ECHO
Your free local newspaper for the city of Bath
Tuesday, 17th September 2019
Delivered to 20,000 homes across Bath every fortnight
www.bathecho.co.uk | Issue No. 004 | FREE
Walk of Life event raises thousands for The Forever Friends Appeal P2
Plans unveiled to make popular Kingsmead Square vehicle-free
Play areas across Bath at risk of being scrapped due to ongoing costs P3
Proposals will see vehicles restricted between 11am and midnight every day A PLAN to make Bath’s busy Kingsmead Square car-free every day is being consulted on with the public by Bath and North East Somerset Council. The council’s proposals will see vehicles restricted from accessing Kingsmead Square daily during the hours of 11am to midnight to encourage a café culture, walking and cycling and reduce air pollution. The concept of reclaiming parking
spaces will be demonstrated on 23rd and 24th September when mini parks the size of a single car parking space, known as parklets, will be temporarily installed in New Street and Avon Street to provide seating and planting. Council officers will be at the parklets to discuss the access restriction proposals along with associated proposals to animate the space and get feedback from the public on Monday 23rd
September from 4-6pm and on Tuesday 24th September from 12-2pm. The vehicle restriction is proposed to begin in April 2020 for up to 18 months. Public and business consultation undertaken between September 2018 and January 2019 has informed the proposals. Businesses in the Kingsmead Square area were re-consulted in July 2019 and their requirements
continue to contribute to the final plans. Councillor Joanna Wright, Cabinet Member for Transport Services, said: “The business consultation we carried out in July explored in detail plans for new loading bays, possible improvements to commercial recycling and layout of outdoor tables and chairs to enhance the city’s café culture. Many..." Continued on page 2
Food waste collection to be introduced for more flats across Bath P4 Get the latest news for Bath 24/7 on our website www.bathecho.co.uk
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In this issue... Top stories Health
P2-9 P10
Education P12 What's On
P14
Community
P16
Business P18 Politics
P20
Puzzles P22 In Other News
P23
Sport
P24
Useful Information The Bath Echo newspaper is produced fortnightly, and delivered to 20,000 homes across the Bath area. If your home isn’t on our distribution route, you can pick up a copy at various locations across the city.
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Bath Echo, PO Box 5395, Bath, BA1 0YA
Over £100,000 raised at the Forever Friends Appeal's annual Walk of Life event THE Forever Friends Appeal has announced that this year’s Walk of Life event raised over £100,000, which will go towards benefiting patients and their families at the Royal United Hospital in Bath. The sponsored canal walk took place in May, and on the day 425 people walked along the Kennet and Avon canal towpath, covering 7,500 miles. This significant amount will be divided between the Appeal’s RUH Cancer Care Campaign, the new RNHRD and Brownsword Therapies Centre and many of the hospital’s wards and departments. Laura Pearce, Events and Community Officer of The Forever Friends Appeal said: “We would like to thank everyone who took part and to those who kindly sponsored our walkers. “Many people chose to take to either walk in memory of loved ones, show their support for someone receiving treatment at the hospital or to simply take on the challenge. “We are now inviting people to sign up for next year’s Walk of Life on our website. “We have also introduced a new morning walk as part of the event
Photos courtesy of the Forever Friends Appeal
so people have more choice and you can either sign up as an individual or as a team, making every step count for patients and their families at the RUH.” The three walking distances available next year are: • Marathon walk – 26.2 miles (approx.) start at Bishops Cannings (near Devizes) – Bradford on Avon – Bath • Morning walk – 16 miles (ap-
prox.): start at Bishops Cannings (near Devizes) – Bradford on Avon • Afternoon walk – 10 miles (approx.) start at Bradford on Avon – Bath A film of this year’s Walk of Life is now available to watch on www. foreverfriendsappeal.co.uk. To register for next year’s Walk of
Life, visit the events page on the Appeal’s website or for more information or call the events fundraising team on 01225 821535. The first Walk of Life took place in 2006. It was created with and in memory of Vanessa Kyte, who passed away in 2007. To date, the event has raised over half a million pounds for the hospital.
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Kingsmead Square Water main bursts on consultation underway busy London Road Continued from page 1 ...businesses showed real enthusiasm for the access restriction and associated improvements to the square. “This is not only about a café culture though, more importantly it is another step towards encouraging people out of their cars, improving air quality and making the city a cleaner and greener place to be. “We now want to hear the public’s views on our plans to create an important car-free space in our city.” Emma Savage, co-owner at Grace & Ted in Kingsmead Square, said: “We’ve been supportive of these proposals since the beginning. Not only will it create a more pleasant and usable space for all, it will help to make the area safer for pedestrians. Kingsmead Square
is a bustling and thriving part of the city, full of brilliant businesses who want to continue to improve the area. This scheme will only serve to make our community even better.” The parklets are manufactured by Vestre, a highly sustainable company who use 100% renewable energy sources for manufacture and have a carbon-neutral factory, as well as using environmentally-certified Scandinavian timber. The parklets will also be in place on Milsom Street over the weekend of 21st and 22nd September as part of the Love Milsom Street event, which will remove cars from the street. Earlier this year, Managing Director of HPH Commercial Property Lindsay Holdoway (pictured), said he was "delighted" at proposals to make Kingsmead Square car-free.
The burst main on the London Road | Photo: Anthony Grimley
TEMPORARY traffic lights were installed on the London Road in Bath last Thursday 12th September, as Wessex Water worked to repair a damaged water main. Water was seen flooding across the busy route as engineers worked to repair the burst. Commuters were told to allow extra time for their journeys or seek al-
ternative routes due to the emergency work, which was carried out close to Bath Rugby’s training ground. A Wessex Water spokesman said: “We’re sorry for the disruption caused to motorists and for any noise local residents may hear while we carry out the repairs.” You can watch a video of the burst on our Facebook page. Just search 'Bath Echo'.
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Union Street set for £170,000 transformation A PROJECT to improve the environment of Union Street in Bath, increase visitor footfall to the north of the city and encourage trade is due to begin next week. Bath and North East Somerset Council is working with the Bath Business Improvement District and local traders on the £170,000 scheme, which will see environmentally-friendly street furniture installed alongside new planting, to boost biodiversity and create spaces for people to enjoy. The first phase of the project begins on 17th September and aims to improve the vibrancy and attractiveness of Union Street for residents and visi-
tors to Bath. It includes a pilot aiming to test the concept of bespoke, branded stalls in the city to celebrate the ‘Union Street Independent Traders’ as a destination. The scheme is co-funded by the business community and
developer contributions, via Bath and North East Somerset Council funding allocated for city centre street improvements. Councillor Paul Crossley, cabinet member for Community Services at Bath and North East Somerset Council, said: “Union Street is a key north-south route across the city and this project aims to boost its identity for businesses and the community. Following engagement with local businesses in the design process, led by local landscape specialists Macgregor Smith, we have taken forward ideas on installing seating and planting in order to increase the length of time – known as dwell time – that people enjoy Union Street. We have also worked closely with the street traders on Union Street on the pilot to deliv-
Union Street in Bath | Photo © travellight / Shutterstock.com
an improved environment for visitors to one of the most wellknown streets in Bath.” Allison Herbert, Chief Executive of Bath BID, added: “We were delighted to be invited to participate in this collaborative project to look at improvements to the environment of Union Street. “Our footfall counters show that i t is the busiest street in Bath, but we know that people
er an improved street trading environment. “The project will create
don’t linger, nor are they encouraged to discover the wonderful hidden streets which connect to Union Street. “The BID funded the early design work with professional, award-winning local practice Macgregor Smith and hosted local business consultations. It will be wonderful to see the planting and the seating finally installed this month, and we anticipate that the new location for the street stalls will benefit pedestrians and businesses. “We hope that this pilot will be extended into the future phases and other areas with improved decorative lighting being a key aspiration from local businesses.” The street furniture and planters are manufactured by a highly-sustainable company who use 100% renewable energy sources for manufacture and have a carbon-neutral factory, as well as using environmentally-certified Scandinavian timber.
News in Brief Appeal after man slashed Police are appealing for help after a householder was injured after disturbing a potential burglar, who may have been trying to enter his home in Keynsham. It happened at about 3pm on Thursday 29th August, in Willow Walk. The victim had gone to collect something from his conservatory and saw a man trying the door handle. When he challenged the suspect, the would-be intruder turned and slashed the victim with what appeared to be a Stanley knife. Officers want to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time. If you can help, call 101 quoting 5219199195.
Correction Riverside development In Issue 003 of the Bath Echo newspaper, dated Tuesday 3rd September, an article (Riverside flats approved despite "monolithic" appearance - p7) showed incorrect images of the proposed Food Machinery 2000 scheme at Comfortable Place in Bath. The correct images can be found on our website. We'd like to apologise for this error, and are happy to issue this correction.
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Play areas at risk of being scrapped in bid to reduce costs Stephen Sumner
Local Democracy Reporter
ONE in six Bath and North East Somerset Council-owned play areas could be scrapped and turned into community gardens, wildflower meadows or allotments in a bid to cut costs. The authority spends up to £400,000 a year replacing play equipment but says it is “not practical” to provide new kit at 10 sites where there are better facilities nearby. The play areas in Bath that will be affected are Burnt House Road, Calton Road, Loxton Drive, Parry Close and St Saviours. The equipment in Chalfield in Keynsham, Hillside Crescent in Midsomer Norton, Kilmersdon Road in Haydon and Manor Copse in Writhlington is also set to be scrapped. Labour group leader Councillor Robin Moss said: “The idea that our very youngest residents should have to bear the brunt of Council cuts is completely unacceptable. The closure of children’s playgrounds wasn’t in the Lib Dem manifesto and I don’t think it is something that voters would have supported when they went to the polls in May. “The Lib Dems promised the electorate that they would listen to residents’ concerns. Today they have the chance to demon-
strate they are doing just that – by scrapping these plans and ensuring they invest properly in safe places for children to play.” Conservative group leader Cllr Paul Myers said he was “shocked and disappointed at the decision, and his party had ruled out a similar move to ensure all children have an outdoor space to play in. He said: “It really goes to show where this new council’s priorities lie when they can waste money on expensive air conditioning units and a pointless re-examination of the clean air zone whilst trying to sneak through shameful cuts to our children’s facilities. “It only makes us question what they intend to do next and whether they might just cash in and sell off our parks altogether? “Rest assured, we will fight to protect these precious facilities and urge local residents to voice their concerns about this unacceptable backdoor cut.” A sign posted in the Loxton Drive play area says the equipment is nearing the end of its life and needs to be removed over the winter. It says: “The council has done a comprehensive review of all of its play spaces and has found that in this area there is a duplication in the provision of formal play areas. We are keen to diversify the leisure offer in our green spaces and provide more sociable and playful landscapes not reliant on fixed play equip-
The St Saviours play area at risk | Photo © Bath Echo
ment, and there are a range of alternatives to formal play equipment which are suited to this location.” B&NES Council’s website says the play equipment will be removed and replaced with a community garden or benches, or the fence goes and a tree will be planted. Councillor Paul Crossley, cabinet member for community services, said: “This year, we are investing in play areas like Innox Park, Sandpits Play Area in Monksdale Road, Shakespeare Road in Westfield and in new, accessible, facilities at Alexandra Park. “A review has shown that we have duplication in provision in some places, and so we are looking to take out play equipment in 10 parks and re-landscape them so they are spaces that encourage people of all ages to use and en-
joy. We are now asking the public along to a series of information sessions at each of the 10 areas to share their ideas for how the areas can be re-landscaped to ensure these valuable public spaces are attractive and welcoming to everyone using them. “Ideas for some include creating a community garden, replanting to improve the biodiversity of sites and planting more trees and wildflowers.” All of B&NES Council’s play areas are inspected and maintained on a weekly, quarterly and annual basis. Very well used play areas are inspected daily, others two or three times a week – but budget cuts mean there is less funding available for maintenance, and the number of inspectors has dropped from three to two, so non-essential repairs have been
delayed. The council says reducing the frequency of inspections would increase the risk to an unacceptable level. The play area review looked at the quality and range of facilities at each site, and the deprivation in the area. It found duplication – some residents have more than one play area within 580 metres from their home. The council’s website says: “The parks team have identified ten sites which scored poorly in the review where there is a strong justification for removal because of duplication with a nearby site, where equipment is old/end of life or regularly suffers from anti-social behaviour and where the site does not score highly in the indices of multiple deprivation. “Scoring play areas against each of these criteria ensures that we can be confident that areas most in need are protected.” It adds: “While it’s not practical for the council to continue to provide formal play equipment at these sites, there is scope to shape the design and function of the spaces and we are keen to hear more about how the spaces can best serve the needs of all of the community that live in the area. There will be an opportunity to share ideas at a follow-up session in October/November. To find out more, look out for signs in the park or open space. Alternatively, email parks@bathnes.gov.uk or telephone 01225 39 40 41.”
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News in Brief Three Ways launches people carrier appeal Three Ways School has launched an online appeal to buy a new people carrier. Their current vehicle, which is used several times a day to take the young people on local community visits, horse riding sessions to support physiotherapy targets, work experience, outdoor learning and sports fixtures, stopped working over the summer. The school needs to raise £15,000 to buy a new vehicle with 7 or 9 seats. Three Ways is a Special Needs Academy in Bath which offers a learning environment to 220 pupils with learning difficulties and disabilities. To donate, go to https://donatemyschool.com/ three-ways-school or contact Lucy Beattie on 01225 838070.
Peasedown festival donates £500 to foodbank A social welfare project that provides emergency support to people in food crisis has been awarded a £500 donation by Peasedown St John’s Party in the Park Festival. The Somer Valley Foodbank, which has fed over 7,000 people since it was launched in 2013, was presented with a £500 cheque by the festival’s organisers. Volunteers from the foodbank spent a day at the summer event on 8th June, offering their services with gate marshalling and other duties. Party in the Park Bookings Manager Karen Walker said: “Every year at the festival we need to recruit over 50 volunteers to help ensure the day runs smoothly. “The biggest task is greeting the 2,500 members of the public that attend through one of the five entrance gates, and collecting their donations."
Plans for Christmas Market to return to Milsom St Stephen Sumner
Local Democracy Reporter
CHRISTMAS market vendors could return to a Bath street after a successful experiment last year. Construction work around the Abbey forced Visit Bath to look further afield in 2018 and it set its sights on Milsom Street, which was transformed for the 18-day event. It now wants permission to install 26 chalets and three mobile catering pitches in the road, and spill out into New Bond Street and Bond Street in order to “maximise public safety and improve crowd flow”. Some 404,000 people visited Bath’s Christmas market last year, down from 409,000 in 2017, mirroring a national trend. A Visit Bath spokesperson said: “Bath Christmas Market delivers in excess of £30million into the city – which shows that the event continues to be of huge economic benefit to Bath. “We consider the market’s extension into Milsom Street a great success and we received lots of positive feedback from residents, visitors, stallholders and local retailers. “The footprint had a very positive impact on Christmas sales and footfall figures for businesses in this area. “Subject to planning, we aim to return to Orange Grove, once the Abbey’s Footprint project is complete, as well as continue to have chalets in Milsom Street.” Visit Bath is consulting with stakeholders and will hold ongoing drop-in sessions so issues can be raised. It says it will ensure that full consideration is given to local businesses and residents during the event. Road closures will be in place on Milsom Street, Quiet Street, New
The chalets on Milsom Street during the 2018 Bath Christmas Market | Photo © Bath Echo
Bond Street and Green Street before, during and after the event, and parking will be restricted in George Street. There will be 25 retail chalets, one catering chalet and three mobile catering pitches in and around Milsom Street – among 150 chalets across the city. They will be positioned in the road so pavements, business doorways or window displays will not be obstructed or restricted in any way. There will also be sufficient space for emergency vehicles requiring
access to the area. Security will be on site 24 hours a day. Bath Christmas Market is one of the South West’s largest open public events, and the organisers have a plan on how to prevent terrorism. The application says: “A vehicle offers a convenient delivery mechanism for a large explosive device as well as the vehicle itself being used as used as a weapon. “In conjunction with the Bath Christmas market existing hostile mitigation plan, Visit Bath will
consider all ingress and egress routes that lead both directly and indirectly to Milsom Street and other market areas and will explain how the threat from a hostile vehicle can be reduced using a combination of physical barriers and improved monitoring systems.” The Christmas market will run from Thursday 28th November to Sunday 15th December. Bath and North East Somerset Council will decide the fate of the planning application.
More flats across Bath set to have their food waste collected PEOPLE living in more than 250 flats in Bath and North East Somerset will soon take delivery of kitchen caddies and have their food waste collected as the recycling service continues to roll out. Over the past five years food waste recycling has been introduced at more than 1,000 flats across the area as part of Bath & North East Somerset Council’s commitment to help people recycle more. Last year the council collected 6,500 tonnes of food waste from homes in the district but is keen to do more. Members of the Waste Education team will be visiting people in flats currently not getting the service to hand out information and give advice on the new service starting in September. Councillor Dave Wood, cabinet member for Neighbourhood Services, said: “Recycling food waste is one of the best things you can do to help the environment.
When food decomposes it creates methane and other greenhouse gases, which harm the environment and speed up global warming. We are rolling out the food waste recycling programme to people and families in more than 250 flats in addition to those who already have it.” People are able to recycle all raw and cooked food waste including, fruit and vegetable peelings, plate scrapings and bones. The food waste is taken to a local processing plant, GENeco in Avonmouth, where it is turned into bio fertiliser for use on agricultural land. The treatment process also generates renewable energy. Instead of throwing food waste in rubbish, people will get a kitchen caddy in which to store food waste. Everyday household plastic bags, except the thicker bags for life, including plastic potato bags and plastic bread bags can be used to line the kitchen caddy to keep it clean. Compostable liners, newspaper or paper bags can
Councillor Dave Wood | Photo: Bath & North East Somerset Council
also be used. Once full, the food waste has to be emptied into a large food waste bin outside next to the existing shared recycling bins.
Food waste will be collected every week from the outside bin. This may not be on the same day as other recycling bins. Residents can call 01225 39 40 41
or email wastecampaigns@bathnes.gov.uk for further details go to www.lovefoodhatewaste.com for tips on how to reduce your food waste and save money.
Tuesday, 17th September 2019
Advice service to help residents understand their smart meters PEOPLE in Bath will be offered the lowdown on how smart meters can save them money and reduce carbon emissions at the same time in free sessions at Bath Central Library. Bath and North East Somerset Council’s Energy at Home Advice Service is providing extra information sessions to give residents a better understanding of the role of smart meters in our homes and how they can help people spot ways to save. Smart meters are available at no upfront cost and allow people to see detailed information on their day-to-day energy use and how much it costs in pounds and pence. The Energy at Home Advice Service, run on the council’s behalf by the Centre for Sustainable Energy, will be at the library twice per month in September, October and November to talk people through what’s involved in having a smart meter and to answer people’s questions about their smart meter experience so far. Councillor Tim Ball, cabinet member for
Housing, Planning and Economic Development, said: “There are some myths surrounding smart meters and these may concern residents when they are considering having a meter installed. Our Energy at Home Advice Service is holding these extra sessions to help people make the most of smart meters to get their gas and electricity usage under control. Smart meters also have a role in supporting us all to tackle the climate emergency by enabling households to cut down their energy use, so I encourage people who would like to find out more to go along for some advice.” Energy at Home Advice Service advisors will be at Bath Central Library on the following dates from 10.30am-3.30pm: • 25th September • 10th and 30th October • 12th and 27th November More information about B&NES Council’s Energy at Home Advice Service can be found at www.energyathome.org.uk or by calling the team on 0800 0385680.
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Proposed skatepark delayed again amid confusion over funding Stephen Sumner
Local Democracy Reporter
YOUNGSTERS face yet more delays before a £100,000 skatepark in Bath’s Alice Park is finally built. Bath and North East Somerset Council wants up to £25,000 from the park’s coffers to cover unforeseen costs – despite trustees having “no idea” how much money they have. The authority allocated £100,000 for a skatepark in 2014 and donations upped the total available by £30,000, but in the meantime, some of the funding has been allocated to other improvements within Alice Park. Graham Page, an independent member of the Alice Park Trust subcommittee, told Wednesday’s meeting: “If the council hadn’t made adequate provision in terms of the budget, that’s an issue for the council, not trustees. “If you’ve got it wrong, you have to find a way to put it right. “To pull money away from other projects to support the skatepark is not fair. Some of the money has been spent. I can’t justify in any way, shape or form giving the residual m o n e y back to the council.” A report to the meeting said B&NES Council had been clear that its contribution to the skatepark would be capped at £97,000 and the trust would have to make a “reasonable
The planned skatepark at Alice Park in Bath
contribution” to ensure the project is completed. Parks manager Mark Cassidy said the funding from the trust would be used as a contingency that the council might use “to deliver the skatepark as we would like to without compromise”. Paul Hooper, the other independent member of the subcommittee, said he was “extremely nervous” about the contract the trust was about to sign, adding: “I don’t know how we can make decisions when we have no idea what our financial commitments are.” Legal services manager Michael Hewitt said the subcommittee is free to ask officers to put together reports. He said the officer who had been looking after the trust’s accounts had left B&NES Council in May and another was on leave. Councillor Paul Myers, a new addition to the committee after the elections in May, said he was struggling to get to grips with the issue because so little had been written down. He called on his colleagues to do their homework so they are all better informed. Long-standing member Cllr Rob Appleyard tried to bring him up to speed, saying: “Through lobbying, Jo [Wright, now a councillor and committee member] convinced the council to allocate £100,000 for a skate
park on the east of Bath. It came down to Alice Park. “There was a £20,000 donation from a well-known trust and a £10,000 donation from a private individual. “Through a series of decisions of this trust for various reasons, one to keep the [skatepark] project still alive, this trust took out £25,000 for other improvements in the park. “What’s asked for is money that really belongs to the skatepark project.” Mr Cassidy asked for “whatever money exists out of the £25,000”, so Cllr Appleyard said the figure could be closer to £6,000. Work on the skatepark was due to begin in April but was delayed by the need to sign a lease with B&NES Council, which will insure and maintain the skatepark, and the legal fees had been underestimated. The council asked the trust for £25,000 it had set aside to cover the costs and use as a contingency for any other shortfalls. The lease will need to be approved by the Charity Commission. That will itself cause delays and construction will not be possible in the winter – so it may be next year before the skatepark is ready to use. Residents against the skatepark may try to use the Charity Commission to oppose the lease.
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EVERY fortnight, this newspaper is distributed to thousands of homes across the Bath area and delivered to various cafés and venues. We’re working to secure the future of the paper by changing the way we operate, to help us remain sustainable and ensure we can continue serving local residents. Creating the Bath Echo newspaper costs a significant amount of money every fortnight, including printing and distribution, along with the ongoing running costs of our website. Though we sell a reasonable amount of advertising every issue, we don’t want the newspaper to become full of adverts. We’re looking to reduce our ongoing costs by introducing pick-up points at 25 locations across Bath, and ceasing (for the time being)
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Tuesday, 17th September 2019
Plans for redevelopment of historic Scala building revealed THE historic Scala building in Oldfield Park is to be given a new lease of life as the Co-op, along with local development partner Rengen, bring forward plans for a major redevelopment of the site. The proposed plans will retain the historic Scala building and frontage. The development proposals include a new Co-op convenience store, refurbished space for the successful dance ‘Freedom through Dance’ studio, new residential units and affordable housing and parking. Rengen is also proposing to provide purpose-built student accommodation in a special deal with Norland College. The Norland College, which was founded in 1892, is a worldrenowned provider of childcare training and education. The College won a ‘Gold’ rating for the standard of its teaching for the second year running and was rated the top Independent Higher Education provider in the Student Choice Awards 2019. Dr Janet Rose, Principal of Norland College said: “We are delighted to be in discussions with Rengen and see this as a very exciting opportunity for the College. “With the Scala site being situated in such close proximity
to Norland College, it will allow our students to have better access to the campus and its facilities during their studies. Rengen has a portfolio of complex renovation and redevelopment projects throughout Bath, including the former Labour Exchange building on James Street West, Widcombe Social Club and the Bath Sea Cadets headquarters on St John’s Road. CEO Iestyn Lewis said: “We couldn’t be more pleased to announce our partnership with the Co-op and Norland College for the redevelopment of Scala. “We very much look forward to welcoming Norland College students to the community as well as providing a new anchor Co-op store, dance studio and a hub of much-needed open market and affordable accommodation. “We understand the importance of the Scala building both to the community and as one of Bath’s historic gems. “Our plans will ensure the historic core of the building is carefully renovated whilst the 1960’s rear extension will be redeveloped to create modern, fit-for-purpose living space.” A temporary convenience store is being proposed during the development works, which are expected to get underway early next year if permission is granted.
Farmer given suspended sentence over animal welfare AN 81-year-old farmer has been given a suspended sentence after admitting animal welfare charges. Up to 80 cattle on his land at Hinton Blewitt were found knee deep in mud with smaller animals competing with adult animals for small amounts of hay and drinking rain water from puddles in fields full of rubble, scrap metal and plastic waste. John Hasell, of Home Farm, appeared before Bath Magistrates on 5th September, where he pleaded guilty to six charges of animal welfare issues and one charge of allowing animal carcases to be accessed by birds and animals. The court heard that Trading Standards animal health officers found the herd of 70 to 80 cattle being kept in fields that were deep in mud and contained large amounts of scrap metal, plastic and rubble. Three calves were found entangled in the wire fencing, one of which was comatose and had to be put to sleep. Other animals were left lame with no vet treatment and struggling to move in the mud. Cattle that had died were left uncovered on the back of a truck for over a week before they were disposed of. Magistrates were told that Hasell had received regular advice from Bath & North East Somerset Council animal health officers. Hasell was told he must provide his cattle with sufficient food, water and suitable grazing but his animals were left competing against each other for small amounts of food and drinking rainwater from puddles. The court heard that problems on the farm started in autumn 2018, and continued through until the summer of 2019 when Hasell sold his last remaining
The proposed redevelopment of the Scala building | Photo: Rengen
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Come and explore our inspirational showroom in Frome. The farm conditions | Photo: B&NES Council
cattle. Magistrates accepted that Hasell’s own health had deteriorated over the period and that he had been unable to look after the cattle but stated that he should not have ignored the professional advice provided and he should have made alternative arrangements for his animals. Hasell was sentenced to 16 weeks custody, suspended for two years along with a 12week curfew. The courts also disqualified Hasell from keeping or looking after livestock for an indefinite period and ordered he pay £10,000 towards prosecution costs. Councillor Paul Crossley, cabinet member for Community Services, said: “We take the welfare of animals very seriously and work alongside farmers to achieve compliance. “This is an especially upsetting case because our animal health officers worked hard to resolve the serious ongoing issues with the cattle’s welfare. The situation on Hasell’s farm had become extremely challenging and as he was not taking steps to resolve the situation the council had little choice but to prosecute.”
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“Concern over pace of change" at Avon Fire & Rescue Service Stephen Sumner
Local Democracy Reporter
GOVERNMENT inspectors have “expressed concern over the pace of change” at Avon Fire and Rescue Service following a return visit. It follows a damning report last December highlighting three “causes of concern”, including a failure to do enough to protect the public through fire safety regulation. Now it has emerged HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) spent three days in mid-August back at the Portishead-based organisation assessing progress. The two other areas given the worst rating of “inadequate” — promoting the right values and culture, and ensuring fairness and promoting diversity — were not subject to the interim reinspection because they were not deemed “critical”, as they did not immediately relate to public safety. Although the HMICFRS’s findings have not yet been published, Avon chief fire officer Mick Crennell said the inspectors recognised the service’s performance would improve with the recruitment and training of seven newly hired fire safety inspectors. He said the problems were a national issue caused by years of cuts to technical fire safety teams as a result of austerity. Mr Crennell said protecting the
public and preventing fires and other risks was “at the heart of everything we do” and that the service would continue to take “bold and positive steps” to address the issues and ensure communities were safer. A report discussed by the fire authority’s performance review & scrutiny committee said initial feedback from the inspectors was that the service was not yet meeting its statutory 15-day deadlines to consultation submitted to it under building regulations. But it said: “HMICFRS recognised that compliance will improve as our additional capacity resulting from the recent recruitment of seven additional trainee fire safety inspectors translates into additional capability (after training). “HMICFRS expressed concern over the pace of change, especially relating to improvements to our compliance with statutory consultation deadlines. “Our risk-based inspection programme is still reactive rather than proactive (in that fire safety audits are generally generated by complaints or ‘after the fire’ activities). “However, HMICFRS noted that while audit numbers are relatively low when compared to other fire and rescue services, those that are undertaken are completed to a very high standard. “Encouragingly, HMICFRS recognised that the recent increase in technical fire safety staffing will start to generate improvements in statutory compliance as their
training continues and acknowledged the progress made over the last 12 months within the overall context of our improvement journey.” It said the next round of England’s fire and rescue service inspections, beginning next spring, would focus on all three causes of concern. The committee papers said HMICFRS concluded the service had “appropriate governance arrangements in place to support the political and strategic oversight” of its improvement action plan in response to last December’s report. Mr Crennell said: “While the formal findings of the HMICFRS revisit are yet to be received, we know that we have already made positive progress within the organisation, starting with the recruitment of seven additional staff to our technical fire safety department. “We acknowledge that whilst the service still needs to improve our agility in relation to building regulations consultation responses, HMICFRS recognised that our performance will improve as the additional capacity of seven newly hired fire safety inspectors continues to develop throughout their training, resulting in a greater capability for the organisation. “This is recognised as a national issue as technical fire safety teams have been cut over the years as a result of austerity. “The HMICFRS inspection team also acknowledged the progress
made over the last 12 months within the overall context of our improvement journey. “We also recognise that our riskbased inspection programme could be more proactive. “However, HMICFRS noted that while audit numbers are lower than we would wish, those that are undertaken are completed to a very high standard. “We will continue to work and build on this as our technical fire safety capability increases. “We are also doing a significant amount of work to help us fully understand risk in our communities so that we are better able to match our resources to that risk across all of our work activities. “I once again welcome HMICFRS recognition of the challenging time we’ve faced as an organisation and our commitment to being the best service we can be. “Protecting the public and preventing fires and other risks is at the heart of everything we do as a service, so while the revisit highlights there is more to do, we are pleased that HMICFRS has recognised our ongoing journey and the high standard of work that we deliver. “We have and will continue to take bold and positive steps to address the issues highlighted to ensure the service is stronger and our communities are safer.” The inspectorate’s report last December said employees were “humiliated by their peers” and women treated “inappropriately”. It said: “Avon Fire and Rescue
Service isn’t looking after the wellbeing and mental health of its staff effectively. “We acknowledge Avon Fire and Rescue Service has recently carried out a cultural review and has a plan in place to improve its organisational culture. “But it should act immediately to change staff behaviours. “It should also make sure all staff understand equality, diversity and inclusion principles and that this is a routine part of behaviour across the whole organisation.” In response, the service produced an improvement action plan including sweeping measures to introduce a “zero tolerance” to staff bullying and harassment, create a designated taskforce to root out the problem and find new ways for victims to report issues. Other changes include more private changing spaces, particularly at on-call fire stations. A peer review of the service, carried out since the scathing report, found confidence was high that bosses were driving out bullying and harassment. It said the shift in mindset of the service’s culture would “cascade down through the organisation”, while employees believed Mr Crennell and his leadership team were “a force for good”. A previous inspection in 2017, the Baker Report, unearthed “deep-seated cultural issues”, a lack of racial diversity and “endemic” bullying.
New funding to help transform Glasshouse Playing Fields in Bath A NEWLY-agreed lease is set to bring about an increase in community involvement in sport, thanks to plans submitted to transform the Glasshouse Playing Fields. Bath and North East Somerset Council, which owns the site, has agreed a 125-year lease with Bath Recreation Ltd to manage the playing fields for sport and recreation. As part of this, funding has been agreed with Bath Recreation Ltd for provision for schools and the community. The planning application submitted by Bath Recreation Ltd includes the removal of the existing changing rooms and the creation
of a new purpose-built sports pavilion. Following a consultation with local schools, there are also proposals to allow minibuses a safe drop-off space and to provide wheelchair access, so that inclusive sport groups can use the site. The new pavilion could accommodate more than 60 children at once. Councillor Paul Crossley, cabinet member for Community Services, said: “Bath and North East Somerset Council has supported this application to retain the Glasshouse Playing Fields as a place the community can enjoy. “An active lifestyle is important for everyone, which is why we are
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delighted that funding has been agreed for this project to encourage active participation in sport by a much wider proportion of the Bath community. “We will now consider the application as part of the standard planning process.” Schools involved in the consultation included Three Ways School, Beechen Cliff School and other local primary schools including the Palladian Academy Trust. A number of residents have expressed their concerns about the proposals, which would see a number of local teams lose access to the fields as the use of the site is prioritised for cricket and school activities.
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A sketch of the proposals for the site | Image: D R Mills
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Tuesday, 17th September 2019
The return of The Grapes Words: Kirsten Elliott
Images: Courtesy of the Akeman Press Archive
WHEN the owners of 14 and 15 Westgate Street gained permission to turn the Grapes into an HMO, there was perhaps even more regret than normal at another pub closure. The building has had connections with the drinks trade since 1728, when John Billing, a vintner, moved in. It is possible that the name dates from that period. Fortunately, experienced landlords Ellie and John Lieper decided it was too important a building to be closed to the public forever, and they applied for, and were granted, the lease. They were skilled at restoration, and I was impressed to find that Ellie is capable of mixing and applying traditional lime render. Having been on a course about this, I know it is no easy task. Nevertheless, it’s been a rollercoaster ride for them trying to restore it, and to give it a modern flavour while respecting its history – a history that goes back to the sixteenth century or even earlier. Indeed, it has a much better claim to call itself the oldest building in Bath than a certain other Bath institution. So when I was invited by Ellie Lieper to come in during the renovations, I was very excited, as I had never been beyond the bar before. I particularly wanted to see the amazing ceiling on the first floor. In the mid 1990s I had persuaded one landlord to leave his curtains open at night, so that it could be seen from the street, and this became something of a tradition, until recent years when they were firmly closed at night. The first reference to a building on the site dates back to a deed of 1302, which tells us there was a tenement here, belonging to Adam Fullo. However, if there are fragments left, no one has so far identified them. When Ellie showed me the cellar, I felt that the structure of the wall indicated an early date. The same con-
clusion was reached by archaeologist Peter Davenport in 2003, and he also thought, as I did, that the cellar marks the former street level. It’s amazing what you can deduce from cellars, which are often the most interesting part of the house. Early maps also show that there was a house here by the late 1500s, and substantial parts of it survive. There is a beam on the ground floor which looks as though it dates from that time. But it is the 17th-century remains which are the most spectacular, especially the first floor ceiling, with its amazing plasterwork. One theory is that it was carried out for Dr John Ostendorph, who held the lease in 1637. He was a German physician, which would explain the double-headed eagles in the central feature. However, its style suggests he did not do the work immediately. Peter Davenport estimates that it dates from the latter part of the 17th century. This room has never been open to the general public, but John and Ellie have begun holding regular events in there, including Japanese dinners, yoga and life-drawing classes, and talks. Sadly, the great fireplace which would once have graced this room has gone, but Ellie found a fragment of a grand 17th century fireplace built into the wall of the bar – but not as part of a chimney breast. It is likely that this is all that is left of the one from the first floor. This is now a feature in the bar, surrounded and enhanced by Ellie’s lime render. Throughout the building, there is a variety of styles. Georgian panelling rubs shoulders with Jacobean panelling, and on an old staircase with an 18th-century handrail there is a Jacobean dog-gate. Perhaps most striking is the frontage, added about 1710, displaying the same three orders of architecture that John Wood later incorporated into the
Behind the new bar, the necessary pipework for cooling has been made into a decorative feature
The modern exterior of The Grapes on Westgate Street, Bath
The ceiling centrepiece, with Native American heads and double-headed eagles
Part of the interior, with modern art, old signs, and bus seats
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A plan of the Grapes from 1831
A photograph by the architect Mowbray Green, taken about 1904, showing the huge bunch of grapes which was once its sign
Circus. Formerly, the house had gables, which are illustrated on Gilmore’s map of 1697 when it is shown as Ms Pocock’s Lodging. Some people have thought that it means Mr, but the proprietors of this and another lodging, Toops, are both described as Ms. I checked the latter in the council leases and it was certainly being run by a woman at the time, so I suspect that Ms Pocock was also a woman, as many lodging-house keepers were. So the modern abbreviation Ms is actually over 300 hundred years old! The refronting, though spectacular, was carried out in a most curious way. New façades were often attached in differing ways, but I have never seen one constructed like this. They appear to have built the new wall in front of the old one and then removed the old one. At this point, the builders must have said ‘ooops!’ because there was now a gap be-
tween the front of the old building and the new façade. It is still clearly visible at ground floor level, where a beam stops well short of the front wall. Desperate efforts must have been made to tie it to the old house. It affected the upstairs ceilings on the first and second floors, but was hidden by adding a heavy cornice. To reflect this mish-mash of history, John and Ellie have given the bar an eclectic appearance with a choice of old bus seats, comfy chairs and bar stools to sit on, and a mixture of modern art, old advertising signs and an elegant flower display to admire. As for the beer, there is a variety of keg beer, a couple of cask beers from Three Daggers brewery one brewed especially for the pub - and a guest beer, as well as cider from Honey’s from Midford, and wines and spirits. The Liepers plan to open it as a B&B as soon as possible, and to
Ms Pocock’s lodging – the building as it was in 1697
introduce light meals at a later date. One change Ellie would like to make is to restore the old sign – a huge bunch of grapes dangling from a bracket. Only the old bracket survives at the moment bearing the modern painted sign. Despite the modern touches, the Grapes retains its aura of a traditional city centre pub. This is demonstrated by a photograph taken by Ellie of a 1920s-themed wedding party standing outside. Just a quick glance would lead you to believe that it really dates from that time. However, many old-time city centre pubs did not make women feel at home. The Grapes is very different. For everyone, from business people sitting looking at iPads, couples sitting for a quiet drink after sightseeing, locals pleased to find an old business still going or women enjoying a cheerful chat, there’s a warm welcome at the Grapes.
Columns showing the three orders of architecture on the façade of 14 and 15
At first glance this could be a picture from the 1920s but is a wedding party from 2019
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Education University of Bath to benefit from new Mind mental health programme partnership THE University of Bath is set to benefit from a new £1.5 million partnership launched today between Goldman Sachs and Mind, which will provide mental health support in universities. In the first partnership of its kind, the Mentally Healthy Universities programme will be delivered by Mind and will reach over 6,000 students and staff across the University of Bath and nine other universities in its first two years. The programme will provide support and specialist training to complement existing University of Bath programmes, designed to equip the University community with the knowledge, skills and confidence to support their own mental health and that of others. This includes resilience training for students and workplace wellbeing workshops for final year students who are about to graduate and transition into the workplace. There is a growing recognition of the mental health challenges faced by the UK’s higher education sector. According to the Higher Education Statistics Agency the number of students who disclosed a mental health condition almost doubled between 2012 and 2015 to nearly 45,000. However, national figures suggest that mental health difficulties within higher education are currently under-reported as just 1 in 125 students (0.8%) and around 1 in 500 staff (0.2%) have disclosed a mental health condition to their university. Kate Morton, CEO of Bath Mind
said: “Whilst university can be an incredibly exciting time for students, it can also come with a unique set of challenges – including moving away from friends, family and the familiarity of home. “It’s so important that students are supported throughout their journey which is why we’re so pleased to be working with Goldman Sachs to improve mental health resources and provide training at the University of Bath.” Goldman Sachs is a major recruiter of university graduates and its backing for the programme is part of broader efforts to improve mental health support in the workplace and wider communities. With a focus on students in their first and final years of study, the programme will address transitional moments in students’ lives that can bring added challenges and pressures. The programme is funded by Goldman Sachs Gives, a donor-advised fund for Goldman Sachs’ current and retired senior employees to recommend grants to qualifying non-profit organizations. Richard Gnodde, CEO of Goldman Sachs International, said: “The transition through higher education and into the workforce is often a challenging and pressurised time in young people’s lives. “We believe employers have an important role to play in changing attitudes towards mental health through providing support, resources and open conversation around an often stigma-
Photo © University of Bath
tized subject. “We look forward to supporting Mind and these universities in launching this critical programme.” Paul Farmer, Chief Executive of Mind, added: “We are really excited to be working with Goldman Sachs to better support thousands of university students and staff across England and Wales. “We know that both students and staff face many pressures unique to the university environment. “This timely opportunity allows us to deliver a programme that responds to the needs of university communities, building on good practice within the sector, to ensure everyone with a mental
health problem receives support and respect.” Anthony Payne, Director of Student Services at the University of Bath said: “The mental health of our students and staff is a priority for our University and we’re delighted to be part of this exciting new initiative and look forward to working with Mind and Goldman Sachs to further develop the support available to our university community. “We hope that by equipping people with the tools and knowledge needed to support their mental health we’ll be giving students the best university experience possible, and both students and staff vital life skills.”
News in Brief Rise in performance recorded across B&NES Latest figures for children’s performance in schools across Bath and North East Somerset are highlighting improvements above national averages for all key stages. The provisional figures show that pupils in their final year of primary school achieving expected standards has risen to 68%, compared to a national average of 65%. Children at the end of their Reception year are achieving good levels of development, with 74% meeting the benchmark against 72% nationally. The success story for Bath and North East Somerset continues, with increases in the proportion of pupils achieving grade 4 in English and mathematics at GCSE, as well as the average ‘A’ level grade rising to above national figures. Councillor Kevin Guy, cabinet member for Children’s Services, said: “The continued improvement shown in these latest figures is testament to the hard work of pupils and the dedication of their teachers with the more challenging curriculum that has been introduced in recent years. “We would like to congratulate all of the pupils in Bath and North East Somerset on their strong achievements and thank the teachers for their continued hard work.”
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College teams up with Bath Rugby Foundation in bid to boost skills BATH College and Bath Rugby Foundation have been running a special summer course, working with unemployed young people to improve their job prospects. The Advantage course is in partnership with the Department of Work & Pensions and Bath Rugby’s charity, and is for 18 to 24-year-olds who are, or in danger of becoming, ‘NEET’ (Not in Education, Employment or Training). Working with Bath Job Centre, the course was created to not only encourage young people to enrol on college courses or gain the confidence to find job roles, but also to create a peer support group within them in which they could encourage and support each other on their journey.
The learners started the course finding it difficult to engage and ended with enthusiasm and newfound confidence. Leah, who has just completed the Advantage course said: “I have enrolled on a college course as I have enjoyed this course so much that I want to continue. It has made me feel safe and confident and I have had fun too.” Luke found his confidence while completing the course: “This course has given me something that school and college didn’t manage to. “I now know what I want to do and this makes me get up in the morning. I now have self-belief that I can make something of myself and this motivates me to get up.” Joe Aygul, Employability Officer
at Bath Rugby Foundation said: “Working in partnership with Bath College this summer has been incredible, we have been able to create a unique and bespoke training course that has without doubt positively impacted the lives of young people in our community. “Watching our students grow in confidence over the past five weeks has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my professional career. “The journey these young people have been on in this short time has been remarkable, from starting as un-engaged ‘NEETs’ at the beginning of the course to now leaving us with aspirations and opportunities for further education, employment and training. “The future looks bright for these
guys and the team at Bath Rugby Foundation look forward to collaborating with Bath College again in the future.” Anna Wheeler, Community Engagement Manager at Bath College said: “The Advantage programme has been so much more than a collaboration between Bath College and Bath Rugby Foundation to upskill a group of young people. “It has been innovative and dy-
namic with input from a huge range of local partner organisations and experiences both challenging and exciting. “The group’s confidence has grown alongside new skills and experiences and every member of staff involved has been inspired by the enthusiasm, talent and positivity they have shown”. For more details about the ‘Advantage’ course, visit: www.bathrugbyfoundation.com/advantage
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Council welcomes Bath Spa University's fresh student talent UNDERGRADUATES in Bath are getting a taste of working on sustainability projects in a partnership between Bath and North East Somerset Council and Bath Spa University. Three students from the university are currently undertaking placements with the authority and both organisations are already reaping the mutual benefits, as well as providing valuable work experience for the interns. The opportunity for the council to try out future graduate talent has seen students working on issues such as the environment, waste and the council’s plastics pledge to encourage people to eliminate at least three single-use items over the next year. Bath and North East Somerset Council’s Deputy Leader Richard Samuel, cabinet member for Resources, said: “This is an excellent example of how students can make a positive contribution to our city and how they can support us in finding solutions to the issues we face. "We have a focus on collaborative working and this placement scheme with Bath Spa University demonstrates our commitment to the local economy and education partnerships. “We are pleased to have been able to offer the students good work experience and a support-
ive environment.” Siân Bentley, studying environmental science at Bath Spa University, has been working at the council’s Guildhall offices in Bath as a 12-week intern to support the plastics campaign team. Siân said: “This placement has allowed me to play to my strengths, whilst still being challenging. “It also incorporates a lot of what I have studied in my first year at university and I will be able to carry the skills forward throughout the rest of my degree and beyond. Working within the sustainability department is an amazing insight into the inner workings of local government, especially with the declaration of the climate emergency and increasing public interest in sustainability issues.” Heledd Ager at Bath Spa University Placements Team added: “It has been a pleasure to work with Bath and North East Somerset Council to provide placement opportunities for our students in the environmental and computing sectors. "Students can find it difficult to get paid experience relating to their degree, which is why we provide funding towards these placement opportunities. “The council has been an enthusiastic placement provider and we hope to continue our partnership in the future.”
Bath Spa interns Khadeeja Osman, Sheryl Marsh and Siân Bentley | Photo: B&NES Council
Project SEARCH interns meet at Guildhall for afternoon tea
“ I was extremely impressed with the whole way the project went ” Mr Butt, February 2019
The Project SEARCH interns enjoying their afternoon at the Guildhall in Bath
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TO start the new academic year, Project SEARCH interns gathered at the Guildhall in Bath to meet their fellow students for the first time over a cup of tea. Project SEARCH is an employability programme run by Bath College, Bath and North East Somerset Council and Virgin Care, which helps young adults with learning disabilities gain the skills they need to become employed. The students have a mix of classroombased learning and workplace experience within one of the B&NES departments, with placements varying from working in a kitchen to working in a museum. Alice Honey, who has been through the Project SEARCH programme, chatted with the new interns about what a positive
impact the programme can have. She said: “I found Project SEARCH really encouraging. It was good because I learnt the skills to get a job and now I am working 16 hours at Action on Hearing Loss which is great because I live so close. “I really enjoy my job, it’s pretty good.” Laurel Penrose Principal CEO gave an informal welcome to the new group. She said: “Project SEARCH is very close to our hearts. It’s amazing to see how much students change and grow in confidence from the beginning to the end. “Sometimes the course will be hard, so please talk to us, everybody needs some help sometimes. It’s a lovely course, you’ll get some really good employment opportunities and experience.”
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Health Final phase of scanner upgrade work begins at the RUH WORK has begun to upgrade and replace three scanners at the RUH, the final stage of a project that will make the hospital’s Radiology Department one of the most modern and best-equipped in the South West. Two older MRI scanners, used to examine most parts of the body, including bones and joints, are being stripped back to their powerful magnet and rebuilt onsite with the latest scanning technology. Each scan room that houses them is being refurbished which includes replacing the Radio frequency cage which lines the room and a complete refit of their control areas. One CT scanner – which can produce detailed images of the inside of the body, including organs, blood vessels and bones – is being removed and replaced with the latest model. Its scanning room and control area are also being refurbished. The work, which is currently taking place and will continue until February
2020, is the final part of a five-year, £7.5m investment programme by the Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust. It means the Radiology Department will have six modern MRI and CT scanners as well as X-ray and ultrasound facilities. The department also has a PET-CT scanner used in the detection and diagnosis of cancer and dementia, which was installed in 2016. There are also larger and improved waiting areas for patients. Di Pressdee, Team Lead Radiographer for CT and MRI said: “This work is the final piece in the jigsaw of our department’s major upgrade. It means we will have the very latest in scanning equipment in modern and comfortable surroundings that will enable us to provide the very best services and hospital experience for our patients.” Last year, more than 275,000 patients came for imaging in the Radiology department – of which, over 60,000 were for CT and MRI scans.
Di Pressdee, Team Lead Radiographer with a CT scanner at the RUH
Organisations encouraged to take Phobia charity awarded part in Ted's Big Day Out fundraiser £9000 of lottery funding SCHOOLS, nurseries and youth organisations across the city are being invited to take part in Ted’s Big Day Out to help raise funds for Children’s Therapies at the Royal United Hospital in Bath. The fundraising day will take place on 18th October and Big Ted, the charity’s loveable mascot will be making a special guest appearance to join in with the fundraising activities. Lauren Noble, Senior Community Fundraiser of The Forever Friends Appeal said: “The aim is to raise money to fund specialist children’s equipment, such as educational and therapy toys for the hospital’s Children’s Therapies department and Children’s Centre. “We have had a number of schools and nurseries sign up which is great and we would like to extend our invitation to brownies, guides, scouts and other youth groups to sign up and take part. “This year’s theme is ‘celebrate your way’ – so it’s up to you whether you organise a fancy dress day, wear a silly hat, have a teddy bears picnic or do something else in exchange for a suggested £1 donation per pupil, whilst having fun along the way.” Patients like six-year-old Henry Latchem, who is treated at the RUH in Bath, will be one of the
patients to benefit from the funds raised by Ted’s Big Day Out. Henry has cerebral palsy which affects his coordination and muscles, particularly in his lower body and legs. Emily Graham, Head of Children’s Therapies at the Royal United Hospitals Bath said: “Henry’s a bubbly little boy and tries very hard in his physiotherapy sessions, which he’s been having at the RUH since he was 11 months old. Henry needs to use specialist seating, standing and mobility equipment and has a walking frame so he can play with his friends and move at school. “The hospital is currently look-
ing at different styles of walking frames to best suit Henry to promote improvement in his mobility skills and balance. “This is why donations from Ted’s Big Day Out are so important as we will be able to purchase an extended range of toys and equipment to make children’s’ experience of therapy sessions more enjoyable. “They will also enhance our assessments so we can ensure children like Henry have the right equipment to help them play and move around.” To sign up your school or youth group, visit www.tedsbigdayout. com or call 01225 824013.
A BATH-based charity which helps people who suffer from phobias and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder has been awarded a £9,700 National Lottery grant to extend its services to 16 to 18-year-olds. The charity works with the estimated ten per cent of people in the city who suffer from phobias and the two to three per cent who suffer from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Triumph Over Phobia (TOP) runs successful self-help groups in London, Bristol, Bath, Torbay, Plymouth, Cardiff, Jersey and Ireland. Until now, it has been able to help only adults, but recent research revealed that a growing number of young people are also in need of support. TOP national director Trilby Breckman said that over the last three years, the charity had seen a significant rise in the number of calls from parents and carers looking for help and support for their children suffering with the anxiety disorders that TOP specialises in. In addition, it had become clear that there could be problems for young people making the transition from child and adolescent health care to services for adults. Ms Breckman explained: “We know that discharge from a child and adolescent mental health
service (CAMHS) and a potential move to an adult mental health service (AMHS) takes place at varying ages, but most commonly when young people are aged between 16 and 18. “A major problem for young people is that they are sometimes too old to access CAMHS as a child but then at the same time they are too young to enter the AMHS. “The result is that young people with mental health problems frequently find themselves without professional support or a referral to an adult service. “Additionally if they do get a referral the adult services are likely to be ill-equipped to meet their needs. “Thanks to this grant from the National Lottery we will now be able to provide essential support for these young people wherever we become aware of a need. “TOP’s self-help groups, which in the UK are recommended by the NHS, can provide immediate help. You do not need to have seen a doctor or have a formal diagnosis to attend. “They meet once a week and are run by trained volunteers, many of whom have overcome a phobia or OCD themselves.” To express an interest in joining a group, call Trilby on 01225 571740, or visit the TOP website at www.topuk.org.
Tuesday, 17th September 2019
Restaurant raises vital funds for Bath Cancer Unit Support Group
STAFF from Tex-Mex restaurant Chiquito in Trowbridge have raised a generous £500 for the Bath Cancer Unit Support Group (BCUSG), following a day of fundraising earlier this year. The staff ran a colourful stall in Trowbridge Park during this year’s Armed Forces Day to raise funds for the charity which provides essential medical equipment for cancer patients at Bath’s Royal United Hospital. Staff sold cupcakes, chips ‘n’ dips and Mexican sombreros, which proved very popular with around
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400 hats sold throughout the day. Restaurant manager Cath Gray said the staff wanted to support a worthy local cause and with cancer affecting so many people directly or indirectly, the BCUSG was a charity close to their hearts. The staff are also holding a fundraising charity breakfast at Chiquito in Trowbridge on 27th September, from 9.30am to 11.30am, with all proceeds to be donated to the BCUSG Tino Polledri, who chairs the Trowbridge branch of the BCUSG, met with staff at Chiquito to thank them for their support and
to present them with a special certificate of recognition for their fundraising efforts. Tino said: “I am continuously amazed at the generous support our charity receives from local businesses. My sincere thanks goes to the staff and management team at Chiquito, whose ongoing Tex-Mex fundraising activities are very much appreciated.” To make a donation to the BCUSG, or for information about becoming a volunteer, email Marie at trowbridgefundraising@ bcusg.org or phone 07709 912661.
Views sought on new framework for social care funding in B&NES BATH & North East Somerset Council is proposing to introduce a framework to make sure that residents with eligible needs are allocated funding fairly and in a way that is easy to understand. A ten-week consultation, which begins on 24th September 2019 and runs until 3rd December 2019, will find out what people think about the proposals for a Care and Support Charging and Financial Assessment Framework and make sure that their views are taken into account before the Framework is finalised. Currently, approximately 2,100 adults in Bath and North East Somerset are in need of social care services, both in care homes and at home. This is a chargeable service that the council wants to ensure is transparent, consistent and in line with other local authorities. Although there are clear guidelines for councils to follow, some charging decisions are at the council’s discretion and it is these that are being examined. Councillor Rob Appleyard, cabinet member for Adult Services and Health, said: “It is really important that our residents are treated fairly and that they receive the right service for their eligible needs.
"With this proposed Framework, we aim to ensure that we provide a transparent and consistent process and allocate our resources fairly to meet those needs. It is also important to ensure we are compliant with current legislation. “We welcome people’s views on the proposals, so I am encouraging as many people as possible to respond to the consultation, including individuals with care needs, carers and their families, agencies, social workers and anyone who has an interest in adult and social care across Bath and North East Somerset.” There will be drop-in sessions in Bath, Keynsham, Chew Valley and Midsomer Norton in October and November to give the public a chance to give their views. An online survey is available from 24th September at www. bathnes.gov.uk/cas-chargingconsultation and a hard copy of the consultation document at the council’s one stop shops and libraries. Full information on the Care and Support Charging and Financial Assessment Framework, including proposed changes, can also be found through the web link or by emailing CAFAConsultation@bathnes.gov. uk.
RUH assistant heads to Africa to support education projects A HEALTHCARE assistant from the Royal United Hospital is to travel to Tanzania to help support new female-led community enterprises. Sanah Richards, from Bath, will be taking a three-month break from her work at the RUH to take up a volunteering placement in Iringa, where she will help to set up and support community enterprises that aim to increase female empowerment and improve the livelihoods of women. Sanah said: “In Iringa women face a lot of barriers if they want to set up a business. Female enterprises in this region have a lack of resources, a lack of employees and women face many other challenges, such as poverty, childcare commitments and male domestic dominance, with many men believing women shouldn’t be involved with business at all. “The community asked for help from Voluntary Service Oversees and the International Citizen Service, who have a joint vision to end poverty, and who have arranged for a number of volunteer placements. “I’ll be working with a team of about five people and will be helping with things like finance, business plans and digital marketing. We’ll also be holding a number of community action days to raise the profile of com-
munity enterprises in Iringa and will be visiting schools to engage with young people.” Sanah said she was looking forward to the volunteer placement, though it would bring one major challenge – the language barrier. “I’m not expecting many people to be able to speak English, especially the host family I’ll be staying with, so I’m trying my best to learn some Swahili – with mixed results! Sanah added that she would miss her colleagues and the patients at the RUH while she’s away. “I’m so passionate about working at the RUH. I work with a great team and find looking after the patients so rewarding,” she said. “I support the nurses and help patients with their daily care, such as monitoring their vital signs and physical observations, help keep them mobile and offer emotional support too. Often patients just want to chat, so I’ll take some time to sit and talk about whatever they want. “I’m looking forward to the next few months, but it’ll be good to return to the RUH and carry on working on the wards.” As part of her placement, Sanah has to raise £800, which goes towards supporting the work of the International Citizen Service. She is already making good progress, taking part in several successful sponsorship events,
Healthcare assistant Sanah Richards
including cycling from Bath to Stonehenge and back, busking in the city centre and organising music events at local pubs. “If anyone could make a dona-
tion, however small, to my JustGiving page, I’d be so grateful,” she said. “You will be making a real difference to the lives of people living
in some of the world’s most disadvantaged areas.” To donate to Sanah’s JustGiving page go to: www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/sanah-richards
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What's On TEDxBath announces Residents invited to full line-up of speakers join climate emergency discussion at meeting
TEDxBath has announced the full line-up of speakers for their 2019 ‘Echoes of the City’ event, taking place on Saturday 21st September, as they celebrate its second year. Showcasing a range of individual perspectives, stories and knowledge from ten inspirational speakers, the talks are being held from 1pm at The Holburne Museum. The popular one-day programme - which seeks to inspire change among the community - will this year see James Shone, founder of the charity ‘I Can & I Am’, take to the stage. His work to deliver impactful speeches in the education space focuses on positive messaging around what people can do and achieve. Audiences will hear from a wealth of inspirational speakers from sectors including engineering, community and science and tech. Although tickets for the greatly anticipated event sold out within a matter of days, it will still be
available to view through a public live stream, connecting the city to the heart of the talks. Other speakers include: • Cat Jarman – Honorary Senior Research Associate at the University of Bristol and Director of the independent research unit Munin Archaeology. • Frances Fox – Sixth Form Student at King Edwards’ School. • Lynn Wilson – Founder of Circular Economy Wardrobe. •Jo Dolby – Hub Leader at Oasis Bath. • Jayne Rochford-Smith – Headteacher of St Andrew's Church School. • Harpinder Collacott – Executive Director of Development Initiatives. • Doug Laughlen – Founder of Applied Alchemy Those who were not able to secure tickets will be able to watch the livestream via Facebook or at The Bath Brewhouse from 1pm onwards.
RESIDENTS in the Cam Valley area are being invited to attend their upcoming local Connecting Communities Forum, where they’ll be given the chance to discuss the climate emergency. Connecting Communities Forums are supported by Bath & North East Somerset Council, bringing public services, local organisations and residents together to address areas of local concern. The next meeting of the Cam Valley Area Forum – which covers Dunkerton & Tunley, Shoscombe, Priston, Freshford, Monkton Combe, Combe Hay, Hinton Charterhouse, Newton St Loe, Southstoke, Wellow Parish, Kelston, Englishcombe and Camerton – will be held on Wednesday 18th September from 7pm to 9pm at the Freshford Village Memorial Hall, Freshford Lane, Freshford, Somerset, BA2 7UR. Invited are the area’s parish councils, community organisations ward councillors – as well as local residents. Councillor Dine Romero, Leader of Bath & North Somerset Council, said: “The council recognises that Bath and North East Somerset is a diverse area with differing needs and priorities. “It values the local information and feedback the Forums provide as these help to shape local services. We are keen to engage with as many local residents as possible so these meetings are open to the public and anyone is welcome to attend.
“I am looking forward to hearing views on our new priorities, including addressing the climate emergency and giving people a greater say in decision-making. “Bradford on Avon Town Council will be attending the forum to discuss what they have achieved since declaring a climate emergency in their local area. “It is hoped that we will be able to inspire more local councils and communities to rise to this important challenge.” The forum is taking the opportunity to give the majority of the agenda over to climate change to learn from groups that are taking part in activities that show what differences can be made at a local level, including Bradford on Avon Town Council. John Adler, Chair of Cam Valley Forum, said: “We are really keen to see residents from the Cam Valley area and beyond joining us to engage on the important issue of climate emergency. “In taking over the agenda for this meeting, I hope that some of the steps that are being taken locally will be demonstrated and that it encourages each individual to consider what contribution they are able to make.” There will an opportunity for an open discussion at the meeting to explore further how the council, parish councils, local organisations and residents can work together to address the climate emergency.
Don't miss... Bath choir to celebrate 10th birthday with party On Saturday 28th September, the Bath Good Afternoon Choir will celebrate its 10th birthday with a party at the Salvation Army Citadel, Green Park Bath from 11am – 1.30pm. Bath's deputy Mayor Cllr Manda Rigby will cut the birthday cake and there will be a short concert featuring the 70 members of Bath’s Good Afternoon Choir. The choir was established by Grenville Jones 10 years ago and there are now another 9 Good Afternoon Choirs across the region. Hundreds of people belong to the choirs and a CD has just been released after their annual BIG SING which took place in Clifton Cathedral in June. Each Good Afternoon Choir selects a local charity to benefit from its fundraising concerts and events over the year. The Bath members' choice this year is the Month in Bath group, who produce audio tapes for those who are partially sighted. There will be a collection at the party for the cause. With the help of conductor Grenville Jones, the choir has already raised many thousands of pounds for the charity which will go towards new equipment for the volunteers who work behind the scenes. Doors open at 11am with the concert due to take place in the church at 12.15pm. Everyone is welcome to go along.
Photographic exhibition The Bath Photographic Society will be hosting their annual exhibition at St Michael's Church on Broad Street between 15th-19th October (10am - 4pm).
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Preview | Lesley Garrett Theatre Royal Bath AN Audience with Lesley Garrett visits Bath’s Theatre Royal on Sunday 29th September for an evening of song and reminiscences. Much-loved soprano Lesley Garrett will give a unique insight into her life on stage, accompanied by, and in conversation with, pianist Anna Tilbrook. From singing principal soprano for English National Opera, to celebrating the arrival of the new millennium at the Royal Observatory, and from performing at several FA Cup finals to playing The Merry Widow for Welsh National Opera, Lesley Garrett has enjoyed an extensive
and fascinating career as Britain’s most popular soprano. Born in Yorkshire, Lesley Garrett studied at the Royal Academy of Music. During a career spanning forty years, she has performed on the world’s biggest opera stages with every major orchestra and leading conductors in the UK and internationally. Lesley has released more than a dozen best selling albums and performed in musicals on both sides of the Atlantic, including The Sound of Music and Carousel in the West End. She has hosted her own television series, The Lesley Garrett Show and Lesley
Garrett Tonight, as well as taking part in numerous much-loved primetime shows including the first series of Strictly Come Dancing, Who Do You Think You Are?, Countdown, Songs of Praise and Loose Women. Lesley has also performed with a wide range of artists from across the musical world including Marti Pellow, Andrea Bocelli, Bryan Ferry, Andre Rieu, Bryn Terfel, Lily Savage and Michael Ball. In 2002 she was appointed a CBE for services to music. Lesley recently appeared in a music-hall opera based on the life of one of the first suffragettes
for Welsh National Opera and performed in a stage play for the first time alongside Hugh Dennis and John Marquez. Earlier this year, Lesley performed in a new opera for English National Opera based on the victims of Jack the Ripper, starring as Catherine Eddowes in Jack the Ripper: The Women of Whitechapel at the London Coliseum. An Audience with Lesley Garrett appears at the Theatre Royal Bath on Sunday 29th September at 7.30pm. Tickets can be purchased from the Theatre Royal Bath Box Office on 01225 448844 or booked online at www.theatreroyal.org.uk
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Review | The Man In The White Suit Theatre Royal Bath
Light Up Lansdown fireworks display to feature songs from Disney films
Stephen Mangan as Sidney & Kara Tointon as Daphne | Photo © Nobby Clark
The Man in the White Suit is a charming and hugely entertaining adaptation of the classic Ealing Comedy. Under the masterful direction of Sean Foley this is a good night out. The star of the show is the extraordinary vision from designer Michael Taylor alongside a glorious cast headed by the excellent Stephen Mangan who kept the heady pace on track, bringing much laughter from the outset. The premise of the story revolves around the revelation that Sidney Stratton has created a fabric that will never wear out or get dirty. His love of chemistry creates an argument between textile manufacturers and the workers; resulting in extreme action. There is an impressive onstage actor/ musician skiffle band with
original music by Charlie Fink which creates some surprising moments including a Lancashire clog dance but this adds to the heady mix of comedy with success. Kara Tointon (Daphne Brimley) provides a good foil for Stephen Mangan’s winning and generally hapless Sidney the dance sequence between them choreographed by Lizzie Gee being a particular highlight. The cast however are strong throughout and the chemistry is clear. There are contemporary references which are fun and despite the improbable moments of the piece alongside a slightly erratic Act 2 script; the overall impact will no doubt prove to be a winning formula as it heads to the West End.
Petra Schofield
BATH Racecourse’s popular Light Up Lansdown fireworks display and bonfire night will return on Friday 1st November, set to songs from some classic Disney films. This year’s event is set to be bigger and better than ever before, as the fireworks display will be set to music for the first time. Now in its fourth year, the annual ‘Light Up Lansdown’ firework show attracts more than 5,000 people. Alongside the 10-minute-long fireworks display set to a blockbuster Disney soundtrack, there will also be a huge bonfire and funfair for people to enjoy, as well as a variety of food and drink, in-
Coming up this week in Bath Tour with Candace Bahouth
The Holburne Museum 18th September, 2.30pm-3pm Join artist Candace Bahouth for an exclusive tour of her exhibition in the Davidson Gallery. Hear about her artistic influences and creative practice in mosaicking and tapestry.
Boyzlife
cluding bonfire-night favourites. Jo Hall, Executive Director of Bath Racecourse, said: “We wanted to do something different for this year’s Light Up Lansdown fireworks display and bonfire night and felt that setting the spectacular fireworks display to music for the first time would make the night even more magical for our customers. “Disney music was an obvious choice with so many brilliant songs to choose from. People can expect to hear songs from Disney-favourites The Lion King, Frozen and Beauty and the Beast – to name a few – and I’m sure parents as well as the kids will be singing along.
“To make the night more of an event, there will also be a funfair and huge bonfire before the main event – the Fireworks display – gets underway. “We also really delighted to have charity, Crimestoppers, sponsoring the night once again.” Tickets for Light Up Lansdown are now on sale. Tickets bought in advance cost £4 for children (under 18s) and £6 for adults with special Family Tickets (two adults and two children) available for just £15. All tickets include free parking. Tickets and more information can be found at www. bath-racecourse.co.uk.
On the way in Bath next week
Hutch
Posh
Bradley Wiggins
The Rondo Theatre 18th - 19th September, 7.30pm Three vulnerable people sharing an attic divided into ‘hutches’ eke out a meek existence, but their landlord’s plans force them to choose between surrender or resistance.
Theatre Royal, Bath 23rd - 28th September The Riot Club are back. This time on one condition. They must behave and preserve the reputation of the club. At a tough political time, the reputation of the PM cannot be tarnished.
The Forum - 25th September Starts at 7.30pm Join Britain’s most decorated Olympian Sir Bradley Wiggins as he tours theatres with his insightful and at times hilarious live show. A rare opportunity for fans to see the Tour De France winner.
Komedia Bath - 19th September Doors at 7pm Boyzlife brings together members of two of the biggest boybands in history, Boyzone and Westlife, to perform a whole host of their biggest chart hits. "A night out that is not to be missed!"
The Forum - 20th September Starts at 7.30pm Experience The Czech National Symphony Orchestra performing John Williams’ music to the entire first Harry Potter film live to pictures from one of the most beloved film series in history.
Harry Potter in Concert
We're Going On A Bear Hunt
Children's Literature Festival
‘Viva Neil Diamond’
Lunch with Gennaro Contaldo
Baking with Kim-Joy
Afternoon Racing
Chapel Arts Centre - 20th September Starts at 8pm Whilst performing in Las Vegas two years ago, Bob Drury was described “one of the world’s finest vocal tributes to Neil Diamond” and he’s now back touring the UK with his new show.
Walcot House Cafe - 20th September Starts at 1pm Gennaro Contaldo is widely known as the Italian legend who taught Jamie Oliver all he knows about Italian cooking. Join Gennaro on an exciting adventure at this special Toppings literary lunch.
The egg theatre 26th - 29th September Follow a family on an adventure of a lifetime – down the grassy bank, through the river, squelching over the oozy mud, stumbling into the dark forest, then peering into a cave, what will they find? Kingswood School Chapel 27th September - 8pm Kim-Joy made it to the 2018 Bake Off final with her unique, intricate baked creations: iced woodland creatures, space turtles and beautifully decorated cakes. A Toppings Bath event.
Various Times & Locations 27th September - 6th October Europe’s largest dedicated children’s literature festival is returning with a vibrant array of talks and activities for children. Featuring a world-class line up which will thrilled young book lovers. Bath Racecourse - 30th September Starts at 12pm There's nothing quite like standing by the side of the track in the crisp autumn air as horses barrel past towards the finish line to the cheers of the crowd. Tickets available from £14.
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Community Unsung heroes in Bath set to be celebrated as nominations open for Community Awards THE search for unsung heroes in Bath has begun with the launch of the annual Community Awards to celebrate people and businesses that make a positive contribution to the community. Nominations for the Bath and North East Somerset Community Awards 2019/2020 were opened by Bath & North East Somerset Council Leader, Dine Romero; Council Chair, Councillor Eleanor Jackson and the Award Partners at a launch in the Guildhall in Bath on 4th September. The awards, including three new categories, will recognise inspiring people who make an exceptional contribution to the council’s drive to make Bath and North East Somerset the best place to live, work and visit. New for this year are awards for Charity of the Year, Foster Carer of the Year and Green Business of the Year. The Volunteer Leader of the Year Award has been renamed ‘The Beryl Dixon Community Leader of the Year Award’, in honour of
Beryl Dixon, a well-respected advocate for the BME community who sadly died in 2017. Councillor Dine Romero said: “The Community Awards are an important celebration of the people who are most dedicated to our community but their work often goes unrecognised. “We encourage people to think about how their businesses, staff, volunteers or community leaders deserve this recognition and to nominate them via a simple process for the contributions they make. We would particularly like to encourage nominations for those who protecting and care for the most vulnerable people in our community and those who are helping us address the climate emergency.” Councillor Eleanor Jackson added: “The more I immerse myself in the role of Chair of Council, the more I appreciate the role of businesses, community organisations and volunteers in serving the community and supporting the Council’s work. “I am particularly struck by the
number of workers and volunteers who go ‘above and beyond’ their duties and show special dedication and acts of kindness. “For example, who can forget all the medical staff and community care workers who struggled through the snow this year to prevent the vulnerable from suffering? I am particularly pleased that there is a new award, the Beryl Wilson award, for those
Movie by Moonlight event raises over £12,000 for RUH Breast Unit
THE Forever Friends Appeal has announced the total raised at this year’s Movie by Moonlight fundraising event, which took place on Saturday 31st August, is over £12,000. The amount will be donated to the charity’s Breast Unit Special Appeal, to benefit patients at the Royal United Hospital in Bath. The outdoor screening of Bohemian Rhapsody was aired in Bath’s Royal Victoria Park on Saturday 31st August. Although it was free entry, people could make a voluntary donation to the appeal on the night. The Forever Friends Appeal is
aiming to raise £450,000 for the hospital’s Breast Unit. With the proceeds from the charity’s Movie by Moonlight event, the total to-date sits at £110,000. Laura Pearce, Events and Community Officer, The Forever Friends Appeal said: “We hope everyone had a great time on Saturday and I would like to thank everyone who generously donated to our charity. “I would also like to thank the local food vendors who joined us on the night – The Scallop Shell, JC’s Kitchen, Have! A Pinch and The Split Screen Ice Cream Co, Freestyle Designs for sponsoring
our Movie by Moonlight event and Filmair Cinema Services for always ensuring we have a fantastic atmosphere during the screening in Royal Victoria Park.” Once the fundraising target has been reached, the funds will be used towards the redevelopment and expansion of the Breast Unit which sees and treats an increasing number of patients every year. The redevelopment and expansion of the unit will include a new welcoming and calming waiting area, larger consultation suites, an area for mammographic and MRI reporting and examination areas.
who regularly go the extra mile, unpaid and too often unsung. We need lots of nominations so we can rectify this.” The Community Awards are organised in partnership with B&NES Clinical Commissioning Group, Curo, Sirona Care and Health, B&NES Virgin Care, Student Community Partnership, Bath College and a new partner for this year, 3SG.
News in Brief Bath Building Society to host Meet The Mortgage Team event Members of the public are being invited to go along and meet Bath Building Society's specialist mortgage team at an event being held at their Wood Street branch in Bath on Saturday 21st September. Mortgage consultants will be in the branch from 9.30am to 12.30pm to answer any mortgage related questions you may have, as well as providing information on finding the best type of mortgage for you. Details will also be shared on the offering available from Bath Building Society, including niche products such as Rent a Room, Buy To Let, Retirement Mortgages, Holiday Lets, Buy For University Mortgages and Parent Assisted Mortgages. The drop-in session requires no booking in advance, and tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided to those who go along. If you can't make the event, you can visit a branch and fill out a query form or call 01225 475737 to speak to the mortgage team directly, and to book an appointment for another time.
Council awards new contracts for seventeen bus services in B&NES NEW contracts for seventeen bus services have been awarded by Bath & North East Somerset Council to maintain current services across the local area. Councillor Joanna Wright, cabinet member for Transport Services, has approved the new contracts, which will see the non-commercial bus network remain intact. In addition, two commercial bus services that had been withdrawn will be replaced. The previous contracts expired on 31st August and a procurement process was carried out for new contracts. Fares on certain rural bus services that have not changed for many years will rise slightly to help offset higher operating costs. Councillor Joanna Wright, cabinet member for Transport Services, said: “Keeping bus services running smoothly is a priority for the council and is in line with our commitment to ensure that our residents have sustainable alternatives to car travel.
“Despite a significant increase in costs, we want to meet the needs of urban and rural communities that are not served by the commercial bus network. “With financial contributions from the West of England Combined Authority (WECA), we have been able to maintain these bus services – including two that were under threat of withdrawal by the operators.” Currently, Bath & North East Somerset Council holds joint responsibility with WECA for non-commercial bus services. WECA is developing a Bus Strategy that will set priorities for how bus revenue support is allocated in the future, and the council is assisting with that project. The supported bus services are: 11, 12, 175, 177, 179, 185, 636, 640, 663, 664, 665, 668, 683, 752, 754, 757 and 768. The commercial services that have been replaced are the 42 (Odd Down P&R to the Royal United Hospital) and 228 (extension to Ralph Allen School).
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Company director sentenced for aggressive practices in Bath THE director of a company that dug up the driveway of a vulnerable Bath resident without permission and charged more than £12,000 has been given a suspended sentence. Johnny Rooney was found guilty of failing to prevent his staff carrying out aggressive commercial practices. Rooney, aged 32, of Drivescape Limited, Semington, Wiltshire, appeared at Bristol Crown Court on 6th September where he was found guilty of an offence under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008. Rooney was sentenced to four months’ imprisonment suspended for two years, 120 hours community service and has been banned from ‘On Licence’ premises for 12 months. During a trial at Bristol Crown Court earlier in June this year, the court heard from Bath & North East Somerset Trading Standards officers that Rooney failed to stop his employees from digging up a driveway in Bath without permission. The resident, a lone disabled female who had said no to any work being carried out, told the court how she was followed and pressured by the company. The following day she arrived home and found several Drivescape
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Ltd staff digging up her driveway. The resident said she felt violated and intimidated by this and was pressured to pay the company £12,300 for completing the block pave driveway and other work. Drivescape Ltd failed to provide the consumer with a written contract and written cancellation notice detailing the consumer’s right to a 14 day cooling off period. Further to the sentencing, Rooney is due to appear in court in relation to a Proceeds of Crime hearing in January 2020. Councillor Paul Crossley, cabinet member for Community Services, said: “We take offences where elderly or vulnerable people have been victims of unfair trading extremely seriously. They are a priority to our Trading Standards team and the sentencing of Mr Rooney illustrates that the courts will also take a tough line. “Our team runs an approved trader scheme called ‘Buy with Confidence’ where residents can search for local businesses which have been vetted and approved by Trading Standards. We would always encourage anyone looking for a local business to carry out some work for them to visit www.buywithconfidence.gov. uk.” Anyone who thinks they might
have fallen victim to a rogue trader should report it to the Citizens Advice Consumer Service who work in partnership with Bath & North East Somerset Trading Standards on 0345 40 40 506. Before agreeing to any work, local residents should: • Read reviews of traders and if possible use the Buy with Confidence Approved Trader Scheme. • Ask at least three approved traders for quotes. • Never pay up front and avoid cash. • Say no to doorstep sellers. • Always get a detailed written quotation/contract. • Check the builder’s references and even pay visits to the references. • Ask their neighbours, family or friends for personal recommendations of builders who have worked for them and carried out a good job.
Marie Curie appeals for volunteers to join new fundraising group
Bath fundraiser Emma Hildesley
MARIE Curie, the UK’s leading charity for people living with a terminal illness and their families, is appealing for volunteers to join their first-ever fundraising group in Bath. The walk, which is popular with Fundraising groups organise collections, fundraising activities and events and support the charity’s major campaigns including the Great Daffodil Appeal and Blooming Great Tea Party. Members often represent Marie Curie locally by attending events, receiving donations on Marie Curie’s behalf and holding talks within local clubs and societies. Marie Curie Community Fundraiser for Bath, Emma Hildesley said: “This new group will be the
face of Marie Curie in Bath. “They will raise our profile in the area, spreading the word about how our services can support those living with a terminal illness and their loved ones. “There are so many benefits to joining a Fundraising Group including meeting new friends and like-minded people in the area, getting involved in your community, gaining new skills and having fun raising money to provide support for terminally ill people in your local area. Places for the event are limited. For information and to book your place, call Emma on 07713080412 or email emma.hildesley@mariecurie.org.uk.
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Business Council confirms appointment of new Chief Executive Will Godfrey BATH & North East Somerset Council has confirmed the appointment of its new Chief Executive Will Godfrey at a special meeting of the full council. Councillors at a meeting on 5th September approved the recommendation to appoint Will, who has been Chief Executive of Newport City Council since 2013. He replaces Ashley Ayre who is retiring this month after 13 years of service to the council. Mr Godfrey brings extensive experience of working at a senior level with UK and Welsh Governments to the role. Prior to joining Newport City Council he was a Strategic Director at Bristol City Council and Chief Executive of East Hampshire District Council. He has also worked extensively at a regional level, having played a leading role in negotiating devolution deals in both South East Wales and the West of England. A recommendation before councillors said there had been an impressive standard of candidates for the role, and that Will demonstrated the necessary vision, strategic skills and experience to meet the future needs of the council and challenges ahead. Councillor Dine Romero, council leader, said: “We would like to thank all the candidates who were interviewed, all were of an excellent calibre, and showed a good range of skills and expertise. “Will’s experience in strategic financial management, organisational change and regeneration
Will Godfrey, who will take up the role in October
fits well with the new administration’s ambitions as well as the challenges we face over the next few years. “He will have direct responsibility for ensuring the council rises to the leadership challenge of responding to the Climate Emergency and ensure the authority leads by example in its activities, plus taking a lead role in influencing partners. “As we welcome Will to his new
role I want to personally thank our outgoing Chief Executive Ashley Ayre who we all will miss. “Ashley has skilfully overseen significant organisational and budget changes and greatly contributed to the success, stability and wellbeing of our area. We wish him the very best in his retirement.” Mr Godfrey takes up his new role at Bath & North East Somerset Council on Monday 7th October.
Kathryn Davis becomes interim CEO of Visit Bath until spring 2020 VISIT Bath has announced the appointment of a new interim CEO, Kathryn Davis, the Head of Tourism at Destination Bristol, who will be working at the organisation until spring 2020. The role will include overseeing all areas of the business during the secondment period, including the Visitor Information Centre on Terrace Walk, the implementation of Bath Christmas Market, destination marketing and commercial activity. Currently Head of Tourism at Destination Bristol, Kathryn has more than 25 years’ experience in the tourism and hospitality industry, almost 20 of which is working with Destination Management Organisations, both in marketing, commercial and visitor experience. In November 2018, she was presented with the award for Outstanding Achievement in Tourism at the Bristol, Bath and Somerset Tourism Awards. Kathryn said: “I am thrilled to be part of the Visit Bath team and look forward to being able to work with members, partners and stakeholders in the strategic development and delivery of the visitor economy in Bath and North East Somerset.” Immediate priorities include establishing a new stakeholder and membership communication programme, delivering a business plan, destination management plan and developing
strategic partnerships within the region, including a closer working partnership with Bristol and the surrounding areas. The Board of Directors stated: “We are delighted to have Kathryn join Visit Bath and lead on delivering our core services to support and develop the visitor economy of Bath and the surrounding area. “Kathryn brings extensive tourism marketing and destination management experience to the role, as well as an ability to forge strong and enduring partnerships that will ensure that Bath continues to be a leading destination both regionally, and for our national and international visitors.” Councillor Dine Romero, leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council, added: “I welcome Kathryn’s appointment to Visit Bath and the expertise she brings to the role, as well as the opportunity for a closer working partnership with Bristol and the surrounding areas.” The Board of Directors has also been transformed with the appointment of 6 new directors, bringing with them a wide range of relevant skills and experience to support the senior management team. Kathryn will continue to oversee tourism activity at Destination Bristol two days a week during her secondment.
Spin Village launches rebrand competition after name battle MILSOM Place-based Spin Village has launched a unique opportunity for the Bath community to get involved with renaming the cycling studio. For the past 18 months, Spin Village has been locked in a legal battle to retain the right to use the name “Spin Village’ for their indoor studio in Bath. California-based global fitness company Mad Dogg Athletics own the trademark rights for the word “Spin”. However, the independent Bath-based studio has been defending its use of this in their name, under the argument that “Spin” has now become a generic term. Spin Village Founder, Charlie Bird, said: “This has been a tricky matter for us from day one. Whilst we recognise that Mad Dogg Athletics do own the trademark rights, we feel that it’s virtually impossible to enforce them. Pretty much all of our rid-
ers refer to our classes as “Spin Classes” without even thinking; no-one ever says “indoor cycling classes”.” “However, I’ve been fighting this matter alone. As a small inde-
pendent studio versus a California-based global fitness company, the weight of this trademark battle is really taking its toll and we feel it’s now time to move on. “And so, the team and I have been putting our heads together to find a new studio name.
"But we realised it would be a fantastic idea to open up the search to the whole of Bath! "We’ve always advocated that the studio belongs to our riders as much as it belongs to us, and this felt like the perfect way to make our riders truly part of the studio.” Spin Village is taking the opportunity to undergo a full rebrand over the coming months, which will include a completely new name for the cycling studio. They are opening up the search to the people of Bath with a year’s worth of Unlimited Classes at the Studio up for grabs. Whoever comes up with the name that is used for the rebrand, wins the prize (T's & C's apply). Entries can be submitted at www.spinvillage.bike/win. The competition will close on 30th September 2019. There is no cost to entry and the winning studio name will be selected in the following weeks.
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Bath Ales extends longstanding partnership with Bath Rugby BATH Ales has extended its ongoing sponsorship of Bath Rugby, renewing its deal for a further season and continuing its support for the club which started back in 2014. Gem, Bath Ales’ flagship amber ale, will continue as the ‘Official Beer of Bath Rugby’ and is served on cask at the Rec. In total, over 145,000 pints of Bath Ales’ beer were sold at Bath Rugby’s home matches during the past year, including Sulis – the brewer’s first lager – Dark Side Stout and Prophecy New World Pale Ale. As part of the ongoing partnership, Gem branding will continue to feature around The Rec and on the team’s official playing shorts. The West Stand will continue to be known as the Gem Stand, as it has since it was officially renamed in 2016. This year, the brewer will also be bringing its new Land Rover Defender bar to scheduled match days. Vicky Guy, Bath Ales marketing manager said: “We’ve worked with Bath Rugby since 2014 and
in that time, our partnership with the Club has gone from strength to strength. “It’s a valuable platform for us as a business, which enables us to connect with consumers, beer lovers and Bath Rugby supporters to drive greater engagement with our brand. “We look forward to the coming year and wish the squad the best of luck for the season ahead.” Ben Wells, Chief Commercial Officer, Bath Rugby added: “We have established a very successful and longstanding partnership with Bath Ales over the past five years. “As one of our key local partners, we’re delighted that Bath Ales will continue to be a key part of the matchday experience at the Rec, engage with our supporters beyond matchday and support our flagship event – The Clash – at Twickenham in April 2020.” Tarquin McDonald, Bath Rugby’s CEO, cut the ribbon at the opening ceremony of Bath Ales’ new state-of-the-art brewery in May 2018.
Matt Garvey, Freddie Burns, Vicky Guy (Bath Ales Marketing Manager) and Aled Brew
Bath's Novel Wines shortlisted for prestigious Decanter Award
The Novel Wines team - Ben, Marina, Gyorgy
NOVEL Wines, founded by locals Ben Franks and Gyorgy Zsiga in 2016, has been shortlisted for a prestigious award in the Decanter Retailer Awards 2019. The independent wine merchant was selected by a panel of wine expert judges in the category ‘Specialist Retailer of the Year – Central and Eastern Europe’. Novel Wines specialises in the wholesale and retail of wines from outside of the classic wine regions. Instead of sourcing wine from
France, the company shares wines from the likes of Hungary, Ukraine, Romania and as far afield as India, Japan and Thailand. They also sell a wide range of English wines. Around half of the wine merchants' 250 wines are sourced from central and eastern Europe. They include the winery Demetervin, from the region of Tokaj in Hungary, which is regarded as one of the country’s leading wineries for quality production. CEO and Wine Buyer Ben Franks
said: “Our team is ecstatic to be recognised by a prestigious trade magazine like Decanter. "We’ve worked really hard to build a list of truly unique wines and it’s a real honour to receive such amazing recognition.” Novel Wines has been shortlisted alongside The Wine Society and Croatian Fine Wines in the category. The team will find out the results on 26th September 2019 at an awards ceremony in central London.
Stagecoach Bath launches new school to meet growing demand SANDRA Mayo, a local singing teacher and amateur dramatics performer, is set to inspire the next generation of budding young performers in Bath. Sandra has been the principal of Stagecoach Performing Arts Bath for the last seven years. In this time, she has driven the attendance of the current school to capacity. Such is the growing demand for the performing arts in the area, that Sandra has now opened the doors of Stagecoach Bath even wider for children aged four to 18 in the local community. Previously, the school was open on Saturday afternoons to 50 students. Now, under Sandra’s lead, Stagecoach Bath has four Early Stages classes (for children aged four to six), three Main Schools (ages six to 18) and one Further Stage for students aged 15+, offering weekly classes on Fridays and Saturdays to over 180 students. The children learn the skills of singing, dancing and acting from an expert team of teachers, whilst benefitting from the confidence that the performing arts instils. Such is the popularity of these sessions that Sandra is expanding her offering, opening an additional Early Stage and Main School class on Saturday mornings, so that more local youngsters can enjoy the benefits of thriving in the performing arts. These new classes will take place from 9.15am-10.45am (Early) and 10am-1pm (Main), at Hayesfield Lower School, Bath. The up-coming term’s classes are set to begin on 21st September,
and finish on 14th December. Sandra said: “I’m buzzing with excitement at the opportunity to build a strong, creative syllabus that will challenge the talented children of Bath, whilst being fun, educational, stimulating and rewarding for them. “We have been extremely busy planning the year’s curriculum and activities, as well as building a great team of performing arts teachers and staff. "Watch this space for some of the exciting events we have in store for 2019.” Sandra has over 20 years worth of teaching experience, and also teaches piano alongside singing. She retains a passion for amateur dramatics, having been involved with the Chippenham Light Opera Group (CLOGS) for 24 years, and has sung in many of the group’s lead roles, including Nancy in Oliver!, Violet in 9 to 5, and Mrs Lovett in Sweeney Todd. Stagecoach is the world’s largest network of performing arts schools, with more than 2000 extra-curricular performing arts schools worldwide. It aims to make a difference in its students’ lives by teaching Creative Courage for Life, with many students going on to be professionals and world-renowned actors, singers and dancers. Early Stages classes are available for children aged four to six and Main Stages classes take place for six to 18-year-olds every weekend. For more information about Stagecoach Bath and how to join, visit www.stagecoach.co.uk/bath or call 07912 501377.
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Politics Housing masterplan in tatters as government inspectors order councils to start Joint Spacial Plan from scratch Adam Postans
Local Democracy Reporter
A MASTERPLAN to build 105,000 homes across the West of England is in tatters after government inspectors ruled the entire process must start all over again, and would take years to complete. The damning assessment comes after officials told the four unitary authorities — Bristol, South Gloucestershire, North Somerset and Bath & North East Somerset — to take their Joint Spatial Plan (JSP) back to the drawing board and demanded “radical” changes. Last month, planning inspectors, Malcolm Rivett and Steven Lee concluded they had “significant concerns” about fundamental aspects of the region’s housing blueprint, primarily the way the 12 main locations for new developments were chosen. They dramatically halted the public examination stage of the JSP saying it was unlikely they would find the plan legally sound because they could not be certain the sites and overall spatial strategy had been determined on a “robust, consistent and objective” basis. Now, in a blistering letter to the councils explaining their findings in more detail, they say the evidence presented by the local authorities at July’s hearings in Bath’s Guildhall had only “deepened” their concerns, and directed them to withdraw the JSP and
start again from scratch. Mr Rivett and Lee said an “enormous amount of work” was needed, amounting to a “virtual rewriting” of the plan. In the letter published on Wednesday 11th September, they said: “The changes we envisage are necessary to the JSP are so fundamental that, in effect, the examination would have to be run again. “It is likely that the necessary main modifications would result in a radically altered plan which would need to be, in its entirety, the subject of full public consultation. “This would then need to be followed by the publication of completely new ‘matters, issues and questions’ for the examination, written statements would need to be invited and hearings held on all aspects of the altered plan. “Given that it has taken 16 months to get the examination to the current point, we envisage it would take at least the same amount of time, and probably considerably longer, to ultimately complete it.” The inspectors warned the councils that if they tried “simply to re-justify the selection” of the 12 strategic development locations (SDLs), it would “lack credibility” and “could not now be considered to be anything other than retrospective justification of the plan”. They wrote: “Consequently, it would be very unlikely to persuade us that the SDLs, and thus the spatial strategy overall, were selected on a robust, consistent and objective basis.
“Instead, we believe that it is likely to be most appropriate for the councils to return to the plan preparation process to formulate a robust, consistent and objective framework against which candidate SDLs can be selected for inclusion in the plan.” The officials said the whole process could be “very complex, potentially confusing to the public and unwieldy and would be likely to delay, rather than accelerate, the planning and delivery of new development” across the region. They therefore advised the local authorities to reconsider their approach to the replacement JSP as well as each of the four councils’ Local Plans and the West of England Combined Authority’s forthcoming Spatial Development Strategy, which is in its early stages. One of the inspectors’ key criticisms was how the dozen SDLs — including Thornbury, Charfield, Buckover, Yate, Coalpit Heath, Brislington, North Keynsham, Whitchurch, Nailsea, Backwell, Churchill and Banwell — were chosen. They said they were not
convinced the councils had considered “reasonable alternatives”. The officials also criticised the plan’s inclusion of 8,550 homes on greenbelt land at five of the SDLs, which the unitary authorities insisted were selected only because of exceptional circumstances after all other possible sites on non-protected land were rejected as unsuitable. Mr Rivett and Mr Lee wrote: “This approach could potentially be justified if it was not for the fact that the plan identifies as a contingency location (to be brought forward at a later date if needed) land at east Clevedon which is outside of the greenbelt.” The inspectors added that the JSP should have earmarked land for the possible expansion of Bristol Port and Bristol Airport because they were deemed to be vital to the region’s economy, and that delegating these decisions to smaller Local Plans was unjustified. Speaking on behalf of the four unitary authorities in response to the letter, Bristol City Council cabinet member for spatial planning and city design Cllr Nicola
Beech said: “We are disappointed by some of the conclusions drawn by the inspectors. “But we are also pleased to see they have confirmed the benefits of our strategic approach to planning and our cooperation across the region. “We remain fully committed to working together to achieve the best outcomes, and while it is clear that we will not pursue the JSP in its current form, we will now consider their detailed comments carefully as we work to determine the best way forward. “We share the desire of the residents and businesses who make up our communities and want to see us working together effectively. “We are still totally committed to working cooperatively to provide the homes, space for jobs, the living environment and the infrastructure we need to meet the challenges of the future — including addressing the housing crisis, the need for jobs and affordable housing, and responding to the climate emergency. “We will fully consider the technical details carefully and the potential options open to us to move forwards, in addition to considering the implications for the ongoing development of Local Plans. “We will do this in the coming weeks and anticipate submitting a formal response to the Planning Inspectorate as soon as practicable.”
Council agrees to pay £129,000 to keep rural bus on the move Stephen Sumner
Local Democracy Reporter
USERS of a rural bus service are celebrating the success of a year-long campaign – but they are urging transport chiefs to go further. Bath and North East Somerset Council has agreed to maintain its £5,000 subsidy for the 179’s single Saturday service for another 12 months after it faced the axe. The authority will also pay out £124,000 – more than 10 times the previous amount – to keep the bus running along a modified route during the week. Campaigner Clive Turner said: “Although we have saved the current service and improved it slightly by also getting the 768 service to be more integrated with it, it can still only be described as a basic service and a shadow of what it was in 2017.
“Our ultimate goal is to get all those “lost” evening and weekend buses reinstated. “In fairness to B&NES Council, we understand and appreciate that they have done all they can for now under the current financial and political circumstances. “We now eagerly await the outcomes of various activities going on behind the scenes, namely the West of England Combined Authority’s long overdue bus strategy and the Government’s public transport strategy, both of which could still have a positive effect on our objectives.” The current weekday 179 service runs from Midsomer Norton to Bath and carries more than 33,000 passengers. The subsidy for 2018/19 was 35 pence per person, a total of £11,501. That sum was agreed as a “stopgap” after the sudden withdrawal of First Bus, and B&NES Council expected bids for a full contract would be much higher – in part
because the chosen provider will need to upgrade its vehicles to comply with the clean air zone coming to Bath in 2021. It would have cost £107,100 to maintain the current route and weekday timetable for the 179. Instead, the council looked at integrating the service more with the 768, and extending to the Beecham Place development in Midsomer Norton – a move that allows it to tap into £45,000 of funding from the developer. The 179 and 768 will both will be offered by CT Coaches. On Saturdays, the 179 makes one return journey between Timsbury to Bath, “a basic facility for residents of Timsbury and Tunley to get to and from work” in the city. The bus carries 560 people a year, making the annual subsidy of £5,460 worth £9.01 per person – the second highest amount after the £11.62 per passenger paid for the 752 and the 754.
Restoring the all-day service would have cost B&NES Council £55,554, so it will maintain the current level. Joint cabinet member for transport services Councillor Neil Butters said: “The report on the 179 bus service shows that the cost of restoring an all-day Saturday service is poor value for money. “However, sustainable transport to meet the needs of rural communities is being prioritised across Bath and North East Somerset in our input to Weca’s bus strategy, which is currently being developed.” Mr Turner said in response: “We have to be realistic and recognise that many rural public transport needs will only ever survive with the aid of subsidies. “The real issues are getting our fund holders to recognise this and give it the importance it deserves, and adopting a standard criteria for bus subsidy allocation.
“[It should] incorporate impact on communities and the environment, not just a “value for money” measure, which is a very blunt and inadequate tool, especially when people’s everyday lives are involved. In total, B&NES Council has this week awarded contracts for 17 bus services. Cllr Joanna Wright, joint cabinet member for transport services, said: “Keeping bus services running smoothly is a priority for the council and is in line with our commitment to ensure that our residents have sustainable alternatives to car travel. “Despite a significant increase in costs, we want to meet the needs of urban and rural communities that are not served by the commercial bus network. With financial contributions from Weca, we have been able to maintain these bus services – including two that were under threat of withdrawal by the operators.”
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“Imperfect" clean air zone only start of new measures to improve Bath Stephen Sumner
Local Democracy Reporter
BATH’S clean air zone is just the beginning of aspirations to make the city an “exemplar for sustainable transport”, the new cabinet has said. Councillors described the Government-ordered measure as a missed opportunity that will do nothing to address congestion or climate change. They said the clean air zone planned for Bath is “not perfect” but they are hopeful it will bring nitrogen dioxide levels within the legal limit by 2021. The final proposals will go out to a public consultation later this month – the last attracted a record 8,400 responses. Speaking at Thursday’s cabinet meeting, councillor Sarah Warren said: “This type of scheme represents a real missed opportunity by the national Conservative government. “They could have given councils greater powers and funding to bring in improved and affordable, comprehensive public transport and cycle networks – the sort of measures you see in many continental cities.
“This is a huge source of frustration to me, as our aspiration as an administration is to see Bath become an exemplar of sustainable transport in a heritage setting. “We certainly don’t want our children choking on vehicle exhaust fumes. “However, we would also prefer streets that were not choked with traffic, and this scheme alone has no ability to deliver that.” Ms Warren said the council has declared a climate emergency, aiming to be zero-carbon by 2030, and the clean air zone is “just the start of our aspirations”. “We will be following it up, using every tool at our disposal, to provide people with cheaper and more convenient alternatives to the car, and encourage them to use these wherever possible,” she added. The plans for a clean air zone were signed off by the previous Conservative administration. It had initially proposed charges for all high-polluting vehicles in a bid to cut nitrogen dioxide levels “in the shortest possible time”. But after further modelling and a consultation that attracted 8,400 responses, the authority concluded that it could improve Bath’s air quality without charging private
cars. After taking office, the Liberal Democrats commissioned an independent review of the evidence, saying they wanted to ensure that no opportunities were missed. The conclusions cast doubt on the modelling – specifically around the emissions from lorries on Bath’s hills. Consultants SNC Lavalin said the proposed clean air zone and an option that included charges for cars had not been compared “on a common footing”, warning that may “unduly add uncertainty to the identification of the preferred option”. The consultants recommended drawing up a contingency plan in case the approved measures do not go far enough. Councillor Richard Samuel, cabinet member for resources, said: “Is it a perfect solution? No. It only seeks to control levels of nitrogen dioxide. “No action is possible to reduce particulates or carbon dioxide emissions, or do anything to limit congestion. “I’m hopeful that within all these limitations, B&NES Council will reach compliance with the nitrogen dioxide targets at the end of
Council sets out priorities and financial plans for coming years BATH & North East Somerset Council’s new administration has outlined its plans and priorities for the next four to five years, including measures to address the climate emergency and reduce congestion. The plans also include securing more affordable housing and giving residents a bigger say in local decision making. A report on the Medium Term Financial Strategy includes proposals for developing a new Corporate Strategy. Once adopted, this will guide decision making and prioritise resources, crucial given the funding challenges the council faces. The key themes proposed for the new Corporate Strategy are: Addressing the climate emergency This includes plans to work with local communities to deliver the council resolution agreed in March 2019 to declare a climate emergency, and for Bath & North East Somerset to become carbon neutral by 2030. The report identifies that work is already underway on this key priority, with a report due to be presented to council in October 2019. Delivering for residents This includes securing more affordable and social housing and improving the quality of rented housing, as well as making housing stock greener and tackling fuel poverty.
Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Cabinet
The council will also focus on reducing congestion and delivering significant improvements to public transport, walking and cycling facilities. Alongside the introduction of the Clean Air Zone, there are wider ambitions for a more pedestrian-friendly city centre and for reducing the impact of cars in residential streets through better traffic management and reductions in ‘rat-running’. The council is also committed to making the best use of digital technology to deliver services. Focusing on prevention The report identifies that social care services for both adults and
children are key statutory functions for local authorities and that, while the council must provide care for those who need it, it also wants to find more ways to enable people to enjoy wellbeing and to live independently. This provides better outcomes as well as reducing demand and costs through better preventative services. Giving people a bigger say The council aims to be transparent and open and give residents a bigger say. It will do this through schemes such as Citizens Juries to involve local people in the decision-making process. Councillor Dine Romero, council
2021. “However, this aspiration has to be heavily caveated because all the predictions are solely based on best-case modelling. “The independent review we have carried out – at a cost of £9,000 and not the £100,000 claimed by the Labour and Conservative groups – clearly shows that other measures may be needed to ensure we pass the finish line.” B&NES Council has so far secured up to £10million to invest in measures to mitigate the impact on local people and businesses. The funding will provide support to help retrofit and upgrade business vehicles, electric charge points, and enforcement of anti-idling and weight restrictions.
The authority will submit further bids for last mile delivery and additional electric charging points. A consultation on the final details of the scheme will run from 23rd September to 20th October. A full business case will then go before cabinet members on December 5, before being submitted for final approval by Government. The clean air zone will be launched at the end of 2020. High-polluting taxis and vans will be charged £9 a day to enter it, while for buses, coaches and lorries the cost will be £100. Council leader Dine Romero reiterated her promise that her administration would not charge private cars to enter the clean air zone.
leader, said: “We are focusing on four key priorities for the benefit of all our communities across Bath and North East Somerset. “They will help us make sure our city and surrounding towns and villages are clean, green and healthy places with opportunities for everyone. “We want people to have a bigger say about what happens in their communities and this also includes this proposed new strategy and associated budget. “We will be holding a series of forums later this year across the district to listen to people’s views. “It goes without saying that balancing the budget to achieve our priorities remains a challenge, not just for us, but for all local authorities. “The national approach to funding local government is currently under review but this is unlikely to increase core funding to the levels needed.” The report highlights that Bath & North East Somerset Council has already made substantial savings with £69m delivered between 2013/14 and 2018/19 and, a further £9m is expected in this financial year – a total of £78m over seven years. Estimates show the council will need to find a further £36.8m, including the £3.4m already identified, over the next five years. The report estimates that £11.92m of savings will be required in 2020/21. This assumes increases of 2.99% per annum in council tax for each year of the plan. Bath & North East Somerset currently has the third lowest council tax compared to other South West unitary authorities.
Councillor Richard Samuel, cabinet member for Resources, said: “There is no doubt we are going to have to make some difficult decisions, but we will do so in the framework of a clear set of priorities. “We are facing a big rise in demand for services in Adult Social Care and Children’s Services. For example there’s been a 40% rise in the number of children the council looks after in the past five years. “There’s also been a huge increase in the number of children diagnosed with special educational needs. "The costs of SEND should be absorbed within a grant we receive from the Department of Education, but it’s not enough to meet demand. “It’s costing us £2.3m each year while we try to reduce costs by lobbying Government, and by allocating capital funds to create more places in mainstream schools. “Over the years the council has had to make savings due to reductions in central government grant. "We have increased our income from heritage and our commercial estate, but with current difficulties within the retail sector this is also a tough environment to operate in. “We will continue to lobby the Government on areas such as funding to compensate for the increase in student households, proper funding for adult and children’s social care, and additional funding for children with Special Education Needs and or Disability.”
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Puzzles
Solutions will be shared in our next issue - out on 01/10/19
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Sudoku Easy
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In Other News.... £11.2 million grant to help improve electric vehicle batteries A NEW research consortium led by Professor Saiful Islam at the University of Bath has been awarded £11.2 million by the Faraday Institution to explore and develop new materials for next-generation lithium batteries that can be used for electric vehicles. The research aims to deliver improvements in the cost, performance and range of batteries used in electric vehicles, helping pave the way for zero emission transport. The grant from the Faraday Institution will fund a fouryear project entitled Next Generation Lithium-Ion Cathode Materials (CATMAT) to carry out research on new positive electrodes (cathodes) for battery technologies, similar to those that have helped to power the worldwide portable revolution in mobile phones, and laptop and tablet computers. Current batteries contain cobalt, and there is a need to eliminate or greatly reduce the need for cobalt, which has significant cost, ethical and environmental issues. The new project will aim to transform fundamental understanding of novel cathodes that currently prevent the use of nickel-rich cathode materials (with low or no cobalt) and lithium-rich cathodes. The multidisciplinary team, comprises of Professor Saiful Islam together with Dr Ben
Minister visits Bath Carers' Centre to see how they combat loneliness
Morgan from the University’s Department of Chemistry. Other academic partners include University of Birmingham, University of Cambridge, University of Liverpool, University of Oxford, University College London and Diamond Light Source, bringing together a range of complementary strengths and new capabilities. The project will create up to 20 new positions for early career researchers. Welcoming the funding, Professor Saiful Islam said: “Energy storage is one of the major research challenges of our time. The rechargeable lithiumion battery has transformed portable electronics and now has a crucial role in electric vehicles to lowering carbon emissions and improving air quality. “The biggest performance gains to lithium-ion batteries are likely to come from changes to the chemistry of the positive electrode (cathode). Our new project therefore aims to develop new generations of cathode materials that deliver improvements in batteries used for electric vehicles with improved performance in cost and range.” Professor Islam’s and Dr Morgan’s research at the University of Bath uses powerful computer modelling techniques to help explore and understand battery materials on the atomic scale that can be tested in experimental laboratories.
THE Carers’ Centre, which provides specialist advice and support to carers, was one of the first projects in the country to be visited by the new Minister for Civil Society on Thursday 5th September. Baroness Barran, who was appointed to the role in July, spent the afternoon with staff, volunteers and carers – alongside staff from The National Lottery Community Fund, the UK’s largest funder of community activity. The Minister got the chance to see first-hand how National Lottery grants have enabled the Centre to provide help, advice and support to carers in Bath and North East Somerset – particularly around the issue of social isolation and loneliness among carers. In January this year, The National Lottery Community Fund awarded close to £100,000 to support their ‘Connecting Carers’ project. The funding is being used to open Carers’ Cafés across the local area, where carers attending the cafés have access to trained wellbeing specialists who provide one-to-one support around building connections and relationships within the local community. The funding will also go towards setting up ‘digital zones’ – hosted in the carers’ cafés – which will help carers reduce feelings of loneliness. Carers will be encouraged to learn how to connect with others online, either through Skype or social media – alongside learning how to use
Baroness Barran during the visit to the Carers’ Centre
joined Baroness Barran on the visit, added: “We’re delighted to be able to continue to support the fantastic work of Bath and North East Somerset Carers’ Centre, who are using innovative ideas to tackle loneliness and social isolation among local carers. We’re proud that the funding is helping people come together to form closer connections and peer support networks – and it’s all thanks to National Lottery players.” The recent funding was allocated from the Building Connections Fund, a dedicated £11.5 million endowment set up by government, The National Lottery Community Foundation and the Co-op Foundation to tackle loneliness across society, in response to the recommendations of the Jo Cox Commission.
digital tools to find opportunities to connect with others locally. Carers’ Centre Chief Executive David Trumper said: “Carers are seven times more likely to experience loneliness than the general public. "Our neighbourhood Carers’ Cafes are making it easier for carers to meet each other, share their experiences and learn how technology can help to keep them connected with family and friends. Funding from the National Lottery is helping us to achieve our goal of a Carers Café within easy reach of every carer in BaNES.” It is estimated that by 2021, the Connecting Carers project will benefit more than 200 carers across Bath and North East Somerset. Helen Whyman, Head of the #iwill Fund at The National Lottery Community Foundation, who
Last issue's puzzle solutions Crossword Across: 1 Gorgeous, 5 Swims, 10 Offbeat, 11 Aviator, 12 Bees, 13 Summertime, 14 Else, 16 Rhinestone, 19 Passageway, 22 Tyke, 24 Premarital, 25 Gems, 28 Radiant, 29 Concave, 30 Udder, 31 Tyrolean. Down: 1 Goodbye, 2 Rifle, 3 Eden, 4 Untruth, 6 Waitress, 7 Matrimony, 8 Carmen, 9 Breeze, 15 Suspended, 17 I o W, 18 Database, 19 Papery, 20 Evicts, 21 Anarchy, 23 Eastern, 26 Elate, 27 Undo.
Sudoku
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Hard Sudoku Medium No.303 6 9 2 5 4 3 8 7 1
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Tuesday, 17th September 2019
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Sport
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Gold for Bath's Laura Macro at Swedish rowing championships
Fourth player named for Superleague season
UNIVERSITY of Bath sporting scholar Laura Macro continued her excellent 2019 form onto the international stage as she won gold at the European University Sports Association Rowing Championships in Sweden. The Sport & Exercise Science student, who is supported by a Santander Sports Scholarship, won an exciting lightweight women’s single scull final by four-tenths of a second as she beat Poland’s Klaudia Pankratiew to the title. Macro, who has also won gold at both the BUCS and Henley Women’s regattas this year, said: “A huge thanks to everyone in the GB Universities Rowing Team for the help and making me feel part of such an awesome team!” Dan Harris, who coaches Macro on the GB Rowing Team Start programme at the University of Bath, was in Greece with students Becky Wilde and Zara Mulholland as they made their British debuts at the European U23 Championships.
FRESH from being named in the England senior squad for the first time, Imogen Allison has become the fourth player to sign up to Team Bath Netball for the 2020 Vitality Superleague season. The wing-defence is rated as one of the most exciting prospects in the country, with her displays earning Allison a nomination for the 2019 Superleague Young Player of the Year Award and a place on the Roses’ Futures Programme. She also demonstrated her leadership skills by taking on the captaincy while Eboni UsoroBrown and Serena Guthrie were on international duty last season, leading the Blue & Gold to a firstever victory at Strathclyde Sirens. Allison has a busy year ahead, as she combines club and international netball with a Sports & Exercise Science degree at the University of Bath, where she is supported by a King Scholarship, but she is looking forward to the challenge.
After winning their heat, Dual Career athlete Wilde and Santander Sporting Scholar Mulholland – who study Sport
& Social Science and Civil Engineering respectively – placed a fine fifth in the women’s double final.
“It’s great to be back with Team Bath for another Superleague season, I can’t wait to get going,” said the 21-year-old who is all set for a fourth campaign in Blue & Gold. “I felt like I really grew into my role in the team last season and being named as captain was a great experience. "I enjoy the leadership role and hopefully I’ll have more opportunities like that going forward. It’s really exciting to be back in the England set-up too. It feels like a great time to be with the Roses, especially for athletes of my age as we look to build on the success of the past few years." Team Bath Netball Superleague Head Coach Anna Stembridge said: “I am absolutely delighted that Imo will be returning to the Blue & Gold this year. She was brilliant for us last season and took her game to a whole new level, not just technically and tactically but the way in which she controlled the line and led from the front."
Bath Rugby Ladies named ‘Team of the Year' at national awards BATH Rugby Ladies has been named as ‘Team of the Year' at the National Rugby Awards. On the pitch, the various ladies teams had successful campaigns; both squads placed higher in their league than in the previous season. The 1st XV ended the campaign with their highest Championship 1 placing since promotion in 2017. Finishing 4th and making the Play-Offs, they were only a try bonus point away from making the Final. With 17 players new to rugby joining the team, there were plenty of things to celebrate over the season. In order to give more ladies the opportunity to play rugby, Bath held several development games. The teams were made up of players from Bath Ladies, the University of Bath and Bath Spa University, giving new, less-experienced players the opportunity to put their training into practice and to develop the confidence to represent their side in a fixture in the future. This recruitment and retention helped to bolster Bath’s 2nd XV, ensuring every game was not only fulfilled, but had a full team, a front row and replacements. As the season progressed the squad size and levels of development ensured that there was competition for
places throughout the whole squad, with many top performing 2nd XV players moving up into the 1st XV. The 2nd XV finished the season as league runners-up, just 1 point away from topping the league. The silver lining for the 2nd XV was the RFU National Plate competition. After successfully navigating through the early rounds, the team made it through to the National Plate Final at Derby RUFC, and put in an excellent display to come away as winners. A 31-10 win over Burnley was a great achievement for a team that is only 4 years in the making. The club launched their Mixed Ability team at the start of the season, introducing a weekly training session where ladies with physical or learning difficulties can learn to play rugby. These sessions, assisted by the Bath Rugby Foundation, have given the club the opportunity to be even more inclusive and to provide opportunities to those ladies who may not have had the chance to try rugby before. Organisers say the improvement from some of the players has been 'outstanding', with one being shortlisted for Premiership Rugby’s PLAY Achiever of the Year, an award that recognises those who have overcome
physical and mental barriers to play rugby. The Bath Ladies Mixed Ability team now has 10 regular players and have become the first all-female Mixed Ability team in the UK. They are also coached by 2 members of Bath Ladies 1st XV side. Bath launched their Girls rugby section this year, with the aim of creating a registered U13s and U15s team, and an U18s Centre of Excellence for the 2019/20 season. Relationships have been strengthened with the Bath Rugby Foundation to encourage more participants from their programmes to continue their rugby journey at our club. The Bath Ladies senior players also attend sessions at local schools to meet future rugby players and to provide mentorships and inspiration for the younger ladies. This helps to break down any barriers that the girls may have about going to a rugby club to train.New sponsors were also secured and more partnerships built with local companies for support. This help has boosted the club’s finances, allowing for new equipment, playing kit for all the teams and post-match uniform, to help instil a more professional attitude within the club. Despite the rising costs associated with running a rugby club, and further cuts to the funding received
Some of the Bath Rugby Ladies players with their award
from the RFU, Bath Ladies have ended the season on a financially sound footing, allowing them to build towards the next season's projects. With the launch of the Mixed Ability team, Bath now boast three senior ladies sides, giving women of all abilities and ages the chance to learn new skills, meet people and enjoy rugby. The 15th season for the club has been one of the most successful in its existence.
Keep an eye out for the next issue of the Bath Echo - due out on Tuesday 1st October 2019
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ISSN 2632-7805 © Media Bath Limited 2019