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Tuesday, 23rd June 2020
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www.bathecho.co.uk | Issue No. 020 | FREE
Mobile COVID-19 testing station set up at Odd Down Park & Ride P2
Council faces bankruptcy due to coronavirus Page 3 Plans being drawn up to control local outbreaks PLANS to control new local outbreaks of COVID-19 are being drawn up by Bath & North East Somerset Council, after the local authority was allocated £850,000 by the government. The council has been allocated part of a £300 million government fund to work with the NHS, partners and stakeholders to establish a coordinated local approach. Each local authority is being giv-
en funding to develop tailored outbreak management plans that build on seven key themes expected by Government. The plans will focus on having systems in place to identify and suppress possible outbreaks before they gain momentum, and reducing the risk of outbreaks occurring in the first place. As part of this work, councils will also be expected to ensure testing capacity is deployed effectively to
high-risk locations. Local authorities will work with the NHS Test and Trace Service, local NHS and other partners to achieve this. A report by the council’s Director of Public Health, Dr Bruce Laurence, highlights the challenge in preventing local outbreaks as restrictions on movement are lifted and society slowly reopens. In a webinar earlier this month Dr Laurence said: “We are tread-
ing a fairly fine line between controlling the outbreak and letting it rip.” The aim of the council’s Outbreak Control Management Plan is to support national and regional efforts to keep the virus under control by improving the speed of response while maintaining the support and engagement of the local community. A COVID-19 Health Protection... Continued on page 2
Julian House calls on public to support Circuit of Bath Walk P6 Chief constable defends high use of tasers across Avon and Somerset P8 RUH releases COVID-19 positive patients to local care homes P12 Staff offered voluntary options as council looks to save £4m P15 Get the latest news for Bath 24/7 on our website www.bathecho.co.uk
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In this issue... Top Stories
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Health P12 Business P13 Puzzles
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Politics P15 In Other News
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In this slimmed-down issue, we're only including certain relevant sections. We will look to reintroduce our normal size and the usual parts of the newspaper, including Education, What's On and Sport as soon as we possibly can.
Useful Information The Bath Echo newspaper is produced fortnightly. Thousands of copies are delivered and distributed across the Bath area via our dedicated pick-up points and at cafés, venues, waiting rooms and local libraries.
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COVID-19 testing station opens at Odd Down Park & Ride site BATH & North East Somerset Council’s public health team has secured the use of a temporary COVID-19 mobile testing unit based at Odd Down Park & Ride in Bath. The mobile testing unit (MTU) will be operating within a secure section of the site for five days and will mean many residents will not have to travel to Bristol Airport to get a test. Only residents who are experiencing symptoms of the virus are urged to book themselves in for a coronavirus test at the unit. The MTU is part of the COVID-19 National Testing Programme, and will be available until Friday 26th June, carrying out 400 tests per day. It will be operated by military personnel and is available for pre-booked coronavirus tests only. Appointments can be made through https://www.gov.uk/ guidance/coronavirus-covid19-getting-tested or people without internet access can dial 119. Council staff will be on site to direct those visiting the MTU to ensure the safety of all users of the site.
Councillor Rob Appleyard, cabinet member for Adult Services, Safeguarding and Public Health, said “If anyone is concerned that they have any of the symptoms of coronavirus I would urge them to book themselves in for a test. “It’s simple to book and having the testing centre based in Bath will save people a journey to Bristol airport. “Anyone who is experiencing symptoms is eligible for the test. It involves taking a swab of the inside of the nose and the back of the throat, using a long cotton bud.” People with symptoms are advised to self-isolate at home. No one in the household should leave home if any one person has symptoms. Tests at the mobile testing unit are subject to availability and if all appointments in Bath are booked, the alternative testing site at Bristol Airport will be offered. For tests to be effective you must be symptomatic. Symptoms of the virus are a new continuous cough, a high temperature and a loss of, or change in, normal sense of taste or smell. The postcode for Odd Down Park & Ride is BA2 8PD.
Appeal after increase of littering across the area A CALL has gone out to residents to deal with their own litter responsibly after a significant increase in the amount of rubbish left in open spaces as lockdown restrictions ease. B&NES Council’s waste team has reported a number of issues with bins overflowing and litter being left in parks, leading to staff and volunteers having to devote extra time to clean up after the public. In Saltford, the council and community volunteer group Saltford Wombles are dealing with up to 30 more bags of litter per day than usual and a new litter bin has been installed. The council is also reminding people that council public toilets are open as normal, except those within the locked playground at Royal Victoria Park. Temporary facilities at the Shallows in Saltford have been installed after the permanent toilets closed due to a collapsed drain. Councillor David Wood, cabinet member for Climate Emergency and Neighbourhood Services, said: “As lockdown restrictions eased during the good weather and people have been able to enjoy open spaces again, many of us have been shocked by scenes
Councillor David Wood
of excessive littering in our neighbourhoods. “Litter doesn’t clean itself away. It can take years to degrade, causing harm to wildlife and habitats. “Even if there is a bin nearby but it’s full, it’s still unacceptable to leave your litter next to it on the ground. “Such irresponsible actions by a small number of people has led to our waste team working even harder than usual at an already challenging time. “We only have a finite resource so we couldn’t clear the rubbish without the support of excellent community volunteers including Keynsham Wombles, for which we are very grateful. “Thank you to everyone who has acted with care by disposing of their litter properly or by taking it home with them. “I urge all residents to follow suit.”
Controlling outbreaks of coronavirus in B&NES Continued from page 1 Board will have core membership from public health, environmental health, adult social care, the emergency team (EPRR), communications, informatics and the NHS. The plan to control outbreaks will: • Build on the council’s existing health protection processes; • Ensure testing, tracing and self-isolation occurs as thoroughly and rapidly as possible; • Ensure overall increases in cases and new outbreaks, particularly amongst vulnerable groups, are quickly identified; • Ensure a consistent approach to decision making and public messaging; • Ensure that vulnerable people are supported to self-isolate if needed. Links will be made to the Compassionate Communities Hub and other stakeholders as well. The board will oversee delivery of the plan which has clear priorities in the following areas: Care homes and schools A coordinated approach will be taken to planning and managing outbreaks in care homes and schools. Care homes will also continue to be supported through training in infection prevention
and control and where necessary supported to access PPE. Identification of high-risk settings, communities and places This will include care homes and schools, homeless shelters and high-risk workplaces. Guidance will be provided on preventative measures and outbreak management strategies. Provision of testing capacity To ensure access to testing and a range of provision, such as mobile facilities, is provided quickly. Clear processes will also be established to ensure prioritisation. Contact tracing Building on existing close working arrangements with Public Health England to provide contact tracing capability to respond to outbreaks and complex community issues. This will include the development of additional capacity to support the national system should there be a surge in cases. Data integration To enable the assessment of local, regional and national data. Vulnerable people Ensuring any decisions taken prioritise support for vulnerable local people, including those shielding and enabling access to the NHS and local community support to those who are re-
quired to self-isolate. In addition to the COVID-19 Health Protection Board, a B&NES Outbreak Engagement Board, chaired by the Council Leader, Councillor Dine Romero, will play a critical role in engaging with local residents and other stakeholders in the public, private and third sectors to help increase understanding of the need to follow the rules and principles designed to prevent transmission of the virus.
Councillor Rob Appleyard, cabinet member for Adult Services, said: “Although, thankfully, the number of cases of COVID-19 is dropping, coronavirus is still very much with us. If we drop our guard, we could see more outbreaks. We must manage this ever-present risk and our plan will help us do that. However, I must stress it is critical that people continue to adhere to government restrictions, maintain social distancing and good hygiene.”
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Bath & North East Somerset Council facing bankruptcy Local authority facing £43 million hole in budget due to the coronavirus pandemic Stephen Sumner
Local Democracy Reporter
BATH and North East Somerset Council leaders have been accused of “burying their heads in the sand” and waiting for a bailout from central government to prevent bankruptcy. Conservatives claimed the authority’s finances needed a fundamental rethink or an unaccountable independent commission would come in and sell its assets to balance the books. They attacked the Liberal Democrat administration for “exploiting” emergency powers to force through permanent changes to meet their manifesto promises. Council leader Dine Romero said her administration was “seizing the moment to make changes that will be better for all of us”, and ending the authority’s reliance on a single source of income. But councillor Paul Myers, the Conservative group leader, told the full council meeting on June 16: “I’m increasingly concerned at the way this terrible and unprecedented situation has been exploited to fetter the role of council and the scrutiny process. “The emergency powers that allow road closures without consultation are cynically being used to lay the groundwork for permanent closures to meet manifesto commitments.” The Lib Dems have promised
The Guildhall in Bath
to increase walking and cycling and introduce low traffic neighbourhoods that limit access for vehicles. During the crisis the council has widened pavements and removed pavements so residents can stay safe while social distancing. This has taken place without consultation in order to secure Government funding. Cllr Myers added: “Having lost 20 per cent of its income, this administration has its head deep in the sand, waiting for the return of normality or for the Government to sort it all out. “There’s a new normal coming. Action is needed now to save the council’s finances and prevent us ending up in section 114 territory or bankruptcy.” Cllr Romero told the Sunday
Times last month B&NES Council was considering issuing a section 114 notice – effectively declaring bankruptcy – due to a £43million hole in its budget. The move would force it to impose severe spending restrictions. Cllr Paul May said : “We have to learn from Northamptonshire County Council, which had to serve a section 114 twice. There would be open criticism of any administration that invokes this power, which brings in an independent commissioner to make the difficult decisions the council refuses to make. “We should be fundamentally looking at our spending to match the funding available, not asking someone else to do it, or selling off the community’s capital assets to fund a revenue problem.
“Any commission charged to Government for the money we carry out this work would have were promised. I have very low no accountability to the public expectations. we serve.” “Are Cllrs Watt and Myers aware The council faces a “double the Prime Minister has odd whammy” of £10million in expectations when council new costs and £30million in revenues will return to normal? lost income from its museums, “We know the new normal isn’t parking and its commercial going to be the same as before. estate. We’re grasping the nettle. It also expects to lose £7.5million “We’re hoping to seize the in council tax and business rates moment to make changes that that residents and businesses are will be better for all of us, and to unable to pay. take away the reliance on a single Cllr Chris Watt said Bath’s tourism source of income.” sector would not be propped up Cabinet member Rob Appleyard by staycations, the commercial defended the social distancing estate income would not return measures, saying they give for five years, and the 20,000 confidence to shielded residents students who normally descend that they will stay safe. on Bath each September may not He added: “The virus is still there. return until next year. It still kills. We haven’t got a “It’s not tenable to vaccine. imagine the new “The only thing £7.5m loss normal is just we’re managing around the corner to do is control expected from and it’s the same as the transmission. non-payment of the old normal,” he Giving space council tax said. to go out is so and business “We must face up to important.” the fact that things Cllr Sarah Warren rates will be different. It’s said: “We require a not sufficient to say laser-focus on a green we’ll let the Government and socially just renewal, pay the bills, and if they don’t, a determination to build back we’ll do a section 114 and that’s better. Our vision in Bath and it.” North East Somerset is around In response, Cllr Romero said: renewal built around more “We’ve had to do things quickly connected communities, shorter in response what’s come out of and more local supply chains, Government mouths. We haven’t support for green technology been consulted before any of the and home-grown businesses, statements. We’re always running improved energy efficiency, to catch up. active travel and farming that’s “We continue to lobby kind to the environment.”
CEO: Financial restructure and sale of shops necessary in the long run Stephen Sumner
Local Democracy Reporter
BATH and North East Somerset Council’s top officer has said the council will need to sell up its commercial interests in the city to make it financially viable. Chief executive Will Godfrey said in the long run the authority, a major landlord in Bath, needs to sell its shops and restructure its finances. He told the Local Democracy Reporting Service he was speaking hypothetically when he said in a recent webinar that “the future isn’t in office development” and the council remains committed to its flagship Bath Quays project to build offices and housing. Speaking during a recorded debate on “The Future of the High Street” by the Thinking Space Initiative, Mr Godfrey said: “Our budget is about £120million. We depend on £16million of income from our commercial estate to balance our budget and be able to provide lots of services.
“We have 60, 70 per cent of tenants saying they want to renegotiate their rent. The reality for me is we need to rebalance our whole asset base. “We need to come out of retail space and restructure the finances of our business. Doing that over a 10, 12-month period will mean taking some perverse decisions to balance the budget rather than thinking longterm about the future of the city centre.” He said the council is constrained by the need to deliver a balanced budget every year but greater flexibility would allow it to collaborate with partners and be more successful. “We’ll still balance our budget but do it in a more considered way,” said Mr Godfrey. “At the moment we can’t do that because we can’t set deficit budgets. “We’re probably an extreme
example, in that we’ve got much more commercial property that supports our budget than most other authorities. “We need to go to Government and say we can solve this problem, we need you to help us by relaxing some of these rules, even for a short period of time, to allow us to test some of these solutions. “I’m not advocating a complete free-for-all but we are going to have to think differently.” Mr Godfrey also said: “People have been moving away from retail development and thinking the future was offices. The future isn’t in office development. “A lot of people thinking about moving that way are now thinking that the future is working from home. “The high street and towns and cities need to be repurposed.” Speaking after the webinar, he said was to a “large extent a theoretical debate” so it would be
B&NES Council owns the Jolly's site on Milsom Street in Bath © ColinPeachey / Shutterstock.com
wrong to connect his comments to the council’s policies. He added: “The council remains committed to developing Bath Quays as a major investment to support future economic growth. “What the Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted is that over a period of time the council will need to rebalance its property
portfolio to secure a more sustainable income stream in order to protect services. “However this is a long-term approach. It would be perverse of the council to make short term decisions such as selling assets over the next 12 months – this would not be in the interest of council finances and its services.”
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Scam warning over new Test and Trace service RESIDENTS across Bath and North East Somerset are being warned to be on their guard against scammers pretending to be from the government’s new Test and Trace Service. The Test and Trace Service has been set up to alert people who have been in contact with someone who has coronavirus symptoms. Since the service was launched last week, Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Trading Standards Officers have received a number of complaints about scammers trying to exploit the system and con people out of money via bogus text messages, emails or calls. Residents are being reminded that the genuine Test and Trace Service will never: • Ask for bank account details • Ask for any passwords or PIN numbers or ask you to set up any passwords or PIN numbers • Ask for a payment • Ask you to purchase a product • Ask for social media identities or login details • Ask you to download any software onto your PC or ask you to hand over control of your PC, smartphone or tablet to anyone else • Ask you to call a premium rate number to speak to the NHS (for example, those starting 09 or 087)
• Disclose any of your personal or medical information to your contacts • Provide medical advice on the treatment of any potential coronavirus symptoms • Ask you to access any website that does not belong to the government or NHS. If residents are asked these types of questions they should report the incident to Action Fraud by visiting: https:// www.actionfraud.police.uk/ reporting-fraud-and-cybercrime. Rob Appleyard, cabinet member for Adult Services, said: “Unfortunately, there are some unscrupulous people who are trying to take advantage of the COVID-19 situation. “Residents need to be on their guard. You may be contacted by the Test and Trace Service by text, email or phone, but the official tracers will never ask you to make any payment or for your bank details.” The government’s Test and Trace Service will only ask you for information found on the contact tracing website. This will include your full name, date of birth and details of any symptoms you may have. If you have tested positive for coronavirus: you will either receive a call, text or email from NHS Test and Trace with instructions on how to share details of
Winners of library lockdown writing competition revealed THE winners of Bath & North East Somerset Council’s library service’s ‘Lockdown’ writing competitions have been revealed online by local authors and poets. The Bath-based writer Bel Mooney and Chris Beale, a performance poet from Bristol, were among the writers who appeared in a series of videos to announce the winners and runners-up on Saturday 13th June from a total of 60 entries. Adults were invited to submit either a short story or a poem online on the theme of ‘Lockdown’ in competitions designed to give people a creative outlet as they adjusted to restrictions on everyday life. The competitions were part of the council’s virtual library, to keep residents reading through digital content and online events via the libraries’ social media accounts. The prize for the best short story was won by Clare Reddaway with judges commenting that it “caught our attention, finding light, hope and happier days where there only seemed despair”. The winning poem titled ‘In Spite Of/Because Of’ by Anna Hoghton was referred to as “the poem that wouldn’t go away” by judges who praised its pace and the way it encapsulates the spirit of lockdown.
Councillor Paul Crossley, cabinet member for Community Services, said: “We have had so much positive feedback for our virtual library offer from residents across the district. “Enjoying literature and feeling connected to the rest of the community have been so important to people’s wellbeing during the coronavirus pandemic. “Thank you to everyone who sent us an entry for the Lockdown competition and congratulations to our winners and runners-up, who produced some engaging creative writing for us all to enjoy. “I hope this success not only continues to inspire them but will inspire others to have a go at writing too.” Anna Hoghton said: “I’m over the moon to have won. I honestly never expected it! Thanks to all the judges for your kind words and comments, I particularly enjoyed reading the reasons as to why you liked the poem and am so glad that it stuck with you. “Chris Beale’s reading is fantastic and I look forward to sharing the video with pride.” The short story runners-up were Sam Cook and Gaye Davis and the poetry runners up were Ruth Wear and Rachel Dennis. The prize winners will receive digital book vouchers.
This week, The Pig is mostly... HASHTAGGING wildly to offer support to three crucial campaigns that need to be trending right now. @campaignforpubs was established by a group of prominent licensees, leading pub campaigners, small brewers and pub lovers; their #10PointsToSavePubs campaign aims include an immediate announcement confirming July 4th as reopening day, an announcement that social distancing will be set at 1 and not 2 metres, and a mandatory Covid-19 rent code. Meanwhile, #RaisetheBar advocated grants for pubs of all sizes and the #NoPubNoRent campaign highlights the continued scandal of punitive rent demands for closed pubs. Cheers, keyboard warriors! the people you have been in close contact with. If you have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for coronavirus, you will be contacted in the same ways and asked about symptoms. You will only ever be called from the number 0300 013 5000 or receive a text from the NHS. If you do not feel comfortable talking on the phone or suspect the call to be a scam, you can ask for an email or a text that will invite you to use the Test and Trace
website instead. From this email, you should only ever be directed to contact-tracing.phe.gov.uk. You can check this by looking in the address bar at the top of your web browser to see if it is the address shown, it should also have a small padlock symbol next to, indicating that the website connection is secure. Check the address carefully, if you see a different address it is likely to be a scam and you should close the window immediately.
Weston resident running daily lockdown fitness sessions
DELIGHTED to see the Thoughtful Bakery opening its doors again on a 1-by-1 customer basis, serving bread, pastries and cakes, coffee, house-made drinks and more plus a brand new lunch menu from the counter in their brand new retail space from 9am3pm. But forget ye not: online ordering service is still flourishing; https://thoughtful-bakery.myshopify.com LOVIN' the recently-unveiled results of the Best of British Deli refurbishment that's clearly kept proprietor Sarah Greenwell very busy during lockdown. The hard work's definitely paid off! The deli's doors are reopen again... and yes, those legendary brownies are very much back on the menu, alongside all manner of quiches, sandwiches, cakes and coffee (http://www.bestofbritishdeli. co.uk) GOING tastefully wild in the country at New Macdonalds Farm at the top of Bathford Hill (next door to Kingsdown Golf Course), just five minutes drive from Bath. Alongside the farm's legendary eggs and honey, find a range of locally-produced goodies including organic bread and olive oils, fresh pasta, organic mushrooms and cakes every Saturday courtesy of the fabulous Free Range Chef. Coming soon, down on the farm: a full-on, dedicated farm shop! E-I-E-I-O indeed.
A WESTON resident, James Holley, has been keeping his community active by holding daily fitness sessions on his front lawn during the coronavirus lockdown. When he’s not exercising with his neighbours, James works as a repair and maintenance team leader in the waste department at Wessex Water, and has done so for the past nine years. He started running sessions after his neighbour suggested doing workouts on their lawns during lockdown to stay fit and healthy. James said: “Through word of
mouth it just spread and now we do it on a day-to-day basis, obviously keeping to social distancing. “The kids enjoy it so keep coming back, and with the kids comes the parents – I think everybody needs a bit of structure. “Through these sessions, people can come together, and it also gives them something to look forward to. “It’s helped to keep them mobile and motivated through a tough time; I think a little bit of positivity and community spirit can go a long way.”
URGING all Piggies not to let the excitement of the city centre slowly returning to “business as usual” to go to our heads. It's vital that we all continue to support the Bath food and drink businesses who went (and continue to go) above and beyond the call of duty to keep Bath buzzing from the very start of lockdown; you used them "then"... so don't lose them now! Find a list of food and drink home delivery services here: https://bit.ly/3ehlwLK For more news, views and food-related chat, visit The Pig Guide at www. thepigguide.com and follow The Pig on Twitter @ThePigGuide.
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Donation of special breathing equipment for pets AVON Fire & Rescue Service is adding new breathing equipment for dogs, cats and even hamsters to every front line fire appliance thanks to kind donations from the RSPCA and members of the public. The specially-designed pet oxygen masks, which have been provided by the not-for-profit organisation Smokey Paws, are now being carried on fire appliances across the area. The masks will be conical in shape and are specially designed to fit over the snout of an animal. These masks deliver a superior flow of oxygen to the animal in need, increasing the chance of revival. Across England, 46 per cent of households have pets. Unlike humans, pets will normally hide from a house fire rather than leave, suffering increased levels of smoke inhalation compared to a human. The decision was made to carry Smokey Paws after successful trials in which Avon Fire & Rescue Service (AF&RS) used the equipment to care for nine dogs and one cat following house fires. The equipment has already been used by operational crews – Biscuit the dog was treated with the
masks following a house fire on 16th January in Mangotsfield. Dave Matthews, Technical Services Watch Manager for AF&RS, said: “In the event of a fire, families are often worried about how their pets will get out of the property and what we can do to assist an animal that has been involved in fire to increase their survival rates. “We know that animals will often hide in the event of a fire, which may lead to the animal inhaling toxic smoke. “Fire doesn’t discriminate and neither do we. Smokey paws will go a long way into ensuring that we deliver the best possible care for people and animals alike and we look forward to seeing what a difference it will make. “We would like to thank the RSPCA and members of the public for their kind donations of the equipment. It will have such a positive impact.” Thanks to the kind donation of 35 kits, 30 from the RSPCA and five from members of the public, the specialist equipment will be on every front line fire appliance across the region. RSPCA animal welfare expert Dr Samantha Gaines said: “The bond between people and their
pets can be incredibly strong and so losing a pet in a house fire can be hugely traumatic. “Our pets are vulnerable to the dangers of house fires, and particularly smoke inhalation, just like us. “The Fire and Rescue Services do a wonderful job. We’d like to help them not only save the lives of people but also of beloved pets who can be caught up in devastating and terrifying fires. “By providing special animal oxygen kits for fire appliances for AF&RS, we hope to enable our brave and heroic firefighters to save even more lives.
“The money for the masks has been raised by RSPCA branches across the region. This has funded the project, which has also seen masks added to fire appliances in Somerset, Devon, Cornwall, and Wiltshire with the hope it will help transform the lives of four-legged fire victims.” Current human-shaped masks used by AF&RS only give the animal about 10-15 per cent of the oxygen needed. The new masks, which come in three sizes, will provide around 85-90 per cent of the oxygen needed, therefore are much more effective.
News in Brief Police renew appeal for wanted 25-year-old
Avon and Somerset Police have renewed an appeal to locate a 25-year-old from Wells, Gage Gallacher, in connection with a serious assault in Bath on 31st May. He is known to have links to Bath and Dursley. Anyone who sees Gallacher should not approach him, but call 999 and give the call-handler reference 5220118132. If you know where he may be, call 101 and use the same reference number.
City centre restaurant will not reopen The TGI Fridays chain has announced that their Bath site, based in the Kingsmead Leisure Complex in the city centre, will not reopen following their closure earlier this year due to the coronavirus lockdown.
Call for public to support Circuit of Bath Walk event JULIAN House has launched its annual Circuit of Bath Walk, taking place on Sunday 27th September, and is calling on the public to join them in stepping out and standing up against homelessness. The sponsored circular walk, now in its 19th year, will see participants covering some of Bath’s most beautiful countryside and surrounding villages, with spectacular views across the historic city itself. While the charity is encouraging as many people as possible to take on the full 20-mile route in 2020, participants can choose their own distance and start point thanks to the five checkpoints along the route with a free shuttle bus service between each. Due to the coronavirus, Julian House has had to cancel or postpone all its other fundraising events for the year and close its charity shops and bike workshops, which will result in a massive hit of over £200,000 to its income. Senior Community & Events Fundraiser, Jess Gay said: “The Circuit of Bath is a really important event in our fundraising calendar – especially this year. “Everything our participants raise in sponsorship by taking on the walk will be used to help fund our vital services, including our hostel and domestic abuse refuge, which have been in high demand during the pandemic and will likely continue to be as lockdown eases. “We’re very aware of the situation around COVID-19 and will continue to monitor and follow the advice being issued. The
safety of the community, participants, staff and volunteers is and always will be our top priority and thanks to the staggered start points social distancing can be followed if still necessary by September. “We’d like to reassure anyone who purchases a ticket to the event that they will have the option of a refund if the event has to be cancelled.” Early bird tickets are now on sale until 30th June – £10 Adult, £5 Child and an additional group discount for 10 or more people. Dogs are also welcome. Jess added: “While participant’s entry fee goes towards the cost of organising the walk, every pound and penny they raise through sponsorship goes towards helping us support vulnerable men, women and children in our care. “There is no minimum sponsorship target, but we hope people will aim to raise as much as possible to help us through this extremely challenging time so we can support as many people as possible.” Further details and tickets can be found online at www.circuitofbathwalk.co.uk.
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Air ambulance receives £8000 grant Chance for tenants to show off lockdown gardening creations
THE Great Western Air Ambulance Charity has received a grant of over £8,000 to enable it to purchase vital equipment to keep both crew and patients safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. The grant from The Lions Clubs International Foundation has enabled the frontline charity to purchase a thermal screening system which will screen all crew, staff and visitors to the base for a fever, enabling them to quickly identify and isolate anyone displaying a fever and prevent them being in contact with crew or patients. The grant has also paid for an iPad for crews to use to access guidelines and policies whilst on duty, which will adhere to infection control processes so as to minimise the risk of contamination. Lions Clubs’ District Governor for Central and West, Ian Gott, said: “We know that air ambulance charities have been busier than ever during the coronavirus pandemic. “They’ve faced considerable extra – unbudgeted – day to day costs – at the same time as lockdown has affected fundraising. “Now, thanks to an emergency COVID-19 relief grant from the Lions Clubs International Foundation, we can provide immediate support for this emergency service that touches lives in all our local communities.”
GWAAC provides the critical care and air ambulance services across Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire and Gloucestershire. Despite the lockdown, their crew of Specialist Paramedics and Critical Care Doctors are still working and ready to respond to those in urgent need across the region. As well as their ‘day job’ – responding to accidents, traumatic incidents and medical emergencies – GWAAC have been and continue to support the COVID-19 response to help reduce the pressure on the NHS and other public services. National organisation, Air Am-
bulances UK, worked closely with the Lions Club International Foundation to obtain £160,000 of funding, which has supplied equipment to many air ambulances across the UK in order to help them remain safe in the battle against the virus. Chief Executive of GWAAC, Anna Perry, said: “The grant we have received will make a huge difference to our crew who are working tirelessly to support our local communities on the frontline – in day to day operations, and in response to COVID-19. Our priority is keeping them and the patients they treat safe, and this new equipment will make a huge difference in allowing us to do so.”
BATH-BASED housing association Curo has launched its 2020 Curo in Bloom competition and is asking anyone who lives in one of their 13,000 homes to enter and help brighten up their street over the summer. Curo Resident Engagement Coordinator Michelle Sage said: “Through the COVID-19 lockdown we know loads more people have been discovering they have a real gift for gardening. “We thought this was the perfect time to bring back our Curo in Bloom competition so our residents could show off their glorious gardens and dazzling displays and win one of our great prizes too. “Our competition is for anyone living in a Curo property, so whether you have a window box, hanging basket or giant garden, or help out with a community garden – we’d love to hear from you. “With the lockdown restrictions we won’t be visiting properties, so we’re simply asking our residents to send us photos which showcase their entry by the end of Friday 4th September 2020.” Full details are on Curo’s website at www.curo-group.co.uk/
Curo in Bloom organiser Michelle Sage with her new raised beds
cib2020. Residents with no access to the internet can call 01225 366000 to find out more. There are categories for best window box, balcony or hanging basket, best veg or sensory garden, best community garden, best small or large garden, and a tallest sunflower competition. Winners will receive gift vouchers and a trophy, plus the honour of being a Curo in Bloom champion. All entries must be received by midnight Friday 4th September 2020.
£13m investment agreed for cycling and walking measures THE West of England Combined Authority (WECA) has agreed £13m investment in measures to encourage cycling and walking in the region. It comes as Sport England reports that during lockdown the number of people cycling has doubled from 8% to 16%. £3m will underwrite the cost of short-term measures to help people to maintain social distancing while walking and cycling. A further £10m has been agreed for longer term solutions to encourage active travel in the region. West of England Mayor Tim Bowles said: “During the lockdown many people have taken advantage of quieter roads to walk or cycle more regularly. “This new funding is helping to make sure we can safely move around our communities again,
but also aims to create a long term, positive legacy of more cycling and walking in the region as restrictions ease. “We have a real opportunity to capture the positive changes we have seen to improve the physical and mental health of residents and cut carbon emissions, improve air quality and ease congestion across the West of England.” Local councils have been working with WECA to rapidly plan and implement measures such as widening pavements and installing pop up cycle lanes to help people travel safely while social distancing is required. Schemes include: • Changes to road space in local high streets to provide more room for cyclists and pedestrians and to help with social distancing including in Hanham, Bedmin-
ster, Clifton Village, Thornbury, Downend, Filton and Staple Hill. • Vehicle access restrictions in city centres to give more room for social distancing including York Street and Cheap Street in Bath and the Old City area of Bristol. • Temporary cycle lanes at Victoria Street, Lewins Mead and Stoke Croft in Bristol Through underwriting the cost of these schemes WECA has enabled councils to act quickly in advance of receiving government funding. Government has made an indicative allocation of £3.7m to the region for this work with the first tranche of funding, £741k likely to be received by WECA shortly. The temporary measures will be reviewed and if successful it is anticipated that some could form part of the longer-term solutions to encourage cycling and walking
in the region. The investment follows the adoption of the Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan, consulted on earlier this year which sets out ambitious plans for the region. The Joint Local Transport Plan adopted in March sets the wider context for active travel across the region.
In Bath, the WECA funding will underwrite the cost of widening pavements in Camden Road, St Saviours Road, Manvers Street, Monmouth Place, Monmouth Street, Moorland Road, North Parade, Queen Square, Somerset Street, Terrace Walk, Walcot Street, Westgate Buildings and Weston High Street.
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Avon and Somerset's chief constable defends use of tasers Stephen Sumner
Local Democracy Reporter
CHIEF constable Andy Marsh has defended the use of tasers after it was revealed Avon & Somerset Police has the third-highest rate in England and Wales. He said officers were trained to “de-escalate” situations rather than use force and tasers were fired only “rarely”. Mr Marsh said he watched bodycam footage on Tuesday night of a man tasered by Avon & Somerset police after he ran at them brandishing knives. He said the officers’ use of the weapon was “very appropriate”. Speaking during a Facebook Live with police and crime commissioner Sue Mountstevens on Wednesday 17th June, the force’s top officer also revealed the level of crime had returned to normal with the easing of lockdown. Mr Marsh said the police were “open for business” and urged people to contact them if they were suffering antisocial behaviour. It was reported this week that Home Office figures for 2018/19 showed Avon & Somerset Police had the third highest rate of taser discharge. Mr Marsh said: “We recognise how sensitive the use of taser is as a tool for our job within
our communities, which is why we exercise a great deal of care about who is trained, how they’re trained, and the use of the taser is scrutinised. “We select the right people. An officer that is going to be trained in the use of taser is selected because they have a mature and experienced approach to the use of force. “A taser would not be your first resort if you find yourself needing to use force. “We were the first force in the country to give an additional day’s training to each officer each year on de-escalation. “We would rather de-escalate something than bring it to a point where the use of force is needed.” The chief constable said statistics on the use of taser included the number of times it was withdrawn from its holster, not just its discharge. “That technically is a use even if it is not fired,” he said. “In the grand scheme of things when you consider the thousands and thousands of interactions we have in some very difficult situations, it is relatively unusual for an officer to draw a taser, let alone discharge. “I have access to all the bodyworn video in the force and very frequently watch it. “I watched a discharge of a taser last night against a man who literally said he was going to harm the
police officers and he ran at them brandishing knives. “Were it not for the use of the taser I am very apprehensive about how that incident might have been resolved. “That is an incident where it was used very appropriately.” He said the independent scrutiny of police powers panel, set up by Ms Mountstevens, was one of the most important safeguards around taser use and it randomly selected the use of force by officers to examine if it was appropriate. “We take very seriously the feedback they give us about what they think is good and what can be done better,” Mr Marsh said. “The bodyworn video, which all officers carry and must use if they use a taser, has been invaluable in giving us some assurance about the use of taser and as a tool for training, so officers can watch it back and learn what they could do differently in future. “Because of the training we give around de-escalation, because of the scrutiny that is given to the use of taser, it is taken incredibly seriously within Avon & Somerset Constabulary.” Mr Marsh also said crime rates were back to the levels before the coronavirus lockdown. “We have been thrust into a significant period of change where we have had to work differently,” he said.
A police taser | Photo © Imran Khan Photography / Shutterstock.com
“There has been pretty much a return to normal levels of crime, antisocial behaviour and demand. “In the initial weeks we saw some reductions of about 30 per cent of crime and calls but we have seen that return to normal. “If you are a victim of crime or you are suffering, we are open for business.
“This goes especially for antisocial behaviour. “I wouldn’t want people thinking in the way we hear about people putting off enquiring about their heart complaint or not being able to fix their dental treatment. “If you’re being victimised, we are open for business. “We have been using this time to get ready to go again.”
Bath Spa University campus Charity receives shortlisted for RIBA Regional Award £4,500 grant to support vulnerable people BATH Spa University’s Locksbrook Campus has been shortlisted for the RIBA Regional Awards 2020, which recognises buildings across the UK that have made a significant contribution to architecture. Originally designed in 1976 by Sir Nicholas Grimshaw for Herman Miller, the American furniture manufacturers, the new Locksbrook Campus is a multimillion-pound, state-of-the-art site that offers art and design students facilities including flexible studio spaces, workshops and open areas designed to foster creativity and collaborative working. Bath Spa University worked with global design practice Grimshaw and construction firm, Willmott Dixon to ensure many historical features were kept in the redesign, including maintaining its Grade-II listed status. Dr Dan Allen, Head of Art at Bath Spa University, said: “We’re thrilled that our landmark Locksbrook Campus has been shortlisted for such a prestigious award. “It truly is a stunning building where students can hone their skills and flourish in a modern and well-thought-out space; it’s an incredible achievement for us all. “We talk a lot about ‘thinking through making’, so right from the outset, we placed students
The Locksbrook Campus | Photo © Chris Wakefield, Crescent Photography
and their creative practice at the centre of the design. “Positioning the impressive workshop facilities in the heart of the building provides focused support from specialist art and design technicians and the ability for students to move seamlessly between materials and processes.” Ben Heath, Principal at Grimshaw, commented: “It’s a great honour to be shortlisted for the RIBA Regional Awards. We worked closely with staff and students at Bath Spa during this project to understand how a new space could enhance teaching
and learning opportunities and we couldn’t be more pleased with the way it turned out. “The existing listed building’s design principle resonated perfectly with the University’s ethos, delivering an open and collaborative environment, but above all a flexible space which will continue to adapt to its user’s future needs.” This year, due to Covid-19, the judging process is on hold. The winners of the RIBA Regional Awards 2020 are now expected to be announced later in the year, with the winning buildings then being considered for the RIBA National Awards 2020.
A BATH-BASED charity which supports local families to make positive long-term lifestyle changes has been awarded a £4,500 grant to support its work during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Sporting Family Change Foundation in Bath applied to the ‘In This Together – Community Matters’ fund set up by Western Power Distribution (WPD), the electricity network operator for the area. The fund, which has now closed, was launched to help community groups and organisations deliver urgent care and support to thousands of families across the region during these challenging times. It invited applications from charities, local hospitals, community groups, parish councils and local authorities for grants of up to £10,000 to help those directly affected by the pandemic. Jilly Edwards, from the Sporting Family Change Foundation, said: “Thanks so much for the grant; it has enabled us to support many local families in food crisis during the coronavirus pandemic by delivering a weekly food shop. “Many have lost their jobs and are struggling to feed their families. It has literally been a lifeline for
Jilly collecting shopping for families
those who are isolating and can’t get out. Thank you so much.” In response to an urgent need for direct support, WPD has donated more than £73,000 to a range of community organisations and charities across the Somerset area, enabling vital support and care to be delivered to people impacted by the coronavirus. Alison Sleightholm, WPD’s Resources & External Affairs Director, said: “Our team has worked tirelessly to get our fund running and active. “I’m delighted we‘ve been able to move quickly and support some fantastic organisations which are making a real difference to thousands of vulnerable people during the pandemic.”
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Mental health worker to publish charitable children's book LOCAL mental health worker Helen Brian has launched a GoFundMe appeal to help publish a children’s book about homelessness in aid of charity Julian House. After suffering from anxiety and seeing the devastating effects of homelessness, her book entitled ‘Elvis’ seeks to spread a positive message while raising money for a good cause. As a support worker in Bath, Helen has seen first-hand the effects of homelessness. Many of her clients suffer with low self-esteem, confidence issues and mental health problems. Something which Helen herself suffered with at university. She said: “When I left school 20 years ago, I think it’s safe to say that I had a very bright future ahead of me. I was a reasonably accomplished classical singer, a creative writer and got a place at
university to pursue both. “My dream was to study children’s literature and become a published author. I enjoyed my course and was doing well until suddenly, at the end of the first year, I began to experience horrendous and uncontrollable anxiety. “I finally withdrew from my studies six months later, when it became apparent that I could not even sit in a lecture theatre without becoming overwhelmed and suffering anxiety attacks.” After leaving university, Helen went on to become a mental health support worker and a mother – another reason which encouraged her to get back to writing. She continued: “Last year my three-year-old son asked me to tell him a story and it was then I realised that my passion for writing was still in me somewhere and with his help, I slowly began
to create my children’s characters again. “I wrote this book to highlight the message that homelessness and other difficult circumstances can happen to any of us unexpectedly and through no fault of our own. I feel that it is so important to instil that message in young children.” With homelessness now being a common sight in towns and cities, she hopes the book, named after the main character who is an elephant, will help children understand that homelessness can happen to anyone, but also how an act of kindness, however small, can help transform someone else’s life for the better. With all the book’s profits being donated to charity Julian House, who support men and women experiencing homelessness across the South West, Helen is asking the public for support in helping her bring Elvis’ message alive. She’s hoping to raise £3500 in fi-
Mental health worker Helen Brian
nancial support to cover illustration, book design, printing costs and distribution and hopes individuals, companies and sponsors will get behind her message. “It’s taken a great deal of courage for me to finally put pen to pa-
per and put my work out there. I would love for it to be used in such a positive way.” To find out more and support the appeal, visit: https://www. gofundme.com/f/elvis-booklaunch-for-julian-house.
Social distancing measures to be Increase in fostering extended across North East Somerset enquiries welcomed following appeal Stephen Sumner
Local Democracy Reporter
SOCIAL distancing measures seen in Bath will soon be rolled out to towns in North East Somerset. Pavements have been widened and parking removed from numerous city streets – sparking rebellion in Larkhall from residents concerned about the impact on trade. As in Bath, the public will not be consulted before similar schemes are introduced in Peasedown St John, Radstock and Midsomer Norton but officers have been speaking to ward members. Councillor Joanna Wright confirmed Bath and North East Somerset Council was considering closing Keynsham High Street to traffic. Speaking during a recent webinar on “reopening our high streets”, the cabinet member for transport said: “We’re working at all times with ward councillors to make sure that what we deliver is what they think is wanted and needed in the area, so it’s not just officers going in and making those decisions. “We’re talking to those ward councillors because we realise they know their areas well and understand the needs that will help people create social distancing spaces.” The council is not consulting before installing the measures because it has to act quickly to secure Government funding. On Monday 15th June, Cheap Street, Westgate Street, Saw Close, Upper Borough Walls and York Street in Bath closed to motor vehicles between 10am and 6pm and the parking bays were removed. Cllr Wright said the council
has the legal power to “close” Keynsham’s High Street but officers are still considering what the ramifications would be, adding: “It’s clearly something we’re looking at doing but I don’t want to say it’s definitely in the mix, because I might be wrong. “Something is going to take place but I don’t know what it is. “We’re endlessly reviewing the decisions we’ve made. We know some people don’t like them, some people do like them, some people don’t want them to stay, some people want them to be implemented forever.” She previously said it was “unlawful and a threat to public health” when bollards placed in Larkhall High Street to widen the pavements to create space for social distancing were removed by members of the public. More than 800 people have now signed a petition calling on the council to remove the “unnecessary” bollards, claiming cars can now speed through the “deserted” streets. Keynsham South ward member Lisa O’Brien is concerned about the impact if the town’s High Street closes to traffic. She said: “It is not a ‘destination shop’. It is a local centre where almost overwhelmingly visitors shop for small value, quick decision, often top-up purchases. “However, visual access to the store and its windows is important
to encourage purchasing. “We do not have an Ikea in the High Street, so queues so far seen are not greater than two or three people, so plenty of room. I do hope they will not insist on closure.” Cllr Chris Watt, who represents Midsomer Norton Redfield, said he understood the need for social distancing but was concerned that losing too many parking spaces to extend the pavement would make some shops unviable. He said the council should speak to Lidl, M&Co and Argos about temporarily using their car parks as public car parks, adding: “That would enable us to be more generous with the pavements and make the retail offer more viable and would create more footfall for those three bigger retailers. “It would create ample temporary parking for the high street.” He said the measures were set to be installed on 26th June. Cllr June Player’s Westmoreland ward includes Moorland Road, another area where social distancing measures have been introduced. She asked the webinar if the council would support businesses if the social distancing measures affected their income. Council chief executive Will Godfrey said the authority’s own financial position is “pretty challenged”, adding: “It’s difficult to see how we would be able to provide direct financial support. We want to work with people to see what the best way of supporting businesses over what’s a very difficult period. “Direct financial support is very difficult to deliver.” Council leader Dine Romero said: “If any business is struggling, let us know and we’ll see what’s possible.”
B&NES COUNCIL is thanking residents for an increase in enquiries about becoming a foster carer during the coronavirus pandemic, but is underlining that more support is needed for vulnerable children. In April and May, the council received more than five times as many enquiries about fostering compared to the same period in 2019, after calling for more carers to come forward. There are currently 10 households in the district being assessed to become foster carers as a result of residents making contact, which is also a significant increase on the previous year. The council is thanking the community for its response but is highlighting that more carers are still needed to give children a stable family environment. Councillor Kevin Guy, cabinet member for Children’s Services, said: “It’s a real testament to the strong community spirit in Bath and North East Somerset that people have answered our call for more foster carers. Thank you to all the residents who got in touch or helped spread the word. “However, we still need more potential foster carers to come
forward as there are still children waiting to be placed in a safe and secure family home. “Please get in touch with us if you think you could make a difference to a child’s future.” Foster carers with the council receive support, advice and training, including support from a psychologist and family support workers. They will receive a 25% discount on council tax and paid holidays and respite are available during long-term placements. Telephone support is currently available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Carers need to be aged over 21 with at least one spare bedroom in their house, with the right to live and work in the UK and no relevant police record relating to child offences. They must have enough time for the council’s assessment, training and to look after a child. Applications to become a foster carer can be made by calling the council’s fostering team on 01225 394949 or visit the website at fostering.bathnes.gov.uk. There is a short quiz for people to complete if they wish to register their interest online.
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Health Patients with COVID-19 discharged to care homes Stephen Sumner
Local Democracy Reporter
EIGHT patients were discharged from Bath’s Royal United Hospital into care homes despite testing positive for Covid-19, a freedom of information request has revealed. Some 208 people discharged into care homes between March 1 and April 15 – the day the Government and Public Health England brought in routine testing in such cases – but 163 were not tested. Of the 45 people who were tested, eight were positive, one was suspected to be infected and one had symptoms of the illness. A further two patients were confirmed positive on a previous admission but not tested during that admission. The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics show that
Covid-19 is linked to 50 deaths in care homes in Bath and North East Somerset, although the hospital serves a wider footprint. Pam Richards, the area coordinator of Protect Our NHS, said the figures were “shocking but not surprising”, adding: “A lot of people across the country were discharged without testing. It was a huge mistake not to protect care homes or to test patients before they were discharged. “Hospitals had been told to clear beds for more patients. It was unwise. In a way it fuelled the pandemic. “In due course it needs to be looked at very carefully.” Lisa Cheek, the director of nursing and midwifery at the RUH, said: “Like other trusts across the country we followed Government and Public Health England guidance that was available at the time regarding discharge of residents to care
with Karen Bray REDUCING HOUSEHOLD FRICTION
The Royal United Hospital in Bath
homes and to their usual place of residence. “We worked closely, and continue to do so, with our local authority partners to ensure the highest standards of safe care for our patients discharged into the community. “We have also accommodated individual care home guidance,
and supported care homes with advice and training on infection prevention and protection. “We have followed the national guidance on testing that has come out in April and any subsequent revisions. “Since then we have tested every single patient prior to discharge to nursing homes.”
RUH contributes to successful treatment breakthrough
New rules on face coverings and masks come into force
STAFF and patients at the Royal United Hospital have contributed to a major national study which has identified a treatment for COVID-19 patients admitted to hospital with severe breathing problems. It was announced on Tuesday, 16th June that preliminary results showed that one of the treatments being assessed, dexamethasone, a type of steroid, reduces the risk of death among patients with severe respiratory complications. Dr Tim Craft, Director for Research and Innovation and a Consultant in Anaesthesia at the RUH, said: “This is being hailed as the biggest breakthrough yet in the treatment of patients with the virus. It’s a global first “The study compared 2,104 COVID-19 patents given a low-dose of dexamethasone with 4,321 patients given standard treatment. For every eight ventilated patents given the drug, one death was prevented. “Even better news is that dexamethasone is inexpensive, already available, and widely used by anaesthetists in Bath with patients having surgery. It can therefore be used in COVID-19 patients immediately. “We’re extremely proud to have played a key role in such an important trial, which could lead to thousands of lives being saved.” The RECOVERY (Randomised Evaluation of COVid-19 thERapY) trial aims to identify treat-
ALL outpatients and visitors to the RUH are being asked to wear a face-covering at all times. The move, which is in line with other hospitals in England, follows a direction from the Department of Health and Social Care to help reduce the risk of spreading coronavirus. Face coverings can act as a barrier to prevent the spread of the virus from the wearer to others. They can be purchased commercially or handmade, should cover the nose, mouth and chin and be secured with elastic loops or ties, include multiple layers, be washable and reusable. There is information online about how to wear and make a face covering. Anyone going to the RUH is asked to take their own face covering. Disposable face masks will be available if that is not possible. You must wear your face covering as you enter the hospital via a main entrance or enter a department directly. Volunteers will be on site to assist and to staff hand hygiene stations for people as they arrive and leave. The RUH says that it understands that not all patients will be able to wear a face covering, such as young children or those with breathing difficulties. Trust Interim Chief Executive Libby Walters said: “Government advice and evidence suggests that wearing a face covering alone is not sufficient to provide
ments that may be beneficial for adults hospitalised with confirmed COVID-19. It is a Randomised Control Trial (RCT) – once a participant has been consented in to the study they are allocated at random to one of the treatment arms. At the RUH the treatment arms available for randomisation are: • Low-dose Dexamethasone (a type of steroid, which is used in a range of conditions typically to reduce inflammation) • Lopinavir-Ritonavir (commonly used to treat HIV) • Hydroxychloroquine (related to an anti-malarial drug) • Azithromycin (an antibiotic) • Dexamethasone is mostly used as an anti-inflammatory medicine to treat a range of conditions such as asthma and arthritis and certain cancer-related treatments. It does not stop people from catching coronavirus. When used in the treatment of COVID-19 patients with serious respiratory problems, it must be administered by qualified medical staff.
Mental Wellbeing
an adequate level of protection, so we’re urging everyone to follow our clearly-marked social distancing advice. “Please keep to the left as you walk around our site and maintain a minimum physical distance of at least two metres from others. “Clean your hands frequently and avoid touching your face and your face covering. Thank you for your support and understanding.” Another difference people will see is that staff at the RUH will be wearing surgical masks, appropriate for their area and type of work. This is also in line with government guidelines to maintain safety for visitors and staff at all times. The public is reminded that visiting the RUH is currently suspended, other than in exceptional circumstances.
As lockdown loosens, we have difficult decisions to make about how to engage with the world again while keeping ourselves and our loved ones safe. We are trying to balance the needs of everyone in the family in a time of extraordinary pressures, when once-simple activities are projects fraught with anxiety and frustration, whether that's meeting grandparents or shopping for clothes (ask me how I know). High stress levels can make us snappy with each other, leading to a spiral of strained relationships. Here are some ways to minimise household anxiety and friction. Use reliable information to assess risk: rather than copying others or being driven by your own internal level of anxiety, seek out information from trustworthy sources such as the NHS, WHO and government websites. Don't force solutions ahead of time: We really don't know what things are going to look like a month or three from now, and it's exhausting to keep trying to second-guess the future. You'll make the decisions you need to when you can. Avoid dwelling on worst-case scenarios - remind yourself you've coped so far, and you'll continue to cope with whatever comes up. Clarify household policies co-operatively: not everyone in the household may have the same priorities or perspectives on risks, and that can be a source of friction, for example if you are unsure you can trust your teenager to socialise safely. Instead of arguing about who's right and who's wrong, you could hold a discussion about how everyone can get their needs met, including the need to socialise and to feel safe. A good ground rule is that people can talk about what they want and how they feel, but not criticise others. This isn't simple to do if emotions are high, so if you would like more support with minimising stress and friction at home, you could join the free online course "Household Harmony: Navigating Change" which I am running with B&NES Wellbeing College from July 11th. Details at https://www.wellbeingcollegebanes.co.uk/ Karen Bray (MBACP) is a counsellor with a private practice in Bath. Her website is at www.karenbray.co.uk
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Business Former council leader helping firms navigate local government Stephen Sumner
Local Democracy Reporter
THE former leader of Bath and North East Somerset Council is toying with a return to politics and already putting his experience to use helping businesses. Along with many Conservatives across the country, Tim Warren lost his seat – and with it, the fivefigure allowance – when the party was at a “low ebb” last May. Now “outside the bubble” of a high-profile role that often attracted abuse, he has started a business with former council transport boss Mark Shelford helping firms navigate local government. “If you’d asked me six months ago if I’d go back into politics, I would’ve said not a chance,” said Tim, who was the ward member for Mendip. “Now it’s possible. Never say never. “At the time, the Conservatives were at their lowest ebb for years. Sometimes, local government
takes the hit for central government. If the election had been in December it would have been different. “Worse things have happened, and are happening now. “I look back at the difference we made. There was a girl who was going to be deported, and we stopped that. I got into local government to change people’s lives. She had no life to look forward to. “Having time away from politics gives you time to re-evaluate. You look at things in a bigger picture. “You realise that the abuse wasn’t aimed at you, but at your position. I couldn’t walk through Bath sometimes. I couldn’t sit outside a cafe. “It goes with the territory. You get used to it. Now if it happens I say it’s not down to me any more.” Reflecting on losing his own seat, Mark, the Conservative candidate for Avon and Somerset police and crime commissioner, said: “It’s about building personal resilience. I had a fabulous time as a councillor. When you
manage to help someone, it’s the biggest buzz you can get. “Being on the council gave us a great opportunity. “Tim and I have gone through hard times together. “There were times in council, perhaps with the clean air zone and one or two other decisions, that required us to be fairly robust and have some resolve. “We trust each other absolutely. “Over the years leading up to the election last year we’d been asked a whole series of questions as councillors. I learned a lot about navigating local and national government. “After the election it seemed sensible to use that skill set to help businesses.” Shelford Warren secured one of their contracts through former Army colonel Mark’s military connections. They are now promoting the benefits of pyrolysis, a cleaner, more efficient way of getting rid of waste. Tim said: “I know what councillors want. I like to think I know what residents want. I
Mark Shelford & Tim Warren
know what developers need to make their projects work. “We try to stop things stalling. It’s just about being able to navigate the system. “We’re good intermediaries. We speak the same language. “We made an awful lot of savings [at B&NES Council] in the last six years. We know what works and what doesn’t.” Tim said he has remained in contact with Bristol mayor Marvin Rees, West of England mayor Tim Bowles and Toby Savage, the leader of South
Gloucestershire Council. However, absent from that list was Liberal Democrat former rival Dine Romero, who replaced him as leader of B&NES Council. Tim said: “We aren’t doing this business for any political gain. We’re doing it to make a living. “Dine refused to meet with us [to discuss pyrolysis], which was disappointing. She said it was a commercial decision. I was involved in every decision as leader. “She’s in a difficult position at the moment. This is something that reduces landfill and saves money. “Queues for the Midland Road recycling centre can’t be a good thing. We have an alternative site to discuss. “Obviously we were surprised and disappointed that unlike other councils, companies, universities etc, that we have approached, B&NES Council leadership were not prepared to even have a short meeting to hear more.” Cllr Romero said the enquiry was likely passed to officers as it was of a commercial nature.
SouthGate Bath introduces new measures to keep shoppers safe
Bath Ales begins ramping up production
AS stores begin, and prepare, to reopen, SouthGate Bath has shared details of the extra measures it is putting in place to help keep customers and colleagues safe. To help maintain social distancing, the SouthGate Bath team has installed signage throughout the centre to help everyone keep a two-metre distance from one another. Enhanced hygiene and cleaning regimes will continue to be in place, with hand sanitising stations available to shoppers at key areas of the centre. To help keep both staff and visitors safe, the SouthGate Bath team will also be provided with suitable PPE including gloves and face masks. Guy Henderson, centre director at SouthGate Bath, said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming visitors back to SouthGate Bath, although we’re clearly not back to ‘business as usual’ just yet. “In line with the latest government guidance, we have been working incredibly hard behind-the-scenes to put extra safety and hygiene measures in place. “Because of this, things may look a little different when you next visit us, so please plan ahead and keep an eye out for new signage when you arrive.” SouthGate Bath is also asking visitors to play their part in keeping everyone safe by respectfully following the new
BATH Ales has started brewing draught beer again, in preparation for the possible reopening of pubs from 4th July, based on timings indicated in the government’s roadmap to recovery. The local brewer is currently producing over 42,000 pints of draught beer per week, which will be gradually scaled up in the weeks and months ahead. Cask beer production has started with two of the brewer’s most popular brands, Prophecy and Gem – Bath Ales’ flagship beer, which accounts for over 80% of the company’s weekly cask output. The brewery is also producing its keg beer brands including Sulis, Cubic, Monterey and Dark Side. Currently gearing up its stocks, the company will start delivering beer to wholesale customers across the West Country as soon as a reopening date has been
guidance and systems in place. The centre has shared these tips to help customers preparing to visit in the coming weeks: Check opening times before you set off Many retailers have adapted their opening hours to support the safe return to work of their staff, so always double-check with them directly before you set off. Use contactless payment methods wherever possible Many retailers are encouraging shoppers to use contactless payment methods where possible, as it means colleagues and shoppers don’t have to handle cash, or touch the payment terminal. If you don’t have access to cashless payment methods then please check with retailers in advance before setting off to avoid disappointment. Shop by yourself if you can In line with government guidance, SouthGate Bath
are asking visitors to shop by themselves wherever possible, and to keep household groups to a minimum if not. Consider click and collect Many retailers offer a click and collect service, meaning that you can place your order in advance and collect at a time to suit you. Cafes and restaurants open at SouthGate Bath will offer either a delivery, click and collect or takeaway service and visitors are asked to take their food away to be enjoyed at home. Please be patient To make sure everyone can keep a two-metre distance while in the shopping centre, SouthGate will be monitoring their visitor numbers. If the centre becomes particularly busy, you may be asked to queue considerately in a designated area outside of stores, and SouthGate may also temporarily close their car parks if the queuing systems reach capacity.
confirmed by the government. Georgina Young, Head Brewer, Bath Ales said: “I’m pleased to say that we are producing cask beer again, in anticipation of the long-awaited reopening of our great British pubs. “We’re proud to be playing our part in the national effort to restock cellars with fresh beer. “Cask beer is an integral part of pub culture in the UK – there’s nothing quite like it. It’s been months since we’ve brewed draught beer, so we’re delighted to see production up and running again.” Throughout the lockdown, Bath Ales’ entire production effort has been focused on bottling and canning core beer brands for supermarkets. Since the closure of pubs in March, Bath Ales’ online shop service has also seen an increase of over 2000% in comparison to 2019.
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Politics
Public Notices NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR GRANT OF PREMISES LICENCE UNDER THE LICENSING ACT 2003
Council looking to save £4m from salary budget STAFF at Bath & North East Somerset Council are being offered ‘voluntary options’, including reduced hours, as the local authority looks to save £4 million to help address the financial shortfall it is facing. The GMB Union, which represent workers at Bath and North East Somerset Council, say they have been approached by senior management ‘seeking help’ in dealing with the financial challenges. B&NES Council has already received £10 million from the Government to help meet COVID-19 costs, but that will still leave it with a £40 million shortfall. The union have asked the council to identify how this has occurred, and over what period of time, in order to understand the financial situation. The council have announced that they are seeking to make a £4 million cut from their salary budget.
An initial proposal put forward by the council is for staff to voluntarily take up offers such as flexible working patterns, reduced hours, career breaks and the opportunity to purchase additional holiday entitlement. The GMB Union has hit out at the proposals, which they feel are misusing ‘equality’ rights won by unions to support workers, as a tool for slashing the wage bill which would lead to reduced earnings, affecting pensions and potentially forcing people into second jobs. The union has also written to the two sitting MP’s for the region, Wera Hobhouse MP and Jacob Rees-Mogg MP, but are as yet to receive a formal response. Tim Northover, GMB Organiser said: “Our members in BANES deserve better than this. They are not to blame for any of the mess that the Council find itself in and
should not be expected to pay the price for the councils’ financial shortfalls. “Flexible working patterns rights were won to promote equality and provide opportunities, not a tool for the employer to cut the wage bill once they’ve overspent. We have been told that austerity is over but it certainly doesn’t feel that way. “GMB Union will be standing up for our members. It’s time for councillors to stand up for their workforce, and start focusing their efforts on securing a fairer funding deal from Westminster.” In a statement, Will Godfrey, Bath & North East Somerset Council chief executive, said: “Our staff have risen to the difficult and unexpected challenge of keeping services running and finding new ways of working during this Covid-19 pandemic and I want to thank them all.
“The unprecedented situation we now face however, is a huge pressure on the council’s budget due to Covid-19. “As a result all staff are being asked to consider ways in which they can help the council meet this financial challenge. “While the council has received £10m from UK Govt to help meet Covid-19 costs it still means it is facing a £40m deficit due to loss of income. “This means the council is looking at ways to reduce costs and is asking staff to consider a range of voluntary options such as taking either a temporary or permanent reduction in hours, considering different working patterns, buying leave, flexible retirement or using the parental leave scheme, to help it achieve savings and to avoid the need for redundancies. “We are planning face-to-face meetings, over Zoom with Trade Union colleagues to further discuss this.”
Panino Bath Limited applied to Bath & North East Somerset Council on 12th June 2020 for a licence to use the premises at Panino Bath Ltd, Ground Floor Shop, 1 Bladud Buildings, Bath, BA1 5LS for Provision of Late Night Refreshments from the hours of 23:00 to 03:00. Representations should be made in writing to: Bath & North East Somerset Council Licensing Services Lewis House, Manvers Street Bath BA1 1JG by 11th July 2020 Representations made will be disclosed in an open meeting should a hearing be necessary. It is an offence knowingly or recklessly to make a false statement in connection with an application and is subject to a fine of any amount on summary conviction for the offence.
Dated: 23rd June 2020
Business and education leaders plan out economic recovery LOCAL business, education and council leaders have promised fresh thinking as they set out their plans to support a renewed Bath & North East Somerset economy post-lockdown. A new Economic Renewal Partnership, convened by the council and including tech, culture, manufacturing, services, tourism and education as well as the Bath BID, has now met twice via Zoom.
The partnership is focusing on rebuilding confidence in the area as a safe, sustainable and green place to visit. Its first steps will include a survey of local businesses to better understand their needs and establishing “skills hubs” to re-skill people into new areas of opportunity such as the green economy. The partnership has also highlighted opportunities to
reduce the dependency on high volume tourism and better serve local residents, through reviving High Streets and promoting the world-class tech, manufacturing and professional services businesses alongside the area’s creativity. Council leader Councillor Dine Romero said: “The lockdown has hit local business very hard indeed. The council has also lost £17m in tourism income.
“Our first priority is to re-open our High Streets safely and sustainably and build on our area’s strengths as a safe, clean and green destination that people have confidence in. “But this crisis has thrown into sharp relief the underlying challenges facing our area. We can’t go back to dependence on mass tourism. “Our area has great strengths but we must take this opportunity to
be more resilient and prepare for a greener future.” Laurel Penrose, Principal & Chief Executive Officer of Bath College, said: “It’s crucial we have the right skills in place to help us all, but particularly young people, face these challenges. I am delighted that our tech businesses, manufacturing firms, start-ups and universities as well as the college are all working together through this partnership.”
Last issue's puzzle solutions Crossword
Congratulations to Paul Huxtable who won £25 in our last issue!
Across: 1 Psych, 5 Spain, 8 Venus, 10 Bikini, 11 Unwise, 12 Crisp, 13 Unbolt, 14 Errors, 15 Offer, 17 Beggar, 19 Cheers, 20 Idaho, 21 Athena, 23 Muscle, 25 Creep, 26 Mortar, 27 Untrue, 29 Onset, 31 Porous, 32 Enough, 33 Spear, 34 Seems, 35 Heirs. Down: 2 Science, 3 Cairo, 4 Anti, 6 Powerless, 7 Insurer, 8 Victoria Cross, 9 Supercomputer, 16 Flake, 18 Guest room, 22 Twosome, 24 Lounger, 28 Those, 30 Sten.
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In Other News.... Increase in families seeking mediation
Egg Theatre receives grants for online and outreach initiatives
A BATH law firm has seen an increase in people seeking mediation to help them tackle difficult relationships as a result of lockdown. Stone King, which has offices in Queen Square, says mediation – a procedure by which parties discuss disputes with an impartial trained mediator to help reach a settlement – is increasingly helpful in reducing conflict and finding solutions. Rebecca Eels, a senior associate in the Family & Mediation Team, said: “There has been an increase in mediation and also clients who may have resolved their finances/ children arrangements coming back to us for advice on issues that have cropped, up be it financial or in relation to their children. There has been an added stress on families, those that are in the same house who had decided to separate before the lockdown are finding it extremely difficult. “Mediation therefore has been a big help in assisting them with not only co-parenting issues but also interim financial arrangements.” The uncertainty around
THE Egg Theatre in Bath has announced that it has benefited from two grant awards in recent weeks, both intended to encourage online engagement and outreach work through the coming months. The first, from INNOVATE UK, will enable The Egg to develop online platforms for young theatre makers to engage in training forums, virtual rehearsals and technology-driven performance opportunities. This grant has been awarded as part of the Government’s INNOVATE UK scheme, the £40million programme supporting the UK’s next generation of innovative businesses. The Egg was one of 700 successful projects from more than 8400 original applicants. The grant will enable The Egg’s team of in-house producers to: • Ambitiously take the next step in theatre training; • Create connections between the pipeline of young artists and the profession, brightening the sector’s and their futures;
employment as a result of COVID-19 has also led to conflict in families, with mediation helping to ease tension. “There are also stresses on those who see their maintenance reduce due to their former partners being furloughed or issues over child arrangements,” Rebecca continued. “We would encourage all clients to talk about issues rather than take a unilateral decision and if they can’t, decide to consider use of mediation.” Rebecca is a Resolution Accredited Specialist in domestic abuse and private children law and is also a Family Law panel member of the Law Society. She is also trained in Collaborative Law, an approach to assist those in relationship breakdowns to find a fair and mutually acceptable solution without the threat of court proceedings. In 2019, Stone King incorporated with fellow Bath law firm Mowbray Woodwards to create what is believed to be the largest Private Client Team in the south west.
• Develop models for remote working that solve professional challenges for the sector, improving financial and environmental sustainability in the industry. It is planned that these initiatives will benefit the theatre well into the future, making its awardwinning programme of training accessible all over the world as well as for the young people in the immediate catchment area. The second grant, Arts Council England Emergency Funding, enables The Egg to continue developing new work with exceptional artists so that as soon as theatres are ready to open, they have got work to share. This will include some filmed performances, ongoing script and artist development, and working with other local cultural and educational partners to support the most vulnerable families in Bath & North East Somerset. This part of the grant will continue the Egg’s work as a member of the Bath Cultural Education Partnership (with Bath
Photo © Nigel Jarvis / Shutterstock.com
Festivals, Holburne Museum, House of Imagination and Bath Spa University), working with artists to co-design new creative activities that will be delivered to the families in B&NES who have been most significantly impacted by the Covid-19 crisis. Director of the Egg, Kate Cross, said: “Covid-19 has presented theatres with a crisis from which only the strongest will recover. “These projects demonstrate that The Egg is one of those strong ones, determined to get back on its feet. “This will only be made more credible with the kind of funder and benefactor support we have gratefully received so far.”
Half-back duo to sponsor Bath Rugby Foundation learners
Top ten position for the University of Bath
BATH Rugby Foundation’s ‘Sponsor Our Students’ campaign has been backed by two of the most experienced members of Bath Rugby’s playing squad. Half back duo Will Chudley and Rhys Priestland have signed up to the campaign, which will see youngsters supported as they gain qualifications and take a step into employment. Sponsorship will give participants on Bath Rugby Foundation’s award-winning HITZ programme the help they need to succeed. The funding will meet the individuals’ needs, which can range from training courses or smart interview clothes, to food and the bus fare needed to attend HITZ. Will Chudley said: “It’s very upsetting to hear that some of the HITZ learners cannot get to the Rec to take part in sessions because they can’t pay for bus fare, or can’t afford lunch. “Obviously there are going to be a lot more youngsters suffering as we come out of the current national crisis and we encourage anyone who can support this campaign to get in touch with Bath Rugby Foundation.” HITZ is Bath Rugby Foundation’s employability programme for 16 to 19-year-olds who
FOR the second year running, the University of Bath is in the top ten for this year’s Complete University Guide 2021, retaining 9th position from last year in the national rankings. The University of Bath is also the number one university in the South West for the fifth year running. Professor Ian White, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bath said: “I am very proud of the University of Bath for ranking 9th in the UK in this year’s Complete University Guide 2021. This speaks volumes about the talent and engagement of both our staff and students. “This accolade is a fitting reflection of the quality of our courses, as well as our unwavering commitment to give students an outstanding university experience.” The list of subjects in the top 10, along with their ranking includes: • Marketing (1st) • Architecture (2nd) • Business & Management Studies (3rd) • Sports Science (3rd) • Psychology (4th) • Social policy (4th) • Civil Engineering (4th) • Sociology (5th) • Aeronautical & Manufacturing Engineering (5th)
Bath Rugby’s Rhys Priestland | Photo © Patrick Khachfe / Onside Images
are considered NEET – not in employment, education or training. HITZ mixes sport with classroom-based learning and enables young adults who are in danger of falling through the net to look ahead at a brighter future. Bath Rugby Foundation will have 60 learners starting the HITZ courses in September and Bath Rugby’s charity is seeking 60 businesses, individuals and groups of individuals, each contributing £600 to support them. Each learner will have specific needs and the money will meet those needs. Rhys Priestland said: “As players we see the great work that Bath
Rugby Foundation does with young people in this city. “We hear the stories of how the youngsters are making huge, positive steps to change their lives and we’re happy to contribute to helping. The Sponsor Our Students campaign is being led by Bath Rugby Foundation’s Corporate Fundraiser, David Trick, who is keen to hear from individuals, groups or businesses who would like to support the charity’s young learners. To sign up, or learn more about Bath Rugby Foundation’s Support Our Students campaign, email david.trick@ bathrugbyfoundation.com.
• Accounting & Finance (5th) • Computer Sciences (7th) • Mechanical Engineering (7th) • Chemical engineering (8th) • Pharmacy and Pharmacology (8th) • Politics (10th) • Social work (10th) • Mathematics (10th) • Economics (10th) The Complete University Guide is based on ten measures: Entry Standards, Student Satisfaction, Research Quality, Research Intensity, Graduate Prospects, Student-Staff Ratio, Spending on Academic Services, Spending on Student Facilities, Good Honours Degrees, and Completion.
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