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Issue No. 030
Photo © B&NES Council
RUH reintroduces maskwearing rules as Covid-19 cases continue rising P3
CAR PARK DEMOLITION
Multi-storey site to be partially torn down - P2
Queen’s Baton Relay welcomed ahead of games THE Queen’s Baton Relay, which has been travelling across the world ahead of this summer’s Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, arrived in Bath on Tuesday 5th July. Nine Batonbearers, including a 97-year-old Normandy veteran from Bath, completed the relay, which started at the Royal Crescent, via the Roman Baths, to the end of its journey through the city at the Guildhall.
Lois and Ed Jackson, founders of Millimetres 2 Mountains, began the relay for Bath, followed by Paralympic swimmer Stephanie Millward MBE who handed it on to Oliver Westcombe from official Birmingham 2022 lighting providers SLX. Next to carry the baton was Pippa Tilney from Bristol who champions the social and mental health benefits of sport, followed by Charly McNelis from Corsham
who raises awareness of cancer. 97-year-old Stan Ford was the Batonbearer at Milsom Street before Kate French, UK and world number one in Modern Pentathlon, took the baton into the Roman Baths after being greeted by the Ermine Street Guard and Year 6 pupils from St Andrew’s Church School. Harmonie-Rose Allen, quadru-
ple amputee and meningococcal septicaemia survivor, officially welcomed the baton inside the Roman Baths. Olympic, Commonwealth and European medallist Sharron Davies was the final Batonbearer, before the baton headed to Bristol for the next part of its journey. Continued on page 2
Hundreds take part in Race for Life charity fundraising event P4 Festival of Motoring raises more than £20,000 for charities P6 MP calls for action following return of helicopter rides P6 Torchlit summer evenings return to the Roman Baths P7 Get the latest news for Bath 24/7 on our website www.bathecho.co.uk
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Tuesday 12th July - Monday 25th July 2022
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City centre car park to be partially demolished
In this issue... Top Stories
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Community
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Health
P12
Education
P13
Business
P14
Politics
P15
In Other News
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We're pleased to be reintroducing the Bath Echo into print. Over the next few issues, we'll be bringing back our usual features, including what's on, puzzles, letters and much more. We appreciate all of your support.
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.
How to get in touch with us... For news items and press releases: news@bathecho.co.uk 01225 585484 For sport and match reports: sport@bathecho.co.uk 01225 585484 Want to have a letter published? letters@bathecho.co.uk Subscriptions/Distribution: production@bathecho.co.uk 01225 585484 Advertising & Marketing: advertise@bathecho.co.uk 01225 589789 Contact the editor: Sebastian Hawker editor@bathecho.co.uk Published by Media Bath Limited
THE upper two storeys of Avon Street car park in Bath are to be demolished this September as part of the Bath Quays regeneration project, Bath & North East Somerset Council has announced. Wring Demolition has been appointed to dismantle the upper levels of the car park after extensive structural deterioration made the cost of remedial work at the site unrealistic. Demolition is scheduled to take three months and is expected to be completed in November. It is hoped that removing the upper levels will also help to reduce anti-social behaviour at the car park and improve the appearance of the area. Councillor Kevin Guy, leader of the council, said: “We’re moving ahead with the partial demolition of the Avon Street multi-story car park as part of the wider Bath Quays project.
“We know there’s a level of antisocial behaviour in and around the car park and removing the upper storeys will be another positive step in the regeneration of the area.” During the work, 140 parking spaces will remain available at Avon Street and alternative short stay parking will be provided in the Green Park Road temporary car park on the former Riverside Coach Park. Long-stay parking will continue to be available in nearby Charlotte Street and Manvers Street car parks. The adjacent footpath and part of the car park will be closed temporarily during demolition as a precaution. After demolition of the upper two storeys, the ground floor level of the car park will be refurbished with 88 parking spaces. When the work is completed, Avon Street car park will reopen
Avon Street multi-storey car park | Photo courtesy of B&NES Council
with a total of 291 parking spaces. Work on the construction of a two-storey underground car park
will start in 2023, as part of the Bath Quays regeneration scheme. It will include up to 320 spaces.
Nine Batonbearers take to the streets of Bath Continued from page 1 Shaun Stephenson McGall, Chair of the council, said: “Bath has a rich history with sport, with both internationally renowned Bath Rugby and the University of Bath in the city and the baton’s arrival in Bath was a wonderful opportunity for people to be inspired to get involved in sport. “Next year we look forward to welcoming the Modern Pentathlon and Laser Run World Championships in Bath – another great occasion. “Thank you to all the Batonbearers and the Ermine Street Guard who formed a guard of honour as the Baton arrived, with a special
thank you to pupils from St Andrew’s primary school who stood alongside, looking resplendent in their togas! “It was fantastic to see so many people lining the streets to watch this special event.” The special relay began on 7th October 2021, with Her Majesty The Queen placing her Message to the Commonwealth into the baton. The baton is on its 294-day long journey to every corner of the Commonwealth. It is set to travel the length and breadth of England for a total of 29 days, before culminating at the opening ceremony for Birmingham 2022 on 28th July 2022.
Stan Ford and Kate French | Photos courtesy of B&NES Council
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Welcoming the baton to the Roman Baths
Harmonie-Rose Allen
Pippa Tilney
Lois and Ed Jackson
Issue 030
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Your City, Your News | Bath Echo
Mask-wearing reintroduced due to Covid-19 rise THE Royal United Hospital in Bath has announced the reintroduction of face masks for staff, patients and visitors following an increase in Covid-19 infections in the local area. The changes, which came into effect on Thursday 7th July, apply to all clinical areas in the hospital, including wards, outpatient and diagnostic spaces. Masks are not currently mandatory in the corridors, although their use is being encouraged. While social distancing is no longer a requirement, people are encouraged to be mindful of each other’s personal space and to wash and sanitise their hands regularly while at the hospital. Chief Nurse Toni Lynch said: “To keep our patients, staff
and visitors safe, we are asking everyone who attends the hospital to wear a face mask or covering in our clinical areas, unless they are exempt. “There are hygiene stations at all entrances fully stocked with masks and hand sanitiser to support people to follow this guidance. “We also ask that you do not come to the hospital if you are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, unless it is an emergency. Instead, please visit the NHS website for more information on COVID-19 symptoms and what to do if you have them. “We’d like to thank everyone for their support in following this guidance. “Your actions will help to keep our patients and staff safe.”
News in Brief Firefighters rescue gull stuck in netting Crews from Bath's fire station were called to Westmoreland at 12.40pm on Thursday 7th July following reports of a gull being stuck in netting. On arrival, firefighters used a turntable ladder to free the bird, which then flew away unharmed.
Health centre to open
The Royal United Hospital in Bath
A new state-of-the-art health and wellbeing centre will open in Radstock on Monday 18th July to provide people with access to expanded GP services. It will also offer physiotherapy, a diabetes prevention programme and counselling services. It is situated at 10 Waterloo Road, Radstock, BA3 3EP.
“Bizarre” decision not to spend cash reserves on bus services Alex Seabrook
Local Democracy Reporter
A SPARE £786,000 of unspent public money from the West of England will go towards the combined authority’s reserves rather than spending on buses. Despite many bus services in the region facing closure, amid a funding crisis, the unspent money from the West of England combined authority’s (WECA) budget last year will be put into savings. Last month the region’s council leaders agreed to an emergency deal to save several bus routes. But now council leaders have slammed the recent decision to pocket last year’s underspend, money which would give “a great deal of reassurance” to the region’s bus network. West of England mayor Dan
Norris suggested councils could spend their own reserves on buses. South Gloucestershire Council leader Toby Savage called for the surplus cash to be spent on supporting buses and protecting rural routes, rather than putting that money into the reserves, at a combined authority meeting on 1st July in Midsomer Norton. But his motion was voted down. He said: “WECA needs to strain every sinew to protect bus services. We agreed at our previous extraordinary meeting that we would leave no stone unturned as we sought to provide the maximum possible resources to be able to support our bus network in the face of very significant challenges. [The surplus money] would provide a great deal of reassurance and resilience to the bus network, and so I think it’s about choices at the
end of the day.” Backing his calls was Kevin Guy, council leader for Bath and North East Somerset, who said: “It seems quite bizarre having an extraordinary meeting not too long ago where we worked really hard together to find funding for buses. “And now we’re putting £700,000 into a reserve pot for a rainy day, when we’ve got real issues to deal with today with rural connectivity and buses. Buses are at risk and yet WECA is sitting on literally millions of money in reserves.” However, WECA has fewer reserves than each of the region’s three councils, standing at about £2 million, Mr Norris said. He claimed South Gloucestershire Council bosses were “cheapskates” who spend less than other councils in combined authority areas on buses. Speaking after the meeting, Mr
Norris said: “The economy is in the worst place for 40 years, so we have a greater duty than ever before to ensure we keep reasonable reserves to cover the growing risks. “South Gloucestershire Council are cheapskates when it comes to supporting buses, spending much less per head on the transport levy than most other councils that have combined authorities.” Each of three West of England councils chips in millions every year for Weca’s transport budget, including spending on buses. North Somerset Council contributes as well. Last year, Bath and North East Somerset paid £5 million, Bristol paid £10 million, South Gloucestershire paid £4 million, and North Somerset paid £1.7 million. Prices to run bus services are shooting up, as inflation
increases the cost of fuel and salaries. Several rural services in the West of England are at risk of closure, as the income they raise through fares is far less than the cost to run the routes, causing a heavy cost to the taxpayer. Last month at an emergency meeting, Mr Norris and the three council leaders thrashed out a last-minute deal to find extra funding. Also speaking after the 1st July meeting, Cllr Savage said: “It’s unbelievably disappointing that the WECA mayor has reneged on the bus funding deal agreed after protracted negotiations with all council leaders barely a fortnight ago in Bath. The ink is barely dry on that agreement we thought we had. “We should be doing everything possible to protect bus services, not squirrelling away taxpayers’ money into mystery reserves.”
2022 Children’s Literature Festival programme announced
Crews shore up building after collision
A VIBRANT programme for this year’s Bath Children’s Literature Festival has been announced, ahead of the 10-day celebration of books which opens on Friday 23rd September. Europe’s largest stand-alone children’s book festival will welcome household names, debut authors and a host of illustrators to the city for a lineup for all ages. There will be plenty for families to look forward to, from live storytelling sessions for preschool children, through a wide mix of events for middle-grade readers, to events aimed at teen and Young Adult (YA) audiences. The festival will run from Friday 23rd September until Sunday 2nd October. In addition to live events
THE driver of a car that collided with a building in Bath was unhurt, Avon and Somerset Police have said. Crews from Bath’s fire station were called to reports of the collision on Belvedere at 10.21am on Wednesday 6th July. Due to the nature of the incident, support was requested from Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) firefighters to secure the building before the removal of the car. USAR firefighters from Hicks Gate in Keynsham attended the scene in two USAR vehicles and a fire engine. They used timber shoring to make the building safe and allowed the safe removal of the car.
for families, there is also a programme of school events attended by hundreds of local children. Alice Oseman, the creator of the bestselling Heartstopper graphic novel series, has been announced as the 2022 guest curator for the teen and YA strand of events. As well as appearing at the festival in two events, one about the success of Heartstopper, and another with fellow writer Juno Dawson, Alice has curated a selection of top events for teens and YA audiences across the school and public programme. These include events from YA author Simon James Green, manga creators, Saturday AM Comics, and celebrity reporter and author Benjamin Dean. Other highlights will include the return of Michael Rosen
and Jacqueline Wilson and appearances from TV comedian Rosie Jones, award-winning writer Elle McNicoll and former CBeebies presenter Cerrie Burnell. Back by popular demand are among others, the current Waterstone’s Children’s Laureate Cressida Cowell, Joseph Coelho, Robin Stevens M. G. Leonard and illustrators popular for their draw-along events, Liz Pichon, Steven Lenton and Rob Biddulph. Sharing LGBTQ+ stories are comedic novel writer Simon James Green, Jodie Lancet-Grant, Alice Oseman and Juno Dawson. Well-known entertainers turned successful children’s authors at this year's festival will include David Baddiel, Julian Clary, Richard Ayoade and Dermot O’ Leary.
Photo © Avon Fire & Rescue Service
The scene was then handed over to the police. In a separate incident, fire crews were called to Twinhoe Lane at 1.48pm the same day following a collision involving a heavy goods vehicle into the side of a property.
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Tuesday 12th July - Monday 25th July 2022
Race for Life raises thousands for Cancer Research UK charity
Getting involved in the Race for Life | Photos courtesy of Cancer Research UK
MORE than 800 people came together in Royal Victoria Park in Bath on Sunday 3rd July, to take part in the Race for Life in aid of life-saving cancer research. Participants took part in either
the 5k or 10k event, in memory of those whose lives have been lost to cancer or in celebration of those in remission and whose cancer journey is very much ongoing. Organisers say the Race for
Life raised £100,000 for Cancer Research UK, which is working to find ways of beating 200 types of the disease. Some people dressed up and took part in teams, including breast cancer survivor Kirsty Willmot
Runners at Royal Victoria Park in Bath
from Wick, whose friends were dressed as Mickey Mouse. Carry Beasley, 34, from Chippenham also took part, having undergone treatment for a brain tumour in 2018. The mum to baby Ivy, who she
welcomed in August last year, is due a further operation later this year. She said: “It’s thanks to advances in research and treatments that I am here and can enjoy these special moments.”
Crackdown on drugs
GERMAN supermarket chain Aldi, which has stores across the country, has launched a search for a new store location in Bath as part of a rapid expansion plan. Aldi, which already operates more than 960 stores in the UK, is looking for a freehold city centre or edge-of-city site that is around 1.5 acres. The site should be able to accommodate a 20,000 sq foot store with around 100 parking spaces. Ideally, the location will be near a main road with good visibility and access. The supermarket even offers a finder’s fee for people who recommend a site, including members of the public, which
THE second phase of a crackdown on drugs in the area has been ongoing, with Avon and Somerset Police joining regional colleagues to disrupt the supply of illegal substances. Operations took place to prevent drug crime as well as preventative, educational and engagement work in communities. Operation Scorpion is a collaboration between the five police forces in the South West region, Avon and Somerset, Dorset, Devon and Cornwall, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire, alongside their respective offices of Police and Crime Commissioners, the British Transport Police, South West Regional Organised Crime Unit
COMPETITION
Aldi launches search for Bath store is either 1.5% of a freehold price or 10% of the first year’s rent for leasehold sites. The closest Aldi store to Bath is currently located in Longwell Green. George Brown, National Property Director at Aldi UK, said: “By opening more Aldi stores, we can provide affordable, highquality food to even more people. “But despite our growth in recent years, some people still don’t have access to a local store, which is why it is our mission to continue on with our ambitious
plans and change that. “Our finder’s fee is available to anyone who can find Aldi an appropriate site so we’d encourage people to share any suitable suggestions and get it touch.”
Five for £500! Your chance to win £500 cash - exclusive to readers of the Bath Echo newspaper
(SW ROCU) and the charity Crimestoppers. The group are combining their resources to tackle drug supply in the region and make the South West a hostile environment for drugs. Following a successful first phase operation in March, the second phase of Operation Scorpion focussed on the impact of drugs within local communities and highlight the intelligence police need from the public to help disrupt the drugs market, dismantle drugs supply networks and arrest those who profit from them. Anyone with information about illegal drugs activity should report it via 101. You should always call 999 in an emergency.
Terms & Conditions • This competition is open to residents with a BA1 and BA2 postcode only. • There is no entry fee and no purchase necessary to enter. The competition is exclusively offered via the Bath Echo newspaper, and is not available digitally. • Five individual codes will be required to enter the competition, which can be submitted either via post or online via our website. More information will be made available later in the competition on how to submit your entry. • The closing date is 5pm on Monday 19th September 2022. • No responsibility can be accepted for entries not received for whatever reason. • The winner of the competition will receive £500 in cash, provided via a bank transfer. The winner will be notified by email and/or letter within 7-14 days of the closing date. • The promoter is Media Bath Limited. Employees of the Bath Echo, Media Bath Limited, their family members or anyone else connected in any way with the competition shall not be permitted to enter the competition. • More terms and conditions can be found on our website at: www.bathecho. co.uk/about/comp-terms/
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Over the next five issues, we're giving our readers the chance to win £500 in cash. To take part, all you have to do is collect the exclusive code printed in each issue. You'll then submit them together at the end of the competition.
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d b j u 9 t c os 8 Collect the second code in our next issue, out on 26th July 2022.
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Tuesday 12th July - Monday 25th July 2022
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Bath Festival of Motoring raises over Call for action as £20,000 for local charities helicopter rides return THIS year’s Bath Festival of Motoring has raised a record amount for local charities, organisers the Rotary Club of Bath has announced. The event has raised more than £20,000, with funds set to benefit Dorothy House and Nova Sports. The motor show, which featured hundreds of classic cars and motorbikes alongside a range of the latest high-performance models, was held over Father’s Day weekend in June. While heavy showers reduced numbers attending on the Saturday, sunshine on Sunday brought out the crowds, with an estimated 4,000-plus people enjoying themselves in the open air throughout the day. Rotary organiser Peter Edwards said: “We have had fantastic feedback about the show from those who attended. “While the Festival is not just about raising money for charity, it is a great bonus that we will be
One of the vehicles at the Bath Festival of Motoring
able to pass on record amounts to this year’s two main local beneficiaries, Dorothy House and Nova Sports. “We’d like to thank all those who brought their stunning classic vehicles and supercars along, and to all the public who donated by buying tickets. Everyone had a lot of fun, and as a result we will be helping lots of others locally.” As well as a display of vehicles
in the main show arena, there was live music, food stalls, children’s fairground rides and even the chance to ride in a select number of supercars, such as a Lamborghini, Maserati, Aston Martin and Porsche, in exchange for a donation. There is hope to run the show again next year. Details will be made available on the festival’s website.
Curo manager wins prestigious building award for second time A CURO site manager based at Mulberry Park in Bath has been awarded a prestigious building award for the second year running. Alan Mapston, senior site manager at the company’s flagship development of almost 700 homes, was recognised again with the National House Building Council’s Pride in the Job Award for his leadership, dedication and commitment to building topquality homes for customers. The Pride in the Job competition, which was launched more than 40 years ago, celebrates the role
of site managers in making sure that homes are delivered on time, on safe sites and to the highest quality standards. Alan is one of 443 people to have been honoured with the award this year, from a pool of more than 8,000 site managers from across the country. Motorcycle and fishing enthusiast Alan is married with two children. He joined Curo three years ago and has been leading the site team at Mulberry Park ever since. Alan said: “I’m proud to be part of such a dedicated site team at our
MONEY SAVING TIPS SAVING ELECTRICITY
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ELCOME to the first in our series of features aimed at helping residents across the Bath area to save money. With the everyday cost of living rising significantly in recent months, we'll be offering top tips in coming issues on certain topics. This time, we're offering advice on reducing your electricity usage and cutting bills. ■ Leaving devices on standby We're all guilty of leaving devices such as TVs and printers on standby rather than switching them off. The Energy Saving Trust estimates that households could save around £40/year by turning off devices. Unplugging chargers, such as those used for your mobile phone, tablet or
Mulberry Park development. “It’s a privilege to see this largescale brownfield regeneration project turning into an attractive, sustainable neighbourhood that puts residents and community first. I’m really pleased to have won this recognition for a second consecutive year, not just for myself but for the entire team here at Mulberry Park who are working hard to make our customers happy: our contractors, labourers and my assistant site managers Grant Wells and Lee Clarke.” The Mulberry Park development is due to be completed in 2026.
A CAMPAIGN by Bath MP Wera Hobhouse has been revived following the return of “noisy” helicopter rides over the city. The “Stop the Choppers” campaign was launched last year in a bid to stop helicopter trips disrupting residents. The helicopters had previously been taking off from Bath Racecourse but after Mrs Hobhouse raised concerns, the racecourse confirmed that no sightseeing trips would take place in 2022, but racecourse guests could fly there if they chose to. With the return of helicopter rides in recent weeks, Wera has written to Virgin Experience Days who are advertising the tours, and has written to the private business where the helicopters are taking off. The identity of the business will not be disclosed until they have offered a response. Local authorities do not have the legal power to take action on matters of aircraft noise, nor does the Civil Aviation Authority have any legal power to prevent aircraft flying over a particular location or at a particular time for environmental reasons. The Civil Aviation Authority’s website states that “Aircraft noise is not currently a statutory
nuisance in the UK as it is not covered by the Environmental Protection Act 1990 or the Noise Act 1996.” The MP has said that she will be taking up the issue. In a statement, Mrs Hobhouse commented: “These helicopter joy rides are disrupting residents and are damaging to our environment. Bath is a beautiful city. “It does not fit in with our World Heritage status to have noisy, sight-seeing helicopters polluting the air above our city, especially at a time where we are tackling a climate crisis. “I’ve written to Virgin Experience Days who are organising the tours and the private business whose property is being used by the helicopters to raise residents’ concerns. “Just to confirm, these joy rides are not taking off from the racecourse. When this issue came up last year, the racecourse agreed to stop providing a site for the helicopters to take off from. “Our unique heritage city can be easily appreciated on foot rather than from a helicopter. I will be taking this issue forward in the hope that we can stop the choppers disrupting Bath residents.”
Helping Bath's residents with the cost of living crisis
laptop when you're not charging your device will also help save electricity. Chargers still draw power even when unused, so this is an easy way of cutting your bill. ■ Doing your washing Many detergents work just as effectively in your washing machine at 20 or 30 degrees when compared to using a 40 degree cycle. Using a lower temperature can save up to 38% less energy. A 90 degree wash is sometimes used for bedding and towels, however a 60 degree wash with a good detergent to kill bacteria will be just as effective and kinder on your wallet. ■ Changing bulbs to LED Last year, new rules meant halogen lightbulbs could no longer be sold in the UK, however many people may still have some
in the cupboard. Next time you need to replace a bulb, consider choosing an LED option. The average LED bulb costs around £2/year to run, compared to £11/ year for a halogen bulb. That £9 difference will easily pay for a suitable LED bulb, which could last between 10 and 20 years. ■ Filling up the kettle Depending on how often you have a hot drink, you can save on electricity by only filling the kettle up by as much as you will need. Many kettles feature a measure either inside or outside, to help ensure you're not boiling more water than is required. Descaling your kettle regularly also means it's running as efficiently as possible. ■ Using the tumble dryer Many homes now have either a
separate or combined tumble dryer. Though they can prove to be very useful, the amount of electricity they use can quickly add up. The Energy Saving Trust estimates a saving of £60/year if you begin drying your clothes using an airer, or outside on the line. If you dry your clothes inside, make sure you keep a window open to prevent damp.
fridge means it doesn't have to use as much electricity to keep everything cool. Avoid putting warm food into the fridge, as it will use more power to bring the temperature back down.
■ Defrosting your freezer When freezers become full of ice, they are having to work harder to keep your food cold, meaning they end up using more electricity. Keeping an eye on ice build up, and clearing it as soon as it appears, means your freezer can help you save on your bill. Defrosting frozen food in your
■ Running appliances when full When doing your laundry or loading the dishwasher, make sure it's full before switching it on. Some appliances offer a half-load setting if you haven't got enough to fill it, or consider using an eco-mode. Only using appliances when they are full could save around £30/year.
Issue 030
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Your City, Your News | Bath Echo
Torchlit summer evenings return to Resurfacing method the historic Roman Baths reduces emissions RESIDENTS and visitors to the city are once again being invited to enjoy the Roman Baths later in the day this summer, with the attraction set to stay open until 10pm every evening. Visitors will be able to enjoy the special atmosphere around the Great Bath, with Torchlit Summer Evenings running from 23rd July to 31st August, with last admission at 9pm. There will be a pop-up bar beside the Great Bath selling champagne, sparkling wine and soft drinks. The museum will stay open late so that visitors can look around the displays about life in Roman Bath, long after the usual closing time. Councillor Kevin Guy, Leader of the Council, said: “Summer Evenings are a great opportunity to explore the Roman Baths after hours and soak up the magical atmosphere around the torchlit Great Bath. “Admission is free for Bath & North East Somerset residents, and you can book your free tickets on the Roman Baths website.” The Roman Baths Shop will also stay open late for visitors to browse the range of gifts. The following packages, including food and drink, are also available:
Torchlit Summer Evenings at the Roman Baths
Bubbles by the Baths 23rd July to 31st August Weekday: £34.50 per person Weekend: £36.50 per person B&NES residents: £9.00 per person Save on a glass of sparkling wine from the pop-up bar by booking in advance. Package includes a Roman Baths ticket and a glass of sparkling wine. From Romans to Georgians 24th July to 31st August
£70.50 per person Visit the Roman Baths and enjoy a glass of fizz beside the Great Bath, then head to The Pump Room for a three-course dinner accompanied by live music from the resident pianist. You can book online at www.romanbaths.co.uk/torchlit. Admission to the Roman Baths is free for residents of Bath & North East Somerset, with a Discovery Card or proof of residence.
AN alternative method of resurfacing roads has been used for the first time by Bath & North East Somerset Council as part of efforts to tackle the climate emergency. Carbon-saving Foambase® was used to resurface 10,000m2 of the A368 at Chelwood. It uses up to 50 percent less CO2 emissions than traditional methods as it is applied cold and recycles the existing aggregate on site, which reduces waste. The new technology is also more cost-effective than traditional methods. It will be the first major foamed bitumen recycling scheme used by the council. In total, 22,450m2 of carriageway was resurfaced as part of the scheme, which would be roughly equal to the size of three football pitches. The use of Foambase® is one of a growing number of measures used by the local authority’s highways team to help it become carbon neutral. The council recently resurfaced 17,000m2 of carriageway using another reduced carbon surfacing process that uses lower mix temperatures, less bitumen and less energy than more conventional methods.
The Chelwood scheme alone replaced more than 1,500 tonnes of traditional hot asphalt with the Foambase® material. This will save 28,500kgs of CO2 emissions, which is equivalent of 35 direct flights from London to New York. Councillor David Wood, cabinet member for Neighbourhood Services said: “We’re always looking for new and innovative ways to deliver our essential works while still moving towards our goal of becoming carbon neutral. “We know that using methods like this will help us tackle the climate emergency. We hope we can use this method in future projects to help our environment and save money.”
Citizens Advice launches urgent call for volunteers
We are hiring cleaners for a school based in Bath! Photo © Barry Barnes / Shutterstock.com
Various Hours / Various Weeks OLDFIELD SCHOOL, KELSTON ROAD, BATH If you are interested and would like further details, please contact: Christian Griffiths – 07710715282 Christian.Griffiths@churchillservices.com
THE Bath & North East Somerset Citizens Advice charity has launched an urgent appeal for more volunteers to join its service to assist local residents. Recent reports of an increase in firsttime shoplifters and forecourt thefts have shown how the cost of living crisis is pushing people to do things they would never normally consider doing. Pressure is increasing on charities like Citizens Advice to recruit and train advisers so they can help as many people as possible with their debt and benefits problems. Simon Lawson, CEO of the charity said: “It’s clear that when people don’t feel they have somewhere to turn, some will take actions that they would usually never dream of. That’s why we need to train new volunteer advisers as soon as possible, so people have somewhere to turn. “It’s vital that we get more advisers in
place before the colder months arrive and even more people find themselves with financial problems.” The charity, which has been active in the area since 1939, has a long history of volunteer support. Jo Jones joined the charity as a volunteer during the pandemic. She’d heard what a difference the organisation made to people in the community and saw it as an opportunity to do something good while shifting her career path and learning new skills. Jo said: “Volunteering helped me update my IT skills and the team I volunteered with helped cancer sufferers who are so in need of support. I got a great feeling of doing something good for other people and a huge sense of achievement.” Anyone who wants to register or find out more about volunteering for the charity can do so by visiting their website.
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Tuesday 12th July - Monday 25th July 2022
Consultation launched on plans to increase local taxi fares RESIDENTS are being given the opportunity to have their say on proposals to increase the cost of fares for Hackney Carriages in Bath and North East Somerset. People are asked for their views on a potential 11.7% rise to the maximum tariff charged by licensed Hackney Carriage vehicles in the area under the authority of Bath & North East Somerset Council. The proposed rise is based on a long-standing formula used by the local authority to arrive at a fare increase when requested to do so. The calculation is looking at the annual impact of inflation on motoring costs and wages, from April to April. Specifically, it takes the annual percentage increase of Motoring Expenditure Retail Price Index and Average Weekly Earnings Retail Price Index, then when weighted 50/50, calculates the applied inflationary rate. A consultation on the proposal is running for eight weeks to give people who may be affected by an increase in the maximum table of fares allowed to be charged for hackney carriages in the licensing authority’s area the opportunity to register their views. The council says it recognises many residents rely on taxis as an essential form of transport,
particularly in areas where the provision of private hire service may be reduced. Councillor Tim Ball, cabinet member for Planning and Licensing, said: “It is vitally important we get people’s views because we have to balance the needs of the taxi trade to make a good standard of living in the face of rising costs with the need for an affordable immediate hire taxi service for people who may be dependent on taxis as their only method of door-to-door transport. “Immediate public hire taxis should be available and affordable and it is vital for an inclusive transport service that the needs of disabled passengers are understood, and immediate hire accessible taxis are not only available but affordable. “This is the reasoning behind the council being legally responsible for regulating the maximum allowed table of fares.” Currently, the taxi fare for a onemile journey in Bath & North East Somerset is £4.80, rising to £7.20 for a two-mile journey. Fares were last increased in 2020. The proposed fare increase only applies to licensed Hackney Carriages in Bath & North East Somerset. These are the taxis that stand for hire at public Hackney Carriage ranks.
Taxi fares will be going up around 12% if the proposals are approved
The proposal does not affect the charges for private hire vehicles which are pre-booked through an operator using a telephone or app-based service. The council has no control over the tariffs put in place by Private Hire companies and therefore it is essential that the council balance the potentially higher cost of private hire services and
provide an affordable alternative immediate hire option whilst still ensuring that providing a Hackney Carriage service is still an attractive proposition for existing and potential licensees. Once all responses have been considered, should the proposal be accepted then the formal legal process will be enacted, and a Public Notice published
allowing fourteen days for further objections to be considered by the cabinet member. To take part in the consultation, people can go online or visit Bath Welfare, Housing and Advice Service in Manvers Street, formerly the Bath One Stop Shop, or Keynsham & Midsomer Norton Library and Information Services.
Bid to stop Avon pension fund investing in fossil fuels fails Alex Seabrook
Local Democracy Reporter
THE West of England metro mayor has failed in a bid urging a local government pension fund to stop investing in fossil fuels. Dan Norris attempted to formally call on the Avon pension fund to cut all investments in fossil fuel companies, at a West of England combined authority (WECA) meeting on 1st July. But his divestment motion was scuppered as two council leaders were unable to vote. The £5-billion pension fund is thought to have £86.6 million invested in fossil fuel companies, despite local councils and WECA declaring a ‘climate emergency’ and pledging to work towards netzero carbon emissions. Mr Norris said this investment should be completely cut by 2030, and said other council leaders elsewhere in the UK “haven’t chickened out”. But WECA was unable to pass the motion because Toby Savage and Kevin Guy, the council leaders of South Gloucestershire and Bath and North East Somerset, left the room after declaring a conflict of interest as they are both members of the Avon pension scheme. WECA rules say any vote must need the metro mayor and at least two council leaders. Mr Norris said: “Two of the four combined authority members declared an interest and had to
leave. Because we’re inquorate, I can’t propose the motion. “We also wrote to [the fund trustees] and they wrote back a very long letter, basically saying that they couldn’t do anything due to their duty to get a return, and that they didn’t have the flexibility to make the changes that we’re asking for.” Questions were raised about the logic of divesting from fossil fuel companies, when some are heavily involved in renewable energy. Active investors and pension fund members also play a role urging these fossil fuel companies to increase their spending on renewables. Cllr Winston Duguid, chair of the WECA overview and scrutiny committee, said: “Some of the large fossil fuel companies are some of the biggest and heaviest investors in energy at the moment, so when do you make the decision that they’ve crossed the rubicon? “Orsted is the best example in Europe where 12 years ago it was mainly getting its income from fossil fuels and today it’s the largest offshore wind company in the North Sea. “There are certain people far cleverer than myself or others in the room perhaps, who are looking at this day by day, active investors making sure that the likes of BP really are committed to net zero, even though it may be on a platform up to 2050.” Before he left the room, Cllr Guy said: “Only 0.07% of the
investment fund is with the five top oil and gas companies and overall only 1.4% of the total investment fund is with fossil fuel companies, which accumulates to £86.6 million. “Compared to £1.4 billion investment in sustainable companies that are aligned with the Paris climate emergency. “So the investment fund, through pressure from its members, is already pushing along these lines, and is a particularly green investment fund.” More than 111,000 members are part of the Avon pension fund, which includes more than 400 employers like councils, universities, housing associations and charities. The fund is run by a committee made up of local councillors, employers and other representatives. Some other local government pension funds elsewhere in the UK have pledged to divest from fossil fuels, albeit gradually. Despite his failed motion, Mr Norris said he was still “determined”. Speaking after the meeting, Mr Norris said: “Reaching our West of England net zero 2030 target won’t be easy — in fact, it’s going to be hugely tough, really hard and very difficult. “We will only succeed, as we must, if everyone pulls their weight from individuals to the biggest businesses and organisations, and that must include local pension funds too. Other local government pension
West of England Metro Mayor Dan Norris
funds have divested so we can, and must, too. “The Lib Dem and Tory leaders decided to declare an interest so the motion couldn’t be voted on. “Other council leaders in the UK have stood up to be counted, and not chickened out on the environment. “The people of the West of
England are ahead of politicians when it comes to the climate and ecological emergencies, so if other councils’ pension funds can have a 2030 target — so can we. “I remain determined to make progress on this and won’t stop until the Avon pension fund divests.”
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Pictures from the Past: Identifying the unidentified
Who are these women? WHEN Dr Swift wrote All Roads Lead to France – Bath and the Great War, it was one of the first books to tell the story of life on the home front. While writing it, he acquired a large number of photographs of people in many occupations. Most were men, but this postcard shows a group of munitions workers, a job taken up by many women. Kingswood
School, desperate to keep one of their male teachers, said, when applying for him to be exempt from military service, that even skilled and educated women were going into munitions work. The pay was good and promises were made of opportunities for promotion. But who are these women in our photograph? We know that Griffin Engineering
in Oldfield Park had female staff working on shells, but we have a photograph of their factory workers, and these do not appear to be among them. The most likely employer seems to be Stothert and Pitt. They were early on the scene in employing women, and the company management were happy to praise the work women were doing. One alderman reported that he had seen, at one munitions factory in Bath, every lathe ‘manned’ by a woman, each working a twelve hour shift, from
6 am to 6 pm. Another reason why Stothert and Pitt is likely is because the photographers’ studio was at 1 Seymour Street, not far from Newark Works. These premises, once the home of the photographic company Lewis Brothers, were, by 1916, the studio of the Misses Chivers and Joll, who were praised for their artistic work. They aimed ‘to give only the best and to charge as reasonably as is consistent with good work.’ So here we have a
group of women photographed by women. Perhaps that is why they look relaxed and happy. Do any Bath Echo readers recognise a relation – a grandmother or great aunt, perhaps – in this picture? And what happened to Chivers and Joll, who went on to create some very striking portraits but whose names last appear in the Bath Chronicle in 1923? If you think you have more information about this postcard, we at Akeman Press would love to hear from you.
COLUMN | Mark Shelford, Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner
T
HESE past months have been particularly busy as I have been working on a vast variety of initiatives and campaigns. My recent focuses have included issues from fraud prevention and cyber resilience to dog theft. I have also had the pleasure of visiting charities across Avon and Somerset such as YMCA Clevedon and Reclaim, which continue to support our local communities. Over these next few months, I am looking forward to continuing my work and meeting with more local community groups, MPs and councillors. You might remember that a few months ago, Avon and Somerset
Police worked with other police forces on a regional crackdown on drugs to make the south west a hostile environment for drugs. By combining resources with our respective police forces, Offices of Police and Crime Commissioners, the British Transport Police, South West Regional Organised Crime Unit and the charity Crimestoppers, we continue to make a great impact. In March, the same operation had brilliant results including 194 drug related arrests and over £404,000 of suspected drugs and a vast array of weapons being seized. We also carried out 320 welfare and vulnerability check, which is just as essential to en-
sure vulnerable people are being supported and safeguarding is in place. This month’s operation will focus on the impact of drugs within local communities and pinpoint the intelligence police need from the public to help disrupt the South West drugs market. I look forward to sharing the results of this operation in the coming weeks. Alongside seizing illegal drugs and weapons, work will include collaborating with partner agencies to provide help and support to those involved in or vulnerable to drug use. Avon and Somerset Police will also be engaging with young peo-
ple and communities to provide education around drug harm. Whilst on the topic of crime prevention, I would like to highlight the fantastic funding schemes in place for community groups and charities to help prevent the spread and impact of crime in their local areas. We recently launched The Commissioner’s Crime Prevention Fund to help prevent community crime. In partnership with the Somerset Community Foundation and Quarter Community Foundation, there is a fantastic total of £200,000 available that will support local projects and
activities. Interested groups can apply for a grant of up to £5,000 before Friday 30th September. Further details are on my website. Another brilliant community fund is the Police Trust General Fund. Applicants can apply for a grant of up to £1,000 to invest in initiatives such as educating young people on the dangers of drugs and diverting them away from crime. I would like to encourage interested community groups to head over my website – avonandsomerset-pcc.gov.uk - to find out more about these funds and what can be done to make a difference.
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Your City, Your News | Bath Echo
Community Poor insulation costing households Locals invited to join latest Firefly Appeal hundreds of pounds each year ALMOST 8,000 ‘fuel poor’ households across Bath and North East Somerset are forking out an extra £250 per year on fuel bills due to leaky homes, according to new research. West of England Metro Mayor Dan Norris is calling for an urgent “retrofit ramp up” to improve insulation in homes, with heat being wasted through walls, windows and roofs. £250 a year’s worth of costly heat is lost through poorly insulated housing on average, according to research from the Local Government Association (LGA). However, properly insulating these homes could save up to £1.1 million a year in energy bills in Bath and North East Somerset. The LGA also said it would reduce NHS costs by £1.1 million annually, as cold and damp homes contribute to illness, and cut a vital 1,300 tons of carbon dioxide a year from the area to tackle the climate emergency. Mr Norris said the findings show the need to redouble efforts to insulate homes. As part of the Metro Mayor’s flagship Green Recovery fund, the West of England Combined
Insulating your home can help save hundreds of pounds every year
Authority is investing over £3 million to begin retrofitting over 250,000 homes in need of energy improvements across the region. Dan Norris said: “I’ve never understood why the Government with all the powers and resources at their fingertips have failed to do something as simple as organise a basic loft lagging scheme. “But the failure of the Government on insulating homes means the West of England Combined Authority I lead has had to step
up to the plate. “The Climate Change Committee warned in a scathing report last week that ministers were missing the mark on insulation. “From Georgian Bath townhouses, to Bristolian Victorian terraces to beautiful lias stone cottages and more, there are huge numbers of homes that need investment now to ease the cost-of-living crisis and ensure we meet our ambitious net zero targets.”
LOCAL charity Dorothy House has launched its latest appeal, inviting residents to celebrate the life of somebody special by getting involved with a special light display. People can dedicate their own light on a firefly as part of an installation by local artist Bruce Munro, nestled in the grounds of the hospice. Each light on a firefly represents a loved one, and together creates a place of wellbeing and serenity. Last year saw the first firefly event being held, which was hailed a huge success. This year, the charity is seeking as many people as possible to dedicate their own light on a firefly, and then to join them for the opening celebrations during the early evenings of 22nd and 24th September. People are invited to arrive at Dorothy House’s hospice grounds at 7pm, where they will be greeted by staff. Two short speeches will then be given by members of the Dorothy House team, and the evening will be accompanied by a harpist. When you dedicate a light, the charity will send out a map, to
help you find your light. The gatherings of local people, all of whom have shared the experience of a loved one dying, are offered free of charge. Those wanting to get involved are being asked to make a contribution to the ongoing maintenance of the display, and make a donation towards the cost of Dorothy House Hospice Care if they can. In giving a gift, you’ll be dedicating your own special light on the firefly display for one year, at which point the Dorothy House team will contact you to ask if you would like to renew for a further year. To get involved and dedicate a light, visit the Dorothy House website.
New Methodist Church MP reiterates support for campaign for Bath to hold first to help people die with dignity services this September A NEW Methodist Church for Bath is set to hold its first services in September, following the combination of four congregations in the city. The Beechen Cliff, Horizon, Nexus and Weston congregations will be coming together to create the new “Bath Methodist Church”, though all the existing church sites will be retained. From 4th September onwards, 10.30am Sunday morning services will take place each week at the Walcot Methodist Chapel opposite Walcot Parade and at the Southdown Methodist Church Centre on the Hollow, with a combined service every fourth Sunday alternating between the two sites. Revd Simon Topping, Superintendent of the North East Bath and Somerset Methodist Circuit, said: “This is an opportunity to strengthen our Sunday worship, to pool our resources more effectively and to come together around a common mission and purpose. “In that mission, as Christians in the Methodist tradition, our focus is on calling people to a life of faith as followers of Jesus
and on working for social justice and peace in order that the world might reflect God’s love.” All four of the current church sites will continue to offer space and facilities for the wide range of community groups currently using the buildings. The Beechen Cliff site will continue to hold services for the Korean Methodist Church and it is hoped that the Weston site will be used for Sunday afternoon services at various times during the year. There will also be a Zoom service at 9am on the second Sunday of each month. Bath Methodist Church will operate with a team ministry. There will be three Methodist ministers; Revd Jan Tate, Revd Simon Topping and Deacon Annie Trembling. The ministers will be working with two lay workers, including a Student Chaplain and one church administrator. The church will also work in partnership with the Methodist chaplain at the RUH, the two chaplains at the Methodist Homes in Bath, Walcot Court and Stratton House, and the Methodist chaplain at Kingswood School.
BATH’S Liberal Democrat MP Wera Hobhouse has reiterated her support for assisted suicide during a debate in Parliament on changing the existing laws. Locally, a campaign on assisted dying has been spearheaded by a retired Bath nurse, Pauline Carroll. Ms Carroll runs the Bath and Bristol Dignity in Dying campaign group and worked as a district nurse for eight years where she witnessed the suffering and pain of many terminally ill people. The debate stemmed from a petition which calls on the Government to “legalise assisted dying for terminally ill, mentally competent adults”. With the petition securing over 150,000 signatures, MPs from across the House supported the campaign group’s calls to change the law. The Government has reiterated its position that “any change to the law in this area is a matter for Parliament and an issue of conscience for individual parliamentarians rather than one for Government policy.” A YouGov poll last year found that 90% of people surveyed supported assisted suicide in certain cases. Assisted dying is currently
banned in England and Wales under the 1961 Suicide Act, which carries a maximum jail term of 14 years. Speaking after the debate, Wera Hobhouse MP said: “I have listened to many deeply moving accounts of dying people forced to endure unnecessary suffering at the end of their lives. “I firmly believe that terminally ill people deserve the option to die with dignity in this country. “Since I was first elected to Parliament in 2017 I have spoken with a number of people about this extremely complex issue. “Having given it much consideration, I believe that it is right that terminally ill people can die with dignity and by choice in the UK. “I support Dignity in Dying’s campaign and believe that Parliament must address the blanket ban on assisted dying as a matter of urgency. “Dignity and Dying’s commitment and passion for the cause is commendable and I am in awe of their persistence and dedication.”
Wera Hobhouse MP and Pauline Carroll
Pauline Carroll said: “Merely holding the debate is a sign of progress and I am grateful to Wera for her contribution. “However, it was frustrating that too many poorly informed contributors believe that this is all about costs and that we would have the ability to enable pain-free, respectful deaths if more money were allocated to palliative care. “These myths stand in the way of the compassionate desire to ease the departure of those who are not suicidal, but who are terminally ill and therefore forced to suffer a most unpleasant and protracted death.”
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www.bathecho.co.uk
Tuesday 12th July - Monday 25th July 2022
Health Sulis Hospital marks first anniversary of RUH partnership THE Sulis Hospital, located in Peasedown St John near Bath, has marked its first anniversary after being acquired by the Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust. The hospital is the UK’s first private hospital where 100% of the shares are owned by an NHS Trust. Sulis Hospital, formerly known as CircleBath before the acquisition, continues to offer the same high standards of care for both private and NHS patients. The Sulis Hospital embraces and uses nature in its built environment to enhance wellbeing and improve recovery times for patients. Originally designed by Foster and Partners, the hospital’s flexible design has allowed the building to adapt to the changing needs of Covid-19 safe pathways and deliver a holistic approach to healthcare. The hospital’s private patient care model benefits all by allowing any additional income, earned through private care, to be reinvested in services for all patients at the NHS Trust’s two hospitals, Sulis and the RUH. Last year’s acquisition has extended the hospital’s services, increasing capacity for both NHS and private patients, which has helped to address growing
waiting lists. Simon Milner, Hospital Director Sulis Hospital said: “This is a new way of thinking in healthcare, benefiting all. Collaboration with the RUH NHS Trust has excellent benefits. “The true value of our ability to preserve and contribute towards the NHS while at the same time offering the same high level of private patient care is being realised. We benefit in terms of governance and best practice while at the same time creating extra capacity to treat NHS patients. “Our vision is to drive innovation in healthcare, transforming how patients are diagnosed, treated, and rehabilitated. Nationally acclaimed consultant surgeons choose to see and treat patients at Sulis Hospital because we’re different, attracting patients from around the UK. “Sulis Hospital offers over 350 treatments across 40 different specialities from cardiology to orthopaedic and ophthalmology to general surgery. “A combination of new surgical techniques, including robotic hip and knee surgery, and advances in anaesthesia has led to a shift to same-day surgery for common procedures facilitating a faster
The Sulis Hospital near Bath | Inset: Celebrating with a cake | Photo © Suzy Slemen
recovery for our patients.” Cara CharlesBarks, Chief Executive Royal United Hospital said: “The RUH and Sulis have a long-established positive relationship highlighted in 2020 when Sulis Hospital provided a COVID secure environment for RUH elective and cancer patients.
“The collaborative approach has helped cut NHS waiting times not just at the RUH but across Bath, Swindon and Wiltshire with over 1,000 NHS patients waiting for over 2 years, being seen and treated at Sulis over the past 12 months, taking them off the waiting list.” Tessa Cox, a private patient at Sulis Hospital said: “I chose to be seen and treated at Sulis Hospital privately as I didn’t want to wait,
however I was also aware that by opting to go private I was making space on the NHS waiting list for someone else. “What I hadn’t realised but am delighted to understand is that as Sulis is owned by the RUH therefore any profits go back into the local health economy supporting both hospitals. “It means I was contributing to the NHS not taking from it. This really is unique.”
Gift list website launched to provide Drill guidance system supplies to Ukrainian hospitals being introduced A HOSPITAL in Bath is encouraging residents to help them support people in Ukraine thanks to the launch of a new gift list style website to provide urgent medical supplies. People can purchase various medical items on the website, after which the goods will be packaged, dispatched and delivered by Circle Health Group, the Bath Clinic’s owner, working with their logistics partners at their Enfield warehouse. Items include vital equipment for treating sick and wounded patients, such as ventilators, crutches, walking frames, respiratory masks, scrubs, bandages and wound kits. Bath Clinic and Circle Health Group, the UK’s largest independent hospital group, began delivering urgent medical goods to a group of Ukrainian hospitals shortly after the war broke out in collaboration with the Ukrainian doctors’ union and the British Red Cross, and has already delivered around 200 tonnes directly to the doors of five hospitals in the North, South, East and West Ukraine. Upon receipt of the urgent
supplies, the hospitals distribute a portion to local community hospitals in a hub and spoke model. The gift list website was launched in response to requests from patients and members of the public across Circle’s network of hospitals for a mechanism by which individuals could help to support the Bath Clinic’s and Circle’s mission in Ukraine. A team of volunteer hauliers from the UK, Poland and Ukraine have made the journey on a weekly basis since 15th March to deliver urgent supplies, navigating their way through war-torn regions and areas of conflict to reach the hospitals in Kyiv, Kharkiv, Mykolaiv, Odessa and Lviv. Donations to the hospital gift list from UK supporters will enable these deliveries to continue as long as they are required, providing a vital lifeline to Ukrainian clinicians caring for the sick and injured in desperate circumstances. One hospital Medical Director said: “I would like to thank everyone at Bath Clinic and Circle Health Group for the invaluable support you have provided.
“We are sure that all the medical aid will help in the treatment of our patients during this terrible period. “The support of people from Great Britain is now very valuable for Ukrainians. We will always remember this.” Approximately £2 million worth of medical supplies and funds have been donated by Circle Health Group hospitals, staff and suppliers so far. Paolo Pieri, CEO of Circle Health Group, said: “War can fade from the headlines quickly, but the reality for doctors and nurses and their patients in hospitals across Ukraine remains desperate. “Urgent supplies are running short and months of war is taking a heavy toll on morale. “As a fellow European hospital operator, we feel a moral obligation to help. “We know the British public have taken the plight of Ukraine to heart, and we are appealing to them to help us make sure these hospitals have the kit and supplies they need.” To donate, visit: https://www.jumblebee.co.uk/ healthsupportforukraine.
A STUDY is underway at the RUH to test a ground-breaking new drill guidance system, which aims to improve the accuracy of drilling screw holes into bones during surgery. It is hoped that the new system, which has been developed in collaboration with the University of Bath, will help surgeons to be even more accurate when drilling the holes and reduce the time patients spend in the operating theatre. Normally the surgeon will hold the drill and make the hole in the bones for the screws using just their eyesight, for procedures such as fixing a break in a bone. In the trial, the surgeon will use all the same techniques but will have the addition of a camera on the drill and an indicator which will help them guide the drill in the correct direction as it passes through the bone. The research team is collecting information on whether the new device reduces patient time in the operating theatre as it helps the surgeon to be more accurate, whether there
are any complications after the operation and how successful the procedure was. The research at the RUH is being led by Professor Grey Giddins, a Consultant Orthopaedic and Hand surgeon, with support from Dr Ioannis Georgilas, of the University of Bath’s Department of Mechanical Engineering. Prof Giddins, who was recently made a Royal College of Surgeons of England Hunterian Professor for 2022 in recognition of his contribution to research in biomechanics of injuries in the wrist and hand, said: “It has been a privilege to work with the University of Bath and the research teams at the RUH in taking forward this research to help improve patient care. “We are about to start the clinical trial which we hope will establish the value of this new device. “This is a really exciting trial which we’re hopeful will have a really positive impact on our patients, potentially reducing the amount of time they spend in surgery.”
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Education University of Bath to offer guaranteed places for care leavers THE University of Bath has announced it will begin to guarantee a conditional offer of a place to students leaving care, one of the first universities in England to offer this support. The University of Bath has long supported students who have experienced being in care before entering the university. Its dedicated team in Student Services has provided a stable and supportive focus for support, advice, and signposting. Additional funds are also provided by the supplementary bursary for students leaving care. For students applying to start studying in 2023, subject to terms and criteria, the University of Bath will guarantee a conditional offer, typically at one grade below the standard offer if they complete one of the university’s outreach programmes: Pathway to Bath, Discover Bath, Target Bath or Access to Bath. In addition to the ongoing support for all care-experienced students, and now the guaranteed offer for care-leavers, the university has worked closely with current students to develop
a set of resources sharing their own experiences of studying at Bath. The Student Experience webpages provide an insight into life at the university and tell the stories of some current and former students. The university has launched an e-mentoring scheme where students who have spent time in care can talk to a current undergraduate student who has been through a similar experience before going to study. Amber, a final year Sociology student, said: “It can be so confusing thinking about university as a care leaver – there’s so much to think about, and it’s not always the easiest to find the information you’re looking for. “I was so excited, but a bit daunted to move to Bath, and the Student Services team has been alongside me the whole way, giving me time that’s just about me, and a point of contact to pick up the phone at anytime, as well as loads of practical help.” Dr Andrew Ross, Head of Widening Access and Participation said: “We are really pleased to have a joined-up offer
Care leavers will be offered a guaranteed place to study at the university | Photo © University of Bath
of support and engagement for students with experience of care. “We know that some students have a challenging journey to
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get to university, and we want to recognise that and celebrate their successes. This offer from outreach to application support,
to guaranteed offer and then ongoing support during their studies is a fantastic achievement, and one I am very proud of.”
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Tuesday 12th July - Monday 25th July 2022
Business Village pub reopens following £165,000 refurbishment THE Old Crown pub on Crown Hill Road in Weston village has reopened following a £165,000 makeover by pub owner Greene King Pub Partners and new publicans Daniel and Simona Matica. Husband and wife team Daniel and Simona, who have worked in the pub trade for nearly 30 years, also run The Claremont on Claremont Road in Bath. The £165,000 investment has been used to completely revamp the pub both inside and out, including new bathroom facilities, lighting and accommodation. The reopening of the pub has also created 10 new local jobs. As part of the revamp of the pub, a new kitchen is being installed. Once finished, Daniel and Simona plan to serve pizzas and other hot food at the pub. Commenting on their new pub, Daniel and Simona said: “We cannot wait to welcome people into our new pub, The Old Crown
on Crown Hill road! “The pub has been completely revamped inside and out, making it much more modern and luxurious. “We love running our other pub in Bath, so when the opportunity came up to also run The Old Crown we knew we just had to go for it!” Simeon Baker, Business Development Manager at Greene King Pub Partners, added: “Daniel and Simona have thirty years experience of running pubs and already run another local pub in Bath. “They know what the people of Bath want from a pub and I have no doubt The Old Crown will soon become a community favourite under their leadership!”
Chance to find out SouthGate announces new charity more about cyber fraud partners for Giving Box scheme
PCC Mark Shelford
SMALL businesses and charities in Bath are being encouraged to join a webinar later this month to learn how to become more resilient to cyber fraud. The South West Cyber Resilience Centre Cyber Webinar, taking place at 8.30am – 9.30am on 19th July, is being organised by the South West Cyber Resilience Centre, a police and private sector collaboration run on behalf of regional forces. With support from the South West Business Council and Business West, the webinar will provide a unique insight into how cyber criminals use data and how they operate to target businesses. The webinar will include two keynote presentations from industry experts on how public data can be used against a business and information on the current research into cyber threat. Attendees will also be encouraged to sign-up to the SWCRC’s free
offer of guidance and support including information on basic security and how to implement it plus a monthly update on the latest threats to avoid. The centre can also provide inexpensive services including website and systems testing using a network of ethical hackers. PCC Mark Shelford said: “I encourage as many small local businesses and charities to take part in this webinar to learn invaluable information about cyber criminals and how to protect yourselves. “Scammers are ruthless and do not only target individuals but the business community as well. “Prevention is key and this can only be achieved by educating one another to become more cyber resilient. “We need to ensure we make the business community a hostile environment for fraudsters who want to target businesses and destroy livelihoods.”
THE SouthGate Bath shopping centre has announced Trauma Breakthrough, Julian House, Oasis Hub and Bath Cats and Dogs Home as the latest charity partners to be supported by its Giving Box. The Giving Box, which is located on SouthGate Place, was launched in December 2020 and is designed to help the Bath community easily give to local charities by using contactless payment to donate £3. Trauma Breakthrough helps adult survivors of trauma and abuse by providing specialist therapy and support, wellbeing services and mental health courses for the public. Julian House focuses on supporting vulnerable and atrisk individuals by providing specialised support services, accommodation and training programmes to those affected by homelessness, domestic abuse, addiction, long-term unemployment and mental health issues. Through its community hub, Oasis Bath delivers and hosts a range of projects in the city including addiction support groups, a mental health crisis service that runs every night of the year, two weekly food pantries and an affordable counselling service. Bath Cats and Dogs Home’s mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome vulnerable cats and dogs living in Bath, Wiltshire and Somerset. The Home rescues over 800 cats and dogs every year,
The new charity partners for the SouthGate Giving Box
offering them care, safety and a secure place to live while they wait for their forever homes. Last year, SouthGate Bath and its visitors raised almost £10,000 for local charities Age UK Bath & North East Somerset, Genesis Trust, Bath and North East Somerset Carers’ Centre and Dorothy House through its Giving Box. Guy Henderson, centre director at SouthGate Bath, said: “The past couple of years have been incredibly difficult for many charities, and we’re really pleased to be supporting four new charities – Trauma Breakthrough, Julian House, Oasis Hub and Bath Cats and Dogs Home – through our Giving Box. “Our visitors are always very
generous, and we’d like to say a huge thank you for their continued support. “Their donations will be vital in ensuring the charities can continue their brilliant work, helping those in our local communities who need it most.” As part of SouthGate Bath’s ongoing community work, the design for this year’s annual summer installation, which is butterfly-themed, was chosen in support of Trauma Breakthrough. Butterflies are a symbol of freedom, recovery and growth, and parts of the installation have been fitted with QR codes where visitors can make a small donation to the charity to help support the work it does in the local community.
Issue 030
Politics
Public Notices Section 17 Licensing Act 2003
Portrait of former Bath MP unveiled A PORTRAIT has been unveiled at the Guildhall to commemorate Lord Don Foster for his long service to the city of Bath. Baron Foster of Bath was the longest-serving Bath MP in the modern era, elected to represent Bath five times at Westminster for 23 years from 1992 to 2015. The painted portrait is by local artist Harriet Dahan-Bouchard. Having been to school in Bath, Harriet was classically trained in Florence in Italy and is now back in the city specialising in portraiture. The portrait in the Guildhall is a copy of one commissioned by friends and presented to Lord Foster and his late wife, Tor, on the occasion of his retirement. It was unveiled by Baron Foster and the chair of Bath & North East Somerset Council, Councillor Shaun Stephenson McGall, at a ceremony attended by Harriet Dahan-Bouchard and other civic dignitaries. Council leader, Councillor Kevin Guy, said: “Lord Foster is, and always has been, a great advocate for Bath. He was a hands-on constituency MP during his years in Parliament and this is a fitting
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Your City, Your News | Bath Echo
Licensing Act 2003 Notice of Application for grant of a new Premises Licence NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT Seasoned Restaurants Limited has applied to Bath & North East Somerset Council on 6th July 2022 for grant of a licence to use the premises, Gainsborough Hotel (Bath), Beau Street, Bath, BA1 1QY, for the provision of live music (everyday from 10:00am to 02:00am), recorded music (everyday from 10:00am to 02:00am), performance of dance and entertainment (everyday from 10:00am to 02:00am), late night refreshment (everyday from 23:00pm to 05:00am) and the supply of retail alcohol for consumption on the premises (everyday from 10:00am to 02:00am). Notification of the application made to the Licensing Authority is available on a register at www.bathnes.gov.uk/licensing-register Representations should be made in writing to:
Cllr Guy, Lord Don Foster, Harriet Dahan-Bouchard & Cllr Stephenson McGall
tribute to all those years of public service.” Councillor Shaun Stephenson McGall, chair of Bath & North East Somerset, said: “I was delighted to join Baron Foster to unveil the portrait which honours his long public service to the city of Bath and which now hangs in the Guildhall near the South door.” During his years in parliament, Don Foster held a number of roles, particularly in the areas of education and culture. In 2012, after serving on the board that delivered the Olympics,
he became a Minister in the Department for Communities and Local Government. Don Foster stood down as MP for Bath ahead of the 2015 General Election and was made a Liberal Democrat Life Peer later that year. He is an active working peer. He chaired the Rural Economy Committee and is currently a member of the Communications & Digital Committee. Harriet Dahan-Bouchard has been working on a portfolio of clients while an Artist in Residence at the Victoria Art Gallery.
Bath & North East Somerset Council Licensing Services Lewis House Manvers Street Bath BA1 1JG or Via email to licensing@bathnes.gov.uk By 4th August 2022 Representations made will be disclosed in an open meeting should a hearing be necessary. It is an offence to knowingly or recklessly 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: 6 July 2022
Region's collapsed housing plan deemed a “lost opportunity” Alex Seabrook
Local Democracy Reporter
A COLLAPSED housing plan for the West of England is a “lost opportunity to shape the region’s future”, according to the metro mayor. Last month, talks collapsed over a masterplan for where tens of thousands of new houses should be built across Bristol, South Gloucestershire, Bath and North East Somerset. The spatial development strategy (SDS) would have held huge sway over new developments. But council leaders in the region and the West of England metro mayor Dan Norris failed to agree how many homes should be built in each council area. Mr Norris said the three councils would now instead revert back to using “parochial” local plans for future housing. Speaking at a scrutiny committee at the West of England combined authority on 27th June, he said: “I think we have lost a great opportunity. We shouldn’t be looking at it on a parochial basis of each council level, we should be shaping our region. “If we can’t get something as fundamental as an agreement on numbers, there’s nothing to discuss. That’s a key and central part of it. We’ve missed the government deadline.”
This is the second attempt at drawing up a regional housing masterplan. The aim is to balance how many new homes are built across the region, taking into account the many commuters who live in one council area and work in another. The first attempt, called a joint spatial plan, collapsed after inspectors rejected it as not “robust, consistent or objective”. This time the failure centred on how many homes should be built in South Gloucestershire. Mr Norris said: “[The joint spatial plan] was bad for us because it looked like we couldn’t handle it, we were disjointed, and I’m anxious not to give a message like that again. We’re really close to an agreement this time, but one party, South Gloucestershire, didn’t agree on a number. “My office has provided the evidence and came up with a figure that I can justify. I can show a paper trail, I can show all of the proceedings. “The fact that one of our councils doesn’t agree with that is not something I can do anything about. So we’re kind of stuck. We need to have the numbers, because unless you can agree on the numbers then there’s no other work to follow on.” South Gloucestershire Council leader Toby Savage previously criticised the masterplan, which would have seen 37,000 new
The plan would have coordinated where thousands of homes across the region would be built
homes built in the council area. He said he had not seen the evidence from the combined authority that these figures were needed, nor workable. Without an agreed spatial development strategy, each of the three councils would revert back to using local plans to decide where major housing
developments should be built over the next few years. Local plans identify how many new homes should be built, and where major new development should take place—but only within specific council boundaries. The metro mayor added: “That’s what happens across the rest of
the country anyway. We have this unusual situation where our combined authority is responsible for an SDS, but I think we’re the only combined authority which is. All the other combined authorities are local plan based. So we’re not disadvantaged particularly by the SDS not proceeding.”
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Tuesday 12th July - Monday 25th July 2022
www.bathecho.co.uk
In Other News.... First residents welcomed to new homes at Sulis Down site THE first residents have been welcomed at the new Sulis Down housing development in Bath, a flagship scheme for mixed-tenure developer Countryside. Located on the southern edge of Bath, Sulis Down is a 171-home development. Countryside opened its first show home and marketing suite at the site in May and to date has already sold over 20 properties. Simon and Rachel are amongst the first official residents to move into the new housing. The newly-married couple had been living and working in London for several years, but when Rachel was offered a new job opportunity in the Bath area, they both jumped at the chance to make the move out of the capital. Sulis Down features a collection of two-bedroom apartments and two, three, four and five-bedroom houses. Simon commented: “We are ab-
solutely delighted with our new home. We love how spacious and practical all the rooms are and plan to use the spare two bedrooms as a home office and a guest bedroom. “The second bathroom is perfect for when family and friends come to visit us for long weekends in Bath.” He added: “The unique design and modern country style of the homes at Sulis Down was another major selling point for us. Made with natural Bath stone, the homes look beautiful and stand out against other new builds on the market.” Darren Dancey, Managing Director, South West, Countryside commented: “We are pleased to welcome our first residents to Sulis Down and wish them the very best as they move into their new homes. “Sulis Down is our first scheme in the South West region and we are very proud to be bring-
A CGI image of how the new Sulis Down development will look | Image © Countryside
ing much-needed high-quality homes to a stunning location on the edge of the historic city of Bath.
“We look forward to seeing the development grow into a thriving community over the coming months.
“Ideal for anyone looking for a well-located new home, Sulis Down is proving to be incredibly popular with buyers.”
The Architect pub opens in former Garfunkel's restaurant site
Organisation to plan out health services
A PUB, named The Architect, has opened in Bath following an extensive refurbishment of the former Garfunkel’s restaurant site by Brunning and Price. The Architect is the latest member of the Brunning and Price collection of pubs and sits within the ground floor of the old Empire Hotel in Orange Grove. The refurbishment has seen the ceiling and plasterwork restored, alongside a new décor adorned with local interest paintings and photography. At the back of the highceilinged main dining room, a private dining area that seats 14 guests has been created. The pub’s manager, Hannah Liquorish, said she has been delighted to introduce her new pub to the community. She commented: “A lot of our customers this week have known the building for many years, it’s a bit of a land mark in the city. “I have been thrilled to hear that they think it’s looking the best it’s ever looked, receiving welcome comments about how light, airy and roomy it now looks and how the decorations now fit in with the beautiful building. “The terrace is proving to be the most popular spot at the moment, customers are loving people watching and the view. “It was lovely to experience our first ‘Friday night afterwork session’ when the lounge area really came to life with people chatting and laughing, making themselves comfortable as they
A NEW organisation has been established with the responsibility of providing £1.5 billion of health services to the people of Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire. The Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board came into being at one minute past midnight on Friday 1st July, following a successful transition from the region’s former clinical commissioning group. The Integrated Care Board is one of 42 others that have been established across England as part of national plans to improve integration between health and care organisations serving the same geography. Following Parliamentary approval, and the subsequent Royal Assent, of the new Health and Care Act 2022, which outlines the need for more effective collaboration and better joined-up working, CCGs have been dissolved to make way for integrated care boards that will bring more cohesion to local health and care systems. Sue Harriman, Chief Executive, Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board, said: “This is day one of a brand new organisation, and it is incredibly exciting to look ahead, and to think of all that can be achieved through genuine integration and real collaboration. “However, while we have big plans, many of which build on strengthening the ties partners forged during the pandemic, to-
The Architect, in the ground floor of the former Empire Hotel Photos © Richard Heald Photography
wound down. There have been a lovely mixture of tourists stumbling upon us, locals getting to know us and lots of families were in at the weekend for roast dinners and a steady flow of cute doggies to keep us happy! “We have had very pleasant comments about the range of local ales, Bath Ales Gem selling really well at the moment and great to see our local Honey’s Midford cider flying out which is made just down the road. “On our opening food menu, the Slow Braised Ox Cheek with Truffle Mash, King Oyster Mushroom, Shallot and Cavolo Nero has been a big win and the Warm buttermilk pancakes with berries, maple syrup and clotted cream has been really popular on our Break-
fast Menu which is served from 9am till 11.30am everyday. “We also offer a children’s menu and a gluten free menu which has been a great surprise to lots of people and of course we have a great range of roasts on Sundays which are served right through to the evening. “Once the dust has settled a little I’m keen to put on local events to keep the Bathonians entertained. I’m thinking Wine Tasting evenings, Whisky and Cheese tasting events. “We are also planning on introducing Afternoon Teas very soon and we thought organising a pub walk around the Bath skyline would be a lovely way to get to know people, so that’s on the cards too!”
day marks only the start of a long journey to truly change how we deliver health and care to local people.” Stephanie Elsy, Chair, Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board, said: “For too long, residents have spoken of a health and care system that feels overly complicated and, at times, confusing, but we now aim to change that by bringing all our various health and care partners together around a single table. “The integrated care board will make it easier for the NHS, local government and voluntary sector to work as one, which in turn should create a more seamless journey of care for patients, especially those who receive help from multiple partners, such as older people who may be visited at home, but still need to attend appointments in hospital or with their GP.” This newspaper is produced using paper from sustainably-managed forests.
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