is very likely that these routes would form part of the ‘A’ and ‘B’ classified road network and, as such, these are more suitable routes for use by larger vehicles”.
The report observes: “As with all weight limits, enforcement would follow standard practice: compliance is primarily achieved through clear signage and legal restriction, with enforcement undertaken as appropriate.”
Local councillor Joel Hirst, who is also the council’s cabinet member for sustainable transport strategy, said: “Residents in Odd Down have discussed this issue with me on the doorstep and it is very clear to me that this restriction will help keep through traffic on the appropriate through routes and protect more residential areas.”
RUH patient shares warning over ovarian cancer symptoms
A 68-YEAR-OLD woman treated for ovarian cancer at the Royal United Hospital in Bath is urging others not to ignore changes in their health after her own diagnosis followed what first appeared to be more routine symptoms.
Christine Grant, from Trowbridge, said she initially went to her GP because she needed to get up frequently in the night to urinate. At first, the problem was thought to be linked to her age and an oversensitive bladder.
She later began struggling to go to the toilet and suspected she might have cystitis, but her GP advised her to have an ultrasound scan instead. That scan revealed a mass in her pelvis, and a biopsy later confirmed she had ovarian cancer.
although she had already feared that might be the outcome.
and really thought I might not make it to Christmas.
Speaking during Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, Christine said the diagnosis was devastating,
She said: “The news that it was cancer was devastating, but I already had a bad feeling that was what it would be. My daughter is a medic and she had done her best to prepare me for the news.
“I got the diagnosis in the summer
“But once I met with the consultant at the RUH I felt much more positive. She was fantastic –she spoke very honestly with me but gave me a lot of hope too.”
Christine began chemotherapy straight away and later underwent
surgery for a full hysterectomy. She then joined a research trial at the RUH, where she received immunotherapy infusions every three weeks. Now in remission, she has spoken about the importance of getting checked if something does not feel right.
She said: “It has been very tough
at times, but I’m in remission now which is just fantastic.
“The care and support I received at the RUH was excellent –everyone has been so caring. “My message to women is to make sure you get checked as soon as something doesn’t feel right. It might be nothing, but it’s always better to know and finding a problem early means it’s more treatable.”
Around 7,400 women in the UK are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year.
The disease affects the ovaries and is more common in women over 50, although it can affect anyone who has ovaries. Symptoms can include a swollen tummy or bloating, pain or tenderness in the tummy or the area between the hips, loss of appetite or feeling full quickly after eating, and needing to pee more urgently or more often. You can find more information and advice, as well as where to go for help and support, on the NHS website at: https://www.nhs.uk/ conditions/ovarian-cancer/
Scheme for new private health centre near Bath is refused
Becky Feather Reporter
PLANS for a new private healthcare practice to help tackle “shortfalls” in provision in Bath & North East Somerset have been refused for seven reasons.
The application for Barncare Healthcare Centre, just outside Paulton, said it was being developed in collaboration with a group of health professionals from the Royal United Hospital in Bath.
The proposal included removing an existing wooden structure at the site next to Bath Road at Withy Mills to make space for one with a larger footprint and a second storey.
It would have three consulting rooms, a reception and a staff area.
Core services being lined up included GP access, physiotherapy and rehabilitation, and mental health counselling. There was also said to be
interest in the new centre from professionals from ophthalmology, dentistry, nutrition and dermatology.
The application said there was a clear and growing need for affordable private healthcare in the local area, where NHS services are experiencing significant pressure. It highlighted the 1020% projected population growth in Paulton and Timsbury not being matched by new healthcare facilities.
The council received 19 objections and 13 comments of support for the new healthcare centre.
Concerns focused on the access, loss of agricultural land, the impact on ecology and that the wider area is already well served by providers including the Sulis Hospital and Bath Clinic, while there are also various private services at Elm Hayes Health Centre in Paulton.
The parish council also questioned the need for a new healthcare centre, and flagged up concerns about the road having
no pavement and the nearest bus stop being 800 metres away.
Comments of support included that it would serve as “an innovative example of healthcare provision in a village setting”. It was also noted that “the social and healthcare benefits clearly outweigh any potential concerns”.
In their report B&NES Council planners highlighted “some inaccuracies” in the application, including a lack of walk-in or urgent care centres in Paulton and Timsbury which forces residents to travel to Bath.
“This is incorrect, as Paulton has a minor injuries unit, open seven days a week, as well as out-patient services, X-rays, maternity units and a small in-patient wing.”
The report added that the Clandown rooms at Elm Hayes Surgery provide public and private services.
The seven reasons planners gave for refusing the proposed healthcare facility were:
• The site is remote with limited potential of using active travel or public transport to make most journeys.
• The lack of satisfactory walking and cycling facilities.
• The lack of suitable visibility splays at the access.
• Insufficient evidence to demonstrate that similar healthcare provision nearby would not be prejudiced.
• The application fails to meet Local Plan policy where a
significant extension and intensification of the site would be required.
• The proposal doesn’t adequately show a local need and is in an unsustainable location.
• Insufficient information to prove delivery of the required 10% biodiversity net gain (BNG).
Inset: Christine Grant who was treated for ovarian cancer | Above: The hospital entrance | Photos © RUH
The centre was being developed with health professionals from the RUH
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Plans move forward for two new SEND schools in Bath
PLANS to create two new schools for children and young people needing specialist support in Bath & North East Somerset have moved a step closer.
The council says rising demand for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision has led it to press ahead with proposals aimed at expanding local support and cutting the need for costly placements outside the area.
Under the plans, the local authority wants to establish a 120-place special free school at the Culverhay site in Bath. It is also seeking funding for an Alternative Provision free school at Abbot Alphege Academy in Lansdown.
At present, 28 secondary pupils receive Alternative Provision education at the Lansdown site. If approved, that number would rise to 55 places for both primary and secondary-age children by September 2027.
The authority has submitted its proposals to the Department for Education after councils across the country were invited to apply for new free schools. Free schools are state-funded, non-profit independent schools that are free to attend but are not run by local authorities. The council says keeping children and young people in education within Bath and North East
Primary's expansion creates 200 extra places
MORE than 200 extra school places have been created in Keynsham after a major expansion at St Keyna Primary School doubled the size of the site.
Bath & North East Somerset Council has invested £5.3 million in the project, which has increased the school to two-form entry and created capacity for 420 children.
The additional places are intended to help meet demand from new housing developments and population growth in the area.
The new building has now opened to pupils this term. Designed and built to Passivhaus standards, it is intended to deliver long-term savings on energy use and carbon emissions.
The council said the new teaching spaces offer more stable internal temperatures and improved acoustics, creating a more comfortable environment to support children’s learning.
The scheme has also brought wider changes to the school site, including landscaping works, a dipping pond, new outdoor play equipment, a new football pitch and a second pedestrian entrance at Kelston Road.
Funding for the project came from Basic Need Grant, Section 106 contributions and Community Infrastructure Levy money.
Councillor Paul May, cabinet member for children’s services, said: “It’s wonderful to see children enjoying their new learning spaces at St Keyna Primary.
“The opening of the expanded building is a positive moment for families in Keynsham, enabling more children to learn close to
home in a building designed around their needs.
“By investing in a highly energyefficient school, we’re showing our commitment not only to better long-term outcomes for children, but also to taking meaningful action on the climate emergency by reducing carbon emissions.”
An official opening ceremony is due to be held later this spring.
Sue McGrain, chair of governors, said: “We're delighted with our new building. It's a lovely environment for the children to learn in, as it has been finished beautifully with a lot of thought given to aesthetic qualities.
“Because it has been built to Passivhaus standards, we're looking forward to low energy bills which will allow us to spend more of our income directly on the children.
“We're also very excited about the developments to the grounds, which will provide even more opportunities for the children to play, relax and learn in the outdoor environment.”
The scheme was designed by Quattro Design Architects of Gloucester, with Bath-based H Mealing & Sons completing the nine-month construction programme. Method Consulting, Curtins and Zero Energy were also part of the design team.
Somerset wherever possible remains a key priority.
It says strengthening local provision would improve outcomes for families while also easing pressure on budgets by reducing reliance on out-of-area placements.
Councillor Paul May, cabinet member for children’s services, said: “Providing a local specialist school as part of wider work to transform SEND support in Bath & North East Somerset, not only avoids long distances for children and their families to have to travel but also in the longer term reduces costs to the authority.
“We have put the Culverhay site forward to the DfE for development and as part of that we also want to expand Alternative Provision at our Abbot Alphege school which has the capacity to take more students
rather than as first proposed on the Culverhay site.
“However, we are realistic about the challenges ahead. Special school places are urgently needed, and while we welcome DfE progress, we remain cautious about the timescales involved.
“We will continue to press the DfE for clarity and pace so that families see the benefits as soon as possible.”
The council has now formally submitted its decision to the Department for Education and is waiting to hear from the Secretary of State for Education on whether the plans will be approved and when work on the special free school can begin.
Residents, parents and other stakeholders have been written to, and the council says further updates will be shared once more information is available.
University renews backing for Bath Safe Bus with £10k sponsorship
BATH Spa University has renewed its sponsorship of the Bath Safe Bus, providing £10,000 to help the city centre service continue supporting people on nights out in Bath. The initiative offers a safe space for anyone needing help while in the city on Friday and Saturday evenings, and has become a regular part of Bath’s nighttime economy since launching in 2023.
Run by the Bath Business Improvement District (Bath BID), the Safe Bus is based outside Orange Grove every Friday and Saturday from 10.30pm until 4am.
It provides a non-judgemental space for students and residents who may be lost, vulnerable or in need of support.
The multi-award-winning project is staffed by medical professionals, security, and volunteers from Suicide Prevention UK and the Bath City Pastors.
Alongside first aid and mental health support, it also offers tea, coffee, food, phone chargers, sexual health products, period products and spare clothing. Bath Spa University said the sponsorship would help the service continue its work supporting students and the wider community, while also easing pressure on the NHS.
Senior Pro Vice-Chancellor Rebecca Schaaf said: “Our continued support for the Bath Safe Bus reflects BSU’s commitment to working as a civic partner to enhance safety, wellbeing, and inclusion across the city. By investing in initiatives like this, we are helping to create an environment where students
can thrive, feel confident in their surroundings, and remain connected to a supportive network both on campus and in the wider community.”
The university has also supported awareness of the initiative through its annual Freshers’ Fair, where the Bath Safe Bus appears alongside Avon and Somerset Police and Operation Bluestone, which tackles sexual violence.
Students at the university have also played a role in promoting the project. Media Communications students Daisy Muchmore and Pippa Green worked with the Bath Safe Bus team to create a six-minute film highlighting the impact of the service, which is now featured on the initiative’s website.
Director of Campus Life Liz Eyles said: “The Bath Safe Bus plays a vital role in helping our students feel safe and supported while enjoying evenings in the city.
“Feeling safe is fundamental to a positive student experience,
and with 32% of students telling us they feel safer knowing the Safe Bus is there, renewing our sponsorship was a priority.
“It also reflects our commitment to working with partners across Bath to create a welcoming and supportive nighttime environment for students and residents.”
Nick Bishop, Bath BID and Safe and Secure BCRP manager, welcomed the renewed support.
He said: “We are extremely grateful to Bath Spa University for their support and sponsorship of the Bath Safe Bus.
“Keeping students safe and ensuring they get home safely after enjoying Bath’s nightlife is at the heart of what we do, and it’s fantastic to see BSU recognise the value of this work.
“Their ongoing support allows us to continue providing a welcoming ‘safe space’ for anyone who needs it, ensuring they feel cared for before heading home or back to campus.”
The former Culverhay site, which became Bath Community Academy
The Bath Safe Bus at Bath Spa University
Photo © B&NES Council
Controversial TV screen on top of Bath Press sales suite can stay
Becky Feather Reporter
A PLANNING inspector has upheld a developer’s appeal to keep the controversial 88-inch TV advertising screen it erected without permission next to a busy crossroads in Bath.
Last August, we reported that City & Country had been refused retrospective advertising consent for the screen on top of the sales suite at the Bath Press site, which is being redeveloped for housing.
Bath & North East Somerset Council officers said it could pose a hazard for motorists at the junction where Windsor Bridge Road, Brook Road and Lower Bristol Road converge.
They also said the backlit changing video and imagery was “at odds” with historic architecture nearby and “would not reflect high quality and traditional Georgian townscape, the landscape setting of the city or the carefully managed nature of the overall urban environment.”
The impact on nearby homes was also a concern.
The developer lodged an appeal with the Secretary of State last October, and submitted a
second advertisement consent application to the council which included some changes to reduce the screen’s potential impact.
The council rejected that application too on the grounds of public safety and amenity.
In granting permission for the TV to stay, the inspector said roadside advertisements are a common urban feature and although visible from many surrounding windows, as well as from the street, the TV screen is “small scale” in its overall context.
“Overall, I consider that the television display, illuminated and controlled as proposed, alone or cumulatively with other associated advertising, would have no adverse effect on the Bath World Heritage Sites and would avoid undue harm to the environmental amenity of the area surrounding the appeal site.”
They added: “I accept that this signalised junction generates a relatively complex range of vehicle stopping and turning movements, with several pedestrian and cycle crossing points.
“However, given the intensely urban surrounding environment and generally modest traffic speeds, I consider overall that
Proposed padel courts divide local opinion
Becky Feather Reporter
THE planning application for five outdoor padel courts off Station Road in Bathampton has sparked a huge response. There have been more than 170 comments of support and more than 80 objections.
There is currently nowhere to play the sport in Bath, with previous attempts thwarted over noise concerns.
Applicant Smash Padel has said the site is next to railway tracks, where noise levels are already substantial, and the proposal will not adversely affect people living nearby.
On its website the company has been encouraging people to support the application. But objectors say the applicant has been misleading, including saying that it is a "redundant commercial site” and the impact on local roads will be minimal.
One says: “The village is already a rat run to bypass the London Road; this development will add congestion.
“Tyning Road and neighbouring roads are narrow and the primary school is close by. This
the concentration of road users negotiating the junction is most likely to be focused on negotiating the junction in safety.
“I therefore judge that any degree of distraction due changing images on the disputed television display is unlikely to be significant.”
The inspector granted permission with conditions that between 4pm and 8am the advertisement will only display a static image to ensure an acceptable impact on road safety, and won’t exceed luminance of 400 candela per square metre.
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development will constrict traffic at a key pinch point.
“The noise made by padel rackets is awful and this will have a terrible noise pollution effect on the neighbouring house and primary school, and the noise will reverberate through the village.
“This development will have a profound effect on an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.”
Comments of support include:
“Current options to play padel in this area are distant, meaning expensive private travel options which alienates many and creates an imbalance of opportunity.
Obviously the location means that any concern over noise can be mitigated anyway.”
Comments have now closed.
The council is due to make a decision by 1st June.
Holiday let plans for empty student flats
Becky Feather Reporter are submitted to expand the use of the building to include short-term holiday lets for this academic year only, after which the building will revert to its intended use as purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA).
THERE are plans to let out 23 self-contained studio apartments in a student block in Bath to tourists.
The application for Hollis Wharf at Lower Bristol Road in Twerton has been lodged with Bath & North East Somerset Council by the Alumno Group.
The proposal has arisen as the 120-unit building is only partially occupied by Bath Spa University students due to “significant construction delays” which impacted on the completion of the scheme before the start of the 2025/6 academic year.
The application proposals
The application says: “This will alleviate both cost and efficiency implications arising from the existing under-occupancy.” It adds: “To maintain a reasonable degree of separation between the students and guests booking short-term studio accommodation, the programming of electronic access keys will be adjusted.”
The planning reference is 26/00700/FUL.
The deadline for any comments is Saturday 11th April.
New private operator to take over council-run Keynsham car park
Becky Feather Reporter
A PRIVATE operator is to take over the running of one of Bath & North East Somerset Council’s car parks in Keynsham from the start of April.
The council has leased the Ashton Way East car park from the landowner for several years. It currently has a maximum stay of four hours.
Charges apply Monday to Saturday, and it is free to park there on Sundays.
Councillor Alan Hale, Independent ward councillor for Keynsham South, announced on Facebook on 13th March: “Bath & North East Somerset Council leases the small third partyowned car park at Ashton Way East behind Costa on the slope, which provides fewer than 30 short-stay spaces and contributes only marginally to the town centre’s overall parking capacity, less than 5%.
“The landowner is seeking to substantially increase the annual rent, with indications that competing interest from a private parking operator may drive this higher.
“The council is unable to support the proposed significant price rise, as it would make the site commercially unviable and a net financial liability to the council.”
Councillor Joel Hirst, cabinet member for sustainable transport strategy at B&NES Council, said: “From 1st April the council is not operating the 30-space Ashton Way East short-stay car park in Keynsham, which is owned by a private landlord.
“We’re reminding drivers that more than 680 spaces remain
available across the seven council-run car parks in the town, including 30 minutes’ free parking in the green bays at Ashton Way car park opposite. “Signage will go up on the car park nearer the time and you can find more details about councilrun car parks on our website.”
A spokesman for the landowners confirmed to the Echo that the car park will remain open after 1st April, but will be operated by Euro Car Parks with similar pricing.
The Ashton Way East car park
The Hollis Wharf building | Photo © Ben Dale
The screen at the Bath Press site
Padel is becoming very popular
Politics Planning Round-up
‘Day of action’ over social worker restructuring
Wimperis Local Democracy Reporter
A SECOND council meeting in Bath has been interrupted by the sound of “angry but determined” social workers protesting outside.
Thursday 19th March - dubbed a “day of action” by trade union Unison - saw some Bath & North East Somerset Council social workers take strike action and hold a picket outside offices at Keynsham Civic Centre.
In the evening, a huge protest of social workers gathered outside Bath Guildhall where the councillors were attending a full council meeting.
Inside the council chamber, councillors had to turn up the volume on their microphones to be heard above the sound of the protest, which had relocated to the back of the Guildhall below the council chamber’s windows when the meeting began.
It followed a similar protest which took place during a council scrutiny committee on 9th March discussing the changes to children’s social care.
Two separate issues have led industrial relations between the council and staff working in its children’s social care department to a low point. Team managers and deputy team managers in the department have been in dispute with the council after pay regrading put them on the same level as some of the staff they manage.
Original plans for an 11-day strike were suspended after a council offer, but team managers and deputy team managers later voted unanimously to strike for a single day of action on 19th March.
A Unison spokesperson said: “This dispute has never been solely about pay. It is about our progression, a workable and safe structure, and the ability to retain
skilled and experienced staff.”
At the same time, many social workers and children’s services staff received letters telling them their role would be deleted as part of a major restructure of the department planned by the council - sparking the protests outside the Guildhall.
Social workers have told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that the restructure will reduce their capacity to do the vital work they do; from early intervention to supporting foster parents.
The restructure is partly driven by the government’s “families first” social work reforms, which require the creation of new multi-disciplinary family help teams so that families experience fewer changes in social workers. But this means reducing or completely deleting existing teams, such as the council’s Connecting Families team.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service understands that five people in the children’s social care department are at risk of redundancy, while all other staff should be able to continue working in the children’s services department - although this may mean having to move into a different role in a different team.
The word “deleted” comes from the technical language around consulting on redundancies and refers to job roles being removed,
even if replaced.
The council meeting on 19th March heard public statements from two foster carers, addressing it as public speakers, who warned that reducing the amount of staff who supported them would push people away from fostering.
Green councillor for Lambridge Joanna Wright also criticised the plans.
She told councillors: “It appears to me, as a corporate parent, that the frontline staff delivering for us are completely demoralised and disillusioned by the way B&NES senior management and the Lib Dem cabinet has decided to implement culture change.
“There needs to be real and meaningful consultation; all parties need to rebuild trust before any new systems are considered and implemented.”
The Labour opposition on the council want to see the process halted and restarted.
Labour group leader Robin Moss told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “Staff are saying that they want the process to start again.
“We are agreeing with them.
There is time to stop, take a breath, restart, and bring the staff on board through the restructure process.”
A Unison spokesperson said: “The large demonstration on Thursday was a testament to how
strongly workers and the wider community feel about this issue.
“Senior leadership had tried to dismiss the union’s concerns as ‘a few loud voices’ - we demonstrated conclusively that there are far more than just a few angry about this!
“The atmosphere at the protest was angry but determined. We are grateful to everyone who came out to support us, including the foster carers who gave such moving testimonies.”
In a statement ahead of the strike day, Bath & North East Somerset Council said it was “disappointed” that it was going ahead.
A spokesperson said: “The council greatly values its children’s team managers and deputy team managers and has worked hard to explore options to avoid industrial action, including holding extensive talks at ACAS with these colleagues. We remain at the negotiating table to find a solution. Children and families are the priority for all of us and to that end we want to work through this to come to a resolution.”
They added: “We need to be clear that the strike is about pay for a specific group of staff and is separate to a children’s services restructure consultation where we are looking at proposals to improve services for children and families.
“We are currently consulting with 350 staff on the best way to do this. While no decisions have been made yet, the current proposals have put five members of staff at risk of redundancy.
“The 45-day consultation period is there to ensure we hear views from staff about the best way to deliver reforms that we believe will deliver better results for children and young people across Bath & North East Somerset.
“We welcome staff members’ engagement with the consultation to help us make the best possible decisions.”
Council approves culture plan to widen access
BATH & North East Somerset Council has approved a new plan aimed at using culture to improve wellbeing, support communities, grow the creative economy and strengthen the visitor experience across the district.
The Cultural Development Plan sets out how culture can play a bigger role in bringing people together in Bath, Keynsham, the Somer Valley and rural communities, while also helping ensure opportunities are spread more widely across the area. Council leader Kevin Guy said the strategy was intended to make culture more accessible and to provide practical support for important organisations across
the district.
He said: “Culture shapes the places we live, supports our wellbeing and brings communities together. This plan will help to ensure that more culture happens in more places across our district for the benefit of all our residents.
“It sets out a clear and practical commitment to working with partners, organisations and residents to ensure culture is accessible to everyone –wherever they live in the district –and means that some of our most important cultural organisations will get the support they need to prosper.
“By investing in our cultural infrastructure and celebrating
the creativity and heritage that make our area distinctive, we are preparing for the future and creating opportunities for all.”
The plan was drawn up after consultation with more than 60 local cultural organisations and individuals.
It also points to closer working with the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, Visit West, museums, libraries, community groups and the wider creative sector. Alongside the new cultural strategy, the council has also set out a new Heritage Services Business Plan, detailing how the service will respond to difficult economic conditions.
Measures include attracting more international visitors through
Alterations proposed at country house
There are plans to carry out internal and external alterations to a Grade II country house near Bath. Listed building consent is being sought from Bath & North East Somerset Council for South Stoke Hall in Packhorse Lane, South Stoke. A structural opening is being proposed within an outside wall to improve access to the rear courtyard via new timber French doors. A programme of repairs to the rear courtyard and surrounding outbuildings is also proposed. The planning reference is 26/00553/LBA and the deadline for comments is 25th April.
Works at city centre pub get the go-ahead
Pub chain Fuller’s has been granted listed building consent to carry out alterations at the Crystal Palace at Abbey Green in the city centre, removing the small modern bar in the entrance lobby and replacing it with a freestanding waiter station and partition. The pub dates from around 1820 and is Grade II listed. Bath & North East Somerset Council planners said the pub's interior has undergone a range of modern alterations and removing the existing bar unit and installing a glazed timberpanelled partition and door will not harm the building’s character and appearance.
Repair proposals for fire-damaged building
travel-trade partnerships and encouraging more domestic trips.
Heritage Services, which runs the Roman Baths, generates significant income for the council, with that money used to support vulnerable people across Bath and North East Somerset.
The service also says community engagement will remain a priority, with health and wellbeing, learning and volunteering opportunities continuing as part of its work.
Supporting the wider programme, Heritage Services has also produced a new Sustainability Action Plan setting out how it will respond to the climate and ecological emergencies.
Plans to repair a fire-damaged listed building near Bath Abbey have been submitted to Bath & North East Somerset Council. Listed building consent is being sought at 8 Abbey Church Yard for the erection of scaffolding so that repairs and reinstatement works can be carried out. Last summer the Grade II listed building suffered fire and subsequent water damage from damping down the flames. A portion of the roof has been lost, leaving the top floor exposed to the elements except for tarpaulin sheeting. In its current condition, the site is said to be causing a negative impact on the World Heritage Site and Bath Conservation Area. The planning reference is 26/00477/LBA. The deadline for comments is 10th April.
Bathwick home office plan approved
Plans to install a home office in the rear garden of 20 Bathwick Street in Bathwick have been approved. The cedar-clad building will be sited at the very rear of the garden of the Grade II listed property which is part of a terrace of 10 houses by Thomas Baldwin. Bath & North East Somerset Council planners agreed that the development is appropriate in the location and will preserve the character and appearance of the surrounding area.
John
The official picket outside Keynsham Civic Centre | Photo © Unison B&NES
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Brilliant Bath storm back from 10-0 down to run Saracens ragged
Richard Briggs Reporter
WHAT a comeback. Trailing 10-0 after an indifferent opening few minutes, Bath Rugby recovered in sensational style to blitz Saracens, return to the top of the Gallagher PREM –albeit for one day – and send out a message to their title rivals.
The Blue, Black & White’s ninetry display earned them a 62-15 victory in the Round 11 clash at The Rec on Friday 20th March. The first few minutes apart, Bath made a scintillating performance. But as in the match against Sarries in London in November, Bath found themselves facing a double-figure deficit early on.
The guests’ first try last Friday was so early in the match that the smoke from the pre-match fireworks had not cleared when Lucio Cinti released Tobias Elliot to go over in the right corner from 22 metres, Owen Farrell converting.
Saracens extended their advantage to 10-0 when Farrell kicked a penalty in the 13th minute.
But, in front of another capacity crowd of 14,509, Bath wiped out the arrears within eight minutes.
Ollie Lawrence set up Will Muir for a close-range try in the left corner in the 16th minute. Finn Russell converted.
And the impressive Josh Bayliss bulldozed his way over from 20 metres on the left for a 21stminute try. Russell obliged from the tee.
Alfie Barbeary scored Bath’s third try, touching down on the right following a line-out drive in the
25th minute. Russell majored. Sarries’ final points came in the 29th minute, Elliot scoring in the right corner following a lofted pass by Farrell.
But Bath found themselves 31-15 up by the break.
A 70-metre interception try under the posts by Henry Arundell in the 38th minute earned them a bonus point, Russell kicking the extras.
And with the clock in the red, Russell landed a penalty.
The hosts extended their lead in the 50th minute, when Ben Spencer seized the loose ball and surged 48 metres before touching down in the right corner. Russell’s conversion attempt drifted wide.
Bath head of rugby Johann van Graan brought on seven of his replacements in the 53rd minute.
And one of them, Kepu Tuipulotu, charged through from 10 metres from a maul for a try on the right within two minutes of his arrival.
Russell converted.
The closest Saracens came to further points was when Eroni Mawi was held up two minutes later. But they were reduced to 14 men in the 62nd minute, when
Bath took advantage to take their points tally to 50 shortly afterwards, Max Ojomoh releasing Arundell 40 metres out for a sprint to the line down the left in the 65th minute and Russell slotting the extras. The hosts’ penultimate try came in the 73rd minute. Russell took possession just short of the Bath 22 and dashed along the right, releasing Arundell 12 metres into Saracens’ half. Arundell made 20 metres before hoisting the ball to Lawrence. And with the try line at his mercy, Lawrence slipped the ball to Guy Pepper to dot down by the posts from short range. Russell converted.
Bernard van der Linde completed Bath’s try-scoring. He grabbed the loose ball just inside their half, hurtled upfield and dived over in the right corner, Russell sending the conversion wide.
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How Bath look after players makes van Graan proud
Richard Briggs Reporter
JOHANN van Graan is proud of the way that Bath Rugby look after not just their players, but also their players’ families.
At the club’s press conference following the 62-15 home win over Saracens in Gallagher PREM Round 11 on Friday 20th March, van Graan – the Blue, Black & White’s head of rugby – said:
“We as a club made a conscious decision three-and-a-half years ago that you need to look after people.
“For me, it’s important that Thomas [du Toit] gets five weeks [off earlier in 2026] – nobody said he needs the five weeks –but in my view, because he and Santi [Carreras] had such a long season, you want to look after them and their families, and you want to give guys ample time to plan.
“I’ve been in contact with all the players during the [Guinness] Six Nations, and everybody’s different with different needs.
“Louie Hennessey [who played for Wales in the Six Nations] had this week away and he’ll be back in next week.
“Each player is a bit different.
“If you look at how our games fell, I had to make certain decisions.
“We play Sale [Sharks on Sunday 29th March], so some guys will be involved next week, some guys won’t be involved against Saracens in the [Investec Champions Cup] Round of 16 [on Saturday 4th April] and some
guys will have a bit of a bigger break now.
“But I think it’s nice for players and their partners to know that they can actually plan for something and spend some time with your kids away. And I think that’s the way that we’ve got to go as a sport.
“We’ve got to look after players and their families, and I’m really proud of the way that we do it at the club.
“And there’s… let’s call it the ruling, that a player has to have time off. We don’t see it that way.
“Every [international] player whether he’s played one minute or like Finn [Russell] has played every single game, will have some time away.
“I think that’s one of the reasons why we’re a club that people like to play because we look after players and their families.”
Asked whether the hammering of Saracens will have any bearing on the sides’ meeting on 4th April, van Graan said: “I don’t think so because it’s a different competition.
“We’ll play in the sun and it’s going to be a different referee, the pressure of a knockout game.
“It’s the Champions Cup – when you run out, the song is different. And the reward is very different.
“If you get through the next one, one team will go through to a European quarter-final, something that we as a club haven’t done for a very, very long time. Tonight’s game will have nothing to do with that game, and I think Europe is such a special competition.
Life after Way begins with yet another loss for Romans
Richard Briggs Reporter
THE new era at Bath City started in similar fashion to the ending of the Darren Way period –with another failure to win an Enterprise National League South game.
Way was axed as the Romans’ boss on Sunday 22nd March, having masterminded only one victory in his final 15 league matches at the helm – a run that included nine defeats.
With academy manager James Moon placed in interim charge for the home game against promotion-chasing Hemel Hempstead Town on Tuesday 24th March, relegationthreatened City slumped to a 3-0 reverse.
Bath are now 12 league games without a win, their last success
coming against Worthing on Saturday 24th January.
With fellow strugglers Enfield Town beating Dover Athletic 3-1 on Tuesday, City have been pushed down to penultimate spot in the standings, seven points adrift of Farnborough –who occupy the last of the ‘safe’ positions – and now with only one game in hand on the Hampshire outfit.
However, Bath almost took a 33rd-minute lead against Hemel, the on-fire Scott Wilson having a shot cleared off the line.
And Ollie Tomlinson went close seven minutes later, his effort – after Alex Fisher headed on a long throw by Dan Greenslade –forcing a point-blank save from the Hertfordshire club’s keeper Michael Johnson.
The Tudors rode their luck to go in front in the 45th minute of a match watched by a crowd of
1,091, George Williams firing past home custodian Harvey WilesRichards.
Isiah Noel-Williams made it 2-0 five minutes into the second half, prodding home from a goalmouth scramble, and Mauro Vilhete headed against a Bath post four minutes later. It was no surprise when Hemel scored again, Remaye Campbell drilling past replacement gloveman Charlie Binns from long range in the 81st minute. City fans took to social media after the final whistle, expressing their frustration at the result with comments such as “crushed” and “final nail in the coffin”.
Bath: Harvey Wiles-Richards (Charlie Binns, 55), Dan Greenslade, Ollie Tomlinson (Reubin Sheppard, 46), Kieran Parselle, Jordan Alves, Scott Wilson (Brad Ash, 62), Alex Fisher (Louis Sweeten, 82), Luke
Russe (Owen Pritchard, 36), Owen Windsor, Jaiden Putman, Josh Laqeretabua. Unused subs: Moses Alexander-Walker, Donovan Wilson.
Meanwhile, Way was out of work for only 48 hours as on Tuesday afternoon he was announced as a new part of the coaching staff at Bath’s National League South
rivals Torquay United.
A statement from the Gulls described the former Yeovil Town manager as “a much-respected coach with a strong track record in promoting young talent”. Way’s first experience of a game with the Devonians was later on Tuesday, Torquay holding table-topping guests Dorking Wanderers 2-2.
The 46-year-old will remain at Plainmoor until the end of the campaign.
Bath’s Saturday-Tuesday schedule in the league continues over the next week, with a visit to bottom club Eastbourne Borough on Saturday 28th March (3pm) and a trip to high-fliers Maidenhead United on Tuesday 31st March (7.45pm). Find
Theo Dan was sent to the sin bin.
Bath Rugby resumed Gallagher PREM action with a statement win over Saracens here at The Rec on Friday 20th March | Photo © Richard Briggs
Scott Wilson – here on the ball against Horsham – had a shot cleared off the line | Photo © Simon Howe
Inconsistent Larks concede double to relegation-threatened Brixham
Richard Briggs Reporter
LARKHALL Athletic’s inconsistent spell continued with a 1-0 home defeat by relegation-threatened Brixham in Pitching In Southern League Division One South on Saturday 21st March.
After beating Exmouth Town on Saturday 17th January for their fifth victory on the trot, the Larks’ results have been loss, draw, win, loss, win, loss, win, loss.
The clash with the Fishermen was the first time that Athletic had failed to score since they were thrashed 5-0 at Hartpury on Saturday 24th January.
A crowd of 178 at the Camella Stadium saw Brixham complete the double over the Larks thanks to Cole Harford’s goal just before half-time.
The hosts were well on top after the break but the visitors from Torbay did their chances of beating the trapdoor a big boost by hanging on for three points. Although the result was not
enough to lift Brixham out of the drop zone, it was their fourth victory on the trot, following wins over Melksham Town, Bideford and Westbury United.
Larkhall starting XI: Liam Armstrong, Jack Goodall, Spencer Dymond-Hall, Ewan McMillan, Lewis Graham, Jack Camm, Milo Murgatroyd, Sam Tisdale, Dawid Regula, Harvey Pritchard, Freddie King.
The Larks will face two more of the lowly sides over the next few days – and they will be piling on the miles to do it.
They will travel to Cornish outfit Falmouth Town on Saturday 28th March (3pm) and then go to bottom club Tavistock, from West Devon, on Tuesday 31st March (7.45pm).
Larkhall Athletic Development remain in the hunt for the Corsham Print Wiltshire Senior League Premier Division championship, thanks to a 3-1 win at struggling Bemerton Heath Harlequins Reserves on 21st March.
The Larks created good chances in the first half but had to wait until the 35th minute to break
the deadlock. Matty Morris was fouled in the penalty box and James Horrocks converted the resulting spot-kick.
James Okell then hit a post for the travellers, who were pegged back right on the interval when Tom Feest headed in for the Salisburybased Harlequins.
Two goals in the space of two minutes around the hour decided the contest.
Tobias Little headed in following a corner to make it 2-1 to Larkhall – and then Ben Wickens set up Okell for a simple tap-in.
Kit Bond, the Larks’ keeper, made a fine save late on. But the Plain Ham outfit were well worth three points.
The Devs will take a break from Premier Division action on 28th March when they take on their Swindon Supermarine counterparts at the Camella Stadium in the league’s Fountain Trophies Senior Cup semi-finals (3pm).
The other last-four encounter, between the reserve sides of Melksham Town and Calne Town, will be played on Wednesday 8th April.
City women romp to second successive win
Richard Briggs Reporter
BATH City Women took their goal tally to 11 from two matches when they overwhelmed visitors Cirencester Town Ladies on Sunday 22nd March.
The Romans hammered the Gloucestershire outfit 5-1 at the Cannon Clarke Stadium @ Twerton Park to chalk up their eighth victory of the season in Shield Services Group South West Regional Women’s League Division One North.
The latest success moved City above Cirencester in the table and followed Bath’s 6-0 crushing of Paulton Rovers Ladies the previous weekend in the Somerset Women’s Junior Cup semi-finals.
City broke the deadlock against the Talent Hire Stadium club in the 25th minute, Maddy Brown setting up Adella Clarke to fire home from just inside the penalty box.
It was 2-0 in 36th minute, when Brown beat Cirencester keeper
Ellie Law after Beth Edwards headed the ball on.
However, Town pulled one back in the 52nd minute, Lani Dickinson providing the assist for Shannon King to chip City keeper Lucy Clay.
Bath raised their game and it was no surprise when they made it 3-1 in the 58th minute, Clarke and Brown doing the groundwork and Edwards applying the finish. An 18-yarder from Phoebe Wall – following a Bex Fry cross –extended the lead in the 66th minute.
City completed the rout when Clarke drilled the ball past Law with 12 minutes to go. Bath starting XI: Lucy Clay, Phoebe Walls, Abby Gray, Tara Taylor, Maddy Brown, Adella Clarke, Nell Bloomfield, Rosie Burridge, Erin Duffy, Sophie Storey, Beth Edwards.
The Romans will visit Bitton on Sunday 29th March in the MJM League Cup semi-finals (2pm).
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Team Bath make leaders work hard for their win
Richard Briggs Reporter
TEAM Bath gave the NXT Gen League leaders a tough evening but suffered a gallant narrow defeat on Friday 20th March.
In front of an 800-strong crowd at Team Bath Arena, the Blue & Gold were beaten 65-59 by Loughborough Lightning – their sixth defeat in seven outings this season.
The East Midlanders have secured victory in six of their seven matches. But Team Bath restricted them to their narrowest winning margin this year.
Loughborough led 17-14 at the end of the first quarter. But the Blue & Gold took the honours 1918 in the second quarter to trail only 35-33 at half-time. Lighting had extended the gap to 50-46 by the end of the third quarter.
And by also winning the fourth quarter 15-13, they ended up prevailing by six goals – despite the hosts converting their highest number of Super Shot attempts
so far.
Excellent shooting from Lucy Herdman and key turnovers from most valuable player Sophie Siffre kept the Blue & Gold in contention.
The match proved a memorable return to action for Siffre, who had missed the past five months through injury but played the full 60 minutes at GK.
Mid-courter Ellie Ervine returned after six weeks out and defender Orla Farrelly once again stepped up from the NXT Gen Development Squad to fine effect following her impressive debut against LexisNexis Dragons on Friday 13th March.
The Blue & Gold fell one goal short of picking up a losing bonus point but felt there were lots of positives to take from their performance.
Team Bath starting seven: GK Sophie Siffre, GD Lottie Robinson, WD Poppy Tydeman, C Becca Hinkins, WA Saskia Lea, GA Lucy Herdman, GS Lily Jones. Team Bath impact players: Lucy Button, Daisy Collett, Ellie Ervine, Orla Farrelly, Ellen Morgan.
Walcot players are humbled in table-top tie
Richard
Briggs Reporter
WALCOT suffered bitter disappointment in their massive clash with Sherborne on Saturday 21st March. The sides went into the Counties 1 Tribute Ale Southern South match at Albert Field locked on 72 points at the top of the table, but the Dorset All Blacks holding pole position thanks to a vastly superior points difference.
and-go – extended the advantage to 10 points.
However, Sherborne stung Walcot almost immediately with a free-flowing try that was converted.
Play became fast and furious as the sides fought for dominance. Scrums and line-outs were won equally.
However, Sherb romped to a 6815 victory in Lansdown to open up a five-point lead – effectively six points, due to that overwhelming points difference – over secondplaced Walcot with four rounds of matches to go.
Of course the Black & Whites are by no means out of contention for the title – but they will be hoping third-placed Devizes can do them a big favour on Saturday 28th March by winning at Gainsborough Park. That match is by far the toughest, on paper at least, of Sherborne’s remaining fixtures.
Walcot started the brighter of the two teams in the big battle. Captain Ed Harris gathered the ball from the kick-off and made huge inroads into the heart of the travellers’ defence, encouraging his team-mates to follow.
Scrum-half Jonah Edwards kicked the resulting won ruck ball into space in the Sherb 22, from which a series of phases and a pre-set move from a scrum saw fly-half Alex Barnsley score a well-taken try that was converted by Cameron Hamer.
Soon a penalty from Edwards –awarded for the Dorset All Blacks not retreating from a quick tap-
From a goal-line clearance by the guests, Walcot’s Gabe Moore set off on a wide run that ended with him touching down for their final points of the day.
Sherb turned the screw and scored two more converted tries to lead 21-15 at half-time.
And the guests controlled the second period, running the ball at every opportunity and splitting open the home defence time after time.
A Walcot spokesman said: “It was beautiful to watch as Sherborne’s influential number 8 ushered and inspired his boys to rack up the points at regular intervals.
“It was Sherborne’s day today as they continued their push for promotion.
“They’re obviously well equipped to do well next season and we can only learn from this salutary experience as we seek to climb to a higher league ourselves.
“Referee Angus Macintyre, from the Oxford Society of Referees, had a very good game, along with assessor and old friend Martin Bath and took no nonsense as he yellowed a player from each side to maintain good order and ensure an enjoyable day for all.”
Sherborne completed an emphatic double over Walcot this season, as they were 59-12 winners when the teams met at Gainsborough Park in November.
Photo
© Jon Taylor
Across: 1 Traps, 4 Newspaper, 10 Shop, 11 Negatively, 12 Nail file, 13 Length, 14 Astronomer, 17 Eros, 19 Elsa, 21 Benefitted, 24 Adapts, 26 Balinese, 27 Debasement, 28 Ne'er, 29 Footsteps, 30 Aside.
Down: 2 Rehearsal, 3 Popular, 5 Eagle, 6 Settler, 7 Advance, 8 Eilat, 9 Indian, 15 Owe, 16 Eve, 18 Overspend, 20 Asphalt, 21 Busiest, 22 Fall to, 23 Tenants, 25 Diego, 26 Bleep.
Sunday 29th March – 3pm
Rugby v Sale Sharks (Away) Gallagher PREM – R12
Saturday 4th April – 3pm
Rugby v Saracens (Home) Investec Champions Cup – R5
Saturday 28th March – 3pm Bath City v Eastbourne Borough (Away) League
Sunday 29th March – 2pm Bath Women v Bitton (Away) League Cup SF
Tuesday 31st March – 7.45pm Bath City v Maidenhead United (Away) League
Friday 3rd April – 3pm Bath City v Chippenham Town (Home) League
Monday 6th April – 3pm Bath City v Torquay United (Away) League Bath City FC Bath Rugby
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Bath’s Sophie Siffre, left, most valuable player in the match with Loughborough Lightning, is congratulated by her team-mates | Photo © Luke Minett