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Tuesday 24th October - Monday 6th November 2023

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Issue No. 063

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TEEN GUILTY OF MURDER

Over 200 traders preparing for popular Christmas Market P2

Council reveals plan to “reshape” district's care services P5

18-year-old Ben Moncrieff stabbed in city centre - P3

BATH HOSPITAL 'REQUIRES IMPROVEMENT' - P3

Over 100 years of housing history preserved and made available P10

Inside: More top stories, opinions and what's on + our £20 crossword

BATH CRAFT FAIR WESTON VILLAGE

SATURDAY 4th NOVEMBER 12pm - 4pm

GIFTS, DECORATIONS, JEWELLERY, GREETINGS CARDS AND LOTS MORE

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WESTON FREE CHURCH HIGH STREET, BATH, BA1 4DB

FREE ENTRY! www.bathcraftfair.co.uk

Over 200 traders preparing for Christmas Market

In this issue... Top Stories

Tuesday 24th October - Monday 6th November 2023

www.bathecho.co.uk

P2-5

Pictures from the Past

Crossword

What's On

Community

P10

Health

P12

Education

P13

Business

P14

Politics

P15

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BATH’S popular Christmas Market is set to feature more than 200 traders when it returns on 23rd November. Most of the stall holders are based in the South West and will be selling a range of festive gifts and food and drink during the 18-day event. Residents are invited to a preopening night on Wednesday 22nd November, from 5pm to 7pm, and can make use of their Bath & North East Somerset Council Discovery Cards to get exclusive discounts and offers from Monday to Friday. The Christmas Market will span the city centre from Abbeygate Street to Milsom Street. It will host 36 charities and community groups, who will be raising funds for their community activities using two community chalets, one of which has been sponsored by Midford Manor Care Home. There will also be a range of popup entertainment across the site, including community choirs, The Natural Theatre Company, and live bands with the entertainment sponsored by Bath on Ice. The market runs from Thursday 23rd November until Sunday 10th December. The opening hours are: • Monday to Wednesday: 10am

The event attracts thousands of people each year | Photo © Bath Christmas Market / B&NES Council

to 7pm • Thursday to Saturday: 10am to 8pm • Sundays: 10am to 6pm Organisers say sustainability measures have been important in the organisation of this year’s market. The generator has been selected for its environmentally friendly industry standard and uses no fossil fuels. Single-use plastics by stallholders are not permitted and stallholders

and visitors are encouraged to travel by train, bus and use the Park & Ride sites when possible. Councillor Paul Roper, cabinet member for Economic and Cultural Sustainable Development, said: “Bath’s Christmas Market has a place on the international stage and is a fantastic way to kick off your Christmas and New Year celebrations. “It’s a first-class event for the

community to enjoy whilst benefitting local retailers, restaurants and hotels by attracting extra footfall into the city. “Bath has an excellent Christmas offering year on year and I’m delighted that the Christmas Market is an integral part of that. “I’m very much looking forward to seeing the city centre looking festive and showcasing everything Bath has to offer.”

Week-long closure for river protection project A LANE closure is taking place on the London Road in Bath as part of a £1.3 million scheme by Wessex Water to protect the River Avon. National Grid is carrying out work on the road, next to the Lambridge rugby ground site, for five days during the half-term break. It will help provide power for the nearby project that aims to reduce the operation of storm overflows by easing the pressure on the sewerage system during storms. As the work moves across the carriageway, a lane on the other side of the road will then be closed to complete it, with the work being completed by the end of Friday 27th October. Wessex Water project manager

Work is ongoing at the Lambridge site | Photo courtesy of Wessex Water

Jonathan Barker said: “Our project is proceeding well, with the storm tank being put into place, and is on target to finish within the five-month period set out for its completion. “We also hope to hand the majority of the car park back to the rugby club during the course of November as the construction

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element of our work is completed. “The work on London Road is to have power in place to ensure the success of the project and this work has been planned to coincide with the half-term holidays. “We apologise for any inconvenience caused.” The overall five-month Lambridge

project will see a new storage tank built below ground in the car park of Bath RFC’s rugby ground, which will help prevent flooding by hosting increased flows from combined sewers, which carry both wastewater from homes and businesses and rain run-off from buildings and surfaces, during periods of heavy downpours. Overflows are designed as a relief valve to protect homes from flooding. Currently, if there is too much rainfall in the system, the overflow automatically discharges into the river. Extra storage means that once the weather recedes, the stored water can then be returned to the sewer system for its journey to a nearby water recycling centre, where it is treated before being safely returned to the environment.

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Issue 063

Your City, Your News - Bath Echo

16-year-old found guilty of murdering teenager A 16-YEAR-OLD from London has been found guilty of murder after fatally stabbing a teenager in the centre of Bath earlier this year. 18-year-old Ben Moncrieff was killed by the teenager, who was aged 15 at the time of the incident, when he was stabbed once to the chest in Southgate Street in the early hours of Saturday 6th May. Ben died from his injuries at the scene, despite the efforts of people in the area and medics to save his life. Ben’s mother Sharon Hendry paid tribute to her son and said he was loved by everyone who knew him. She said his death had caused ‘total devastation’. Ben had been with friends in Bath city centre on a night out in the hours leading up to the fatal stabbing. Having left a club, they walked towards McDonald’s in Southgate Street and encountered a group of males, including the defendant, who were in possession of balloons and suspected nitrous oxide gas canisters. That group had arrived in a car shortly beforehand. CCTV footage showed a verbal confrontation between the defendant and one of Ben’s friends. Jurors were told that Ben stepped in at that point to protect his friend, and a witness heard the defendant tell Ben to ‘come around the corner’. The defendant, who is from south London, is seen in footage taking a step back and dropping a gas canister as Ben approaches him, before pulling out the weapon and stabbing the 18-year-old to

News in Brief Donate to Community Contribution Fund People wishing to support others in the community who are struggling with the ongoing cost-ofliving crisis are being encouraged to donate to a fund to support local good causes. The Community Contribution Fund was introduced in 2021 and has raised more than £38,000 to fund 39 local projects to date. The fund is administered by Bath & North East Somerset Council, but is not used to supplement council services. Every penny contributed goes to local projects. The next round of funding for local charity, voluntary or community organisations will be opened in November. You can donate at https://bit.ly/3I6E96T

Ben stepped in to protect his friend following an altercation | Images © Avon & Somerset Police

death. He fled the scene and dumped the knife in a bin nearby, which was recovered by police officers. He was arrested a short time later and made no comment during police interviews. A murder investigation was launched, and hours of footage were trawled through by detectives. One CCTV camera showed the defendant lifting his top before the stabbing and revealing to people he had a bladed weapon tucked into his waistband. During his evidence in court, the teenager stated he had taken the knife from a boy of a similar age early in the day to protect them. However, the prosecution presented the jury with social media videos of the defendant playing with a matching knife that had been recorded earlier that same week. The teenager told the court it was a different knife that happened to look identical. The defendant, who is now 16 but

cannot be publicly named as per the law due to his age, was found guilty of murder on Tuesday 17th October by a jury at Bristol Crown Court after a six-day trial. The teenager had previously pleaded guilty to possession of a bladed article in a public place. He has been remanded for sentencing on Wednesday 6th December. Senior Investigating Officer Detective Inspector Mark Newbury said: “Our thoughts are with Ben’s loved ones who we continue to support as they grieve for a much-loved son and friend. “At 18 years old Ben had his whole life ahead of him, but it was snatched away. “The outpouring of support Ben’s family have received from his friends is a testament to how popular a young man he was. “Tragically, Ben happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. “He didn’t know the defendant and was entirely blameless. “He was bravely standing up for a friend when the defendant made a conscious decision to pull out a

knife and attack Ben knowing it would gravely injure him at the very least. “We believe the defendant sought to attempt to glorify knife crime by posing in social media videos in the days leading up to Ben’s death and also showing off he was carrying one in the minutes before he killed Ben.” DI Newbury continued: “We want to reassure people a lot of work continues to go into tackling knife crime in Bath, ranging from highvisibility patrols to educating people of the risks attached to carry a bladed weapon. “Every person who decides to carry a knife puts themselves and others at a much greater risk, as tragedies such as this make sadly all too clear. “If you know someone who may be carrying a knife, please contact the police or depending on the situation a suitable professional, such as a teacher or youth worker, so we can work with partners to tackle this devastating crime. “Preventing any other family going through what Ben’s has had to endure, and continues to endure, is a priority for us.”

Police appeal after safe stolen from property Police have launched an appeal for witnesses and information following a burglary at a property in Bath. The back door of a property on South View Road was forced open sometime between 7pm on Friday 13th October and 11am on Monday 16th October, and a safe stolen from inside. House-to-house enquiries have been carried out, while crime scene investigators have examined the property as part of their inquiry. Officers are keen to hear from anyone who saw anything suspicious in the South View Road area over the weekend, as well as anyone with dashcam, doorbell or CCTV footage which could help the investigation. If you can help, call 101 and provide the call handler with the reference 5223252593. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their Anonymous Online Form.

CQC report says Royal United Hospital ‘requires improvement' A REPORT by the Care Quality Commission has downgraded the Royal United Hospital in Bath from ‘good’ to ‘requires improvement’ after a number of safety issues were identified. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) carried out an unannounced inspection at the RUH Trust in July after receiving “information of concern” regarding the safety and quality of the medical care being provided. Inspectors looked at whether the services offered at the hospital were “safe and well led”, but did not inspect if they were caring, effective or responsive. The last comprehensive inspection of the RUH in June 2018 found it to be ‘good’ overall, and medical care was also rated as ‘good’. The Royal United Hospital site at Combe Park in Bath has 12 medical inpatient wards, hosting

381 beds. The CQC found issues regarding the design, maintenance and use of facilities at the site. Some wards lacked storage space and/ or required maintenance work. In the 22-bed Cheselden Ward, inspectors found damaged flooring and a shower room being used as a storage room for equipment, meaning it could not be used by patients. Inspectors also noted that patient fluid charts were inconsistently completed, so staff didn’t always have the most complete information to support patients. This could lead to patients being at risk of dehydration. Despite an “influx” of newly qualified nurses to the hospital, there was a shortage of health care assistants. Inspectors said that staffing levels were adjusted to meet demand, and all staff received inductions as required.

Issues were also raised including the recording of medicine in line with hospital policy, the secure storage of patient files, and further training being required to ensure processes were being met. The inspection report states that the hospital trust had enough staff to keep patients safe from avoidable harm and provide the right care and treatment. Inspectors also noted that staff understood how to protect patients from abuse, and safety incidents were well managed, with incidents and near misses being reported. The CQC praised the hospital’s programme offered for international nurses, in terms of education and pastoral care, saying it was ‘outstanding practice’. In a statement, a spokesperson for the RUH said: “We welcome the report and we are fully

CQC inspectors raised a number of concerns at the hospital | Photo © RUH

committed to making the improvements identified in their report supported by a robust action plan. “The Trust has already started work on the improvements required. “We were pleased that the report also identified many positives, inspectors praised the ‘outstanding programme’ for international nurses, our

ability to manage patient safety incidents well and the way managers and ward leaders were supported to make the wards a welcoming place to work. “Inspectors noted that our Medical Care Service ‘had enough medical staff with the right qualifications, skills, training and experience to keep patients safe from avoidable harm and to provide the right care and treatment’. “The CQC also acknowledged that we have a strong vision and strategy developed in partnership with the people we care for, the people we work with and the people in our community. “The RUH is committed to being an organisation where everyone matters and we would like to reassure patients that our staff remain fully committed to providing the very best standards of care at all times.”

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Issue 063

P5 5

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Council reveals plan to “reshape” district's care services A PUBLIC consultation is being recommended for proposals to “reshape” care for those looked after in three homes across Bath and North East Somerset. A detailed report before Councillor Alison Born, the cabinet member for Adult Services, recommends approval for a six-week consultation with residents, families, staff and the wider community on the proposals. The local authority is looking at changing the care it offers due to rising costs and a potential overspend of around £1 million. If approved by Cllr Born, the council would consult on plans which could see Cleeve Court Residential Home in Bath

becoming a centre of excellence for dementia care including nursing care. The plans would also enable younger people with complex needs to live closer to home with an enhanced offer for them at Combe Lea, in Midsomer Norton. Eleven places at the Charlton House Nursing Home in Keynsham could be moved to Cleeve Court or elsewhere. All three of the council-run homes are currently rated as “Requires Improvement” by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Charlton House Nursing Home currently has 11 out of 30 beds occupied but could offer alternative care provision, or housing options to meet the

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Despite significant investment, care services face a £1 million overspend

needs of the local community such as a ‘step-down’ ward over winter, something which has

previously been offered at St Martin’s Hospital. Proposals also include the opportunity for community groups and charitable organisations to have the use of day centre spaces at the Our Monthly Talks community resource centres at a reduced Monthly Talks are usually held on the rental rate if the first Thursday in the month (except August) organisations offer and start at 10.30 a.m.. services that are Doors open at 9.45 a.m. for coffee. accessible to the care Admission is free for members but a donation home residents and of £2 for non-members. the community. Extra Care schemes Talks take place at: and sheltered The Pavilion, North Parade Road, Bath BA2 4EU housing provision currently provided Upcoming Talks are: at Community Resource Centre sites in partnership with housing providers will 2nd November 2023 not be affected by the proposals. WHAT DIPLOMATS DO AND IS IT Alison Born, cabinet WORTH DOING? member for Adult by Francis Cornish, DMG, LVO, FRSA Services, said: “The proposals which I am being asked to 7th December 2023 approve to go out for VIEW FROM THE WINGS consultation follow by Brian Freeland, Speaker, a review of the three homes where we former Actor and Playwright provide registered care for up to 105 people. “I am acutely aware that these are people’s homes and so residents, their

families and staff must have their say on any plans we make. “Running alongside any decision is also the fact that providing care is very costly and like every council there are huge pressures on our budgets. “I shall give careful consideration to the report and the next steps for our Community Resource Centres in the best interest of the people we care for now and into the future.” All three Community Resource Centres (CRCs) came back under the control of the council three years ago. Overall, the CRC provision includes Charlton House which is registered to provide 30 nursing care beds over two separate floors, Combe Lea which provides 30 registered care beds and Cleeve Court which provides 45 registered care beds. B&NES Council says all three sites have received significant investment, including increased pay for staff and training and equipment to support care. However, rising costs including agency cost pressures could see the service face a potential £1 million overspend in the next financial year. Following a CQC inspection last October, a number of concerns were identified at Charlton House and to help address them, 15 nursing care beds were temporarily withdrawn. Progress has been made since this time and the CQC has currently rated the service as ‘requires improvement’. The report before Councillor Born says there is “ample alternative provision” of general nursing care home services for adults in the district, but there are shortfalls in complex needs services. It also says that the Charlton House building, which is relatively new and of high quality, is suitable for several accommodation uses.

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

HE new University term is well underway and I recently wrote to all student residents to extend a warm welcome to the area and explain the range of services delivered by the council. During the summer, the annual Student Moving Out campaign encouraged students to drop off their good quality, preloved items at British Heart Foundation donation points across the city. The annual Student Move In Campaign, led by the Student Community Partnership (SCP), sees officers from our waste team and the Clean & Green Project joining SCP and student volunteers, knocking on doors to give advice to students. My thanks to everyone involved.

Keeping with the “Clean and Green” theme, Bath has secured a prestigious Southwest in Bloom gold award in the small city category and has been awarded the Southwest in Bloom Tourism Trophy Cup as part of the accolade. My congratulations also to Radstock in Bloom, who won gold in the “Champion of Champions” class, as well as a rash of ‘outstanding’ awards in the It’s Your Neighbourhood section, and to Westfield in Bloom, with their first-time entry in the Ayre Cup section. My congratulations also to Keynsham for its special awards. Volunteers alongside our parks teams, town councils and the Bath BID put in such a lot of hard work to make our towns and city

bloom. As you know, one of our key priorities is securing “the right homes in the right places”. This year the first general needs homes owned directly by the council were prioritised for NHS staff working in the electoral ward of Newbridge. The seven apartments at Newbridge Hill are the start of a pipeline of nearly 200 properties which will be delivered through the council’s ‘B&NES Homes’ programme with an initial £12m provided to develop another 50 council houses for rent. Bath City Council was in fact an early adopter of powers to build council homes and Bath Record Office has now made availablethanks to funding from the Well-

come Trust- fascinating records relating to slum clearance, council housing and renovation of ‘unfit’ properties in the city between 1890 and 1995. These include plans and photographs relating to the redevelopment of the Snow Hill area and the rebuilding at Lampards Buildings and Dolemeads. Records also show the development of council housing in the city in the twentieth century, temporary housing after1945 and demolition and clearance of bomb-damaged sites. More information can be found at https://www.batharchives.co.uk/imagine-hundredyears-homes-bath-funded-wellcome-trust

You can contact the project team at Bath Record Office - email archives@bathnes.gov. uk or by calling 01225 477421. You can also book an appointment to visit and consult the collection. Finally, I must refer to the current terrible and heart-breaking events in Israel and Gaza. My first reaction, and I am sure this is shared by many residents, is to try and do what we can to help in what the British Red Cross describe as a “devastating humanitarian crisis.” They have launched an emergency appeal and I would urge people to give to it, if they can- the details can be found on the British Red Cross website.

www.bathecho.co.uk

Tuesday 24th October - Monday 6th November 2023

Pictures from the Past Bath at Work Feeding a City Kirsten Elliott Akeman Press

FOR Bath, being a busy city which attracted tourists, feeding its people and its visitors was always central to its success. Its markets had once been the main areas for buying food. But as time went on, food was sold in shops rather than markets gathered in the centre of the market place, and these shops were supplied by specialist

wholesalers. One such was JR Goddard. He also retailed fruit and vegetables in shops, including one on Pulteney Bridge, but his main business was as a fruit wholesalers in the High Street, almost opposite the Guildhall. Here he sold supplies to other shopkeepers. In particular he sold bananas – as we can see. Another wholesaler was Reginald White. In this photograph from the 1920s his staff were proudly showing off the new premises at

Above: JR Goddard's fruit wholesalers in the High Street

4 James Street West. Although the advertising board says ‘Fish, Fruit & Potato Merchant’, potatoes were what he was well known for. One advertisement in the Bath Chronicle, from the days when his headquarters were still in Brougham Hayes, proudly declared: POTATOES POTATOES!! POTATOES!!! The Finest that Money can Buy! Free from disease. White as snow and like balls of flour. Today, the Premier Inn stands on the site of his new market.

Some shops sold goods in such quantities that they could supply other establishments as well as single customers. E Broadhurst at 3 York Buildings (now the Share and Repair shop) advertised himself as ‘Fishmonger, Poulterer and Licensed Dealer in Game, Venison and Wild Fowl.’ Customers did not need to go to the shop. They were waited on daily for orders. Broadhurst also offered Welsh mutton when it was in season, which brings us to

butchers’ shops. In 1883, John Taylor, meat purveyor of 1 Charles Street, proudly posed for the photographer. Next to his portrait you can see a typical bill. This one is for Alfred Bankart of 27 Green Park. To modern eyes, this is a lot of meat to eat in one week, but it probably covered the food for his entire household, including staff. In 1881, this included Mr Bankart, his wife, five children, a cook, a housemaid and a parlour maid.

Above: Reginald White's premises at James Street West

Left: E Broadhurst in York Buildings | Above: Meat purveyor John Taylor and a typical bill from the 1880s

Issue 063

Your City, Your News - Bath Echo

Crossword

Congratulations to Mari Laver for winning £20! You can find the answers to last issue's crossword on page 16.

Complete our crossword for your chance to win £20! Across

Down

3 Very evil (7) 8 Feeling of guilt (6) 9 Norway's "Tiger City" (4) 10 Statute (3) 11 Like a shirt or guitar (8) 12 A long way off (4) 16 Save a bit (3,4) 19 Rectify sin so as to expose a former President's wife (7) 20 Outs partner (3) 21 American ornithologist and artist (7) 23 Spicy Spanish banger (7) 24 Civil aeronautics overseer (1,1,1) 25 Unsettled (2,5) 26 Governments in power (7) 30 World-beating writer who was also a WW2 fighter pilot (4) 34 Old records (8) 36 Type of raid (3) 37 Neck and neck (4) 38 Calculate (6) 39 Indignity (7)

1 Global women's empowerment organisation (1,1,1,1) 2 How some suspects are released (2,4) 3 Refuses to admit (6) 4 Financial wherewithal (5) 5 Military partnership (1,1,1,1) 6 Fizzy drink (4) 7 Napoleon escaped from here (4) 11 All over the shop (9) 13 Totalitarian type of government (7) 14 Presses on in chaos to get answers (9) 15 Pudding sounds like a way to start something (4) 17 European Jewish vernacular (7) 18 Because (5) 19 Richard's "Sound of Music" collaborator (5) 22 Defeat (4) 27 An accompanist, perhaps? (6) 28 Foolishness (6) 29 Cuban dance (5) 31 Ugandan despot (4) 32 "--- and the Swan" (Greek mythology) (4) 33 Faculty senior, in short (4) 35 Cupid (4)

Entering our competition - via email or post For your chance to win £20, submit your full name, postal address and answers by email to puzzles@bathecho.co.uk or via post to: Crossword Competition 2410, Bath Echo, PO Box 5395, Bath, BA1 0YA The winner will be the first randomly opened entry with the correct answers on 02/11/2023. The winner will be notified using the details they provide when entering the competition.

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Issue 063

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What's On

Tuesday 24th October - Monday 6th November 2023 30 Treasures Spotlight Tour

Baba Yaga

Whitney Queen of the Night

It Begins in Darkness

The Egg 24th – 26th October In this contemporary fairytale adventure inspired by the Slavic stories of Baba Yaga, a sister and a brother are forced to flee from their home only to find themselves alone in a whole new place.

The Forum 25th October, 7.30pm Direct from The West End, Whitney – Queen Of The Night is back for 2023 celebrating the music and life of one of the greatest singers of our time with a sensational cast and stunning live band.

Bath Spa University 26th October, 7.30pm In this stripped back performance, five dancers move through a series of mysterious and experimental rites of passage, channelling past, present and future tensions through their bodies.

The Museum of East Asian Art 26th October, 2.30-3pm Discover the fascinating stories behind the 30 treasures display. From a seventeenth century Tibetan Buddhist Sakyamuni Buddha to an over 250-yearold Chinese imperial exam cheat sheet.

Josienne Clarke

Freedom in the City Festival

Halloween

It’s A Hoot!

Chapel Arts Centre 27th October, 8pm Indie-folk singer, songwriter, guitarist and producer Josienne Clarke is often said to draw on traditional British folk inspirations, but is a thoroughly modern, multifaceted artist.

The Assembly Rooms 28th October, 10am-5pm A celebration of the 70th anniversary of HIM Haile Selassie I, Emperor of Ethiopia, receiving the Freedom of the City of Bath, where he lived at Fairfield House from 1936 to 1941.

Herschel Museum of Astronomy 28th October, 6-10pm Celebrate Halloween at the Herschel Museum. Hear talks on the myths and legends surrounding the Halloween sky as well as learning about the Moon itself. If clear, telescopes will be available.

Avon Valley Railway 28th & 29th October Go on a steam-hauled train ride and be entertained by Gizmo the Magic Wizard! Then, back at Bitton Station, see birds of prey from Pitcombe Rock Falconry and enjoy the autumnal trail.

Buffy Revamped

Rick Stein's Simple Suppers

Conversation with Edward Bulmer

Night Of Colours Fireworks

Theatre Royal 30th & 31st October, 7.30pm This new production brings you the entire 144 episodes of the hit 90s TV show, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, through the eyes of the person who knows it inside out… Spike.

St Swithin’s Church 31st October, 1.30pm Rick Stein joins us to talk on his new book Simple Suppers - a collection of over 100 genuinely easy and delicious recipes paired with stories that celebrate the simple things in life.

The Holburne 2nd November, 7-8pm Join Edward Bulmer, architectural historian, interior designer and founder of Edward Bulmer Natural Paint, to discuss his book, The Colourful Past, exploring the vibrant history of country houses.

Bath Racecourse 3rd November, 5-9pm Bath Racecourse is renowned for its large-scale displays and always ensures it's a night out that you and your family will never forget. The site comes alive with food and entertainment.

BeatSenders

Fireworks to Music

Songs of Farewell

Fireworks on the Rec

Widcombe Social Club 3rd November, 8pm Next in a series of multi-genre DJ nights hosted by Bath Beats Collective and powered by Biggles' Sound. DJs spinning hip-hop, house, breaks and dub on a high-quality sound system.

Avon Valley Adventure Park 3rd – 5th November, 5-9pm Get ready for another magnificent Fireworks to Music Display at Avon Valley. They are teaming up with Aardvark FX, their pyrotechnics and special effects friends.

Bath Abbey 4th November To mark this year’s remembrance season, Bath Bach Choir turns to works by composers wishing to reflect the sorrow of loss against the background of World War I, offering comfort and consolation.

Recreation Ground 4th November, 4.30pm Once again, a spectacular firework display will light up Bath this November! The Rotary Club of Bath and sponsors and supporters look forward to welcoming you all back to The Rec.

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Over 100 years of housing history preserved and made available

Derelict buildings on Avon Street in the 1950s | Image courtesy of B&NES Council

OVER 100 years’ worth of Bath’s housing history is being made available thanks to a two-year preservation project carried out by staff at Bath Record Office. The project, Building a Healthier City 2, was funded by Wellcome, which awarded Bath Record Office £172,750 to catalogue, conserve and make available the records relating to slum clearance, council housing and renovation of ‘unfit’ properties in the city between 1890 and 1995. Staff catalogued around 90 metres of records, repackaging and carrying out remedial conservation where necessary to ensure they were preserved and accessible. There are several collections in the project, including a series featuring plans and photographs relating to the redevelopment of the Snow Hill area and the rebuilding at Lampards Buildings and Dolemeads under the Housing of the Working Classes Act (1890). Another series features Bath City Council Contracts showing the development of council housing in the city in the twentieth century and records of temporary housing post-1945 and demolition and clearance of bomb-damaged sites. Some of the earliest records relate to Dolemeads and Lampards Buildings and later records cover Avon Street, Holloway and Foxhill. Other areas included are Englishcombe Lane/ Englishcombe Park (now The Oval), Rudmore Park, Southdown, Kingsmead flats,

Roundhill and Whiteway, Twerton and Moorlands and Snow Hill. The records show that Bath City Council, now Bath & North East Somerset Council, was an early adopter of powers to build new properties. Under the Housing of the Working Classes Act of 1890, the council built more than 77 homes and following the introduction of government subsidies for house building in 1919, Bath Corporation started construction of the first of many new estates. Councillor Matt McCabe, cabinet member for Built Environment and Sustainable Development, said: “As we write a new chapter in Bath’s Housing History, with our plan for new council house building, this is a fascinating and interesting reminder of our housing history and the great attempts that have been made to improve people’s lives in the past. “Bath & North East Somerset Council remains focused on creating affordable homes for social rent and this year the first general needs homes owned directly by the council were prioritised for NHS staff working in the electoral ward of Newbridge. “The seven apartments at Newbridge Hill are the start of a pipeline of nearly 200 properties which will be delivered through the council’s ‘B&NES Homes’ programme with an initial £12m provided to develop another 50 council houses for rent.” The project has created valuable new opportunities for research into the relationship between

housing and health and will allow an understanding of the different ways unhealthy housing was replaced or renovated in the city and allow researchers to assess the success or failure of the different approaches. Councillor Paul Roper, cabinet member for Economic & Cultural Sustainable Development, said: “Delivering new council housing is one of Bath & North East Somerset Council’s core strategies, and this project can help us to understand how different approaches to improving housing and building new houses have worked in the past. “These fascinating records and photos will also be of interest to residents who want to find out more about the history of the areas in which they live.” Wellcome also awarded Bath Record Office a Research Enrichment Grant of £17,900 which was used to run a community engagement project called: ‘Imagine: a hundred years of homes in Bath’. Local community groups attended workshops on architectural drawing, mapmaking, poetry and clay modelling. Artworks and writing from the project have been added to the collections of the record office. You can find more information on the Bath Record Office website. Wellcome previously awarded Bath Record Office £138,000 to make records available relating to improvements in Bath’s public health from the 1700s to the 1900s.

Organisations urged to apply for funding to tackle fuel poverty CHARITIES and organisations across the Bath area have been urged to apply for a share of a £2 million support fund to help tackle fuel poverty this winter. National Grid’s Community Matters Fund has already supported more than 900 organisations since it was launched in 2021 as an urgent response to the cost-of-living crisis. National Grid is again calling on charities, councils and community groups of all sizes to apply for fuel poverty support grants of up to £10,000 from the latest phase of its fund. Grants will support organisations to tackle fuel poverty in their communities by helping people to save energy, keep their homes warm and access warm community spaces this winter. Chris Hayton, Director of Corporate Affairs at National Grid Electricity Distribution, said: “Unfortunately, many families will be continuing to struggle with the costs of keeping their homes warm this coming winter. “Our fund will help to address fuel poverty and provide muchneeded support to those who need it most. “The fund is open to all grassroots organisations in Bath that are working hard to support the most vulnerable in our communities. “Projects that receive funding will provide a crucial lifeline by offering direct support and energy efficiency measures to

help families and households stay warm this winter, contributing to the overall wellbeing and resilience of the communities and homes we serve. “Charities and community groups will also be given access to a wealth of invaluable resources, like free energy efficiency advice, so they can provide tailor-made, local support for the communities they work with.” Support will be given to projects committed to: • Helping people get energy tariff advice or support accessing funding schemes, including, but not limited to, winter fuel discounts and Social Fund schemes. • Providing energy efficiency or heating solutions to people living in fuel poverty. • Operating a “warm bank” in a community building. • Improving energy efficiency in a community building used as a warm space. • Providing warm packs to vulnerable households e.g. radiator bleed keys, heavy curtains, blankets, radiator foil etc. • Other innovative approaches to combating fuel poverty. Registered charities, community groups and local authorities are all eligible to apply, using the application form available at www.nationalgrid.co.uk/ community-matters-fund. The closing date for submissions is Friday 27th October.

Appeal after man receives head injury POLICE have launched an appeal for witnesses and information after a man was assaulted near Edgar Buildings in George Street. The incident, which saw the 19-year-old victim receive a head injury, happened between 12.15am and 12.45am on Sunday 8th October 2023 outside the Sub13 and Slug and Lettuce bars. Initial enquiries suggest that the victim was punched once by another man who then ran off. The injured man went home but was later found to have sustained a head injury which saw him admitted to hospital, and has left him needing ongoing medical care. Officers want to hear from anyone who was in George Street at the time who saw what happened or

who has any dashcam or other footage which could help the investigation. If you can help, call 101 and give the reference 5223245824. Alternatively contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously by calling 0800 555 111.

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Changes to council tax support A CONSULTATION has been launched for people to have their say on proposed changes to the way council tax support is calculated for low-income households. The Local Council Tax Support Scheme consultation runs until 12th November and asks residents to give their views on possible changes to the scheme. The proposals would see Housing and Childcare Costs of Universal Credit being disregarded, the introduction of full support for the poorest households and changes to the weekly income allowances and percentage reductions which households can receive. The aim is to re-align the amount of support provided to lowincome households in Bath and North East Somerset, in particular people receiving Universal Credit who rent their homes or receive support for their childcare costs. Councillor Mark Elliott, Cabinet Member for Resources, said

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“Council tax is a regressive tax and is not how this administration would choose to manage local taxation, but we have to work with the system we’re given and we’re determined to make it as fair as possible, particularly for those on the lowest incomes. “We have reviewed the current rules which were introduced in 2017 and believe that there is a case for change, and we want residents to have their say. “The proposed changes would ensure that support is allocated more evenly to residents, particularly those in rented accommodation, and those who pay for childcare. “That is why we are consulting on changes to disregard the specific elements of Universal Credit which are for housing and childcare. These are costs which residents have actually incurred – it’s not optional expenditure. “I want to be clear that this isn’t a cost-cutting exercise. In fact,

our modelling suggests it may mean the council spending slightly more on council tax support overall. Whilst many residents, particularly the least well-off, will benefit from this proposed revision of the scheme, I understand that there would be some residents who will be negatively affected by these changes. We are writing to all those who are affected by the proposal and reminding anyone in financial crisis to contact the Welfare Support Team for help.” The changes to the scheme will only affect residents who receive Council Tax Support and Universal Credit. Those who receive Council Tax Support and other benefits or are on a low income will not be impacted by these changes.

10,000 runners take on Bath Half Marathon MORE than 10,000 runners and 20,000 spectators took to the streets of Bath on Sunday, 15th October, for the annual Bath Half Marathon event. The iconic event celebrated its 41st anniversary with a successful race day that showcased the city’s spectacular scenery under the autumn sun. In the men’s category, the top finishers included Jonathan Escalante-Phillips, who claimed first place with a time of 1 hour, 4 minutes, and 25 seconds. Matt Sharp closely followed with a time of 1 hour, 4 minutes, and 28 seconds, securing the second spot. In third position, Jonathan Cornish crossed the finish line with a time of 1 hour, 5 minutes, and 5 seconds. In the women’s race, Phillipa Williams crossed the finish line

in first place, recording a time of 1 hour, 13 minutes, and 5 seconds. Charlie Arnell claimed second place with a time of 1 hour, 16 minutes, and 13 seconds, while Anna Harrold secured the third position with a time of 1 hour, 16 minutes, and 37 seconds. Speaking after the event, Andrew Taylor, race director said: “It’s a been a fantastic day. Bath always looks stunning in the sunshine and the runners and spectators lit up the streets. “Royal Victoria Park provides a spectacular and relaxed setting for our charity partners and the new start and finish location in front of the Royal Crescent could not have been better. “We look forward to receiving the fundraising reports from our charity partners.” In 2024, the event will return to its traditional date in March.

Bath Rugby charity launches sponsorship campaign A MAJOR campaign has been launched by Bath Rugby’s charitable arm so it can continue to support vulnerable youngsters across the local area. The Bath Rugby Foundation wants to sign up 100 business and individual sponsors to support its life-changing work with young people. Each year, the charity helps around 3,000 vulnerable youngsters to succeed through inspiring programmes that focus on health, education and employability. The charity has just announced its 50th sponsor, legal and financial planning firm Mogers Drewett, but needs to sign up another 50 firms and individual sponsors by June 2024 to continue its vital work. Local businesses are being asked to pledge a minimum of £600, or £50 per month, to

Sean McDonough with David Trick | Photo © Bath Rugby Foundation

sponsor a vulnerable student for a year through the foundation’s Alternative Learning Hub. The hub provides young people, who have been excluded from school, with specialist support to help them cope with mainstream education. As well as providing a safe learning

space, the hub also provides work experience opportunities and builds learners’ confidence and life skills. About 75 per cent of the foundation’s students, who are mainly from disadvantaged families or those with special educational needs or disabilities,

go back into full-time education, employment or training. David Trick, Bath Rugby Foundation’s corporate fundraiser, said: “We can’t do the work we do with our young people without the support of companies like Mogers Drewett and so we are launching a campaign today to get another 50 companies and individuals to support a youngster, and help us continue to make a difference to those in our community. “Mogers Drewett have been wonderful supporters of Bath Rugby Foundation for a number of years. “Apart from much welcome financial assistance, they have provided volunteers for a number of activities and supported most of our events and challenges. “Most importantly, they took the time to visit us at The Rec where we have offices and classrooms, and gained an overview and

understanding of the work we undertake and its importance in achieving positive student outcomes.” Sean McDonough, managing partner at Mogers Drewett, said: “We are proud to support the life-changing work of the Bath Rugby Foundation by becoming a business sponsor. “We have previously supported the foundation with numerous fundraising activities and have seen first-hand how they use sport and education to transform young lives. The sad reality is that growing numbers of youngsters are in desperate need of their help, so we are urging other businesses to pledge their support and become sponsors.” To find out more about sponsoring a student through the Bath Rugby Foundation, contact David Trick on 07843 283801 or email david.trick@ bathrugbyfoundation.com.

over the next five years. I visited Curo’s temporary accommodation service which housed 186 people, including 99 children, in 202223. They work in partnership with B&NES Council to deliver supported temporary accommodation for families in the local area who have lost their homes. Homelessness causes enormous hardship. If we can help families when children are young, we can prevent problems down the line. I also met Julian House for an update on their work supporting vulnerable and at-risk individuals. The weather is getting colder and

energy bills will be rising once again. The Liberal Democrats are the only major party to commit to the triple lock on pensions, supporting the 14,823 pensioners living in Bath. This would ensure pensions rise in line with inflation, wages or 2.5% – whichever is highest. The Liberal Democrats brought in the triple lock while in government, lifting 300,000 pensioners out of poverty. Many pensioners in Bath are worried about how to pay the bills as the cost of living continues to rise. I believe they should not pay the price for years of economic chaos under the Conservatives.

COLUMN | Wera Hobhouse, Liberal Democrat MP for Bath

CTOBER is Conference Season for Parliamentarians, and I headed down to Bournemouth to speak up on issues relevant to Bath at the Liberal Democrat Autumn Party Conference. One of the key issues I have been thinking about recently is bus and rail networks, with the scrapping of HS2 a clear sign that we need a new direction on transport policy in the UK. At Conference, my motion on transport was adopted as official party policy. It aims to improve bus and rail networks, and to increase the power and resources of local authorities to take decisions on the transport needs in their area.

This is particularly important for my constituency and the surrounding area. Bus services in rural North East Somerset have been pared back by the WECA Mayor, leaving up to 40,000 people without reliable public transport. My Lib Dem colleagues on B&NES Council are leading a campaign to preserve rural buses. You can sign their petition at https:// www.bathnesbuspetition.org.uk. There were other exciting opportunities ahead for the South West to be found at Conference. The Western Gateway is a pan-regional partnership across Western England and South Wales. I took part in their discussion at the party conference on how we

can transform our region into a green energy powerhouse. I was particularly encouraged by their proposals for improving our rail network and electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Back in Bath, I met with Craig Jones, CEO of the Royal Osteoporosis Society, to discuss how to improve services for osteoporosis patients. The Royal Osteoporosis Society advocates for early diagnosis, which could prevent one out of every ten hip fractures annually. This would help relieve the pressure on the NHS, as hip fractures take up one million acute hospital days nationally. The charity believes improved services could save 1,500 fractures across Bath

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Health Council faces “three-fold” challenge Instruments help as it brings social care in-house improve experience for younger patients

John Wimperis

Local Democracy Reporter

BATH and North East Somerset is facing a “three-fold” challenge as it aims to bring adult social care in-house. As the council prepares to take over the running of services currently contracted to the HCRG care group, it faces challenges over finance, workforce culture, and the sheer number of staff transferring to the council, a scrutiny panel has been told. Approximately 240 people will be transferred to the local authority under the plans. The upcoming transfer of services was a main theme throughout a meeting of the council’s scrutiny panel on children, adults, health and wellbeing on 9th October. Clare Thorogood, the council’s assistant director of strategy transformation and governance, told the meeting: “It will be about making sure that workforce is transferred safely but also about recognising there will also be a period of cultural readjustment for a workforce that has actually been with another provider for seven years, in line with the future ambition of adult social care and how we want to move and the way we deliver our services in the future. “So for me the challenges are two-fold — three-fold if you add in the finance challenge.” She added: “At the point of transfer, on the first of April 2024, our work is not done; in many ways our work is just beginning to make sure we are delivering the services in the way that we want to as [Bath and North East Somerset Council] and doing it

within the financial budget and doing it effectively.” The decision not to renew the contract with HCRG and to bring the adult social care services in-house was taken at a council cabinet meeting in November 2022. However, the contract with HCRG care group was extended by another year into 2025. Laura Ambler, director of place for Bath and North East Somerset on the area’s integrated care board, said it allowed them to “maintain the current service safely” and work with the group on the transformation plans. The council is working with the HCRG care group and trade unions on their plans, as well as holding regular briefings for the staff transferring over. When staff are transferred to the council, they will keep their current pay and conditions. Services will be reviewed once they have transferred. Ms Thorogood said: “There’s a huge amount of work underway to ensure the transfer runs as smoothly as it can.” She added: “Thank goodness we have two recent transfers to learn lessons from.” Previous transfers of care homes to the council have led the authority to be mired in scandal.

Last year, Charlton House care home, which was transferred to the council in 2020 after Sirona announced it was handing back the contract, was the subject of a damning Care Quality Commission inspection. It found that one resident was left sitting in urine overnight while records showed another had not eaten or drunk anything for two days. The council apologised for the conditions in the now care home, with cabinet member for adult services Alison Born telling a scrutiny panel on 17th January: “We are extremely sorry that we have let people down and have not provided the consistently high quality of care that residents and their families expect and deserve.” A report on staffing levels which went before the recent scrutiny panel on 9th October warned that staffing levels were behind the issues. It stated: “On transfer, with an already depleted and exhausted workforce, the in-house services relied heavily on agency staff to ensure safe levels of staffing. “This agency usage severely impacted both budget and quality of service, and has been a significant factor in two care homes rated by CQC as “requires improvement” and one “inadequate” in October 2022 (this has subsequently been rating improved to [“requires improvement”]). “New approaches in the last year have started to make an impact on this and overall use of agency staff has reduced, however staying on top of recruitment and retention remains an ongoing challenge.”

Frankie with RUH Play Specialist Jo Powell | Photo courtesy of the RUH

A SELECTION of musical instruments have been introduced on the Children’s Ward at the Royal United Hospital to help reduce worry in younger patients and keep them entertained. The ward now has two ukuleles, a large drum, bells and other percussion instruments, all thanks to funding from the charity Friends of the RUH, to support the work of Musician in Residence, Frankie Simpkins. Thanks to ongoing support from the Friends of the RUH, Frankie is able to spend one morning a week on the Children’s Ward, making music and having musical interactions with the patients. Frankie chooses the selection of instruments with the patients in mind. She adapts and tailors her musical interactions to suit the patient’s age, from songwriting and singing lessons, to lullabies, Disney classics and even ukulele lessons. RUH Play Specialist Jo Powell said: “At the RUH we’ve found that play creates an environment

which reduces stress and anxiety and helps our young patients cope with their illness and recover more quickly. “We’re so grateful to the Friends of the RUH for the new musical instruments to support Frankie’s work, which have really helped to brighten up the Children’s Ward and put smiles on the faces of so many of our patients.” Ronny Helvey, Friends of the RUH Trustee, said: “We are delighted to be involved in this initiative. It’s so rewarding to see how the work our volunteers do, raising money through running the Friends’ onsite Café @B18 and the RUH shop in the Atrium, can make such a difference to young patients and their families.” Art at the Heart of the RUH, which provides the hospital with art and design programmes for patients, also offers artist-led workshops – Artsparks, on the Children’s Ward, along with video workshops and creative materials for when the artists can’t be there, activities most recently funded by Arts Council England and RUHX, the RUH’s charity.

RUH charity to hold second Polar Plunge fundraiser THE RUHX charity’s Polar Plunge fundraiser is set to return this December, with people being given the chance to enjoy a festive cold water dip. The event, on Saturday 2nd December, will see locals discover the wellbeing benefits of winter dipping, while supporting the Royal United Hospital to do more for patients this Christmas. This year’s swim takes place at the South Cerney Outdoor lake in the Cotswolds, with a lifeguard team on hand to guide you through the experience. The fundraiser is suitable for complete beginners looking to dip their toes in, or more experienced outdoor swimmers not quite ready to hang up their wetsuits. The non-competitive event allows participants to stay in the chilly water for as long as they

want to. Dippers can choose to be a penguin (wear a wetsuit) or polar ‘bare’ (swimming costume only, no wetsuit), and santa hats are encouraged. However participants choose to plunge, the lifeguard team from South Cerney Outdoor will be out in the water too to keep people safe at all times. Participants are being asked to raise a minimum of £75 to support our hospital over the winter months. • £50 could fund a creative art session on the Children’s Ward • £75 could fund a wedding keepsake box for those who choose to marry at the end of life • £100 could fund live music on the Older Patients Unit. Over £4,500 was raised at last year’s Polar Plunge, with

Photo courtesy of RUHX

organisers hoping to raise more this time. Tickets cost £15 which includes

your very own RUHX swim cap and a hot drink in the indoor café to warm you up after your dip.

You can sign up to take part in the fundraising event via https://bit. ly/3M49isS

Issue 063

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Uni scientists create skin patch to reduce need for injections SCIENTISTS at the University of Bath have developed an affordable microneedle skin patch to deliver medicine directly into the body, helping to eliminate the need for injections or oral medication. It is hoped that the patches, which provide a controlled dosage, will be ready for use within the next five to 10 years. The microneedle patches are unique as they are made from a hydrogel, a gel-like substance in which water forms the liquid component, with the active ingredient encapsulated inside the microneedle structure rather than in a separate reservoir. They are also more affordable than other commercially available microneedle patches, as they are produced from 3D-printed moulds. Moulds produced this way are easy to customise, which keeps the costs down. The patch, which is smaller than a pound coin, features barely visible microneedles that painlessly pierce the first few layers of skin. Contact with fluid beneath the skin barrier causes the

‘hydrophilic’ (water-loving) needles to swell, prompting a specific dosage of the drug to be delivered into the body. In experiments carried out at the University of Bath, upon swelling, the patches delivered doses of antibiotics that elicited a strong response against two bacteria known to cause serious infections – Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus. The patch also works in reverse, extracting small quantities of fluid from beneath the skin for medical analysis. This may be helpful for monitoring the levels of lactate and other chemicals in patients with an infection. Bath Chemical Engineer Dr Hannah Leese, who continues to refine the skin patch design along with fellow engineers PhD student Joseph Turner and Professor Pedro Estrela, and biologist Dr Maisem Laabei, explained that microneedlebased skin patches are an ideal system for delivering drugs and have clear benefits over traditional delivery approaches. She said: “Injections are invasive and expensive, and they don’t

suit everyone. “A lot of people are needle-phobic and are understandably reluctant to receive medicine by injection even when treatment is really needed. Others are ill-suited to injections – for instance, elderly patients with thin skin. “Also, sometimes the use of needles can introduce pathogens, such as bacteria, that may cause infections, especially in people with low immunity.” She added that people generally have fewer objections to taking drugs by mouth, but there are downsides to oral medication too. She continued: “You can experience gastrointestinal side-effects; there is a delay between taking the medication and the drug getting to where it’s needed in the body; doses need to be higher because a lot of the formulation is broken down in the gut, and if the patient is taking antibiotics, this can also contribute to antimicrobial drugresistance. “Our next step is to continue to refine the microneedle platform and run animal studies before moving to human clinical trials.

“I’m hopeful these patches will be ready for patient use within the next five to 10 years.” Dr Leese anticipates that the patches will be able to deliver both drugs that circulate the entire body and drugs that need to remain more localised – for instance, when there is an infection in a discrete section of skin. There is also scope for the patches

to deliver vaccines and monitor hormone levels. Dr Leese added: “We can also see there being a role for these patches in the health and wellness fields. I can picture the day people have microneedles under their smartwatches to detect fluctuations in the stress hormone, cortisol.” The research was funded by EPSRC and Abbott Diabetes Care.

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Council's HMO licensing scheme set to end later this year A SCHEME introduced by Bath & North East Somerset Council five years ago to ensure HMOs across the city are safe and managed correctly is to end later this year. Landlords with properties housing three or four tenants sharing facilities have been told that the current Additional HMO Licensing Scheme will end on 31st December 2023. The Additional HMO (Houses in Multiple Occupation) Licence was introduced by the government and taken up by Bath and North East Somerset Council five years ago. It seeks to ensure the safety and management of smaller HMOs. The scheme covers around 1280 properties, including 823 previously unlicensed HMOs. Landlords were required to register their property online to apply for the additional licence. All registered properties were inspected by council officers and the licence holder was advised of any additional management or safety improvements that were required.

The scheme resulted in over 1,000 fire safety, heating, security, space and amenities improvements, including 293 upgrades to fire alarm systems. The scheme also saw an increased general awareness of safety and amenities requirements for shared housing, and the council’s knowledge about the location and ownership of HMOs in Bath. All current Additional HMO licences will expire on 31st December 2023, however, the council is considering the evidence for the implementation of any future schemes. Councillor Matt McCabe, cabinet member for Built Environment and Sustainable Development, said: “The Additional HMO Licensing Scheme has done what it set out to do, improve standards and keep tenants safe by ensuring the effective and appropriate management of a property. “Importantly it has also helped to reduce the impact of poor HMOs on the community. However we will continue to review all the evidence available to us over the coming months, to see if we need

The current scheme has seen more than 1,000 improvements made to local HMOs

to begin a new scheme. “I want to assure everyone that the Mandatory HMO licensing, introduced by the Housing Act 2004, continues to operate in Bath and North East Somerset and applies to shared houses or flats occupied by five or more people from different families where tenants share a toilet,

bathroom or kitchen facilities. It covers around 1200 properties across B&NES.” Failing to have an HMO licence is a criminal offence and is liable on summary conviction to an unlimited fine or a civil penalty of up to £30,000 per offence. An HMO, whether licensed or not, needs to be managed

in accordance with the HMO Management Regulations 2006 and all rented homes be fitted with smoke alarms, a carbon monoxide detector and have a satisfactory electrical inspection condition report and gas safety certificate as well as meeting the Housing Act 2004 minimum statutory standard.

Permission sought to undertake fire TIER partners with Big repairs at Green Park Station Issue to recruit e-bike and e-scooter team

John Wimperis

Local Democracy Reporter

REPAIRS to Green Park Station in Bath could soon get underway to fix the damage caused by a “particularly nasty and intense” fire that ripped through the station earlier this year. The fire began in the small hours of 23rd April, first ripping through wooden sheds used as shops in the former railway station before spreading to the roof of the historic building. Six fire engines from Avon Fire & Rescue Service attended to battle the blaze. The fire broke out just days after the completion of a major multimonth operation to replace the glass in the station roof and its support system. Some of the new roof was damaged in the fire, along with “widespread damage” to the south side of the station. A planning application has now been submitted to Bath and North East Somerset Council to repair the fire damage. In the application, chartered building surveyor Nick Matthews said: “Whilst the scale of the repair is quite extensive, extending over nearly 3 bays, it does represent a relatively small portion of the overall station complex.” The repairs will involve stripping away the fire-damaged materials and reinstating the roof “like-for-

The fire took hold in the early hours of Sunday 23rd April

like”. Replacement rafters will be installed and new boarding installed on the south side of the building which will be redecorated to match the colour of the original. The suggestion of installing a temporary protection roof over the station was ruled out. Mr Matthews said: “Part of the problem is the sheer scale of such a roof.” He warned that temporary protection would need to span the whole width of the station and would be at risk of blowing away, and said that they should proceed with immediate roofing repairs instead. Bath & North East Somerset Council will now consider the proposed plan for the repairs, aiming to decide whether to

grant listed building consent for the repairs by 20th November. Green Park Station was opened in 1868 but closed almost a hundred years later in 1966 as the west-facing terminus struggled to compete with the Great Western Railway’s Bath Spa station and its connections to London. The station has been Grade II listed since 1971. Bath City Council bought the redundant station in 1974 and it is on a long lease to Sainsbury’s, who own the neighbouring supermarket and are responsible for the station’s ongoing upkeep. Mr Matthews said: “Sainsbury’s are committed to resolving this problem and getting Green Park Station back into use as quickly as possible.” A decision is expected by 20th November.

TIER, the operator of shared e-scooters and e-bikes across the Bath area, has announced a partnership with Big Issue Recruit to employ people facing barriers to work. TIER is working with the specialist recruitment service from the Big Issue Group to employ people to work in the operations division of its new shared micromobility scheme. Earlier this year TIER won the tender to provide e-bike and e-scooter services in Bath and Bristol. This has required TIER to set up a new operations division in the West of England to manage its vehicles, which is due to be TIER’s largest fleet in the UK. TIER’s operations teams ensure its vehicles are charged, maintained and distributed across the towns and cities it serves. Big Issue Recruit (BIR) is a specialist recruitment service, supporting people who face barriers to employment to find sustainable jobs and thrive. It is a person-centred service and free to candidates, supporting individuals and employers pre, during and post-employment. BIR’s Job Coaches work with candidates from a diverse range of backgrounds, who are experiencing poverty and have barriers to employment. They build the confidence,

resilience and essential skills of candidates, enabling them to become work ready and coaching them through the selection process, to secure their desired roles. Job Coaches work simultaneously with employers, offering tailored support to hiring managers and their teams to prepare them to welcome people and best sustain their placements. BIR has mobilised an initial team of 10 rangers to support TIER operations in the West of England, sourcing candidates from a range of local referral partners. Paul Cheal, Group CEO of The Big Issue Group, commented: “We are pleased to be working with TIER, the Council and many local community groups in Bristol and Bath in order to give people facing barriers to employment in the West of England the opportunity to access job roles. “After 30 years of supporting vendors, we are extending opportunities to a growing number of marginalised people in different ways and we are proud that Big Issue Recruit has already mobilised an initial team of rangers working hard to change their lives through enterprise. We intend to grow this team and look forward to doing so over the next three years.”

Issue 063

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Your City, Your News - Bath Echo

Politics

Public Notices

Proposal to use leftover bus funding rejected

Hondo (Bath) Ltd. applied to Bath & North East Somerset Council on 13.10.23 for a licence to use the premises at Seoul Story Korean Restaurant, 41 – 42 St James Parade Bath BA1 1UQ. for the sale by retail of alcohol for consumption on the premises 12:00 to 22:00 every day.

John Wimperis

Local Democracy Reporter

A BID to overhaul the use of bus funding in the West of England has been shot down. Council leaders had tabled their own proposal at a meeting of the West of England Combined Authority committee at the Keynsham Civic Centre on 6th October, proposing that leftover funding for buses should be used to put on new buses for communities cut off from key services. But the move was vetoed by Metro Mayor Dan Norris. The plans, from the council leaders of Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, and South Gloucestershire, also called for fare reductions for “vulnerable groups,” including care leavers and apprentices, and more funding for enhanced bus services in urban areas which could become commercially viable. Crucially, it called for council officers to be involved in drawing up funding plans, as well as those of the combined authority. The proposal was tabled as an amendment to the plan set out by the Metro Mayor’s transport chiefs for how to use the remaining money from the £57.5m “bus service improvement plan” funding which the combined authority received from the government. “Expert” advice recommended that fares packages and enhanced services would offer the most effective way to use remaining funding, with using it for new bus services “likely to generate good socio-economic impacts” but also likely to require long-term funding and offer “poor to low value for money.” Mr Norris told the meeting: “That is why I believe it to be so vital we focus on initiatives to

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR GRANT OF PREMISES LICENCE UNDER THE LICENSING ACT 2003

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: Council leaders from across the region signed a petition calling for buses to be reinstated | Photo © John Wimperis

grow passenger numbers as the only way to have a long-term sustainable network. “I know councils have challenges with buses they support, and I certainly empathise with the challenges they face financially.” He added: “The report also outlines an extra £1.1m for supported services. This is money for supported buses only. I am proposing a new formula for choosing where the money is best spent to be informed by a citizens panel. “I am proposing an additional £0.5m from BSIP for additional new services which could go on to become profitable and would welcome evidence-based suggestions on where they should be.” But this approach was challenged by the council leaders. Bath and North East Somerset Council leader Kevin Guy told Mr Norris: “We have the opportunity with the surplus ‘bus service improvement plan’ funds to resolve some of the problems caused by the recent loss of

local buses, as well as providing some of the services that are more accessible for some of the youngest and most vulnerable residents in our society. “My colleagues from South Gloucestershire, Bristol, North Somerset and I have worked together to agree the most valuable ways for our residents and, with their additional funds, to see this happen.” Mr Guy added that people in Bath and North East Somerset had worked with councillors of all parties and bus industry experts to draw up a plan for restoring buses. He told Mr Norris: “You’ve had our plan on your desk since July and you’ve had up to £7 million spare to spend specifically on buses. You could fix this tomorrow, but instead of helping them, your office commissions expensive consultation reports designed to demonstrate that residents’ concerns are a low priority.” He said the Metro Mayor would be “abandoning” communities

if he did not support the move. Mr Norris said: “I don’t accept your analysis” and vetoed the amendment. Immediately before the meeting, Mr Guy, together with Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees and South Gloucestershire Council leader Claire Young, had addressed protestors gathered outside Keynsham Civic Centre who were calling for their buses to be reinstated, telling them of their plan and signing their a petition on buses by Bath and North East Somerset councillor Fiona Gourley. The battle at the meeting is the latest in a long-running funding row over buses. At the previous West of England Combined Authority committee meeting in June, Mr Norris called Bath and North East Somerset Council’s actions “ a disingenuous, meanspirited, deceptive, devious thing to do.” Sarah Warren, who was representing Bath and North East Somerset Council at the meeting accused him of “misrepresentation.”

Bath & North East Somerset Council Licensing Services Lewis House Manvers Street Bath BA1 1JG or by email to licensing@bathnes.gov.uk by 13 November 2023 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: 16/10/2023

Mayor finds out more about college’s animal care courses METRO Mayor Dan Norris marked Colleges Week by getting up close with goats, reptiles and small creatures at Bath College’s Somer Valley Campus. The West of England Mayor found out how the state-of-theart Animal Care Centre is helping train up the next generation of vets and other animal care workers, plugging a national shortage. Yearly enrolments for animal courses at the dedicated site, which started out of a potting shed almost 20 years ago to the day back in 1994, have risen rapidly in recent years. There is currently a shortage of animal care workers, including vets, regionally and nationwide. Around 1,000 vet posts are

unfilled year on year. Vets say this is because of a large jump in pet ownership during the pandemic, the impact of Brexit on the workforce and long-standing problems in the sector. Mayor Dan Norris learnt how a career in these areas can therefore be both rewarding and lucrative, but high-quality training, like that offered by Bath College, is essential when he met some of the current crop of learners. He joined students for their daily walk with the college’s five Pygmy Goats before checking out the site’s ‘cattery’, and other Radstock-based creatures. Mr Norris said: “I learnt a great deal with these knowledgeable and passionate learners, not least the sheer joy of working with animals that are so intelligent

and so rewarding to look after. “I was very impressed with the facilities on site for the cats, goats, and other species on site, which is a super useful resource for the young people on these brilliant animal care courses. “Bravo to Bath College for training up the next generation of vets and other animal care workers which is so vital for our West of England region.” Over 90% of participants in programmes at the animal centre have gone on to access further training, apprenticeships or paid jobs in directly related jobs. Bath College CEO Jayne Davis said: “I have always felt that to understand the breadth, depth and diversity of the work FE colleges do, you need to spend some time in one.

“As part of the wider Colleges Week celebration, we are extremely grateful that Dan could come back to our Somer Valley campus and see more of the improvements made via Mayoral

Combined Authority and ESFA funding as well as spend some more time with learners who will be the answer to some of the skills gaps, including regarding animal care, faced in the locality and region.” Emma Meredith, Director of Skills Policy and Global Engagement at Association of Colleges, who are running Colleges Week, added: “It is great to see Mayor Dan Norris visit Bath College in support of Colleges Week 2023. “The visit shows the value he places on colleges and on the skills training they provide for local people of all ages. It is also an excellent opportunity for students to showcase what they have learned to the mayor – and for him to try his hand at animal care.”

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www.bathecho.co.uk

Tuesday 24th October - Monday 6th November 2023

In Other News... WESTlink on-demand bus service set to continue until 2026 John Wimperis

Local Democracy Reporter

THE on-demand WESTlink bus service is set to be extended to run until 2026, but people may only be able to use it for shorter journeys. The West of England’s ondemand minibus service does not follow set routes but takes people on requested personalised journeys anywhere within one of two zones, which roughly correspond to the Somerset and Gloucestershire parts of the region, with some shared areas. Travel can be booked through an app, online, or on the phone. The “bus service improvement plan” funding for the scheme was originally set to run until March 2025, but has now been extended to March 2026. After this point, the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) and North Somerset Council, who together run the scheme, will need to ensure it is cost-effective for them to run it. But although the duration of the scheme is set to get longer, the

length of journey you can take could get shorter, with proposals to divide the zones into smaller areas. Speaking at a scrutiny committee meeting on 2nd October, WECA officers said that an announcement from the traffic commissioner limited how far the minibuses could be driven without switching the drivers over to EU regulation hours. Officers warned that this would mean spending more on extra drivers and vehicles unless the zones were changed so that journeys did not last for more than 20 minutes. One officer said: “That will result in smaller zones and shorter journeys.” Committee chair Ed Plowden called the news “a bombshell.” He said: “Is that a showstopper? Is this still going to work?” Officers insisted it was what they had already been planning to propose. One officer said: “There’s an awful lot of unproductive running time between journeys, and that’s because people can travel for very long distances and that ties the vehicle up for a long

Residents invited to take part in next ‘Soulful Sunday’ event RESIDENTS are once again being invited to take part in another Soulful Sunday’ workshop in the city, following the success of the first series earlier this year. The event, designed to promote positive mental health and mindfulness, will take place on Sunday 29th October. ‘Soulful Sunday’ is an afternoon of meditation to encourage participants to feel much more positive and hopeful about dayto-day life. Through the practice of kirtan yoga, people attending will be encouraged to take up mantra meditation, a practice originally from India but now popular throughout the world. Nathan Hartley, who heads up the team at the Bath & North East Somerset Faith Foundation, is organising the event. He said: “Life is often far too hectic. Work, family and other responsibilities rarely give us the opportunity to take time

out for ourselves. ‘Me time’ is essential! If we don’t look after ourselves what good are we to those around us? Our Soulful Sunday event is an afternoon of blissful meditation that, through the practice of chanting and yoga, will be an oasis for anyone who comes along.” The event on Sunday 29th October, will take place between 2.30pm and 5.30pm at the Percy Community Centre, New King Street. As well as mantra meditation, those attending will be offered a free nutritious, vegetarian/vegan meal. Nathan added: “We want to feed the body as well as the soul. These Soulful Sunday events are free of charge, and anyone is welcome to attend.” For more details, email info@ bathnesfaithfoundation.org.uk. Soulful Sunday is being funded by Westhill, an organisation that supports community initiatives that encourage social cohesion and tackle isolation.

amount of time.” He added: “At the moment, someone can actually literally travel 32 miles.” WESTlink launched in April and, despite facing issues with fulfilling journeys and some people being unable to catch them, a report

stated that more drivers had been recruited and the number of people using the service has increased “significantly.” In addition to making the zones smaller, WECA is also looking at improving how the service links with the wider bus network and

carrying out a wider promotional campaign. An update to the app was also released on 2nd October, making booking a ride more “quick and seamless” and allowing people to share their ride details so friends and family can track their trip.

Reducing the risk of hot drink scalds FAMILIES across the Bath area have been offered advice from the fire service to help prevent hot drink scalds, after it was revealed around 30 children are treated for burns every day. Burn injuries from incidents involving hot drinks can be extremely scarring both physically and psychologically and can present life-long problems for those affected and their families. According to the Children’s Burns Trust, 30 children across the country are treated in hospital for scalds from hot drinks each day. Meghann Elvin, Prevention Manager at Avon Fire & Rescue Service (AF&RS) said: “We know that most people like a cup of tea or coffee to start their day, but without proper safety measures, an innocent hot drink can lead to serious harm.” The fire service has offered the following advice: • Never carry a hot drink whilst carrying a baby • Never pass hot drinks over the heads of young children • Never drink hot drinks whilst breastfeeding • Keep hot drinks out of reach of children and put them down

safely on the appropriate surface (for example, no soft surfaces). The team at Bristol Royal Hospital for Children and North Bristol NHS Trust Adult Burns services said: “The majority of injuries that we see are preventable, and by following simple advice, you can help to prevent serious injuries with potentially lifelong consequences.” First aid for burns and scalds is as simple as ‘COOL, CALL, COVER’: • Cool the burn with cool lukewarm (not cold) running water for at least 20 minutes and remove all clothing and jewellery (unless it is melted or stuck firmly to the wound). This has been shown to be beneficial

Crossword answers - Issue 062 (10/10/23) Across: 8 Accuracy, 9 Icebox, 10 Sew, 11 Inundate, 12 Kofi, 16 Siena, 19 Off camera, 21 Internationally, 22 Clear-eyed, 24 Sepia, 27 Sees, 31 Dislodge, 33 Lee, 34 Stucco, 35 Shelving. Down: 1 Scan, 2 Turn in, 3 Carat, 4 Myself, 5 Kiwi, 6 Deck, 7 Hoof, 11 Instincts, 13 Overlap, 14 In any case, 15 Taunts, 17 Extreme, 18 Aurora, 19 Ovary, 20 Fried, 23 Eldest, 25 Evolve, 26 Asked, 28 Eats, 29 Sack, 30 Plot, 32 Gene.

for at least three hours after the time of injury. • Call for help if the burn is larger than a 50p coin. You can call 999 for emergencies, use the 111 service or contact your GP. • Cover the area with cling film or a specialist burn dressing (available from most pharmacies). Make sure to keep the person warm to help prevent shock.

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