Bath Echo - Issue 131 - 05/06/2026

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

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ISSN 2632-7805 The Bath Echo is regulated by IMPRESS: The Independent Monitor for the Press CIC. We adhere to the Standards Code adopted by IMPRESS, and can only deal with complaints which relate to an alleged breach of the standards set out in this Code. You can find out more about the code on the IMPRESS website: www.impressorg.com If you believe we have breached this code, you can make a complaint to us regarding it. For more information, please visit: www.bathecho.co.uk/complaints/

Local Democracy Reporter

A SECOND attempt to get planning permission to build hundreds of homes on the southern edge of Bath has failed to impress locals.

The Hignett Family Trust’s plan to build 290 more homes on fields in Combe Down, known as the South Stoke Plateau, was refused planning permission in 2024, after a huge public backlash.

Now the developers have submitted a new planning application for the “beautiful new addition to the city of Bath”, scaled back to just 200 homes.

But the plans have failed to impress, with locals warning that the developers have not learnt the lessons of why their first plan was turned down.

More than 120 people have already lodged objections to the plan with Bath & North East Somerset Council. Just three people registered their support.

“There are still too many houses in the application which will lead to more traffic congestion around the area of the A367 roundabout near the Odd Down Park and Ride,” warned Karen Holman.

Another commenter warned there were already frequent road rage incidents at the notoriously

congested roundabout at the southern end of the city.

Timothy Simmons said: “This proposal remains inappropriate for the area. It is too big and ruins the vista of an AONB [Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty] which will be lost forever to future generations.”

The homes would be the next phase of the Sulis Down development, the first phase of which is the new build estate near Odd Down Park & Ride.

These homes would be built on the fields on the other side of Sulis Manor, with a road through the manor grounds connecting them.

Councillors voted 7-1 to refuse planning permission for the original plans at a packed meeting of the council’s planning committee in 2024.

The Hignett Family Trust appealed to the Planning Inspectorate but it sided with the council, judging that there would be an adverse effect on the Cotswolds National Landscape (previously the Cotswolds AONB).

The developers say they have reduced the heights of the houses in response, but locals say it is not enough.

Lodging an objection, William Taylor said: “There is little evidence that the current

Protestors outside Bath Guildhall | Photo © Jamie Bellinger

proposal has addressed those concerns in any meaningful way, and simply reducing the number of dwellings does not resolve the fundamental issue of site suitability.”

Kate Himsworth-Razeghi wrote: “What has been submitted is not a meaningfully revised proposal; it is a modestly scaledback version of a development that was already found to cause unacceptable harm. The council correctly refused the predecessor application. It must reach the same conclusion here.”

Lodging a comment in support of the application, Hugh Pemberton said: “As a long-term regular voter and someone deeply concerned

by Bath’s housing shortage, I am not convinced by those objecting to this scheme which will, at

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

A

S you’ll have seen on the front page, and opposite on Page 3, there’s a new campaign being launched by Avon & Somerset Police to try and finally bring Melanie Hall’s killer to justice.

This crime has been in and out of the news for a fair proportion of our lives – 30 years next Tuesday.

I was the grand old age of three when Melanie went missing, and obviously, at that point in time it just passed me by.

But as the years progressed, and I became more aware of the case with fresh appeals, arrests and enquiries, it was the discovery of Melanie’s body in 2009 that really struck home.

This was obviously a good few

years before the Bath Echo was launched, but seeing all the news coverage, in print and on the television on BBC Points West and ITV West Country, and on national news, emphasises what a significant case this was not just for Melanie’s loved ones, friends, and those investigating, but for the whole city itself.

A young woman had gone out on a Saturday night in Bath and didn’t arrive home. Somebody knows what happened.

Even if the killer is no longer with us, it’s probable that someone in their family or a friend noticed something that just didn’t sit right following that night in June 1996, but couldn’t put their finger on it. Maybe they realised, but

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relatively little environmental cost and largely hidden from view, deliver a large number of houses close to good public transport links. I strongly support the application.”

Developers say the homes will be 40% affordable housing and include a “community hall”, village green, playground, and allotments.

The planning application states: “The vision for Sulis Down is to create a beautiful new addition to the city of Bath, bringing forward a very high quality, sustainable, landscape-led proposal where landscape, ecology, architecture and materials combine with beautifully-designed public spaces and streets.”

You can view and comment on the plans at https://bit.ly/4o5iPSf

Sebastian Hawker

promised they wouldn’t tell. Now’s the time to end the loyalty and make things right.

Three decades have passed without the killer being identified.

There hasn’t yet been the fortune there was with the Melanie Road case in which a familial DNA match revealed her killer 32 years later. But there is still hope. A partial DNA profile was discovered in 2016 on the rope used to bind Melanie’s body. That DNA could belong to the culprit, or somebody involved with the disposal of her body next to the M5.

The fresh campaign by Avon & Somerset Police, ‘Justice for Melanie’, could see people’s

memories being jogged.

A small nugget of information being remembered could prove the tipping point for this case. One small, seemingly insignificant, memory could be the missing jigsaw piece to finally reveal who Melanie’s killer is. Melanie was found in black bin liners tied with blue polypropylene rope.

Her clothes, handbag, jewellery, Midland cheque book and bank card weren’t located with her body, and there has been no information regarding where these items may have ended up.

If there’s one thing we can, and should, all do as a community, it’s come together and make sure justice is finally done for Melanie.

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Marks & Spencer

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Morrisons

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Prior Park Garden Centre

Prior Park Road, Bath, BA2 4NF

Royal United Hospital

The Atrium, RUH, Combe Park, Bath, BA1 3NG

Sainsbury’s (Green Park)

Green Park Station, Green Park Road, Bath, BA1 2DR

Sainsbury’s (Odd Down)

Frome Road, Bath, BA2 5RF

Tesco Express (Wellsway)

52 Wellsway, Bath, BA2 4SA

Tesco Express (Weston)

20 High Street, Upper Weston, Bath, BA1 4BX

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Issue 131

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Your City, Your News - Bath Echo

New campaign to bring Melanie's killer to justice A NEW campaign has been launched as Bath marks 30 years since Melanie Hall disappeared after a night out in the city, with detectives renewing their appeal for information they hope could finally solve her murder.

Melanie, who was 25 at the time, was last seen in the early hours of Sunday 9th June 1996 at the former Cadillacs nightclub in Walcot Street. Three decades later, her death remains one of the longest-running and most high-profile unsolved murder investigations ever carried out

by Avon & Somerset Police.

To coincide with the 30th anniversary of her disappearance, officers have announced the “Justice for Melanie” campaign, which aims to take people back to the atmosphere of June 1996 in the hope of triggering memories and prompting new information.

Police say the campaign is intended to transport people back

The e-fit released in January 2026

to the height of Cool Britannia and Euro 96, when England drew 1-1 with Switzerland in their opening match and Alan Shearer scored. Bath would have been busy and lively that night, with many people in the city centre.

Detectives are urging anyone who was in Bath that evening, or who knows someone who was, to think carefully about what they may remember, however insignificant it may appear now.

Melanie had spent the evening with her boyfriend and friends before going to Cadillacs. The last confirmed sighting of her was at 1.10am, when her friends left the club and she was seen sitting alone beside the dancefloor.

Earlier appeals in the case have set out other key lines of inquiry.

Officers have previously said they are keen to trace a woman who was seen arguing with a man in Old Orchard, close to

Melanie was last seen on Sunday 9th June 1996 | Photo provided

the nightclub entrance, between 1.45am and 2am. Detectives have not ruled out the possibility that the woman was Melanie and want to hear from anyone who can shed light on that incident.

Police have also continued to appeal to people who were inside Cadillacs on the night of 8th June 1996, but who have never spoken to officers, to come forward now.

Lead investigator Detective Chief Inspector Ben Lavender said: “The murder of Melanie Hall is one of the longest running and highest profile investigations ever carried out by Avon and Somerset Police, with hundreds of officers working on the case over the years.

“As we approach the 30th anniversary, the ‘Justice for Melanie’ campaign is asking people to think back: Just a minute of your time...to take you back to Saturday 8th June 1996. Just a normal night out in Bath...enjoying a few drinks with your friends. Not just another night for Melanie Hall...it was the last confirmed sighting of her alive. Just one small detail or memory...could prove to be a huge breakthrough and solve Melanie’s murder.”

The case remained a missing person inquiry for more than 13 years, until Melanie’s remains were found on 5th October 2009 by a workman at the side of the slip road leading onto the northbound carriageway of the M5 at junction 14 near Thornbury.

Police said she had suffered extensive head injuries and that her body had been wrapped in black bin liners tied with blue rope.

Even after that discovery, crucial parts of the case remained unresolved. Melanie’s clothing, jewellery and belongings have never been found, and detectives continue to believe that tracing those items could be significant.

The missing items include a pale blue silk dress, black suede mule shoes, a cream single-breasted jacket, a Next watch, silver drop earrings and a black handbag.

Officers have also continued to seek information about suspicious activity or vehicles seen near the northbound M5 slip road at junction 14 in the early hours of Sunday 9th June 1996, or in the days immediately afterwards.

and venues, including The Forum, Komedia, Ludo Sports Bar & Kitchen, Walcot House, Bath & North East Somerset Council, Bath libraries and Bath Business Improvement District.

The campaign also includes a new film featuring a clip of the Three Lions anthem, Football’s Coming Home, to reinforce the connection to the summer of 1996 and the cultural backdrop to the night Melanie disappeared.

DCI Lavender said: “Melanie’s family have endured unimaginable pain and uncertainty for three decades and have shown extraordinary strength and resilience throughout this time.

“Everything we do is driven by the need to provide them with the justice and answers they so desperately need.”

The independent charity Crimestoppers is offering a reward of up to £20,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible for Melanie’s murder.

Police say the renewed campaign is centred on the possibility that

Melanie’s clothes have never been found – do you know where they are?

Previous police appeals have also urged anyone who may have been involved in the aftermath of the crime, including moving or concealing Melanie’s body but not taking part in the killing itself, to come forward.

As part of the new 30-year campaign, the appeal will be made highly visible across Bath in the days surrounding the anniversary.

The “Justice for Melanie” messages will be shown on the digital screen during the Bath Rugby v Leicester Tigers match on Saturday 6th June.

They will also appear on an advertising van travelling around the city and will be supported by a number of organisations

someone may still remember a conversation, a person, a vehicle, or a seemingly minor detail from that weekend which could prove crucial when placed alongside the evidence already gathered.

Anyone with information is being urged to contact Avon & Somerset Police through the Major Incident Public Portal, call 101 with information for the Operation Denmark team, visit a police enquiry office, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously online or on 0800 555 111.

Visit the Major Incident Public Portal page here Scan the QR code

News in Brief Walking group marks special 25k milestone Award-winning local walking group Walking Solves has celebrated a significant milestone after its members collectively walked 25,000 miles.

The group, founded by Peter Lant in 2023, has supported hundreds of people through regular walks that promote health, wellbeing and social connection.

The total distance, reached in May, is the equivalent of walking around the world.

Walking Solves continues to offer opportunities for people to meet others while exploring the countryside around Bath.

Council accused of acting ‘unreasonably’ An appeal has been lodged after B&NES Council refused permission for a three-bed Odd Down property to become a house in multiple occupation (HMO).

Planners rejected the application to change 34 Banwell Road into dual use as a four-bed house or HMO, saying it shares a party wall and garden boundary with No. 36, while the rear garden of 98 Cranmore Place, which is already a HMO, backs onto No.36’s garden, with a small footpath as separation. They said No. 36 would end up “sandwiched” between two HMOs. But the appellant says the Cranmore Place property has no shared side boundary or continuous frontage.

Costs are being sought from the council for acting “unreasonably”.

Weather Forecast Fri 5th Sat 6th Sun 7th Mon 8th Tue 9th Wed 10th Thu 11th

Long range forecast:

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(12th to 18th June) A changeable start with longer spells of rain expected. Strong winds are likely for the region, with more settled conditions expected further into June.

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Council working to end ‘dangerous moorings’ on river stretch BATH & North East Somerset Council is working to remove boats from an unsafe stretch of the River Avon in Bath, saying the current moorings pose a risk both to those living on vessels and to other river users.

The local authority says people moored on the Pulteney stretch will be supported to move their boats by the middle of September, as the location is not considered safe for mooring.

According to the council, the channel is a key part of Bath’s flood defences and is not included within the river’s navigation for boat users.

In recent years, a number of boats, including holiday rentals, have been moored there despite warnings about the risks and signage installed at the site.

The council said owners of the rental vessels had previously been asked to leave before the winter months, when severe weather creates the greatest danger, but that request was not followed.

An information session for boaters was held on 27th May, when the council set out its plans for vessels to be moved by September and hear feedback, including any additional support needs.

Further drop-in sessions will take place in June and July to

Crossings and parking restrictions planned

Some of the boats moored near Pulteney Bridge in Bath

help affected boaters prepare for relocation and access local support before notices to vacate are issued.

Councillor Sarah Warren, deputy leader and cabinet member for sustainable Bath & North East Somerset, said: “Boats moored in the Pulteney stretch are in danger from the high risk of flooding, particularly during periods of severe winter weather.

“This could put lives at risk. We want everyone in B&NES to have a safe place to call home and prevent all our residents from coming to harm.

“We are also concerned about the risk of serious injury in instances where gangplanks are being used on benches, and boats are being moored to grab lines,

Badges seized during misuse crackdown HUNDREDS of Blue Badges were checked across Bath and North East Somerset during a week of action aimed at tackling misuse and protecting parking access for disabled motorists.

Bath & North East Somerset Council joined 56 other local authorities in the campaign, which was designed to identify wrongly used badges and help keep protected parking spaces available for the people who genuinely need them.

During the operation, the council’s Civil Enforcement Officers carried out 559 vehicle checks, supported by its partner OneWest. The local authority said the overwhelming majority of Blue Badges were being used properly, but a number of cases of misuse were found and nine badges were seized.

Councillor Joel Hirst, cabinet member for sustainable transport strategy, said: “Blue Badges are a brilliant scheme, and we want to make sure it is not being abused.

“We have taken part in this campaign now for five years in a row to help protect Blue Badge holders and their parking bays by tackling misuse, which takes away parking and access to our places for those that really need it.

“It’s fantastic to see the vast majority of Blue Badges are being

Friday 5th June - Thursday 18th June 2026

which prevents those lines from being used as essential lifesaving equipment.

“By working with boat owners and the Canal & River Trust to help residents move to a safe location, we’re taking action to prevent accidents and protect everyone’s wellbeing.

“As a last resort, we will take legal action if vessels remain in place beyond the date we have asked them to leave.”

The council said it will consider enforcement action if the site has not been cleared by the deadline, and is encouraging boat owners to check authorised mooring sites in the area while it continues working with the Canal & River Trust and other partners on relocation support.

Two zebra crossings are being proposed

BATH & North East Somerset Council has launched consultations into proposed pedestrian crossings on Bath Road and Bath Hill in Keynsham, as well as new double yellow lines.

As part of the planning consent for the Curo housing development at Withies Green on the A4, the developer is required to pay for improved pedestrian and cycling provision along the B3116 Bath Road and Bath Hill.

The proposals include widening the existing footway to create a shared-use walking, wheeling, and cycling route, and two additional zebra pedestrian

Consultation on increasing permit charges for larger vehicles John Wimperis

Local Democracy Reporter

Photo courtesy of B&NES Council

used correctly again this year, and although misuse of badges is rare it is of course something our Civil Enforcement Officers are out checking for every day, and a week of concentrated enforcement like this can really help make a difference and protect these spaces for those that really need it.”

Blue Badges allow people with disabilities or health conditions to park closer to where they need to go, helping them access services and facilities more easily.

The council said examples of misuse include using a badge when the holder is not in the vehicle, using a badge belonging to someone who has died, or displaying an expired badge.

The local authority provides a range of accessible parking options across the area, including free all-day parking for Blue Badge holders at on-street pay and display spaces and in resident permit holder bays.

crossings.

One of the crossings is proposed on Bath Road between the junction of Unity Road and the Broadmead Roundabout. The other is planned on Bath Hill between the junctions of Back Lane and Avon Mill Lane.

The council also says that double yellow lines are also proposed along parts of Bath Road and Bath Hill to prevent on-street parking in areas where the highway will be narrowed to accommodate the widened footway.

Any objections or comments about the proposals should be submitted to the council by 11th June.

IT could soon be more expensive to park a van or Range Rover outside your house in much of Bath, as the council considers charging bigger vehicles a higher price for a parking permit.

Bath & North East Somerset Council led the way on emissionsbased parking charges, which mean that how much you pay for parking depends on how polluting your car is.

Now, on top of this, the council wants to make residents' parking permits more expensive for larger vehicles and discounted for smaller vehicles.

Under the plans, a Smart car owner would get a £20 discount on their permit each year, while someone with the largest model of Ford Transit would have to pay £112 more.

The council said: “Studies suggest that larger and taller vehicles like SUVs and vans are more likely to cause increased injuries or fatalities in a collision with a pedestrian, especially children, or cyclists due to factors which include bonnet height and increased blind spots.”

It is the second time people are being asked to have their

Smaller cars would get a discount

say on the idea. Just under 500 people responded to a previous consultation about it last year, with exactly half of them supporting the idea, 44% opposed to it, and 6% having no opinion.

Joel Hirst, the council’s cabinet member for sustainable transport strategy, said: “We want to hear as many voices as possible, that’s why we decided to consult again on these changes via a formal traffic regulation order.”

He said: “The way we manage parking has a direct impact on road safety, fairness, and the council’s ability to maintain essential services. What we’re proposing to do will help us achieve this. Higher charges for larger vehicles and discounts for smaller ones will encourage more people to use safer, smaller and cleaner vehicles, which will also help improve air quality.”

But concerns have been raised about the impact on large families

who drive people-carriers.

The additional charge for owning a Ford Galaxy would be more than twice as much as it would be for owning an Aston Martin Vantage V8.

Residents’ parking zones (RPZs) now cover large parts of Bath.

There are concerns that they have pushed problem parking into other areas of the city, and plans to extend them out to further areas have been controversial.

The consultation also asks people’s opinions on a host of other changes related to parking, including increasing the cost of visitors RPZ permits over the next three years, making vehicles get a valid MOT before they can get a parking permit, and increasing the charge for parking at Bath’s Park & Rides without using the buses from £3 to £4.

Manda Rigby, council cabinet member for communications and community, said: “We have three brilliant Park & Ride sites that run fast, regular and convenient services into the city and provide free parking for those using the service. One of our proposed changes is to increase the cost of 24-hour parking at these sites for motorists not using the service and want to hear your views.”

The consultation runs until 5pm on 18th June. You can respond at https://bit.ly/4u8RyPU

Issue 131

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Service to support Major roadworks to be ‘completed families after baby loss before Bath Christmas Market’ FAMILIES who have experienced the loss of a baby are being invited to a special remembrance service in Bath later this month.

The event will take place at Haycombe Cemetery on Saturday 13th June and is being organised by the Spiritual Care team at the Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust in partnership with the charity Sands.

The service is open to anyone affected by the loss of a baby at any stage of pregnancy or shortly after birth.

Organisers say it is intended to provide a supportive space for reflection, remembrance and connection with others who have gone through similar experiences.

A central part of the service will be an Act of Remembrance, during which families will be invited to write their baby’s name on a paper butterfly and light a candle.

The gathering will also include readings and music.

Narinder Tegally, lead chaplain at the RUH, said: “This service, for people of all faiths and spirituality, is a time to come together, to remember and to acknowledge the love that remains for babies who are no longer here.”

John Wimperis

Local Democracy Reporter

The event will take place on 13th June

The service will begin at 1pm in the Hilltop Chapel at Haycombe Cemetery, Whiteway Road, Bath.

Afterwards, people attending will be invited to stay for refreshments and, if they wish, walk to the nearby Sands Garden, where there will also be an opportunity to plant small plants in remembrance.

The RUH offers a bereavement and support service for grieving parents and families, including a purpose-built bereavement suite intended to provide privacy and space at a particularly difficult time.

Anyone wanting to attend, or seeking further details, is being asked to contact the RUH Spiritual Care team by emailing ruh-tr.chaplaincy@nhs.net

ROADWORKS in the centre of Bath, which began last week, are set to be completed “before the Bath Christmas Market begins in November”.

Manvers Street and Bridge Street both closed on Tuesday 26th May as part of major roadworks in the city centre going on throughout the summer.

Bath & North East Somerset Council has been working to install cycle lanes and wider pavements across the city centre, as well as carrying out crucial road repairs.

Bridge Street is expected to stay closed for three weeks while a segregated cycle lane is installed.

But Manvers Street will remain closed for as long as six months, as “major reconstruction work” is needed to prevent the road from collapsing into the vaults below.

The local authority said: “Construction of these projects may cause some delays however the council is committed to keeping this to a minimum and has worked closely with contractors and utility companies to coordinate works.

“Works are also set to be

Manvers Street from above | Photo © B&NES Council

completed before the Bath Christmas Market begins in November.”

Manvers Street is built over a series of vaults and cellars, protected by concrete slabs which were laid during the Second World War and have since deteriorated.

Now the council plans to excavate down to the top of the vaults, reinforce them with foamed concrete, and install new slabs above.

Lucy Hodge, council cabinet member for sustainable transport delivery, said: “Work on Manvers Street is essential and necessary to ensure the long-term safety and resilience of the road, and to prevent issues occurring with vaults underground, like we’ve already seen in St James’s Parade.

“We appreciate there’s never an

ideal time for maintenance works and we are working to minimise disruption.

“These improvements bringing smoother journeys, safer streets, better walking, wheeling and cycling routes and cleaner air will provide long-term benefits for all our communities.”

The £5 million project to reconstruct the road has been funded by the West of England Combined Authority’s maintenance challenge fund.

Although the project is separate to the council’s other roadworks, it says it will take advantage of the road being closed to also improve pavements and street lighting.

Manvers Street Car Park remains open, accessed via Pierrepont Street. All bus stops on Manvers Street are closed, with buses diverted.

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Popular wine shop closes its doors after trading for over four decades Becky Feather Reporter

A MUCH-LOVED wine shop in Bath has closed its doors after trading in the city for more than 40 years.

The Great Wine Company, which was formally known as Great Western Wine, has closed as the Wells Road site is being redeveloped.

The shop’s well-known manager Alan Nordberg, who will be retiring, worked in Jolly’s food hall in the 1980s and has been at the Wells Road shop for more than 30 years.

He has seen three generations come through the doors of the shop which has sold wines from around the world as well as premium spirits and a variety of beers.

Alan introduced a comfy sofa and pencils and paper so that youngsters had somewhere to relax and entertain themselves while their parents browsed the emporium’s library of wines, and the wall in the children’s corner is covered with drawings.

Alan, whose favourite tipples are from the Rhone Valley, has seen tastes in wine change over the decades, and says the industry has changed too; global wine

Graeme and Alan at The Great Wine Company

consumption has fallen and young people today are not drinking as much.

But the Great Wine Co has its loyal customers and Alan, who will miss them greatly, says they are upset to learn that the shop is closing.

The company says on its website: “We have traded in Bath for more than 40 years and have always been incredibly proud to be a part of the local community. The shop is well known in the South West and beyond.

“But the long-term future of our shop has been in jeopardy for a number of years after the owner of the property sought planning permission for commercial redevelopment.

“We have been committed to retaining a physical presence in Bath, either through a new longterm lease, or finding a suitable alternative site in the city.

Unfortunately, despite the hard work of the team, neither of these options has been possible.

“That means The Great Wine Co. shop in Bath will sadly be closing its doors on Friday 5th June. This is clearly a regrettable outcome for our team and our customers, but one that was ultimately out of our control.”

The company will continue to sell a full range of quality wines online, with free home delivery on all orders over £99 and a planned click-and-collect option in Bath.

Society joins scheme for dormant accounts BATH Building Society has signed up to the Dormant Assets Scheme, allowing money from long-inactive accounts to be used for social and environmental causes while preserving customers’ right to reclaim their funds in full.

The society is the latest organisation to join the national scheme and becomes one of more than 60 financial services firms now taking part.

Bath Building Society will join the Alternative Scheme for smaller banks and building societies, which allows dormant funds to be directed to local causes through a community foundation.

In Bath’s case, that foundation will be administered by Quartet Community Foundation.

The Dormant Assets Scheme works by enabling banks and building societies to transfer money from accounts that have been inactive for a long period so it can be reinvested in social and environmental projects across the UK. Customers and members still retain the right to reclaim their money at any stage.

Adrian Smith OBE, chief executive of Reclaim Fund Ltd, said: “Bath Building Society’s

participation in the Dormant Assets Scheme is another strong signal of the momentum we’re seeing across the sector.

“We’re delighted to welcome them on board and to support their commitment to delivering meaningful social impact for their members and communities.

“It was a pleasure to speak with Bath’s CEO Richard Ingle at the BSA Conference about the process, and we’re pleased to see that conversation now translate into action.”

Richard Ingle, chief executive of Bath Building Society, said: “Joining the Dormant Assets Scheme is a practical way for Bath Building Society to ensure money that has been left untouched for a long time can still do good in the communities we serve.

“Importantly, customers and members can reclaim their funds in full at any time, and their rights remain fully protected.

“We’re pleased to be partnering with Reclaim Fund Ltd and, through the Alternative Scheme, to be able to direct any dormant funds we transfer into local causes via our community foundation.”

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Crime & Court

Friday 5th June - Thursday 18th June 2026

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Police escalate ASB powers and make more arrests in Snow Hill

Teenager is fined for his ‘terrible behaviour’

POLICE and housing association Curo are stepping up their response to the ongoing troubles on the Snow Hill estate in Bath.

The Echo recently reported on increased reports of anti-social behaviour (ASB), predominantly from the Berkeley House block, with drug dealing and use, verbal abuse of residents, and rough sleeping, littering and mess in communal areas.

In an update, the Bath neighbourhood police team said that with assistance from their response colleagues and in partnership with Curo, they have been “working hard” to address the ongoing ASB in Snow Hill.

Several arrests have been made in relation to existing civil injunctions ordered by the courts.

The police added: “We are continuing to support Curo as we consider further applications targeting the most impactful offenders, both resident and non-resident.”

In addition to the previous community protection warnings (CPWs) and community protection notices (CPNs) that the police issued, they are escalating three CPWs to CPNs,

A BATH teenager with four previous convictions for seven offences has pleaded guilty to more recent offending in the city.

At Bath Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 27th May, Karell Scott, of Woodhouse Road in Twerton, admitted that at Wetherspoons in George Street on 4th April, he used threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour with intent to cause fear of violence.

The court heard that 18-yearold Scott was being aggressive towards staff, and street marshals had also asked him to leave.

After being arrested, he was found to be in possession of 1.5 grams of cannabis at Keynsham Police Centre.

A community order with a 12-month mental health treatment requirement and alcohol abstinence and monitoring for 120 days was in place at the time of the latest offences.

Duty solicitor Will Palmer told the court that most of Scott’s behaviour is down to alcohol.

The court also heard that the teenager has “low maturity” and autism and finds social

Berkeley House in Snow Hill | Photo © Avon & Somerset Police

allowing them to bring offenders before the courts if they breach this order by attending the Snow Hill area. A new CPW has also been issued.

Patrols remain ongoing from neighbourhood and response officers. The Neighbourhood Tasking Team are also completing additional patrols on top of these.

“We are in regular contact with Curo staff both on the ground with the estates team in Snow Hill and with the tenancy team in the office.

“Curo have recently resecured Berkeley House with new keycard fobs and removed coded access

Suspended sentence over zombie-type knife

Ellis has 13 previous convictions for 26 offences

A 51-YEAR-OLD man has been given a suspended prison sentence by Bath magistrates for being in possession of a zombie-type knife in Larkhall.

David Ellis, from Uphill Drive in Larkhall, was in court for sentencing on Wednesday 27th May, having previously changed his original not guilty plea in March to admit the offence which took place at Coxley Drive on 1st June 2025.

Ellis had been seen shouting and swearing and holding the knife and the incident caused severe alarm.

At the hearing in March the case was adjourned for a presentence report to be prepared, including a mental health treatment requirement (MHTR) assessment.

At last week’s sentencing the

court heard that Ellis has 13 previous convictions for 26 offences. He has severe learning difficulties, gambling and alcohol issues, and had a support worker with him in court.

The magistrates were told that Ellis does not recall the knife offence but does not deny it and is remorseful. He did not want the MHTR assessment and was not comfortable engaging with the Probation Service. There has been no further offending since last June.

Magistrates gave Ellis a 12-month custodial sentence but suspended it for 18 months.

They ordered him to pay costs to the Crown Prosecution Service of £200 and a court surcharge of £187. They also ordered the deprivation and destruction of the zombie knife.

that non-residents were using to get into the block.”

In addition to the arrests for injunction breaches, police have made arrests in relation to weapons, drugs, warrants and other offences in the Snow Hill area.

A Curo spokesperson said: “We really appreciate the way local police teams have responded here. We’re working together very effectively to improve security and community confidence.

“We’ll continue to share information and coordinate action in Snow Hill to keep people safe.”

interactions difficult. He had been upset that night by a security guard’s comment about his mother.

Since the incident, he is said to have reduced his alcohol use and is engaging well with the Probation Service.

Scott, who is on benefits, was fined £200 for the public order offence and £80 for cannabis possession. He must pay compensation of £100 each to two victims of his behaviour, Cody Harford and Jack Neil, and prosecution costs of £85.

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

Chair of the bench, Mark Pilgrim, told Scott it had been “terrible behaviour”. He told him it was “an expensive day out from which you must learn”.

Mr Pilgrim added: “Let’s not see you again.”

Magistrates send serial shoplifter to Crown Court for sentence A SERIAL shoplifter is to be sentenced at the Crown Court for 21 offences after Bath magistrates said they felt their powers to deal with her were insufficient.

Louisianna Santillo, from Sedgemoor Road in Combe Down, has 28 previous convictions for 158 offences, most of them thefts, the magistrates heard on Wednesday 27th May. The 45-year-old had been due to be sentenced for 17 offences which included more shoplifting and breaches of a two-year criminal behaviour order (CBO) which prevented her from entering shops within a mapped exclusion zone including Fox Hill, Odd Down, Combe Down and Claverton Down.

The list also included a knife possession offence at the Nisa Local store at Combe Down, criminal damage and a public order offence at Kewstoke Road.

When she was brought to court in custody, Santillo admitted four further charges relating to 2nd May: that she assaulted a police officer, caused criminal damage by spitting in a police vehicle, breached her CBO at Sainsbury’s at Frome Road, and stole groceries and clothes worth £470.05 from Sainsbury’s.

Defending Santillo, solicitor

Santillo had been due to be sentenced for 17 offences

Jennifer Stetson said the defendant had been misusing substances in the last five years, which is the motivation behind the thefts.

Regarding the knife offence, she said Santillo had intended to take her own life on that day at the start of May and had not intended to use it to commit offences against anyone else.

She highlighted personal tragedies in Santillo’s life, including the death of her son in his sleep last year, and her mental health difficulties, and said Santillo is “desperate” for help to stop her pattern of offending.

Ms Stetson asked the court to

impose a suspended prison sentence and said that if Santillo “messes up”, she will be back before the courts and end up in Eastfield Park (the women’s prison in Gloucestershire).

A probation officer told magistrates that help is available for Santillo who “really wants to apply herself”. After deliberating, magistrates said they felt their powers of sentencing were insufficient, particularly due to the “worrying” knife offence, and they committed the case to Bristol Crown Court for sentencing on 18th June. Santillo was granted unconditional bail until then, with the CBO remaining in place.

Issue 131

Man admits having 37-year-old given ban animal porn and making for drug-driving indecent child images

Pethick was stopped while driving on Prior Park Road

Bath Magistrates’ Court

A 26-YEAR-OLD man from Bath has admitted possessing extreme animal porn and three charges of making indecent images of children.

Magistrates heard that Theo James-Lucas is already on the Sex Offender Register and subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) due to a previous conviction at Bristol Crown Court in 2023.

At his appearance at Bath Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 27th May, James-Lucas admitted making four category A images of a child – the most serious - as

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well as 16 category B images and 19 rated as category C. He also admitted being in possession of two still images and one moving image involving a dog, described as “grossly offensive”.

All the offences date back to 11th December 2024.

Magistrates said the case was beyond their sentencing powers and committed James-Lucas, of Lower Weston, to Bristol Crown Court where he will appear on 23rd June.

He was granted unconditional bail.

A DRIVER who had white powder around his nose when police spoke to him after a collision in Widcombe has been banned from getting behind the wheel for the next 18 months.

At Bath Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 20th May, 37-yearold James Pethick admitted that on 12th November last year he drove a Vauxhall Corsa on Prior Park Road when the proportion of ketamine in his blood was 181 micrograms, exceeding the specified limit which is 20.

The court heard that Pethick was already subject to a 12-month ban for a drink-driving offence that occurred after the drugdriving one for which he was in the dock last Wednesday.

Pethick’s solicitor Jo Hooper

said that at the time of the two incidents he was an addict, but is now in recovery. She submitted documents to the court outlining that Pethick, from Bloomfield in Bath, has been in rehabilitation of his own volition and is currently living in a dry house.

He is “focused and motivated” and has a good job as a project manager although the loss of his licence has a “significant impact” on his earning capacity.

Magistrates noted that Pethick is turning his life around.

They fined him £1,538 based on his income and ordered him to pay a £650 court surcharge and £85 prosecution costs.

They banned him from driving for 18 months, and the other ban will run concurrently.

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

Since the introduction of our Crime & Court section, we've been contacted by concerned members of the public, defendants and guilty parties regarding the inclusion of their names, ages, and partial addresses.

We are proud to be able to provide court coverage of cases at Bath Magistrates' Court, something that many local newspapers are unable to do due to restricted time for their reporters. Reporting court cases acts as a deterrent against crime. Printing a defendant’s age and address stops anyone with the same name from being defamed.

We do not have access to police or CPS files regarding cases, so everything reported is based on what the prosecution and defence say during a court hearing.

HM Courts & Tribunals Service encourages and facilitates media access to courts and tribunals. We have the right to attend and report on proceedings held in open court, unless a statutory restriction applies, or a court order prevents this.

Our stories are governed by the regulator IMPRESS, the Independent Monitor for the Press. We follow their dedicated Standards Code, which can be found at https://bit.ly/4n0d9qN

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Pictures from the Past Camden Mills and the Bayer Building 1972

Camden Mills to the left, and the Bayer building to the right in 1972

Kirsten Elliott Akeman Press

THIS week’s archive photo looks back at two buildings set to undergo a major refurbishment, to show what they looked like in 1972.

On the left is Camden Mills. There had been a steam mill on this site since at least 1863, but in January 1879 it was gutted by fire. The site was sold to James Collins from Newton Mills at Newton St Loe, who commissioned Henry Williams to replace it with the building seen here. The venture proved so successful that in 1892 he added a large extension.

James Collins & Sons continued to run Camden Mills until 1921, when they went into partnership with Walter Brain, who ran mills at Warmley and Wick. In 1936, the company was absorbed by Hosegood

Industries Ltd (later taken over by Spillers) and production was transferred to a new mill at Avonmouth shortly before the Second World War. Camden Mills had a reprieve, however, when it was taken over by Joseph Rank Ltd, whose mills in London and Southampton had been destroyed by bombing. It eventually closed in May 1950.

Next to Camden Mills was the Albion Stay Factory, built by Charles Bayer, a German emigré who had been making stays – or corsets – in a stay manufactory at 17 Great Stanhope Street since the early 1880s, and saw the potential for producing them on an industrial scale.

The factory was built in two stages. The first part, adjoining Camden Mill, was erected on an empty site in 1890. Further expansion at this stage was impossible, for to the west lay a large and well-established inn – the Bell – which had its own brewery.

In November 1894, however, a devastating flood virtually destroyed the Bell, along with a row of cottages that stood alongside it. Charles Bayer wasted no time in snapping up the site, and within months it had been cleared to make way for an extension to his premises, which were built an angle to the original building, following the line of the riverbank.

Like the original, the new building was constructed of Cattybrook brick with Bath stone dressings, and fitted with electric light throughout.

By this time, Bayer had established another factory at Portsmouth and one in Oldland Common soon followed. Later came factories in Gloucester and London, and by 1914 the company had a staff of around 5,000.

As stays fell out of fashion, the company was hit badly by the 1929 slump. It went into voluntary liquidation, but was

restructured and saved, with production switching to other lingerie items, especially bras. The Bath factory survived until 1982 – by which time it was owned

by Vantona – when it closed with a loss of 60 jobs.

Both buildings were converted to provide office space after closure, but now, after having been vacated, the opportunity is being taken for an internal makeover to reflect current working practices and more environmentally friendly building design.

Externally, however, these two glorious reminders of Bath’s industrial heritage will hopefully look even better than they do today. And, although we may be tempted to wish that the wistful air of shabby dereliction evoked by this photograph had been left untouched, we can be sure that the people who built them would be more than happy to see them smartened up and put to good use.

COLUMN | Clare Moody, Labour Police and Crime Commissioner

K

NIFE crime is a pervasive issue impacting residents across Avon and Somerset.

It can devastate families and communities and affects how safe people feel and the pathways they take.

During Knife Crime Week of Action (18th–24th May), neighbourhood policing teams were active across our communities. In Bath, officers carried out knife sweeps in areas including Snow Hill and Kensington Meadows, alongside

proactive work to reduce access to weapons. They also spoke directly with residents, offering crime prevention advice in local settings, including on London Road. This kind of visible, community-focused policing is vital in tackling the accessibility of deadly weapons and preventing harm before it happens.

Across the wider area, officers have also been carrying out proactive knife sweeps in key locations and working with young people in schools such as

Somervale School and Somerset Studio School to raise awareness of the dangers of carrying knives.

Engaging early, listening to young voices and investing in their understanding is central to building safer communities for the future.

But we know that longterm change is not driven by enforcement alone. The root causes of crime and youth violence are complex and often begin early; education, opportunity and trusted community support

are key drivers of change.

That is why I am proud to invest in early intervention and prevention, and why reducing violence and preventing crime are central priorities in my Police and Crime Plan. In Bath and North East Somerset, I commission detached youth work, with outreach delivered by Youth Connect South West and P28.

This work takes support directly

to young people in the places they spend time, building trusted relationships and helping them navigate risks linked to serious violence. As your Police and Crime Commissioner, I will continue to bring partners together, commission vital services, and ensure the voices and lived experiences of our communities are at the heart of our work to reduce knife crime and youth violence.

Issue 131

Crossword

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Your City, Your News - Bath Echo

Congratulations to Hannah Grant for winning £20!

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

Complete our crossword for your chance to win £20!

Across 1 Traveller (7) 5 Fabricate (7) 10 Chopped up tree fern is complimentary, property-wise (4-4) 11 Unhorsed (6) 12 Indonesian resort island (4) 13 Belligerence (10) 14 Aggressive, amplified rock music (5,5) 16 "Be quiet!" (4) 17 Disparaging remark (4) 18 Neither you nor me but the other guy (5,5) 20 Mental analysis (10) 22 Lousy writer (4) 24 Small stone (6) 25 Midday (8) 26 Fruits of one's labour (7) 27 Least fair (7)

Down 2 Musical drama (5) 3 Gun dog (9) 4 The lowest form of wit, so it is said (7) 6 Breakfast dish (7) 7 Scrub around controls (5) 8 Texan topper? (6,3) 9 Bodybuilders' practice (13) 15 Northern Canadian island (9) 16 Stringy pasta (9) 18 Charlie in a Lancaster, for example (4,3) 19 Dawn till dusk (7) 21 Hooded reptile (5) 23 Cryptographers make and break them (5)

Entering our competition - via email or post For your chance to win £20, submit your full name, postal address and answers by email to puzzles@bathecho.co.uk or via post to: Crossword Competition 0506 Bath Echo, PO Box 5395, Bath, BA1 0YA The winner will be the first randomly opened entry with the correct answers on 17/06/2026.

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

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Food & Drink

Sponsor this section!

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

Melissa Blease

Food Writer

Tasty Dates For Your Diary Popping up at the Electric Bear Taproom (Brassmill Lane) this month: Dough Trail Sourdough Pizza on Thursday 11th June, Rebel Bites Greek Street Food on Saturday 12th, Pizzarova on Saturday 13th, The Cheese Connection on Friday 19th, Soul Fries on Saturday 20th, Little India on Friday 26th… and the Summer Block Party on Saturday 27th. Phew! www.electricbearbrewing.com Max out on lunch at chilled-out urban hotspot Se7en (George Street): steak, chips, salad and sauce for £25, burger and chips for £15 and/or 3-for-2 small plates/sides every MondaySaturday 12-3pm (top tip: check out the gorgeous walled garden/

Review 5 Claremont Road, Bath BA1 6EH 01225 437246 theclaremont.pub  @theclaremontpub You want something really good to eat without the pressure of a big menu to navigate.

You want to stay in Bath but you’re not in the mood for city centre thrum. You want a neighbourhood vibe that doesn’t make you feel like you’re an outsider, a traditional pub environment that doesn’t feel fusty and a great beer garden to chill out in if the sun comes out to play.

In short, you want The Claremont: the history-laden hostelry at the epicentre of characterful, higgledy-piggledy Camden, high up on Bath’s northern slopes.

It’s clear that many of the residents of the charming byways leading from, off and to Claremont Terrace treat their local as a second home; the pub is gently buzzing with the neighbourhood vibe that I’d hoped for.

Meanwhile, a pianist tinkling away on the upright Joanna in the corner adds to the mellow merriment, and chalkboards dotted hither and thither promote forthcoming events (regular quiz and live music nights; community sing-a-longs; big screen sporting action)...”

What with The Claremont being this much of a properly good boozer, you really don’t need to be hungry to find an excuse to drop by and grazing options along the lines of hummus and pitta bread, chicken wings, veggie nuggets and skin-on chips are on hand to pick at while you sup.

But the real stars of the Claremont food menu show make their presence felt before you’ve even hit the bar: is that proper pizza you can smell? Yes indeed!

And the massive, fully-laden

terrace out back…). www.se7enbath.com Go all out for Bao WOW at the Village (Larkhall) on Saturday 20th June when Hawker Atelier presents an à la carte/curated set menu featuring delicate interpretations of bao, ramen, and a “considered dessert”. Or, grab your Bao to go! www.thevillagelarkhall.co.uk Summer at The Old Crown (Crown Hill, Weston) is heating up! Freshly battered haddock, chunky chips and a glass of prosecco on Fridays for £19 OR two portions of haddock and chips for £25.

Wednesdays are all about perfect pizza (£12.50 for a fully-loaded

beauty), and the pub’s regular Wine Club presents 3 glasses of wine accompanied by a cheese board for just £19pp on the last Thursday of every month (next date: Thursday 25th June). www.theoldcrownweston.co.uk Turn Tavern Time into Taco Time at the Marlborough Tavern (Marlborough Buildings): chicken, beef or jackfruit tucked into a soft shell taco with burnt tomato salsa; load up on all three for £15. www.marlborough-tavern.com Trot along to The Packhorse (South Stoke) on Tuesday 23rd June when the fabulous Pitta and Grill folk will be serving a range of authentic Lebanese delights

fresh from their groovy food truck between 5.30pm-8.30pm. www.packhorsebath.co.uk The Vic Lager has landed at the Victoria Pub and Kitchen (Upper Bristol Road): crisp, cold and refreshing… and just £3.50 a pint all day, every day! www.victoriabath.co.uk Enjoy a unique Tiffin-Wala curry feast (lamb, chicken, vegetarian or vegan) with sides, rice and a dessert for just £19.95 every Monday-Friday, 12-3pm at Bandook (Shires Yard). www.bandookkitchen.com Expect a tasty day under the sun at the Bath Spa Hotel (Sydney Road, Bathwick) on Saturday 27th

June: a welcome drink on arrival, a gourmet barbecue and live music all to be enjoyed in superpretty surroundings (£33.22pp)! https://bit.ly/4fqo1xL Spend £60+ on an indulgent lunch at Colosseo (Milsom Street) every Monday-Friday 12-2.30pm and enjoy a bottle of house wine on the, erm, house. www.colosseobath.co.uk Support an amazing cause, indulge in an exceptional menu and be part of an unforgettable experience at The Bath Priory’s enchanting Midsummer Night’s Dream black-tie gala in support of Hospitality Action on Monday 29th June (£99pp)! https://bit.ly/49TRPzh

The Claremont beauties here (also, by the way, available in takeaway format) prove that pub pizzas don’t have to be prosaic…”

All hail the Somerset Meat: salami, pepperone, mozzarella and cheddar combining to create the ultimate carnivore/cheese dream with a flourish of rocket adding a fresh texture uplift (and, perhaps, a nebulous sense of righteousness regarding your five-a-day quota).

Want to turn the heat up?

Head straight for the aptlynamed Firecracker, replete with Roquito drop peppers with a fiery personality that belies their dinky dimensions, soft, smoky ‘nduja and liberal drizzles of sweet/savoury hot honey bringing heated complexity to the mozzarella/smoked cheddar party.

The sourcing of all those ingredients, meanwhile, represents an exceedingly wellconsidered tour of produce from some of Bath’s best doorstep artisans: Westcombe cheese, Somerset Charcuterie and Fior di Latte Mozzarella from Brue Valley, a Glastonbury-based dairy I’ve never come across before but would go out of my way to make a date with again… a sentiment which brings us back full circle to the start of this review.

If you’re in the mood for eating properly good pizza in a proper neighbourhood pub far (but not too far) away from the city centre’s madding crowds, you’re in the mood for The Claremont.

Melissa regularly reviews eateries across Bath and the surrounding area. You can read more on her dedicated website at: www.theprandialplayground.uk Follow Melissa on X Find her @ThePigGuide

Above: The Somerset Meat pizza | Below: The Firecracker pizza

Issue 131

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What's On

Friday 5th June - Thursday 18th June 2026

Tangled Roots Folk Festival

Midsomer Murders

Garden Theatre – Othello

Refugee Week: Simple Acts Trail

Radford Mill Farm, Timsbury 5th – 7th June Tangled Roots Festival offers a vibrant blend of folk music, contemporary acoustic performances, and musical traditions from around the world. A small and relaxed event.

Theatre Royal 9th – 13th June Murder comes to the countryside in the theatrical world premiere of the television favourite Midsomer Murders.

With eccentric villagers, shocking twists and an unforgettable reveal.

American Museum & Gardens 12th June, 7pm Join The Lord Chamberlain’s Men for Othello, one of Shakespeare’s most captivating and thrilling plays, and enjoy a summer’s evening of outdoor theatre in the spectacular gardens.

The Roman Baths 15th – 21st June In celebration of Refugee Week, they've put together a special trail, celebrating the simple acts we can all do to stand with refugees and make new connections in our communities.

Festival of Nature

Book Talk: Museum Bums

Ladies Day 2026

An Evening with Simon Reynolds

Various Locations 6th – 14th June The UK's largest free celebration of the natural world returns. Expect free in-person and online events for all ages, including film screenings, guest appearances and arts and crafts.

No.1 Royal Crescent 11th June, 5.30pm Join Jack Shoulder and Mark Small for a romp through the queer bums of history. What do Hieronymus Bosch, the Roman cult of Antinous, and the peach emoji have in common?

Bath Racecourse 13th June Gather your friends, choose your statement hat, and prepare for one of the most glamorous horse racing events of the summer. Ladies Day brings together fashion, live entertainment, and racing.

Roseberry Road Studio 16th June, 7pm A special evening with Simon Reynolds, acclaimed music journalist and author.

Known for his sharp cultural insight and deep explorations of music history, Reynolds will be discussing his book.

Marvellous Moths

Toto Kerblammo!

Tom Stade: Naughty By Nature

Bullshot Crummond

Sydney Gardens 7th June, 9am–12pm Join Lucy Starling and learn some fascinating facts about moths, observe the process of recording them and take some wonderful photos. Book via Eventbrite.

The Egg 11th – 13th June A play about listening, friendship and finding hope in the darkest of places.

Wearing headphones, the audience will experience Effy’s world through 3D binaural audio technology.

Komedia Bath 14th June, 7.30pm The legendary Canadian stand-up star is back on the road with a brand-new show. Join Tom as he playfully dishes out more of his insightful observations.

An irrepressible tour-de-force.

Rondo Theatre 17th – 20th June A parody of 1930s adventure stories and stiff-upper-lip heroics, The Rondo Theatre Company presents Bullshot Crummond - a fast-paced, gloriously silly send-up of British pulp fiction.

Beverley Knight

Bath on the Beach

Refugee Week Textile Project

Bumble-Bee Candle Workshop

The Forum 9th June, 7.30pm The Queen of British Soul, Beverley Knight MBE, comes to Bath as part of her huge UK tour. This unique show will also share inspiring stories from Beverley’s life on the stage.

Royal Victoria Park 11th June – 2nd August The city's largest beer garden and Bath's ultimate summer hangout spot is back.

Take advantage of the beach games and challenge your friends to a round of bean bag toss, table tennis or pétanque.

Victoria Art Gallery 15th – 28th June Celebrate Refugee Week by discovering collaborative textile artwork, created through shared creativity, skills and stories. The artwork is on display and free for everyone to enjoy.

Newton Farm 18th June, 6-8pm Cookery demo, talk and tastings. In Lebnani, chef Jad Youssef invites readers to experience the warmth, generosity and soul of Lebanese cooking through recipes passed down through his family.

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Community

Later Living Expert

Village shop marks 20 years with celebration BATHFORD Village Shop & Café marked its 20th anniversary with a community celebration bringing together residents, volunteers, local leaders, suppliers and supporters.

The event took place on Saturday 16th May and celebrated two decades of the shop serving as both a business and a community hub in the village.

Founded in 2006 and run by the community co-operative Bathford Enterprise For All Limited (BEFA), the shop has become far more than a place to pick up groceries.

Over the years, it has also acted as a social centre, meeting place and source of support for local people.

Organisers said the business has continued to thrive despite the pressures faced by many independent community shops, including economic uncertainty, changing shopping habits, the pandemic and rising costs.

The anniversary event was attended by Councillor Shaun Stephenson-McGall, chair of Bath & North East Somerset Council, as well as councillors Kevin Guy and Sarah Warren.

Live performances from a local jazz band and the Bathford Choir helped create a festive

Community, Care and Connection

From memorable days out in beautiful gardens to meaningful visits from local schools and community groups, life at Darcy Gardens has been buzzing with activity.

BEFA Chair Sue Moore welcoming attendees | Photo courtesy of BEFA

atmosphere, while visitors were also able to enjoy food and drink supported by a number of local suppliers and partners, including Warleigh Lodge Farm, Brickell’s Ice Cream, Tennygrove Vineyard, Bath Soft Cheese Company and Bathford Twinning Association, which prepared made-to-order crêpes.

One of the day’s standout moments was the cutting of a special anniversary cake made

by Maureen Breeze, the founding chair of the co-operative.

In an unusual ceremony, the cake

was cut using an antique naval sword belonging to the current chair, Sue Moore, a retired Royal Navy officer.

During the event, the chair of the council also unveiled a memorial bench donated by the Suleman family in memory of the late Mr Iqbal Suleman, in recognition of his connection to the shop and the wider community.

The co-operative said it hopes the anniversary will not only mark the past 20 years, but also encourage continued support for local community businesses in

future.

BEFA chair Sue Moore said: “We are incredibly proud that, 20 years on, Bathford Village Shop is still here and still thriving.

“Community shops across the country face enormous pressures, but this celebration showed just how much this shop means to local people.

“Every customer who chooses to shop locally helps keep this community asset alive for future generations.”

Bathford Village Shop & Café is open seven days a week.

Converted electric buses unveiled in expansion BATH has become the first place in the West of England to see converted electric buses enter the latest phase of First Bus’s fleet upgrade programme.

The newly unveiled vehicles are repowered double-deckers that once operated as mid-life diesel buses and have now been rebuilt as electric vehicles.

They are among 27 repowered buses due to arrive in Bath over the next few months.

Their introduction forms part of a wider expansion of electric services across the region.

First Bus said the repowered vehicles in Bath will be joined by 17 additional new electric buses in the city, four in Weston-superMare and 116 more on the Bristol network from Lawrence Hill depot in the autumn. Hengrove depot in south Bristol is also moving towards becoming fully electric.

Work is continuing on the electrification of Bath’s depot, located between the River Avon and the Kennet and Avon Canal on the Lower Bristol Road.

The latest stage of the programme has been funded through £70 million from First Bus and £20 million of government backing secured by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority (WECA).

By spring 2027, total investment in electric buses and charging infrastructure across the region

Photo © @JonCraig_Photos

is expected to reach about £150 million.

Doug Claringbold, First Bus regional director for South and West, said: “Yet again we’re hitting more milestones in our electrification of our West of England fleet.

“Not only are we heading towards our Hengrove depot being 100% electric with the arrival of more buses this year, but we’re also excited to welcome our first repowers, demonstrating a real commitment to going even further in our efforts to be more sustainable.

“Our company is committed to operating a fully electric fleet

by 2035, with 25% of our fleet nationally now electric.

“By the end of this year almost half the West of England’s buses will be electric with about 750,000 of our passengers each week travelling on electric buses making bus travel greener, smoother and quieter for our customers, and contributing to better air quality for our towns and cities.”

As part of the conversion work, engines and gearboxes are removed and replaced with batteries, new wiring and additional hardware.

Some mechanical parts are also replaced, while the buses are

fully refurbished inside and out.

Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, said: “This is a big day for Bath & North East Somerset, with the first green buses now at home at the city’s First Bus depot.

“It’s also a big day for the whole of the West of England, thanks to our first converted electric buses rolling out too. By the end of this year, more than 250 green buses will be serving passengers across the West – offering more reliable journeys and a better on-board experience.

“These better buses will ultimately help cut congestion and pollution as a result of some £150 million of joint investment.”

Councillor Lucy Hodge, cabinet member for sustainable transport delivery at Bath & North East Somerset Council, said: “The arrival of Bath’s first repowered electric buses is great news for our area and for everyone who relies on buses to get around every day.

“As a council, we are focused on making it easier for people to choose the bus for everyday journeys. Investment like this in Bath and North East Somerset helps improve reliability, comfort and accessibility, while supporting a better experience for residents and visitors.

“It also shows the value of strong partnership working to deliver modern transport that meets the needs of our communities.”

The past few weeks have brought residents a wonderful mix of outings, visitors and special events, all helping to strengthen the sense of community, care and connection that makes our home so special.

May saw residents explore the beautiful surroundings of The Newt and Highgrove Gardens, where colourful displays and peaceful walks provided plenty of conversation and happy memories. We were also delighted to welcome local schoolchildren and members of our church community into the home, strengthening the intergenerational connections that bring so much joy to residents.

Recently, we were proud to share life at Darcy Gardens with listeners on Bath Radio, highlighting the importance of companionship, wellbeing and staying connected to the wider community.

June promises to be just as exciting. We look forward to welcoming visitors to our Open Weekend on 6th and 7th June, giving local people and families the opportunity to meet our team, tour the home and experience the warm atmosphere that makes Darcy Gardens so special.

Community safety is another important focus, and on 12th June we will be joined by local PCSOs for a Personal Safety session, offering practical advice and guidance for residents and guests.

Later in the month, on 18th June, residents will enjoy the glamour of Royal Ascot Ladies’ Day, complete with elegant hats, refreshments and racing-themed entertainment. To round off the month, our Spa and Pamper Day on 30th June will provide an opportunity for relaxation, wellbeing and a little luxury.

At Darcy Gardens, every day is about creating opportunities for friendship, purpose and enjoyment. We look forward to sharing more stories from our vibrant community in the months ahead.

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There is a special moment each year when you step outside and realise your garden is ready for something more.

Not just a tidy up, but a true transformation. If your outdoor space has been quietly waiting for new life, Leekes Melksham has just the answer with its latest garden furniture collection, combining trusted brands with exciting new arrivals.

Back for another season are some of the most loved names in outdoor living. Kettler continues to impress with its Palma dining set in a beautiful whitewash finish. Blending timeless design with durable materials, it creates the perfect setting for relaxed outdoor dining, whether you are hosting friends or enjoying a quiet family meal in the sunshine. Comfort and longevity go hand in hand, making it a reliable centrepiece for any garden.

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Porto casual corner garden set, designed for those who want to bring a more laid-back feel to their outdoor space. Its generous seating and soft cushions invite you to settle in and stay a while, turning your garden into a destination for both entertaining and unwinding. It is ideal for long summer evenings where conversation flows as easily as the drinks.

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that even the smallest spaces can feel thoughtfully designed.

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Whether you are creating a full outdoor dining experience, a cosy lounge area or a charming bistro corner, there is something to match your vision. More importantly, each piece is designed to help you make the most of your garden, turning it into a place where memories are made. With finance options available and many items in stock for quick delivery, upgrading your outdoor space has never been more accessible.

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Friday 5th June - Thursday 18th June 2026

Health Outreach team marks 25 years supporting babies at home A COMMUNITY outreach team supporting babies after they leave the neonatal unit at the Royal United Hospital in Bath has marked 25 years of helping families at home.

Staff held a surprise celebration for Cath Ould, Neonatal Community Sister, who has been part of the Community Neonatal Outreach Service since it began and has seen it grow over the past quarter of a century.

The service supports babies who have received care in the Dyson Centre for Neonatal Care and who still need extra help in the first weeks or months after leaving hospital.

The outreach team visits families at home to provide support with feeding, nursing care and other practical needs. It also offers emotional support for parents and can direct families to other professional services where needed.

Cath said: “It’s a great job, so rewarding and I’m very proud of the work we do.

“We aim to act as a bridge between hospital and home for those babies who have had to have a bit of extra care in our neonatal unit.

“While helping babies to thrive when they have left the RUH and are back home, a key part of what we do is supporting parents, many of whom will have been through a very worrying time.

Providing them with emotional support is very important.”

Looking back, she said the biggest change had been the scale of the service.

She said: “Apart from covering a bigger area, we also offer support to more babies than we ever have – around 90 families a year.

“We are also providing even more at-home support, such as nasogastric feeding, to help families get back to the comfort of their own homes as soon as possible.”

Mary Spence, Neonatal Outreach Nurse, said: “I have learned so much from working with Cath.

It is truly a privilege to be able to care for the families in their homes and see the babies grow and thrive after their time in the Neonatal Unit.”

The surprise party was attended by former colleagues and by families who had benefited from the service, including Maria Kelleher from Midsomer Norton, whose daughter Alisha had been

Celebrating the special anniversary | Photo © RUH

cared for by the team.

She said: “Words truly can’t capture how incredible the RUH’s Neonatal Outreach Service has been for us. From the very first moment we brought Alisha home, Mary and Cath have gone above and beyond in every way.

“Their passion and dedication shine through in everything they do, and it’s clear how much they genuinely care.

“Alisha absolutely adores them, you can see it in her smiles and it’s just as obvious how deeply they care for her too.

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“The support, kindness, and reassurance they’ve given us have made a lasting impact that we will carry with us forever.

“They are so much more than a service to us, they’ve become like family, and we will always be grateful for everything they’ve done.”

Another parent, Frances Lee from Lacock, said: “Going home with our little one needing oxygen was incredibly daunting, however the outreach team are such a source of support and help.

“Always professional, kind and

knowledgeable, as well as regular visits, I’ve felt able to reach out when I’ve had any worries. We feel really grateful for having that extra support after such a difficult journey.”

The service began in 2001 as a pilot covering Bath and Trowbridge, but now supports families across the whole RUH catchment area.

Last year, it also introduced athome tube feeding, including nasogastric feeding for babies unable to take in enough milk on their own.

P18

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Education

Friday 5th June - Thursday 18th June 2026

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Get in touch: advertise@bathecho.co.uk

College floristry students create displays for Dorothy House

Praise from Ofsted for nursery and pre-school

Library image

Some of the flowers created for Dorothy House | Photo © Bath College

ADULT floristry students at Bath College have begun creating flower displays for Dorothy House as part of a new partnership with the college’s Charity of the Year.

The first arrangements were delivered to the hospice on 20th May, with fresh displays now set to be provided every two weeks from May through to November.

Bath College said the initiative is giving learners valuable practical experience while also helping brighten spaces used by patients, visitors and key workers at Dorothy House.

As part of their course, students have been learning about professional floristry techniques, including the use of colour combinations and the effect floral

displays can have in emotionally sensitive settings such as a hospice.

Karen Simmons, manager of part-time adult learning at Bath College, said: “Our learners were delighted to supply flowers for Dorothy House.

“It’s such an incredible charity, and so many of us have a personal connection to the work they do.

“Creating these displays worked perfectly with our classroom modules and gave the students a wonderful opportunity to display their new skills.

“We are all delighted to continue this partnership throughout the course.”

Dorothy House said the arrangements would help improve the welcome areas used

by people visiting and receiving care at the hospice.

Chelsea Wallace, corporate fundraiser at Dorothy House, said: “The floral arrangement donations from Bath College are so appreciated and will truly enhance the welcome areas at the hospice for our patients, families, and visitors.

“It’s such a kind and thoughtful initiative from the college and students, and a wonderful reminder that acts of kindness, such as these beautiful floral arrangements, mean so much.”

The college said the partnership will continue to support adult learners’ development while also contributing to the wellbeing of palliative care patients and key workers.

AVON Valley Nursery and Pre-School in Keynsham has received a glowing report from Ofsted.

It was published recently following an inspection earlier this year. Ofsted’s new report card system has a five-point grading scale, with the highest being exceptional, followed by strong standard, expected standard, needs attention and urgent improvement.

Run by Nursery in a Yurt Ltd and based at Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park, the nursery and pre-school is said to be of a strong standard in five categories – for achievement, children’s welfare and wellbeing, curriculum and teaching, inclusion, and leadership and governance.

It is of the expected standard for children’s behaviour, attitudes and establishing routines. The safeguarding standards are met.

Children at the 85-place setting, which opened in 2023, are said to enjoy learning and develop positive relationships.

The inspector’s report says: “Children immerse themselves into learning, where they explore a wide range of activities, including bug hunts and walks,

spotting the different animals.

Children remain purposefully engaged and motivated, displaying positive attitudes towards their learning.

“Leaders and staff are passionate about inclusion and provide robust support for children with special educational needs and/ or disabilities and those who face other barriers to their learning or wellbeing. Relationships among children, parents and staff reflect a positive and respectful culture.

Staff gather key information from parents before children start at the setting.

“This information helps to provide high-quality care from the start. Experienced staff know and understand the curriculum, including the intentions for individual children’s learning.

They know the children and their families well and are passionate about and dedicated to their roles and responsibilities.

“Staff monitor and reflect on attendance to ensure that all children have full access to broad and balanced experiences across all areas of learning.”

The report also highlights that staff feel valued and morale is high.

New artificial football pitch proposed for Keynsham school Becky Feather Reporter

PLANS have been unveiled for a 3G artificial grass pitch with floodlighting at Wellsway School in Keynsham.

Futura Learning Partnership has lodged a planning application with Bath & North East Somerset Council to replace a natural turf pitch at the Chandag Road campus with an all-weather facility that will serve both the school and community, including grassroots clubs, partner organisations, and inclusive sports programmes.

Six 15-metre-high galvanised steel columns, each equipped with energy-efficient LED luminaires, are proposed.

The adjacent hockey pitch floodlighting is of a similar height.

The scheme also includes 4.5-metre-high perimeter

fencing, hardstanding areas, a storage container for maintenance equipment and sports kit, and an access footpath.

The application says the proposed 3G pitch, measuring 97 metres by 61 metres, will be more than 70 metres north of the nearest house so the predicted noise reaching it will be below the 50 dB criterion as set out by the World Health Organization.

The proposed opening hours will be 8am to 10pm Monday to Saturday, with lights out and the facility locked up by 10.15pm; on Sundays and bank holidays will be 8am to 8pm, with the final curfew at 8.15pm. Public transport, drop-off / collect systems, and car-sharing will be promoted to all visitors unable to walk or cycle their whole journey to and from the school.

The development is said to have been carefully designed to comply with both FA and

Sport England guidance and will deliver “much-needed grassroots football infrastructure for Wellsway School and the wider Keynsham area”.

The application says: “The design complements Wellsway School and the surrounding environment, ensuring minimal visual impact. It is sympathetic to its surroundings, avoiding any unacceptable impact on adjacent public areas or residential neighbours.”

The school’s playing fields are dissected with a line of trees and the proposal will include their removal. It is proposed that 19 more trees are to be planted elsewhere on site to directly compensate for the loss.

Additionally, the scheme will be subject to biodiversity net gain rules.

The planning reference is 26/01838/FUL and the deadline for comments is 9th June.

The new pitch will serve the school and the community | Library image

Issue 131

P19

Your City, Your News - Bath Echo

Winter Olympics stars inducted into university’s hall of fame Richard Briggs Reporter

OLYMPIC champions Matt Weston and Tabby Stoecker and fellow British Skeleton global medallist Marcus Wyatt have been inducted into the University of Bath Hall of Fame for Sport.

Their induction took place during a celebratory event, hosted by Bath & North East Somerset Council on Wednesday 20th May, that recognised the outstanding achievements of British Bobsleigh and Skeleton Association (BBSA) athletes, coaches and staff at this year’s Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics.

The event, at the Guildhall in Bath, also celebrated the successful partnership between the BBSA and the university, a UK Sport-accredited elite training centre where, for the past 25 years, bobsleigh and skeleton athletes have perfected their start on the UK’s only outdoor pushstart track.

Ten Olympic medals have been won during that time, five of them gold. The latest triumphs came in February at the Cortina Sliding Centre in Italy.

There, Weston dominated the men’s final, finishing nearly a second clear of the field, before partnering Stoecker to a thrilling

victory in the first Olympic skeleton mixed team event.

This completed a full set of men’s titles for Weston, who is also the reigning world, European and overall World Cup champion. In the past four seasons, he won 42 medals – 22 of them gold.

Weston – who was inducted into the hall of fame by Prof Phil Taylor, vice-chancellor and president of the university – said: “It’s been a crazy few months since the Olympics.

“My life has genuinely changed and it’s hard to put into words what it all means.

“It doesn’t happen without the team behind me – the coaches, the team-mates, the staff members here in Bath. Without them I wouldn’t be standing here today as a double Olympic champion.

“Thank you to the University of Bath for inducting all of us. It’s great to have that recognition, not only of our success but all the hard work it’s taken from everyone to get to this point.”

At the age of 25, Stoecker became the youngest member of the hall of fame when she was formally inducted by Prof Cassie Wilson, the university’s pro vicechancellor (student experience).

Stoecker, who also recorded a top-five finish in the women’s race on her Olympic debut in Cortina, said: “Thank you to the

university for this recognition.

I’m feeling pretty proud.

“I’m sure most people in this room will have played a part in my journey in some way and I’d like to express my gratitude for everything you did.”

Double Olympian Wyatt has raced more than 100 times for Great Britain since taking up skeleton in 2014, winning 34 medals including European Championships gold in 2024 and World Championships silver in 2025.

He was the only man to beat Weston in 2025-26, claiming two golds on the World Cup circuit.

Wyatt – who was inducted

by Stephen Baddeley, the university’s director of sport – said: “It’s 12 years ago, almost to the day, since I walked through the Team Bath doors for the first time for trials, not really knowing where the next few years would take me.

“I joined some amazing athletes on the programme and more incredible athletes have come through since, which is testament to the BBSA and Team Bath.”

The celebration was attended by more than 100 people, including several current skeleton athletes, Vancouver 2010 gold-medallist and hall of fame inductee Amy Williams and representatives from the BBSA, the university and the council.

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Marcus Wyatt, left, Tabby Stoecker and Matt Weston | Photo © Anna Barclay

They were welcomed to the Guildhall by Councillor Shaun Stephenson-McGall, the newly elected chairman of the council, who, in his speech, hailed the achievements of the BBSA athletes.

He said: “Congratulations Matt, Tabby and Marcus on your remarkable achievements.

“Many winning Winter Olympians have come through the steadying hands of the Sports Training Village at the University of Bath.

“Your team’s drive, the ongoing investments in athletics, coaching, medical and physio teams are to be applauded.”

Gareth Moore, chairman of the BBSA board, spoke at the ceremony about the unprecedented success of the past four years during which 106 top-level medals, 40 of them

gold, have been won by British bobsleigh and skeleton athletes.

Prof Taylor said: “Congratulations to the hall of fame inductees and thank you to Bath & North East Somerset Council for hosting this wonderful event which allows us to celebrate and thank all involved with the BBSA for their immense contribution to our world-class sporting environment.

“We’re incredibly proud of the university’s highly valued partnership with the BBSA and privileged to be home to such an inspirational group of athletes, coaches and staff.

“It’s been a thrill to witness not just the success of Matt and Tabby at the Olympics but the historic achievements of bobsleigh and skeleton athletes throughout the four years building up to the Games. Long may that success continue.”

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Business Builders who owe customer £33k have ignored Bath court order A CLAIMANT is still trying to recoup money from builders, more than five months after a judge at Bath County Court awarded her full claim of £33,000.

The ruling was made at a Fast Track Trial last December, which neither defendant attended.

The first named defendant is JJS Construction SouthWest Ltd. The company’s registered address is in Mulberry Park in Bath, and there is one director, Jonathan Saull. The second defendant is sole trader Tony Edgell, who the Echo understands lives in Midsomer Norton.

The judgment was made on 2nd December 2025 by Judge Sophie Elboz. It was assessed in the sum of £29,631.18, against the first and second defendants jointly and severally.

The defendants were also ordered to pay the claimant’s costs, which total £3,403.82.

The full amount should have been paid by 4pm on 4th December 2025.

Joint and several liability means that parties are both collectively responsible for the entire obligation (jointly) and individually responsible for the entire obligation (severally).

A creditor can pursue any one of the liable parties for the full amount of the obligation, or pursue all of them, or any combination.

The claimant, who says she has received no money to date, has contacted the Echo to highlight the case, saying there has been “no justice”.

She cares for her parents, who both have dementia. The elderly couple used their house sale money to finance an annexe to be built in the garden of her home near Frome.

How the property was left

The builders had been recommended through the project’s architect. But the claimant says the pair, who jointly undertook the project from March to August 2024, received £111,600+ in payments, and then abandoned the works midway through.

She said they left the annexe “uninhabitable”, broke their contract and tried to charge an additional £24,000.

She says the pair gave contradictory explanations, refused mediation, and provided no invoices or receipts, despite a court order.

An independent professional surveyor’s report, which the Bath Echo has seen, confirms substantial defects and missing works.

The report concludes that the existing roof structure was not constructed as per the design and structural engineer’s drawings.

It says: “Alterations of the roof to meet thermal insulation requirements and the eaves overhang detail will require the stripping and replacement of the existing roof coverings and plasterboard.

“Additional timbers will be required with doubled-up rafters around skylights and noggins installed where missing.

“The external walls will require

minor adjustments to weep holes if the current size and dimensions of openings is acceptable.”

It goes on: “The internal plasterboard finish is poor, with incorrect materials used in both the bathroom and throughout the ceiling space. This will require the removal of the existing board finishes and installation of replacement materials.

“Careful review would be needed to ensure that accurate and neat jointing can be made between the new boarding and any retained surfaces.

“The existing retaining wall has been back filled with unsuitable material, including builder’s rubble. We have not seen copies of any structural engineer’s design for the retaining wall that complies with the best practice guidance available.

“As such, we were unable to confirm if the structure of the wall is suitably stable to support the soil and higher ground level.

“The lack of compliance with the guidance suggest the wall will need additional supports and adjustment.”

The claimant told the Echo that they have finally been able to move her parents into the annexe.

She said: “The financial strain has been horrific. We are now in a lot of debt. My poor parents have missed years of independent living.”

A check of Companies House records this week shows overdue accounts for JJS Construction SouthWest Ltd, which was incorporated in April 2023, but the company is still listed as active, and Mr Saull is still the sole director.

The Echo has contacted both Mr Saull and Mr Edgell, asking them if they wish to say anything. No response has been received.

‘Vibrant new office space’ plan for historic riverside buildings TWO vacant riverside buildings which reflect Bath’s historic role as a centre of regional industry look set to undergo a major refurbishment.

Alterations are proposed both inside and out at the inter-linked Camden Mill and Bayer Building on Lower Bristol Road.

Until January of this year, they had been occupied as office workspace by Buro Happold since the 1980s, along with the adjacent car park which accommodates 12 car spaces, cycle and refuse stores, and a substation.

The company has relocated to the Pinesgate West site further along Lower Bristol Road, and the application submitted to Bath & North East Somerset Council says the buildings are vacant and need refurbishment to bring them into viable, lower-energy occupation.

Grade II listed Camden Mill is a former steam-powered mill built in 1879, replacing an earlier mill that previously occupied the same site.

It was converted to office space in 1974–75, marking a major change in use from industrial production to commercial offices.

The red-brick Bayer Building was constructed in 1890 as a corset factory. Although not listed, it is a non-designated heritage asset.

Camden Mill has six floors while Bayer has five floors with larger floor-to ceiling heights.

The project is seeking full planning approval and listed building consent for internal alterations to the layout of both buildings, plus mechanical and electrical upgrades, including a new ventilation system.

Camden Mill is intended to accommodate small businesses

The two riverside buildings

and start-up companies that require smaller office units and meeting facilities. The Bayer Building is proposed for use by larger companies with the layouts primarily being open-plan office spaces.

At present, both buildings are accessed via the Camden Mill East entrance from the car park.

To provide a dedicated entrance for the Bayer Building, it is proposed to open up the existing doors onto Lower Bristol Road.

New lighting along Lower Bristol Road is also planned.

A statement with the application, which has been submitted by Camden Mills LLP C/O TCN UK, concludes that the proposals would not harm the heritage buildings or their setting within the Bath Conservation Area.

It adds that the opportunity to reconfigure both buildings as “vibrant new office space”, whilst providing improved entrances and access, outweighs any loss.

None of the proposals will have any impact on works previously completed as part of a flood defence strategy, including to the windows of the Camden Mill and Bayer Building and to the flood wall alongside the car park.

The planning reference is 26/01788/FUL and the deadline for comments is 18th June.

Popular café seeks retrospective permission for buildings Becky Feather Reporter

ALICE Park Café in Bath has submitted a retrospective planning application to keep several buildings at the popular tea pavilion.

The park at Gloucester Road in Lower Swainswick is owned

by Bath & North East Somerset Council.

In his application to the council, café lease-holder Tony Hickman says he has spent a six-figure sum on growing the business over the last 17 years.

Over recent years, a number of “modest additions” have been made to support the café’s continued operation, including a flat-roofed timber-clad office

to the rear, a covered outdoor seating / customer area to the front, which allows year-round use of the café, and a storage shed to the side.

The application says these structures do not materially alter the character of the site or result in unacceptable access or visual impacts.

In a letter with the planning application, Mr Hickman says: “The cafe was very rarely open when I first discovered it, and by chance I used to work with the leaseholder.

“I was very keen to make this a destination location, with amazing coffee, that was open every day, so I applied for the lease. This was granted in 2009.”

He says one of the key problems with standard 'concessions' in

The café at Alice Park on Gloucester Road

parks is that as a business model they only open on nice days, when they make money.

“But I have always wanted to build a community, and also firmly believe that about the only thing you can guarantee in

business is that if you are closed, then you definitely don’t sell anything. So we are open every single day, except Christmas Day - consistently building a great community and safe space for all groups over the last 17 years.”

He says his business’s support for local suppliers, reducing air miles and offering a 'safe space' for all has meant it has continued to grow. To accommodate this growth, I have consistently invested back into the business; this is the hard evidence presented through the office, conservatory, covered pergola, terrace area etc, amounting to a personal investment running well into six figures - I have always thought it best to keep on developing the park as best I can.”

The planning reference is 26/01899/FUL. The deadline for comments is 18th June.

An update on the tea chalet lease was discussed in closed session at a meeting of the council’s Alice Park Trust sub-committee on Friday 15th May.

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Politics

Planning Round-up

Councillors ‘trussed up' over housing policies John Wimperis

Local Democracy Reporter

COUNCILLORS in Bath and North East Somerset say they have been “trussed up” by the government over their housing policies.

The council is shortly due to submit its new Local Plan, the major document which sets the council’s planning policies and where developments should go for the next 20 years.

But government changes to the rules and a looming deadline mean it has been forced to make changes to policies it previously had consulted on and planned to introduce - with limited scrutiny possible.

“They have just trussed us up.

There’s no way about it, it’s very difficult for us to do anything impactful,” Councillor Hal McFie (Keynsham East, Liberal Democrat) told a council scrutiny panel he sits on on Wednesday 20th May. He pointed out that a huge amount was being added into the plan but councillors were not

being given time to scrutinise it.

The council already had to double the number of homes in the plan, after the government upped its mandatory housing target from 13,000 homes over the length of the plan to 27,000.

Now it has been told it cannot include some of the environmental rules it wanted to, such as requiring developers to achieve biodiversity net gain of 20% (twice what is required nationally). Council officers believe they have found a workaround, however, to continue with this rule for some developments.

The scrutiny panel was only given a summary of the proposed Local Plan, with the full document only to be published when it goes before the council cabinet.

Although the public will be able to comment on the policies plan, these are primarily intended to go to the government inspectors who formally decide whether to approve it, as opposed to the councillors deciding what to include in the plan.

Scrutiny panel member Councillor Grant Johnson

The housing target for the area has been increased to 27,000

(Paulton, Independent) said: “It does feel like this meeting is a bit of a waste of time … because it does not seem like we are really able to scrutinise much.”

Council officers said that because of government changes to the process, the plan would not be adopted if it was submitted to the government later than the end of the year, leaving too little time to scrutinise the changes that had to be made. The panel was told: “That is an absolute fixed deadline from government.

“And it is that deadline that then

is driving … the rest of the process which does make it difficult to achieve all of the engagement we would like to achieve.”

The changes proposed to the plan mainly concern the planning policies developers will have to follow.

The proposals in the plan for where new housing developments should go puts most of the new homes in areas of the district away from Bath to avoid risking the historic city’s UNESCO World Heritage Site status.

Concern over prosecutions funding renting act John Wimperis

Local Democracy Reporter

CRACKING down on rogue landlords under the new Renters’ Rights Act will have to be partly funded by the money generated from prosecuting them, councillors in Bath have warned.

The new law, which came into effect on 1st May bans no fault evictions and other unfair practices like private landlords stopping tenants having a pet for no reason.

Local authorities have been given new investigatory powers and financial penalties to enforce the

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new rules.

“Local authorities now have an enforcement function but there is not necessarily any money for that,” Bath and North East Somerset Council’s cabinet member responsible for housing, Councillor Matt McCabe (Bathavon South, Liberal Democrat), told a council scrutiny panel on Wednesday 20th May. The financial penalties designed as an enforcement tool could be needed to pay for the enforcement to happen.

Councillor McCabe said: “There is some transition money, but in future it will be that we will have to supplement from prosecutions.

Which is not a sensible way

The Renters’ Rights Act came into force on 1st May

forward in my view.”

Chair of the scrutiny panel, Councillor Andy Wait (Keynsham East, Liberal Democrat) agreed.

He said: “It seems to be payment by results which is possibly not the right image that you need to put across.”

Bath & North East Somerset

Council is currently putting together a team to carry out enforcement action against landlords who breach the act.

Until the team is assembled, the council is contracting Bristol City Council, which already has an enforcement team, to cover the area as well.

Dog walking paddock plan in Corston There are plans to turn a field in Corston near Bath into a dog walking paddock. The site east of Meadlands is known as Monty’s Field. The dog walking area would be enclosed by 6fthigh deer fencing, said to be “barely visible” from a distance, and which would allow the open nature of the land to remain.

The field would not need to be lit as no walks would take place before dawn nor after dark.

A management plan submitted with the application to Bath & North East Somerset Council details the proposed opening hours, booking procedure, waste management, noise, access and parking. The planning reference is 26/01545/FUL and the deadline for any comments is 22nd June.

Bid submitted to legalise ‘hideaway’ holiday let An application to legalise a holiday let on top of Solsbury Hill has been submitted to Bath & North East Somerset Council.

It follows a visit from the council’s planning enforcement team to Straw Bale Lodge at Little Solsbury Lane. A certificate of lawfulness for an existing use is now being sought for the holiday accommodation, which is in the grounds of the property known as Hill Top. A statement with the application explains that the single-storey detached lodge was constructed in 2008, replacing an older outbuilding that was demolished. It was used as an office and consulting rooms until the end of 2014. During 2015 and 2016 internal works were carried out to turn it into the current one-bed holiday let unit which reportedly achieves a very high level of year-round occupancy for short-stay holidays, “making a positive contribution to the local tourism economy”.

The holiday let, which is advertised from £200 a night, is described as an “unexpected romantic hideaway” at the top of Solsbury Hill. The planning reference is 26/01994/CLEU. Any comments on the application should be submitted to the council by 22nd June.

COLUMN | Councillor Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council

T

HIS month, I am reflecting on a phrase that stood out to me from a recent council announcement, referring to moving “from vision to delivery” in a story about planning permission being granted for the new Fashion Museum Bath.

The vision is of a world-class new home for one of the world’s great fashion collections; one which brings numerous benefits for residents as well as visitors.

Delivery is ongoing, with a host of preparatory work under way, interim events taking place and

the main construction due to start in late 2027.

However, “from vision to delivery” applies to a wide range of council projects.

A key vision for our administration is safer and healthier streets and public spaces, including for people who use active travel to move about.

I was delighted to see the launch of our first School Street in May. Pupils at St Stephen’s Primary School will now have a calmer and safer start and finish to the school day, with timed vehicle restrictions helping make it safer

to walk, wheel and cycle on the school run. More School Streets will be delivered this summer.

And the Scholar’s Way active travel route is now helping to deliver safer and more direct access to four schools in the South of Bath. Again, the next phase is set to start this summer.

Making our streets safer for all also includes investing in our highways. We spend around £9 million a year on maintaining roads and footways.

That sum includes our local topup to national funding, which we have maintain despite financial

pressures. From this the council invests in resurfacing and reconstruction and fills thousands of potholes per year - getting on for 4,000 in the first quarter of 2026 alone!

Linked to making our streets healthier is cleaning up the air we breathe.

B&NES has been a national leader tackling pollution, having launched the first Clean Air Zone outside London in 2021.

This has been a success and harmful emissions, such as

nitrogen dioxide, are now within national standards. However, evidence shows there is no safe level of air pollution, with even low levels having a negative health impact.

We are aiming to go further to protect our communities, especially those most vulnerable to the effects of poor air quality.

Please do have your say on the Clean Air Strategy, by completing the survey at www. bathnes.gov.uk/cleanairstrategy by 23rd June.

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Bath still on course for home semi, despite derby loss to Bears

Five-fer for Smith as Lansdown annihilate

Richard Briggs

Richard Briggs

A HOME semi-final is still in Bath Rugby’s grasp, despite defeat in their Gallagher PREM Round 17 derby with Bristol Bears at a raucous Ashton Gate Stadium on Friday 29th May. The Blue, Black & White lost a 19-7 half-time lead as they were beaten 21-19 by a Bristol side aiming to put things right following a 94-33 mauling by Northampton Saints last time out.

And Pat Lam’s men rode their luck at times to edge out their neighbours, who were missing talismanic fly-half Finn Russell due to injury.

Conditions were ideal for lateseason evening rugby – sunshine, temperatures that were, thankfully, lower than earlier in the week, and a slight breeze.

And the shirt-sleeved crowd of 21,612 witnessed a tense clash.

The visitors appeared to have gone ahead when Henry Arundell latched onto a looping pass to touch down from short range in the left corner in the 13th minute.

But the score was disallowed because the pass went forward.

However, pressure from the Blue, Black & White was rewarded when, in the 20th minute, Ollie Lawrence scored from close range just to the right of the posts.

Ciaran Donoghue converted.

And Bath extended their lead to 12-0 in the 29th minute. Ben Spencer played a dummy on the Bristol 10-metre line and broke away on the right. On the 22, he fed Guy Pepper who powered

LANSDOWN 1st XI annihilated visiting Clevedon 1st XI by 160 runs when the sides met in West of England Premier League Premier 2 Bristol / Somerset on Saturday 30th May. The table-topping Bath club have won all four of their completed matches in the division this year – and they were ruthless against the seasiders.

Having chosen to bat, Lansdown posted 260-9 in their 50 overs at Combe Park – but they had a couple of nasty shocks early on, when they slipped to 14-2.

However, a 100-run stand for the third wicket between Praneel Choughule and skipper Jordan Smith (34) turned around the innings. Following the captain’s departure, Choughule was joined

by Luke Charlesworth (34) and they added 71 for the fourth wicket. Choughule was finally ousted for 85 – off 113 balls and including 13 fours – when he was caught off Dan Williams to leave Lansdown 215-5.

A whopping 56 extras were conceded by Clevedon, for whom Matt Carpenter snared 4-36 off 10 overs. The North Somerset side tumbled to 18-5 in response.

And they would have been well short of a three-figure total had it not been for a valiant last-wicket stand between Williams (41 from 47 balls) and Jack Askew (8 not out) that produced 44 runs.

Clevedon’s second-highest scorer was extras (14) – and eight of the dismissed batters failed to reach double figures.

Reporter

Reporter

Bath Rugby lost a 19-7 interval lead as they were beaten 21-19

by Bristol Bears on Friday 29th May | Photo © Richard Briggs

forward and dived, theatrically, for a try in the right corner.

The Bears roared back and got onto the scoreboard in the 35th minute, skipper Fitz Harding pivoting out of a tackle from Charlie Ewels and crashing over just to the right of the posts. AJ MacGinty landed the two points.

But with the clock in the red, Bath’s impressive Thomas du Toit burrowed over from short range slightly to the left of the posts and, with the final act of the first half, Donoghue booted the extras to leave Bath with a 12-point cushion.

The match began to swing away from the guests in the 45th minute.

Arundell took to the air and stretched for the ball. But he knocked-on, denying Louis ReesZammit a scoring opportunity on the right. The knock-on was deemed deliberate, Arundell was sent to the sin bin and Bristol were awarded a penalty try to close the gap to 19-14.

The Bears thought they had gone ahead with a 53rd-minute try from Rees-Zammit but the score was ruled out because he failed to take the ball cleanly.

Bath replacement Alfie Barbeary looked to have made a speedy impact by scoring a try on the hour, only for it to be disallowed for a knock-on by Dan Frost, who was also attempting to down the ball.

Bristol’s Harry Randall believed he had a nabbed a close-range try just to the right of the posts five minutes later. But he was stopped short of the line by Ted Hill.

However, the home side did score a try a matter of seconds later – from an almost identical position.

Max Lahiff went over from close range, Tom Jordan majored and the Bears were two points ahead.

But Bath almost won the game with the clock showing more than 82 minutes played, when they were awarded a penalty 56 metres out but in front of the posts. Santi Carreras chose to go for goal. His kick had the legs – but sadly for the visitors, it drifted narrowly wide of the right stick.

Bath are second in the table, two points ahead of third-placed Leicester Tigers who will visit The Rec in Round 18 on Saturday 6th June. The Blue, Black & White need only a draw to secure home advantage in the semis.

Lansdown posted 260-9

Josh Smith was the Lansdown bowling hero, claiming 5-20 in 10 overs. Charlesworth returned 3-31 off seven overs.

Lansdown 2nd XI were on the receiving end of a heavy defeat when they met Claverham (Yatton) 1st XI at the Wood Memorial Ground in Bristol & District Cricket Association Division One on 30th May. The home side clocked up 226-8 in their 40 overs after electing to bat. But they were heading for a much smaller total when they found themselves 135-8, this after an opening stand that brought them 49 runs.

Number 10 Matty Gregory (53 not out from 37 balls) joined Tom Gamble (46 not out) at the crease for the ninth wicket and the pair frustrated Lansdown by adding an unbeaten 91.

Harry Veal was the pick of the guests’ attack, grabbing 4-32 in eight overs.

Lansdown plunged to 97-9 in reply and were saved from complete humiliation by number six Veal’s 57, last man Will Harrison aiding his progress by facing 24 balls for 0 not out.

The guests were removed for 135 in 35.2 overs, Gregory swooping for 5-28 off eight overs as Claverham won by 91 runs.

Missed opportunities prove costly for Bath, admits van Graan Richard Briggs Reporter

JOHANN van Graan admitted that missed opportunities proved costly for his Bath Rugby side in their derby defeat at Bristol Bears on Friday 29th May. The Blue, Black & White led 19-7 at the break at Ashton Gate Stadium in the Gallagher PREM Round 17 clash but failed to score in the second half and went down 21-19.

At the Blue, Black & White’s post-match press conference, head of rugby van Graan said: “I thought the first half, leading 19-7, in control, created loads of opportunities, very happy with our defence.

“I think the theme of the game was we didn’t finish our opportunities.

“Twice we thought we scored a

try that brought us back.

“I think two big moments in the second half, one metre away where they come to ruck us, and then a scrum where we go to the left and get turned over five yards away, so not clinical enough from our side.

“Credit to Bristol. It’s difficult to come back from that [a 94-33 loss at Northampton Saints in their previous match] and they did.

“But this will be the game of missed opportunities from our side.”

When asked where he thought the game was won and lost, van Graan said: “Finishing opportunities – and if you look at the tries they scored, they came off our mistakes, unfortunately.

“Henry [Arundell] goes there for the ball and it’s a penalty try [for Bristol, cutting the visitors’ advantage to 19-14].

“We go the other end and unfortunately it touches Dan

Frost’s hand [and that knock-on denies Alfie Barbeary a try].

“So this is a game of missed opportunities.

“And in the context of the game, that ball [a last-minute, long-range penalty] from Santi [Carreras] goes over the posts and it’s a total different feeling, and that’s sport for you.

“So great occasion but not so nice being on the losing side.”

On Carreras opting to kick for goal at the death, van Graan said: “That’s a decision that the kickers need to make on the field and that’s a decision that I’m very comfortable with.

“There’s no ego involved, Santi thought that he could hit it.

“I think it had the distance. It just didn’t have the direction at the end.

“I’ve got the players’ backs on the field, whatever decision they make.”

Van Graan provided an update on

fly-half Finn Russell, who missed the match because of injury.

“He’s got a tight calf,” said van Graan. “I pulled him out of training early in the week, and we’ve qualified for the semi-final that’s still two weeks away.

“So we just made a decision not to risk anything. We’ll assess him, how he is, through next week “If we just look at the facts, on the weekend of the 13th [June], we’re playing a semi-final and we want our best-possible team to be available then.

“So we’ll take our time through next week and make a decision whether he plays next week or we hold him back another week.”

Sam Underhill, normally a flanker, played at number 8 at Ashton Gate – and he impressed his boss.

Van Graan said: “If we could play with three number 7 jerseys, we would have tonight.

“Our plan was to slow down the

breakdown and I thought that we did that really, really well, specifically in the first half.

“I thought he was good at the base of the scrum. I thought he carried really well.

“I think he’s had a very good game there.”

When the Echo pointed out that even though Bath lost, a home win against Leicester Tigers on Saturday 6th June would guarantee the Somerset team home advantage in the semis, van Graan said: “We came here to win. So disappointed that we didn’t.

“But in the greater scheme of things, it’s in our hands, and we’re playing at home next Saturday.”

And with Leicester losing to Exeter Chiefs in Round 17 on Sunday 31st May, a draw with the Tigers will now be good enough to ensure the Blue, Black & White will be in action at The Rec in the semis.

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Forwards released but Romans make ‘statement signing’ Richard Briggs Reporter

FORWARDS Jordan Alves and Brad Ash and midfielder Mitch Beardmore have been released

by Bath City following the club’s relegation from Enterprise National League South – but “a statement signing” has arrived at the Cannon Clarke Stadium @ Twerton Park.

Forwards Jordan Alves and Brad Ash and midfielder Mitch Beardmore have been released

by Bath City following the club’s relegation from Enterprise National League South – but “a statement signing” has arrived at the Cannon Clarke Stadium @ Twerton Park.

The Romans published their retained and released list, which also included the announcement of ex-Scottish Premiership forward Alex Fisher’s retirement, at lunchtime on Friday 29th May – and a few hours later, they revealed that Dutch utility player Enzio Boldewijn has joined the club.

Standing 6ft 1in tall, the 33-yearold has League Two experience with Crawley Town, Notts County

and Sutton United, and spent the past two seasons with Wealdstone in the National League. He can play as a defender, centre forward or winger.

Bath manager Scott Bartlett said: “Enzio’s a statement signing for us, a terrific player, a brilliant professional and is every bit a National League player still.

“He’s a leader, can play in numerous positions and will be a fans’ favourite for sure.”

Of the retained and released list not being revealed until 29th May, Bartlett said: “It’s partly on me really but we’ve had to wait, we’ve had to make sure we’ve got all the finances in place to do what we want to do.

“Those things can’t really be rushed and there’s been 30, 40, 50 phone calls a day.

“We’d like to do everything face to face but players are away, they’re on holiday.

“But lots of conversations, real honest, open, both ways. I think the players have conducted themselves brilliantly.

“I’d like to place on record my thanks to everyone that represented our club last season and to wish those moving on the very best.

“It’s a bit of a rebuild and although we’re trying to keep [players] – and we’re having some success keeping some of the squad together – we’re trying to bring things into line, trying to make sure the budget stretches a bit further, whilst being fair to the players, and leaving ourselves enough to add some more quality to the group, so we’re in a really strong position going into the new season.

“It’s never more difficult than the first year [closed season for a manager], in my opinion.

“And obviously with the timing of me coming in [March], there’s lots of things that weren’t done that probably would’ve been if Darren [Way] was still here, and that’s how I had it running at previous clubs. You get to this stage of the season and you’re pretty much there.

“But big rebuild, exciting. I’ve had some brilliant feedback from everyone – from fans, from people in the city when I’m out and about.

“But Bath City’s still got a really big pull, and that’s been evident

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in the conversations with our own players that I’ve had and with players that we’re trying to bring in.

“I had lots of conversations with players before the season finished, put feelers out there, seeing what’s what.

“We were trying tooth and nail to stay in the league, so it wasn’t the right time for me to go into contract situations and budgets and the financial position so much in the last eight weeks of the season.

“But since that’s finished, you go through it with a fine-tooth comb and realise that as much as you like to keep the whole group together, that was never going to be possible, especially with the fact that we’ve got our own targets that we’d like to bring into the football club.

“I think the next two weeks are going to be really, really busy.

“Hopefully we’ll have a little bit of downtime then for a week before gearing up for the first day back of pre-season.

“Pre-season’s going to be really tough, the players know that.

“We’ll be in pretty much intensive for the first week, something that I’ve done at previous clubs, and then ease off a little bit after that, but I think we’ve got a good range of games.

“I think we’ve got some exciting players coming into the club. And we’ve been able to keep hold of a number of our own players.”

Bartlett praised Bath’s brilliant fans for being one of the reasons why players want to be with the club.

He said: “It’s a big club and you can see the support at the end of the season.

“The supporters had, in many ways, a terrible time last year, but they were absolutely brilliant and I’m really pleased that [seasonticket sales are] going well because we’re working hard and they’re a big reason why players want to come here, why players want to sign, why players want to re-sign.”

The Romans will play in Pitching In Southern League Premier South during 2026-27 – and with the impressive Bartlett at the helm, there is an excellent chance of the club making an immediate return to Step 6.

Photo © Simon Howe

P24

Friday 5th June - Thursday 18th June 2026

www.bathecho.co.uk

Sport

Upcoming Fixtures

Young ton inspires Bath Team Bath settle for 1st XI to victory penultimate place Richard Briggs Reporter

SAM Young hit an undefeated ton as Bath 1st XI moved into ECB National Club Championship Group 9 Round 3 by recording a four-wicket victory in a high-scoring match at Penzance on Sunday 31st May. The Cornish outfit raced to 302-7 in their 40 overs after being put in – an impressive total considering they were 64-3, Spencer Gammon claiming the first two wickets.

Basil Akram (57 from 71 balls) and Grant Thomson (110 not out off 73 deliveries) propelled Penzance towards their big score.

Sammy King weighed in with 42 from 35 balls and shared an 83run stand for the fifth wicket with Thomson.

Gammon ended up with 3-41 from eight overs.

Bath slipped to 33-2 in response.

But opener Jack Scrivens and Young put on 95 for the third wicket, the pair separated when the former was caught off Akram for 61.

Scrivens’ knock came from 56 balls and included three sixes and five fours.

Young went on to finish with an unbeaten 111 from 110 deliveries, his innings containing two sixes and 10 fours.

He received great support from Max O’Farrell, the duo adding 107 for the seventh wicket.

O’Farrell cracked three sixes and four boundaries on his way to 52 off 39 deliveries.

Bath got home at 303-6 with five balls remaining, Ben Fletcher and Tom Dinnins taking two scalps apiece for the Duchy team.

Bristol 1st XI – who overcame Bishopston 1st XI in Round 2 –

will be Bath’s next opponents in the competition, visiting North Parade on Sunday 21st June (1pm).

Bath 1st XI travelled to Penwith on the back of a three-wicket reverse

by Thornbury on Saturday 30th May in West of England Premier League Premier 1.

The result at The Ship Field means the Somerset side have been beaten in three of their four completed matches in the division this year.

South Gloucestershire club Thornbury opted to field and restricted Bath to 277-9 in their 50 overs. The guests had been 87-3 from 15.1 overs.

Young (44) and Alex Haleem (46) put on 50 for the fourth wicket.

And Haleem and skipper Harry Ellison (29) added 58 for the fifth wicket.

Number nine Josh Sutton made an important 33 off 27 balls.

Cani Gunaratnam was Thornbury’s most successful bowler, returning 3-57 in 10 overs.

Josh Riggs (95) and Chris Gibson (58) made a flying start to the hosts’ reply, piling on 146 for the opening wicket in 15.6 overs.

Riggs faced only 56 balls and hit half-a-dozen sixes and 12 boundaries during his 56 minutes in the middle.

However, Bath’s hopes took a big boost as Thornbury crashed to 202-6 with 17.3 overs left.

Unfortunately for the visitors, Declan Farland (30) and Alex Riggs (45 not out) compiled a 70run partnership for the seventh wicket to leave Thornbury in touching distance of the win which was achieved at 280-7 from 48.3 overs.

Sam Barnes (3-47 off 9.3 overs) and Harry Dixon (2-41 from 10 overs) bagged the bulk of the wickets.

Saturday 6th June – 3.15pm

Bath Rugby v Leicester Tigers (Home) Gallagher PREM – R18

Bath Cricket Club

Richard Briggs

(1ST XI)

Reporter

TEAM Bath have finished their season in penultimate place in the NXT Gen League.

The Blue & Gold followed up their tremendous 74-60 success at Loughborough Lightning on Saturday 23rd May by losing 8658 at Nottingham Forest in their finale on Saturday 30th May. Team Bath – last year’s runnersup – won four and lost 12 of their 16 league matches in 2026, ending up two points ahead of bottom team LexisNexis Dragons.

The Blue & Gold named the same starting seven for the matches against Lightning and Forest, with Daisy Harrison and fans’ player of the year Poppy Tydeman combining in defence behind the mid-court trio of Ellie Ervine, Becca Hinkins and Lowri Windsor.

Daisy Collett and Lucy Herdman led the attack for Team Bath, who produced a magnificent and clinical performance to beat titlechasing Lightning.

The result was very damaging for Loughborough because they missed out on the title by three points, London Mavericks claiming the glory.

Forty-six of Team Bath’s goals against Lightning came in the first half, the visitors’ stunning ball speed leaving Loughborough chasing and their structures disrupted.

The hosts were forced into early changes but the Blue & Gold adjusted well to each one and continued to build, meaning that a Lightning surge in the fourth quarter was too late to have any impact.

Wales U21 wing-attack Windsor, who has enjoyed a phenomenal

Bath Rugby

Saturday 6th June – 12pm Bath 1st XI v Potterne (Home) WEPL Premier 1 Saturday 13th June – 12pm Bath 1st XI v Bedminster (Away) WEPL Premier 1 Photo © Luke Minett

second half of the season, was named most valuable player as Team Bath beat Loughborough away for the first time in six years at this age group – U21 and equivalent.

Team Bath starting seven: GK Daisy Harrison, GD Poppy Tydeman, WD Ellie Ervine, C Becca Hinkins, WA Lowri Windsor, GA Daisy Collett, GS Lucy Herdman.

Team Bath impact players: Orla Farrelly, Saskia Lea, Katherine Mansfield, Ellen Morgan, Sydney Sawyers.

The Blue & Gold then produced a strong first quarter at Forest, only for momentum to shift massively in the home side’s favour during a scrappy second period which saw eight unconverted turnovers in a row.

Once Forest had made the decisive break they continued to push and were the stronger side on the day.

Harrison was named Team Bath’s most valuable player.

Team Bath starting seven: GK Daisy Harrison, GD Poppy Tydeman, WD Ellie Ervine, C Becca Hinkins, WA Lowri Windsor, GA Daisy Collett, GS Lucy Herdman.

Team Bath impact players: Lucy Button, Katherine Mansfield, Ellen Morgan, Lottie Robinson, Sydney Sawyers.

Lansdown Cricket Club (1ST XI) Saturday 6th June – 12pm Lansdown v Congresbury CC (Away) WEPL Premier 2 Saturday 13th June – 12pm Lansdown v Taunton Deane (Home) WEPL Premier 2

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