ECHO
Friday 12th January - Thursday 25th January 2024
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Issue No. 069
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Policing teams set to be back under one roof - P3
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NEW POLICE STATION ANNOUNCED
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Councillors scrutinise next round of LTNs
In this issue... Top Stories
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each side of the traffic restriction. The dedicated left turn lane into Sydney Lane from Warminster Road would also be removed.
John Wimperis
Local Democracy Reporter
MAJOR changes could soon hit Bath drivers as the council’s latest plans for more traffic calming measures will hit several key city centre roads. The corner at which George Street meets Gay Street and the route along Sydney Road (to avoid the Bathwick Street junction) are among the roads which could be overhauled with new measures to block drivers and reduce traffic. Liveable neighbourhoods, also called low-traffic neighbourhoods or LTNs for short, are a flagship policy of Bath & North East Somerset Council’s administration. There are three liveable neighbourhoods currently in place in the district as part of an 18-month trial, at the end of which they will be either removed or made permanent. In September, Joel Hirst, the local authority’s cabinet lead on highways, said they were looking at bringing in another five traffic restrictions on a trial basis by spring 2024. A report on the proposals went before the council’s climate emergency and sustainability scrutiny panel on Thursday 11th January. The schemes were chosen because of their ability to tackle traffic and strong community support, the report said. The council has written to the communities affected with more information about the schemes. The decision to implement the trial traffic restrictions will be made as a single member decisions by council cabinet member for highways Manda Rigby and cabinet member for council priorities and delivery David Wood. Ms Rigby said: “A key priority for the council is to increase travel choices whilst making communities safer and healthier places, and our liveable neighbourhoods programme is helping to achieve this. “The report sets out very clearly what we have achieved to date, including the extensive co-design work undertaken with residents, the decisions which have been taken, and our future plans.”
LTNs are a flagship policy of Bath & North East Somerset Council
The five proposed new measures which could be launched as trials in Bath are: Gay Street Under the plans, the upper end of Gay Street, between the junction with George Street and the Circus will become only accessible from the Circus. There will be no entry for northbound traffic heading up the road, but the road will remain two-way, with space for vehicles heading down the road from the Circus to turn around. There will also be a left-turn only onto George Street. The council would brief emergency vehicles that they should access the road from the Circus. The new measures would not block cyclists, and a new cycle lane would be installed for cyclists turning into the upper section of Gay Street from George Street. An “informal crossing” will also be installed on Gay Street. The traffic calming measure is one of three which would form the “Lower Lansdown and the Circus Area Liveable Neighbourhood.” Catherine Place Another measure proposed in the planned liveable neighbourhood is to install collapsible bollards on Catherine Place between Margaret’s Buildings and River Street Mews. This is planned as a modal filter
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to block motor vehicles but not pedestrians, bikes, and mobility aids. Council plans state that emergency vehicles would be able to collapse the bollards if required. Winifred’s Lane The third measure proposed in the liveable neighbourhood is to prevent through traffic using a section of Winifred’s lane. Two sets of collapsible bollards would be installed at each end of the steep section of the hill, which is already a one-way road. One set of the bollards would be installed south of the junction with Somerset Lane at the top of the steep road, with another at the bottom just above the entrance to Holywell House. Sydney Road On the other side of the city centre, the “New Sydney Place and Sydney Road Liveable Neighbourhood” aims to prevent people from using Sydney Road as a rat run to dodge the Bathwick Street junction on the A36. A traffic restriction, which could be another set of collapsible bollards, would be installed at the junction between Sydney Road and Sydney Place, preventing motor vehicles from travelling this way around Sydney Gardens but allowing pedestrians, bikes, and mobility aids through. Turning circles would be provided on
Charmouth Road In order to reduce congestion on the residential roads around Newbridge School, three roads could be made one way to create a loop as the “Lyme Road and Charmouth Road Liveable Neighbourhood”. Charmouth Road would be made one-way up to the junction with Lyme Street, with Lyme Street and Lyme Gardens also made oneway to keep traffic moving in a loop back on to Newbridge Road. The short sections of Charmouth Road and Lyme Gardens north of Lyme Road would remain twoway for access. The roads will remain two-way for cyclists, with short sections of cycle lane to support them and signage to warn drivers they may be there. Five parking spaces would be removed to improve visibility. Ms Rigby added: “Looking to the future we will continue to work with councillors and communities in each of the liveable neighbourhood areas to further understand local priorities and issues, and which interventions would address these based on their affordability, feasibility and benefit in line with West of England Combined Authority funding criteria.” The council’s wider plan for more liveable neighbourhoods is budgeted to cost £7.2m, of which £2.5m will be put up by the council and £4.7m will come from the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) if the council’s business case is successful. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said last year said he would review councils’ low traffic neighbourhoods, as he stated: “I’m slamming the brakes on the war on motorists.” But WECA head of capital delivery Malcolm Parsons has said the combined authority will “crack on” with ones currently planned in the region as the Prime Minister’s review only affected future funding and not that which the combined authority has already been given to fund council’s schemes.
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Issue 069
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Your City, Your News - Bath Echo
New police station to open in the city centre A NEW dedicated police station will open in Bath next year, following community feedback asking for policing to be more visible in the city. The new station, located at Plymouth House on Monmouth Street, is scheduled to open in autumn 2025. The premises will replace current bases at Redbridge House on Lower Bristol Road and the One Stop Shop in Lewis House, Manvers Street, where the city’s policing team has been colocated within the city’s council offices. Refurbishment of the building is expected to begin later this year. Design consultants are due to be appointed, with refurbishment works starting soon after. Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset Mark Shelford, himself a resident of Bath, has been pushing for the new station since he was a local councillor. Commenting on the announcement, the PCC said: “I’m very pleased to be able to announce this for Bath. “It’s vital that policing is visible in all our communities and Bath as a key city in our region which also attracts over six million visitors each year needs to maintain a strong and robust local community policing team who are easily accessible to the public.
Chief Constable Sarah Crew with PCC Mark Shelford at Plymouth House | Photo © Avon & Somerset Police
“This new station will provide reassurance to residents and businesses in the area as part of our commitment to delivering an efficient and effective police force for everyone in Avon and Somerset. I’m looking forward to its opening next year.” Chief Constable for Avon and Somerset Police Sarah Crew said: “This is a move our staff and our community have been asking for, and I’m delighted to be delivering
it for them. “The feedback we’ve received is that our teams work most effectively when they are together day to day and under one roof. “Plymouth House will allow the Bath Neighbourhood Policing and Response teams to work together and be joined by some of our specialist teams such as intel. “We will also have opportunities at this new base for cross agency
working, which will include working with Bath & North East Somerset Council and the Violence Reduction Units. “I know that the community also want a visible policing presence in the heart of the city. “Plymouth House will be designed sustainably, with quality facilities suitable for modern and future ways of working, and staff wellbeing at the core of the plans.”
£770k of funding awarded for 5G network pilot MORE than £773,000 of government funding has been offered to launch an 18-month pilot scheme to test a nextgeneration 5G network in the centre of Bath. The money, set to be given to Bath & North East Somerset Council, would fund a pilot involving between 200 to 300 volunteers, from a mix of local communities, testing the new 5G network. If successful, the network would then be opened up to the wider public in spring 2025. It would aim to address the connectivity and capacity issues relating to mobile network coverage which Bath experiences. A Single Member Decision report to decide whether to accept the grant offer of £773,132 and approve Bath & North East Somerset’s role as a partner to deliver the pilot, called One Word, has gone before Councillor Paul Roper, cabinet member for Economic and Cultural Sustainable Development. The report highlights a market failure in the sector, with lack of investment from private telecoms companies which is exacerbated by UK Government restricting some international vendors. As a result, the Department for Science Innovation and Technology has issued a series of Open Network Ecosystem (ONE) funding calls to unlock investment in new next generation open mobile networks
An example of a 5G transmitter | Library image
that multiple vendors can share. If approved, the Bath City Centre pilot would then need to get planning permission for a network of around 20 small cell radio units to be installed in key locations on lamp posts around the city. During the pilot phase, a specific SIM card would be provided for users to test the network and at least 200 high-specification handsets would be provided to volunteers in order to test the network’s resilience and performance in managing high demand in a dense environment. Two indoor locations, the Roman Baths and Bath Rugby Stadium, have also been identified as options to install additional radio units to test the network to benefit customer experiences.
During the pilot phase, a number of test events would also take place where users place high demand on the network at the same time and location, with the potential for more realistic testing to occur during future events such as sports fixtures and the Bath Christmas Market. Councillor Roper said: “Digital inequalities, due to skills gaps, cost or coverage can impact on whether someone can access services, goods and employment. “Surveys carried out by the council show a significant proportion of residents cite connectivity issues as a barrier to accessing services and information online. Many of us are familiar with the poor mobile phone reception areas in the City Centre, especially on busy days
such as a Saturday match at The Rec. If successful, this pilot will resolve that issue. That has to be great news. “Our manifesto commitment is to improve connectivity in the City and wider community and we are delivering. “The council has now been offered funding to address this problem. I look forward to receiving the Single Member Decision report on the pilot and will consider carefully the options before me.” Currently the scope of the initial pilot would, if approved, focus on central Bath, however there would be potential for additional networks to be added to the high streets of Keynsham and Midsomer Norton, increasing the benefits of the improved digital connectivity, coverage and speed across the authority area. The grant for the One Word pilot has come from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) which put out an Open Networks Ecosystem (ONE) funding call in March 2023. The ONE fund was developed in order to tackle key barriers to the adoption of open mobile networks, with trials in areas of high demand, and to allow for development of new Open Radio Access Network (Open RAN) software and hardware solutions to improve performance of these networks.
News in Brief Footpath closed due to erosion from river A riverbank footpath in Batheaston has been closed due to safety concerns after high water levels caused partial erosion. Following a recent inspection of the footpath, a section was closed with immediate effect and people are being warned not to remove the barriers and ignore the temporary closure. The closed section of the footpath (BA2/5) stretches from near the Batheaston Toll Bridge to the car park on London Road East. Bath & North East Somerset Council said it expects the initial closure will remain in place for up to six months. Those using the footpath, which runs adjacent to the River Avon, can follow a diversion route along London Road West and High Street to re-join the footpath from the car park on London Road East. Councillor Manda Rigby, cabinet member for Transport, said: “Our highways contractor will start repairs as quickly as possible once we have permission from the Environment Agency to do so. “We’ve had reports of people ignoring this closure and removing our barriers to continue along the path and I’d urge the public to please stay safe and follow the short diversion route.”
Wellbeing venue with yurts planned in Bath There are plans to change agricultural land at Batheaston into a place for counselling and therapy, which involves erecting two yurts and an earth closet. The directors of The Wellbeing Garden are seeking permission from Bath & North East Somerset Council for an “innovative and low impact proposal in a naturalistic setting”. The land is between 131 and 153 High Street and is situated within the Green Belt, outside of the housing development boundary. It also falls within the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The planning application says that the reversible nature of the decking support, yurts and earth closet are such that they do not fall within the definition of ‘building’. The yurts and earth closet are planned on the lower part of the site and it is said that they will be completely screened from public view by a combination of trees and a wall. The proposed use is between 8am and 4pm Monday to Saturday, although initially, The Wellbeing Garden will open on Fridays only from 10am to 3pm. The applicants say there are viable active travel and public transport access opportunities. The planning reference is 23/04772/FUL. The deadline for comments is 1st February. The council aims to make a decision by 22nd February.
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Friday 12th January - Thursday 25th January 2024
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Flooding closes part of the Two Tunnels Greenway route ONE of Bath’s Two Tunnels has been hit by flooding, putting it out of use. The shared-use Two Tunnels Greenway connects Bath and the Midford Valley. Due to persistent rainfall, the depth of water in the shorter of the tunnels – the Devonshire – had been slowly increasing since before Christmas. It was announced on 4th January that it would be closing until it was deemed safe to reopen it. The Greenway is managed by Sustrans which looks after the National Cycle Network. It follows the route of the former Somerset & Dorset Railway which shut in 1966. Writing on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday 7th January, twotunnelsbath announced: “Access is available via the footpaths in Lyncombe Vale, though these are not as accessible as the route itself. Physical work to address the flooding will be under way
Plans to restore direct Bristol-Oxford rail services via Bath Becky Feather Reporter
Flooding at the Devonshire Tunnel | Photo courtesy of @twotunnelsbath on X
shortly.” The tunnel carries an earthenware pipe that usually gathers spring water and takes it out and away beneath the cutting’s fill. A spokesperson for Sustrans said: “Relentless rain coupled with saturated grounds has caused flooding in the vicinity of the Devonshire Tunnel on the ‘Two
Tunnels’ route. “We have worked with partners to mitigate this over the past few days; however, the decision has been made to close the tunnel until pumping has taken place. “We will update when the tunnel has reopened and are sorry for the inconvenience this closure has on our users.”
GREAT Western Railway is planning to run direct services between Bristol Temple Meads and Oxford, via Bath, for the first time in more than 20 years. In response to the growth in demand for leisure travel by train, GWR wants to run two return Saturday services between the cities from September. A direct service last ran in 2003. Customers will be able to take in the sights for the two popular destinations, with the quickest direct journey times between the two cities starting from one hour 11 minutes. GWR’s managing director Mark Hopwood said: “We’re always looking at innovative ways of creating new business and improving connectivity.
“Changing customer patterns since Covid have provided a clear opportunity for us to expand our leisure offering and the BristolOxford route is one which offers real potential.” Great Western Railway has requested to run the following services from Saturday 14th September, including stops at Bath Spa, Chippenham and Swindon: • 10.18 Bristol Temple MeadsOxford • 1155 Oxford-Bristol Temple Meads (via Didcot) • 1518 Bristol Temple MeadsOxford • 1712 Oxford-Bristol Temple Meads The proposal is still being discussed and needs approval from the Department for Transport and Network Rail. The trial would run until December.
Locals invited to join guided walk during wellbeing festival LOCALS are being invited to join a guided walk taking place during the upcoming ReBalance Bath festival, helping to improve their mental and physical wellbeing. Bathscape will be running several guided walks during the three-week festival, offering residents and visitors the chance to be physically active while connecting with other people. Bath Urban Treescape will partner with Bathscape to lead two tree walks as part of the festival: the Winter Tree Identification Walk in the Botanical Gardens on 26th January from 11am to 12.30pm and Winter Trees in Victoria Park on 31st January from 10.30am to 12pm. Walkers will be given tips on using
branch structure, shape and bark to identify a tree, requiring them to pay attention to the present moment while learning a new skill – both of which are also key steps. Bathscape will also be running its regular Monday evening Wellbeing Walks around the city centre during the festival. The group meets at Laura Place for 6pm for an hour-long stroll around one of the local parks. The ReBalance Bath festival, which is organised by Bath Business Improvement District (BID), takes place at venues across the city between 25th January and 18th February and includes events focused on physical and mental wellbeing as well as talks, workshops and
benefits of walking are numerous and joining one of these Bathscape guided walks is a wonderful way to improve your mood, increase your energy levels
and meet new people, all while enjoying the beautiful parks and open spaces in our city.” Evidence suggests a fifth step to improve your mental health is by giving to others and Bathscape is looking for additional volunteers to help lead a walk a couple of times a month, all year round. Walks take place every day of the week, regardless of the weather and everyone who volunteers as a walk leader will be given free training. Anyone interested can fill in the application form on the Bathscape website, email info@ bathscape.co.uk or call 01225 477265. Bathscape’s work is largely funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund with match funding from partners.
Minister’s deceptive claims to have reduced the nation’s debt, the Conservatives have undermined all trust in their government. It is clear that honesty and integrity are not values that can be associated with the Conservatives; instead, desperation and deception come to mind. This government has plunged our NHS into chaos. Sunak’s pledge to bring NHS waiting lists down rings hollow as waiting lists continue to grow and he has yet again slashed NHS spending for the coming year. While hardworking staff are at breaking point, and patients in Bath struggle to receive the care they need, the Conservatives refuse to treat the
NHS as the priority it is. Sunak’s reckless decision to row back on our climate commitments is one of the most pressing reasons we need a general election. While many people in Bath and across the country struggle to afford rising energy bills, the government has delayed vital investment into renewable resources to help curb these costs. How many scandals, betrayals of trust and cuts to public services must there be before it becomes clear that a change in government is necessary? The new year brings the perfect opportunity for a fresh start and there is no better way to achieve this than a general election.
Bathscape will be running several walks during the ReBalance Bath festival
taster sessions, many of which are free. Councillor Tim Ball, cabinet member for Neighbourhood Services, said: “The health
COLUMN | Wera Hobhouse, Liberal Democrat MP for Bath
T
HE beginning of 2024 brings an opportunity for reflection on the successes of the previous year as well as optimism for the possibilities of the months ahead. There were many successes to highlight in 2023; however, I particularly want to emphasise the important work carried out by our wonderful community here in Bath. Without the determination of Bath residents, our victorious campaign to stop rail ticket office closures across the country may not have been as triumphant. I would like to thank all those who signed my petition to stop the closure of Bath Spa’s ticket office. Another major success in 2023 was passing my Worker Protec-
tion Bill, which combats workplace sexual harassment, into law. Harassment in the workplace is far too common; I hope that with the change in law we can create a culture where it is no longer tolerated and ensure that the workplace is a safe environment for all for years to come. Given all that we achieved in 2023, I am optimistic for the year ahead. In particular, 2024 brings a renewed sense of hope for the resolution of ongoing conflicts. This year, I hope to see lasting peace achieved across the globe, especially with an end to the hostilities in Israel and Gaza, and Ukraine. I will continue to press the government to demand an immediate and sustainable bilateral ceasefire in Gaza.
However, we have been reminded far too often over the past year that the Conservatives cannot be trusted in their decision making. They have repeatedly let those in our community down. They refuse to be held accountable for their disastrous policies and are more often than not caught in a web of lies trying to cover up such disasters. I recently highlighted in the House of Commons, the government’s hypocritical expectation that everybody else but them must meet their climate commitments. As such, what I am most looking forward to in 2024 is a change in government brought by the general election this year. From the fabrications that came to light during the Covid Inquiry at the end of 2023 to the Prime
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Pictures from the Past
Friday 12th January - Thursday 25th January 2024
The metamorphosis of Bath
Bath versus the Busometer Kirsten Elliott Akeman Press
THE biggest changes in Bath in recent years have been at the southern end of town. There have been mutterings over the years by Bathonians grumbling about change – even John Wood poked fun at them for doing so – which meant objections have largely been ignored. It was thought the idea of pulling down Owen Luder’s Southgate building would be warmly welcomed. But the plan included a new bus station. As we will see in a later edition, the existing bus station was not a thing of beauty, so again no trouble was expected. What caused the city to rise in fury was that the new one was to be built in place
of Churchill House – the old electricity offices. Quite why the city had become so attached to this building is not clear. It was a rather severe neo-Georgian building, and only dated from the 1930s. It had even replaced a very old inn which itself had been rebuilt in the 18th century. Perhaps the fact it was built with a government grant to provide employment for the unemployed had endeared it to some, but the most likely cause was that the proposed design was out of keeping with the city. It wasn’t just that many Bathonians are in love with fake Georgian – it was that a perfectly serviceable Bath Stone building was to be demolished in favour of one built of imported aluminium. It was also unwise of the developers to slap
up a large poster on the now neglected building, the tenants having been thrown out. It looked triumphalist and it infuriated people. The design soon acquired a number of nicknames including the Baked Bean Tin and the Southgate Dustbin. But the one that stuck was the Busometer. There were a number of small demonstrations which were ignored. So in March 2007, when a planning meeting to pass it was held, objectors gathered outside the Guildhall. They included people from all walks of life and of all ages. At one point, a breakaway group marched round the back of the Guildhall to make
their voices heard, only to be described later by the reporter from the prodevelopment Bath Chronicle as an unruly mob. Readers can decide for themselves if this looks like a dangerous crowd of rioters. After all that, the objections, including a petition with over 10,000 names, went unheard. The new bus station has many faults – cold in winter, hot in summer, and creating traffic chaos in Dorchester Street. The architects had also forgotten to fit a clock into the design. Even the Architect’s Journal called the design the busometer. But was it an improvement? We will consider this in next week’s article.
Signage for the SouthGate Bath development on Churchill House
A protest against the demolition outside the Guildhall in Bath
Above: The Full Moon Hotel and then Churchill House
The protest at the rear of the Guildhall
Issue 069
P7
Your City, Your News - Bath Echo
Crossword
Congratulations to Rebecca Avant 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 1 Insurers cover them (5) 4 Avert scam, abusing studio kit (2,7) 9 Manic-depressive (7) 10 River mouth (7) 11 Die (5,4) 12 Food poisoning bacteria (1,4) 13 Recast (7) 15 Fortification sounds like a horn, maybe (7) 17 Vigorous (7) 19 Distended (7) 21 Instruct (5) 23 Lifted out (7,2) 25 Hackneyed (7) 26 Provocations (7) 27 Ayrshire golf course owned by D. Trump (9) 28 Book preceding Philemon (5)
Down 1 Only Hitchcock film to get a Best Picture Oscar (7) 2 Not a leading player (10,5) 3 Top briefs (5) 4 Prospered (7) 5 Less cloudy (7) 6 Corner joint (5) 7 Grounds for acquittal (10,5) 8 Top cutter? (7) 14 Deck speed measure (1,1,1) 16 Long March leader (3) 17 Motown (7) 18 "Waterworld" star (7) 19 Drops in (5,2) 20 They're often changed on little ones (7) 22 Big banger? (1-4) 24 "--- Your Wagon", Frederick Loewe musical (5)
Entering our competition - via email or post For your chance to win £20, submit your full name, postal address and answers by email to puzzles@bathecho.co.uk or via post to: Crossword Competition 1201, Bath Echo, PO Box 5395, Bath, BA1 0YA The winner will be the first randomly opened entry with the correct answers on 24/01/2024. The winner will be notified using the details they provide when entering the competition.
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Friday 12th January - Thursday 25th January 2024
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What's On The Franklin Relics
Friday 12th January - Thursday 25th January 2024 Bath Indie Fest
EMERGE + Friends
The Bell Inn 14th January, 1pm The Bell was once Trad Central Station, and it's good to have a fine sample of that occasionally, to bring back golden days. It's also great Sunday Lunchtime music.
Komedia 15th January, 6.30pm Come and join us at Komedia Electric Bar for Bath Indie Fest, an immersive live indie event, including a showcase of local talent including popular bands Finding Mary, Blueray & Laura’s Dream.
Burdall’s Yard 16th January, 7.30pm EMERGE + Friends is a night of theatre from some of Bath's most exciting emerging performers. Many of the performances are from residents of the EMERGE studio.
The Pleasure Gardens of Bath
The Wind in the Willows
Family Astronomy Night
Littlemen
Sydney Gardens 17th January, 7.45pm An informative presentation on the pleasures gardens of Bath by Professor Marion Harney. All money raised at the event is used to continue to improve and renovate the park.
The Rondo Theatre 17th – 21st January The adventures of Ratty, Mole, Badger and the irrepressible Toad come to life in this adaptation, along with music, of Kenneth Grahame‘s classic book. Appealing to adults and children alike.
The Percy Community Centre 18th January, 6pm - 8pm Join the Herschel Museum of Astronomy and Bath Astronomers for a fun-filled evening of astronomy. Have a go at stargazing through telescopes outside with the Bath Astronomers.
Chapel Arts Centre 19th January, 8pm Littlemen, the Americana rock band based in Bath, is on the brink of something big. With their third album in the works, they’re getting ready to drop a recording from Real World studios.
Dragons, Dragons, Dragons
The Ladybird Book Artists
Lubaina Himid: Lost Threads
Re-Take That
The MEAA 19th January, 3pm – 4.30pm A special opening for families of our new exhibition ‘Dragons, Dragons, Dragons’. Explore the stories and symbolism of Dragons and see more than 60 dragonthemed objects.
Victoria Art Gallery 19th January – 14th April This colourful, family-friendly exhibition includes rare books, original artwork and artefacts, and reveals how illustrators played such an enormous role in Ladybird’s extraordinary success.
The Holburne Museum 19th January – 21st April Weaving and flowing across the front façade and around the permanent collections, Lost Threads will see 400 metres of vibrant Dutch wax fabric transform the spaces of the Holburne.
The Forum 20th January, 7.30pm Re-Take That is the ultimate Take That party night, bringing the world’s biggest boy band’s greatest hits to life – live on stage. For one night only, the boys are Back for Good!
Tobi Lakmaker
David Suchet: A Retrospective
Jack & The Beanstalk
ReBalance Bath
Topping & Company Booksellers 22nd January, 7.30pm His debut novel caused a sensation in the Netherlands when it was published. An account of life as a twentysomething that charts the freedoms and complications of coming out.
Theatre Royal 23rd January, 2.30pm & 7.30pm Join a conversation with one of the world’s most celebrated actors. A retrospective look at David Suchet’s career will have you witness some of his beloved performances in a new light.
BRLSI 13th January, 2.30pm – 4.30pm Researcher Logan Zachary will be visiting the BRLSI to share more about the Franklin Expedition, a failed British voyage of Arctic exploration led by Captain Sir John Franklin in 1845.
Panama Jazz Band
St Philip & St James Church 24th - 27th January Family pantomime by St Philip & St James Church Drama Group. All the traditional panto fun plus a few surprises makes for a show not to be missed!
Various Locations 25th January – 18th February In the cold, dark days of midwinter, Bath will be hosting a three-week celebration of feel-good activities, mindfulness and motivation, exclusive hotel and spa packages, taster sessions and family fun.
BATH CRAFT FAIR Weston Free Church
(Moravian) High Street, Weston Bath BA1 4DB
SATURDAY 10th February 2024
12pm - 4pm Join us for our first craft fair of 2024! Get those perfect valentine’s day gifts & lots more from local independent crafters Free ENTRY & REFRESHMENTS AVAILABLE!
www.bathcraftfair.co.uk
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Food & Drink
Melissa Blease
Food Writer
Tasty Dates For Your Diary Super-stylish Japanese restaurant Robun (George Street) is slicing all food bills in half every SundayThursday until Wednesday 31st January. All you need to do to make the most of this fabulous offer is make your booking at least 24 hours in advance by telephone (01225 614424) or email (bookings@robun.co.uk) quoting JAN50 when you make your reservation. The offer is valid for up to four guests in your party, selecting dishes from the A La Carte menu only (drinks are not included). www.robun.co.uk The Bear Inn (Bear Flat) is offering 50% off all main courses from their A La Carte menu (excluding dry-aged steaks) every weekday
(inc. evenings) from now until Friday 19th January. www.bearinnbath.com Grab a children's Margherita pizza free with every grown-up pizza purchased between 12 noon - 6pm every weekday at the Green Park Brasserie and/ or a free children's Sunday Roast with every adult Sunday Roast purchased at the Bath Pizza Co on Sundays. Both offers run until the end of January. www.greenparkbrasserie.com Raise a wee dram (or several!) to celebrated Scottish poet Robert 'Rabbie' Burns while tucking in to a spectacular 4-course Burns Night Supper at the George Inn (Bathampton) on Thursday 25th -
Saturday 27th January. The menu includes quintessential Scottish Burns Night classics including Cullen Skink, Balmoral Chicken and Cranachan Sundae – and of course plenty of Haggis, in both traditional and vegan format. Tickets cost £28pp; Slàinte mhath, Rabbie! https://bit.ly/3vma92k The rib-tickling Belly Laughs initiative continues in Bath throughout January with a series of surprise comedy gigs popping up in the best food and drink spots across the city including the Locksbrook Inn, the Bath Cider House and the Bath Brew House. Chortle along in the company of surprise, big name and up-andcoming comedians and chow
down on delicious food, unique to each unique venue. £10 from every ticket sale goes towards supporting Julian House, who support vulnerable and at-risk people across the South West www.yuup.co/belly-laughs Tuck into a delicious 4-course vegan feast in friendly, intimate surroundings at Morso Vegan (Terrace Walk) on Thursday 1st February. The menu will showcase an array of 100% vegan dishes guaranteed to offer even the most committed carnivores an entirely satisfying, wholly delicious plant-based experience for £46pp. Space is strictly limited to just 10 guests so early booking is essential. https://bit.ly/3vl7VjJ
Polish your beer goggles! Widcombe Social Club will once again be hosting the Bath and Borders branch of CAMRA's annual Beer and Cider Festival on Friday 16th / Saturday 17th February, showcasing some 30+ real ales and up to 8 real ciders from both local producers and those further afield. Entry to each session (4pm-11pm on Friday; 11pm-7pm on Saturday) costs just £10 and includes £3-worth of beer/cider tokens, a printed programme and a festival glass, and hot food and non-alcoholic refreshments will be available during both sessions. But be warned! Tickets for last year's event sold out very quickly... https://bit.ly/3vtfIw5
Recipe: Honey, Ginger, Garlic and Sesame King Prawns with Egg Fried Rice Master the art of the fakeaway with a classic Chinese takeaway dish rustled up in the time it takes for a home delivery order to arrive.
Ingredients For the Honey, Ginger, Garlic and Sesame King Prawns: • 300g large, raw, deveined king prawns • 1 tbsp sesame oil • 2 tbsp runny honey • 1 large clove of garlic, peeled and crushed • 1 large red pepper and 1 large green pepper, both thinlysliced • 4 spring onions, peeled and sliced • 2cm chunk fresh ginger, peeled and grated • 2 tbsp dark soy sauce For the Egg Fried Rice: • 1cm chunk fresh ginger, peeled and grated • 1 clove garlic, peeled and crushed • 2 spring onions, peeled and sliced • 1 large egg, beaten • 300g cooked, cooled white rice • 100g frozen peas • 2 tbsp rice wine (or dry sherry) • 2 tbsp dark soy sauce
Method
• Marinate the prawns in the sesame oil, runny honey and garlic for 20-30 minutes. • Meanwhile, make the Egg Fried Rice: heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil and 1 tbsp water in a wok or frying pan over a medium heat and sauté the ginger, garlic and spring onions for 1-2 minutes. • Add the beaten egg to the pan and allow to settle for around 30 seconds before briefly scrambling. • Add the cooked rice and frozen peas and continue to stir-fry for around 3-4 minutes. Add the rice wine (or sherry) and soy sauce to the pan and cook for a further minute or so. • Transfer to an ovenproof dish, cover with foil and keep warm in the oven on a low heat while you finish off the prawn dish. • Wipe your wok or frying pan out with kitchen paper and heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil with 1 tbsp water over a medium heat. Sauté the peppers for around 3-4 minutes, or until just starting to soften. • Add the spring onions, ginger, dark soy sauce and marinated prawns (plus all the marinade) and sauté for a further 3-5 minutes or until the prawns have turned pink and are thoroughly cooked through. • Serve in warm bowls on beds of Egg Fried Rice.
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Ladybird books and artwork go on show at gallery exhibition RESIDENTS are being invited to take a trip down memory lane and discover the books that defined a generation in a new exhibition at the Victoria Art Gallery. The Wonderful World of the Ladybird Book Artists, running between 19th January and 14th April, will uncover the story of those who illustrated Ladybird books during their heyday, and features hundreds of books and original artworks. The collection of Ladybird books and artworks will take older visitors back to their childhood with magical fairy tales, inspiring adventures, and informative guides on everything from wildlife to arithmetic. Charting the story of the Ladybird ‘golden years’, from 1940 to 1975, the exhibition will showcase the enormous role illustrators played in creating the iconic children’s books. As well as a nostalgic look back at childhood, the exhibition promises a chance for younger visitors to discover the classic books for the first time. A free ‘I Spy’ exhibition trail will bring Ladybird books to life and a cosy reading corner complete with a ‘Coco the Caravan’ den will offer the chance to curl up with a classic. ‘Toddler Thursdays’ will welcome pre-schoolers and their carers for weekly story-time sessions.
Becky Feather Reporter
A selection of the Ladybird books on show | Photo courtesy of B&NES Council
Family craft sessions inspired by Ladybird artwork will run throughout February half-term and the Easter school holidays. Vintage Ladybird books encapsulate much of the history of 20th-century Britain. There were many different reasons for the books’ phenomenal success but, as Ladybird books were essentially picture books, it was in large measure the illustrations that attracted and engaged readers. The exhibition will explore the artists, models and real locations linked to Ladybird books, and recount the story of a little Loughborough print business that became a giant in children’s publishing. The exhibition is curated by Ladybird expert and enthusiast Helen Day, who has spent more
than 20 years collecting and researching Ladybird books. Helen said: “I’m so excited to be bringing my colourful, nostalgic exhibition to the beautiful city of Bath.” Councillor Paul Roper, Cabinet Member for Economic & Cultural Sustainable Development, said: “Many people will have fond memories of learning to read with Ladybird books, and this fantastic exhibition will appeal to them as well as to younger visitors discovering the wonderful world of Ladybird books for the first time.” Admission is free for local residents with a Discovery Card. There will be lunchtime exhibition tours at 1.30pm to 2pm every Thursday, suitable for all ages and free with an exhibition ticket.
Half-hourly services see more people catch train to and from Bath Becky Feather Reporter
MORE people in Bath are catching trains since the introduction of half-hourly services to and from Bristol Temple Meads. Since the launch of 30-minute train services by GWR between Bristol and Westbury, which benefit commuters in Keynsham, Oldfield Park, Bath and Freshford (hourly), the operator has confirmed a year-onyear increase in passengers in September of 14.4%. There has also been a 15.6% jump in passengers between Bristol and Gloucester, benefitting those using Filton Abbey Wood, Bristol Parkway and Yate stations following the introduction of half-hour services on that line. The increases follow a £7m+ investment from WECA last May. Dan Norris, West of England Mayor, said: “Growing passenger numbers is key to building a thriving, reliable local public transport network in the West of
Campaign to save historic allotments
England. “I’m pleased to see the uptake in these half-hourly services benefitting residents in Yate, Keynsham and other brilliant West of England communities. These are really very encouraging early signs. “It’s all part of the Mayoral Combined Authority I lead’s multi-million-pound programme of rail improvements which is doing things like introducing more frequent journeys and building new stations. “All this plus our recent victory in keeping all the West’s ticket booths open are key steps in getting more people out of their cars and onto trains – especially for those shorter everyday journeys – which in turn will help reduce congestion and emissions, and better connect our amazing region.” The new and improved services have been delivered in partnership with GWR plus Network Rail. Dan Okey, GWR’s head of regional commercial development, said: “We are really pleased to have been able
A CAMPAIGN is underway to save Bath’s oldest allotment site where 64 plot-holders have been given notice to quit. The Combe Down Allotments, which opened in 1894, were set up for Bath’s stone mine workers to feed their families. It is the city’s last remaining privatelyowned allotment site leased to Bath & North Somerset East Council. Campaigners from B&NES Allotments Association say it is the only such site which remains undesignated and unprotected as a Local Green Space under the council’s current Local Plan. The site is owned by a distant relative of the original landowner, who does not live in Bath. The current lease is due to expire this coming April and the landowner has informed the council of his intention to end the lease in 2025. As yet no specific date has been declared. The independent association, which supports allotment tenants, is fighting to protect the site and says that if it is lost, there will be no realistic prospect of Combe Down residents ever having access to their own allotment within a sustainable distance of their homes. The site has close ties with the Three Ways School to which it supplies surplus food through the Crop Drop charity. There are 58 people on the waiting list for an allotment in the area and the only other site in Combe Down has just 10 plots. Other sites are much further
away and have waiting lists of up to three years. Allotment holders, some of whom have cultivated their plots for more than 50 years, face being evicted and will have to dig everything up, and knock down their sheds, greenhouses, fruit cages and polytunnels. There is a petition on the change. org website – called Save Combe Down’s Allotments! – which urges the landowner to reconsider his decision and renew the council’s lease of the site for long-term allotment use. Should he decline to do that, the council is urged to use all its powers and available resources to secure the long-term future of the site for allotments managed either by the council or a community group. They also want the council to use all its powers to protect the historic site from a change to another use. The allotment association, which has written to councillors and local MP Wera Hobhouse to garner support, says that in this time of climate emergency, political support is needed for a local food growing strategy, backed up by stronger Local Plan policies to ensure developers provide adequate green infrastructure either on their sites or on identified and deliverable alternative sites. The petition – https://www. c ha n g e. o r g / p / s av e - c o m b e down-s-allotments – is due to close on 22nd January. It will be collated with a paper petition for submission to the landowner and council at the beginning of February. There are currently more than 2,000 signatures.
Sign up for your Birthday Bus pass Mayor Norris launching 30-minute trains in May 2023 | Photo © WECA
to deliver these extra services, funded by West of England Combined Authority as part of the wider MetroWest scheme, and to see the positive impact that they have made. “The continued growth in demand shows just how important good rail connections are for the community and the economies they serve, and we look forward to being able to deliver further improvements in the future.”
WEST of England Metro Mayor Dan Norris is set to celebrate his birthday this month and has encouraged residents to sign up for a Birthday Bus Month Pass. The Birthday Buses scheme allows people in the region to enjoy unlimited free travel on buses throughout the month of their birthday. The Metro Mayor is urging people with January birthdays and beyond to sign up to “Birthday Buses” at www.birthdaybus.co.uk. Mr Norris said he “can’t wait” to use his ticket for unlimited free bus and WESTlink journeys across the 350-plus square mile
network. He said: “I’m proud of Birthday Buses – it’s a serious plan to get new passengers using our buses to help tackle the climate emergency and create a more sustainable bus network. “It’s working as close to half of people who’ve used Birthday Buses say they’re more likely to use public transport in future. It’s also a great boon in this costof-living crisis. So for those with birthdays coming up who haven’t done so already please head to www.birthdaybus.co.uk today.” People can still apply to take part up to the 15th, and get a Birthday Month Bus Pass for the remainder of the month.
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Health People urged to use services ‘sensibly’ following strike action THE NHS in the region has urged people to continue to use services “sensibly” after an amber cold weather alert was issued straight off the back of six continuous days of junior doctors’ strikes. Pressure on many NHS services across the region remained high throughout the junior doctor industrial action which began on 3rd January and, although urgent and emergency services were delivered safely, there has been concern that pressure would increase as the NHS returned to business as usual. The end of industrial action coincided with a cold weather alert issued by the Met Office and UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) for much of England, including the South West, which was expected to run until Friday 12th January. Dr Michael Marsh, NHS England South West Medical Director, said: “Following previous periods of industrial action we have
tended to see a spike in people coming forward needing medical care.” The cold weather could exacerbate some pre-existing conditions, particularly respiratory illnesses, as well as lead to an increase in serious conditions such as heart attacks and strokes, he added. There is also the risk of people falling and injuring themselves in icy conditions. Dr Marsh continued: “The ask is for people to look after themselves and others in the cold weather so please check on elderly relatives and neighbours and continue to use the NHS if you need us, by accessing the right services for your medical condition.” There are a number of ways people can continue to support the NHS: • Use 999 in life-threatening emergencies. If you are unsure of the service you need, use 111 online or by phone. • If your loved one is in hospital
Top tips to stay warm: • Check on family, friends and neighbours who may be at risk of becoming unwell. • Keep homes heated – to at least 18°c where possible - sticking to the rooms you use most if necessary. People are being urged to keep warm during the colder weather
and well enough to leave, help support them to get home at the earliest opportunity. • Make sure you have enough regular medication - don’t leave repeat prescription requests until you have run out. Your GP can help arrange an urgent medication supply if you do run out. • Pharmacists are open at weekends and can give you expert, confidential advice and
Pantomime cast make special visit to hospital’s Children’s Ward
over-the-counter remedies for minor illnesses and ailments. You don’t need an appointment. • Call your own GP – even if you’re on holiday – when surgeries are open. They offer appointments via telephone and video. • Parents can download the free NHS HandiApp for advice about common childhood conditions.
• Keep windows and curtains closed and take measures to reduce draughts. • Wear multiple layers of thinner clothing, rather than one thick layer. • If you’re eligible, get vaccinated against flu and Covid. • Make sure you have enough food and medicine.
Concern over children not visiting dentists
An investigation found 47% of youngsters hadn’t seen a dentist in the past year Pantomime stars with Piper, aged 13 months, and mum Maisie on the Children’s Ward | Photo © Theatre Royal Bath
STARS of Sleeping Beauty, the annual pantomime at the Theatre Royal, recently met young patients and their families at the RUH when they visited the Children’s Ward. Neil McDermott, Jon Monie, Nick Wilton, Sarah Jane Buckley, Emma Norman, David Pendlebury and Maisie Sellwood spent time chatting to patients and staff at the Royal United Hospital on 20th December before returning to the stage for the matinee performance. Neil McDermott, well known for his roles in EastEnders and The Royal, said: “We really enjoyed visiting the Children’s Ward in our pantomime costumes, everyone at the RUH gave us such a warm welcome. “It’s a difficult time of the year
to be unwell, especially for youngsters who look forward to the festive season so much. We loved chatting to the children and their parents and hearing about their lives.” Sarah Jane Buckley, best known for her roles in Hollyoaks and numerous theatre shows, said: “The Play Specialists have such a vital role in the recovery of the young patients, it was great to meet them and hear about their work on the ward. “The children receiving treatment are truly inspiring. We were thrilled to take some pantomime magic to the ward, and we’re very grateful to Berkeley Coach and Travel who kindly transported us there in our elaborate stage outfits, making our visit possible.” The pantomime stars were
introduced to patients and their families on the Children’s Ward. The cast was driven to the hospital in a mini-coach provided by local company Berkeley Coach and Travel. During their visit the actors handed out goodie bags to the children, supplied by the pantomime’s sponsors Bathbased accountants Moore and Bath Carpets and Flooring. Jo Powell, RUH Play Specialist, said: “We’re so grateful to the cast of Sleeping Beauty for visiting the Children’s Ward at the RUH. “It was a wonderful early Christmas present for the children who loved meeting them and seeing their fantastic costumes. It’s given our young patients a bit of extra Christmas sparkle while they’re with us.”
AROUND half of the children across Bath and North East Somerset missed out on seeing an NHS dentist in the past year, it has been revealed. An investigation found that 47% of youngsters hadn’t seen a dentist, part of the worsening crisis that is putting hundreds in hospital. Meanwhile, only 34% of adults have seen a dentist in the past two years. West of England Metro Mayor Dan Norris warned that access to a dentist has ‘fallen off a cliff’, and that he is particularly concerned about the long-term impact on children. Tooth decay is now the most common reason for hospital admission for young children, some of whom are having to miss school in pain. Mr Norris said that because most
high street dentists have now shut their doors to new NHS patients, this has made it “virtually impossible” for thousands of people in the region to get an appointment. The Metro Mayor said: “It’s getting harder and harder to see an NHS dentist. “Not only is that a disaster for people now, it is storing up serious problems for the future. “Under the Conservative Government, access to NHS dentistry has fallen off a cliff. If that’s what they’ve done to one part of our NHS it feels like the outlook is bleak for other services too under their mismanagement. “The crisis in dental care is a symptom of nearly 14 years of Conservative rule – propped up by the Lib Dems to begin. More and more people are telling me it’s time for a new approach.”
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Green light for observatory to be built at Prior Park College John Wimperis
Local Democracy Reporter
PLANS to build an observatory at a Bath boarding school could soon get underway. The new facility to house Prior Park College’s large telescope was granted planning permission by Bath & North East Somerset Council in December. The Pulsar Dome observatory would be just under three metres high and located in the corner of the private school’s playing fields, a location assessed for the best astronomical position by Simon Holbeche of Bath Astronomers. In a letter submitted with the school’s planning application last year, estates director Tan Tootill and astronomy lead Andrew Watkinson-Trim said: “Our observatory will be a valuable resource for both the school and the wider community. “We aim to operate the facility in conjunction with Bath Astronomers for a range of inclusive activities and crosscommunity events.” The letter said that the
observatory would support the school’s science curriculum as Astronomical Society, and added: “There are a wider group of students (many of them boarders) whose casual interest in astronomy will be sparked into life by the opportunities for direct observation and imaging that this facility alone can supply.” Bath has played a key role in the history of astronomy. In 1781, William Herschel discovered the planet Uranus using a homemade telescope from his back garden on King Street — the first planet discovered by telescope. Prior Park College is a private day and boarding school in a grand Grade I-listed building designed by Bath architect John Wood, the Elder overlooking the Prior Park Landscape Garden. Granting permission for the plans, the council said that the observatory complied with the requirements around preserving the setting of the listed building, although it would have to be a specific shade of pebble grey rather than the initially suggested “not supportable” colour white.
The new observatory will be just under three metres tall | Library image
New Vice-Chancellor for university MP meets pupil Equalities Team during visit to school
Becky Feather Reporter
PROFESSOR Phil Taylor has been appointed as the next Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Bath. Professor Taylor is an internationally leading researcher and industry expert in energy systems, electrical distribution networks, smart grids, and energy storage integration and control. His appointment follows a meeting of the University Council on Monday 8th January. He will take up office on 1st August. Currently Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Enterprise at the University of Bristol, Prof Taylor leads the £10 million EPSRC Supergen Energy Networks Hub, and until May 2022 was Director and Co-Director for the £20 million EPSRC National Centre for Energy Systems Integration. He is also the Senior Responsible Owner for Isambard-AI, a £225m investment from the government to create the UK's fastest AI supercomputer. In 2022, Prof Taylor was appointed by the government’s Chief Scientific Adviser to the Net Zero Innovation Board and became Chair of the Board for the GW4 alliance of the universities of Bath, Bristol, Cardiff and Exeter. He is a member of the Board of Trustees of the fuel poverty charity National Energy Action and a Visiting Professor at Singapore’s Nanyang
Professor Phil Taylor | Photo © University of Bristol
Technological University. Prof Taylor said: “It is a real privilege to be appointed as the next Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Bath. As Pro Vice Chancellor at Bristol and Chair of Board for GW4, I have got to know the University of Bath as a partner over the last few years and am excited both by its achievements and potential. “I very much look forward to working with colleagues to build on the University’s accomplishments and to ensure the dynamism and energy of the community continues to shape a successful and sustainable future, rooted in our region alongside truly international reach.” Pamela Chesters CBE, Chair of Council, said: “Prof Taylor’s exceptional academic record, and strong experience in industry and commerce will help the University of Bath to build on its positive trajectory and
achievements to date, under the leadership of Prof Ian White. “I would like to thank members of the Committee on the Office of the Vice-Chancellor, chaired by the Chancellor, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, and including representatives from Council, Senate, Professional Services and the President of the students’ union for the vital role they played.” Professor Taylor’s extensive experience in industry includes at GEC Alstom, EPS (UK), Teradyne and Senergy Econnect. Key achievements include developing diagnostic software for the automotive and aerospace sectors and designing the grid connection for the UK’s first commercial offshore wind farm. He is currently a non-executive director of Northern Powergrid. The University’s Remuneration Committee has agreed a salary of £280,000 with no bonus entitlement.
BATH MP Wera Hobhouse visited Weston All Saints Primary School on Thursday 4th January to hear from their pupil Equalities Team. With a majority representation of SEND pupils (Special Educational Needs and Disability), the group are concerned with how the government promotes equality, looking at the subject through the lens of the Rights of the Child and understanding protected characteristics. The children invited Wera to meet with them to discuss values such as democracy, to learn more about her work in Parliament and to tell her about their work and their role as pupil equality advocates. As a democratic group themselves, the children were fascinated by the inner workings of parliament and the electoral system. They asked the Bath MP about how young people can get involved with politics and were interested in how they can utilise their voices to champion inclusion and equality in a collaborative, rather than combative, way. Teacher Ellie Stone, supervisor of the Equalities Team, said: “The children loved meeting Wera and learning from her first-hand about the workings of parliament, democracy and Britain’s voting
Wera Hobhouse during the visit to Weston All Saints Primary School
system. “It has been amazing watching their confidence grow throughout this programme, advocating for equality for all within the school and engaging with global and national politics.” Wera Hobhouse commented: “I was delighted to meet with the WASPS Equalities Team and was so impressed with their work, their knowledge and their enthusiasm to learn about democracy and Parliament. “It is so touching to see young Bathonians engage with politics in such a positive way; it is essential we continue to allow children the opportunity to voice their opinions in diverse and inclusive spaces.”
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Plans to turn church halls and vestries into eight apartments
152-bed hotel proposal for Bath office block
Becky Feather
John Wimperis
DEVELOPERS are hoping to win approval to convert the vacant halls and vestries at the old Central United Reformed Church in Bathwick into apartments. Planning permission was granted last month to turn the site into a mix of community and commercial use. The Grade II listed church, near Pulteney Bridge, dates from the late 1700s. Due to falling attendances and increasing costs, the Synod decided to rationalise the other United Reformed Churches within Bath, at Rush Hill and Larkhall, and dispose of the site at Bathwick. Developers Bedstone Developments (Argyle) Ltd have already obtained consent from Bath & North East Somerset Council to change the use of the chapel, accessed via Argyle Street, and to reinstate the late Victorian entrance from Grove Street. The same developers are applying for planning permission and listed building consent to convert
AN office block near the centre of Bath could soon be demolished to make way for a giant three-star hotel. The 152-room hotel, which would be six storeys high with a restaurant and bar, would create 47 new jobs in the city and bring an anticipated £1.9m a year into the local economy, developers say. The building of the hotel would also support 127 construction jobs a year until it is completed. A presentation of the plans at a consultation event in October stated: “Bath attracts over 6 million visitors a year. Savills research team identified strong demand for a three-star hotel in this location.” An application to get planning permission for the development has now been submitted to Bath & North East Somerset Council. Beazer House, a large but almost empty office block on the Lower Bristol Road would be demolished to make way for the hotel under the plans. After being marketed for two years, no office occupiers have
Reporter
Local Democracy Reporter
The facade of the Grade II listed building
the vacant halls and vestries into eight residential apartments, split over three floors. The flats will be accessed via the Grove Street entrance/staircase built in 1955, and no interlinking is proposed between the two
uses. The planning reference for the apartments scheme is 23/04782/ FUL and the deadline for comments is 1st February. The council is due to make a decision by the end of next month.
How the new hotel could look Image © Frank Capital
expressed interest and the final company to rent a floor is planning to move out within the month. The presentation stated: “Beazer House was built as an office building in 1966. It is no longer fit for purpose, and at the end of its economic life. It has an EPC ‘E’ rating and is therefore environmentally challenged.” A design and access statement submitted with the application added: “Beazer House is subjectively considered one of Bath’s least attractive buildings.” If planning permission is approved, work could start in June and it is hoped the hotel could be open and trading by December 2025.
Build-to-rent housing scheme revealed for Homebase site Becky Feather Reporter
THE former Homebase site in Bath, where a scheme for a waterside retirement village was rejected by the council three years ago, has been bought for £18.5m and there are now plans to redevelop it with build-to-rent and affordable homes. Developer HUB and Bridges Fund Management have announced the acquisition of the vacant 4.5 acre brownfield site and aim to transform it as the final piece in the wider regeneration of the Bath Western Riverside enterprise area. In December 2020 Guild Living’s bid to replace the old DIY store at Pines Way with up to 288 flats for over 65s with care facilities, plus a communal restaurant, wellness centre and gym, was rejected by Bath & North East Somerset Council because of the buildings’ six-storey height, aluminiumclad design and impact on the World Heritage Site. HUB and Bridges Fund Management say their proposed redevelopment will include a significant number of build-torent (BTR) and affordable homes, alongside commercial spaces and improved public realm.
In a statement they said: “The proposals will respond to growing and unmet renter demand in Bath, a desirable high growth city with only four BTR schemes currently. “The scheme will offer waterside living, adjacent to the River Avon and several other new developments. The site has a prime location, with two bridge connections to the city centre and situated just an eight-minute walk to central Bath, 17 minutes to Bath Spa Station, and 13 minutes to Oldfield Park Station.” A major focus will be minimising environmental impact with a highly efficient energy strategy, onsite renewables, and full whole life-cycle carbon assessment throughout the development process. The statement continued: “The increasing demand for high quality and professionally managed homes in Bath is due to its desirability and vibrancy, fed in part by an exceptional university, strong graduate retention, its proximity to Bristol and excellent transport connections to London. “Capitalising on what is one of a limited number of development opportunities in central Bath, plans will reflect HUB’s unique position in the market as a champion of next-generation
The site at Pines Way in Bath | Image © Craig Auckland and Fotohaus Ltd
BTR and its expertise in the living sector with more than 7,000 homes completed or under development. “Build-to-rent continues to demonstrate resilience and ongoing appeal as an investment opportunity, and this scheme adds to HUB’s growing pipeline, which will see the completion of over 1,000 BTR homes across three sites in the next six months. This is HUB’s 14th deal in partnership with Bridges, with the pair on course to deliver over 4,000 homes throughout the UK.” Damien Sharkey, managing director of HUB, added: “Bath
has a demonstrated need for high quality, professionally managed rental homes and this site provides an exciting opportunity to deliver these. HUB creates next generation BTR communities which bring value to existing residents, improving the wider neighbourhoods and cities they’re located in. Together with Bridges we look forward to delivering this project for Bath and its residents, while bringing new life to the disused site through our first investment in the city. “We will be developing designs in collaboration with the local
community to ensure we deliver according to their needs and will be exploring opportunities for meanwhile use of the site in the coming months.” Simon Ringer, head of property funds at Bridges Fund Management, said: “We know from our previous developments with HUB that there is a strong unmet demand for high quality, sustainably built living space in our major cities. We are looking forward to bringing this vacant site in Bath back into use, and working with the local community to design attractive, sustainable homes.”
Issue 069
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Council tax rise and new parking charges to balance budget John Wimperis
Local Democracy Reporter
HIKES to council tax and new charges for car parking, alongside £10m of cuts and savings, are all on the cards as Bath & North East Somerset Council looks for the millions needed to balance its budget. The council has to set a balanced budget for the next financial year in February but it warned in November that it was facing an “extremely challenging” budget black hole. Now the council says it has identified £16.82m of savings and additional income — but these could mean major changes for people in the area. Council tax is again proposed to rise by the maximum amount allowed, free parking could end in Midsomer Norton and Radstock, and the opening hours of the recycling centres in Bath and Midsomer Norton could be cut back. A raft of savings are also planned across adults and children’s services, and other areas of council spending.
A public consultation on the proposals will run until 15th January. Mark Elliott, the council’s cabinet member for resources, said the council had managed its finances “with caution” and avoided making risky investments, but he warned that there had been “a perfect storm of inadequate government funding, high inflation and increases in demand for services, particularly in children’s social care”. He said: “We have had to dig really deep this year to bring forward a package which balances the budget and meets the day-to-day spending we need to deliver key frontline services. “We’ve needed to focus on maintaining our statutory services and so the consultation proposals are wide-ranging, and if adopted in February they would have an impact on our residents and also on some of our valued third-sector organisations.” The council is aiming to bring in additional income of £6.51m, while also making cuts and savings of £10.31m. Most of the new income will come from heritage services, such as the
Roman Baths, with the council’s business plan projecting that these assets will raise an extra £4.27m. But the proposals will also see council tax again rise by 4.99% — the maximum increase allowed without a local referendum. Two percentage points of this increase will be added to the adult social care precept, a ringfenced tax which can only be spent on adult social care. People will also need to pay for the currently free parking in Midsomer Norton and Radstock, with pricing based on emissions as it is in Bath. Emissions-based parking will also be rolled out to Keynsham and all areas in Bath that do not currently have it, including offstreet parking. The council will be reviewing prices of parking and all highways services, and requiring motorbikes to have permits to park in residents parking zones. In total, the council is looking to make an additional £1.25m from parking and highways. Meanwhile, £802k could be cut from the council’s community support contracts across its social
care provision. The council says that the available funding will be targeted effectively at the greatest need, but that less will be spent on nonstatutory preventative services. The council is writing to organisations delivering these services directly to keep them informed. £250k will also be cut from discretionary areas of spending on children’s services, such as family support, with the council also planning to make savings by increasing in-house provision. Mr Elliott said: “We are very concerned about the potential impacts of these reductions in our community support contracts, particularly on preventative services. “I am afraid, though, that we are now in a position where we have to consider savings in these areas due to the cumulative effect of over a decade of government funding cuts to councils and a completely inadequate government response to the huge pressures in social care. “The position we are now in has been faced by many councils over recent years. We do not want to
be considering these savings, but the reality is that the council has no separate funding stream for them, and they are not all services we are required to provide. “We are acutely aware of the risk that a decrease in funding for preventative services may create a budget pressure for statutory services in the future and will work with partners to minimise this. We want to address these savings forensically. We have to focus our spend on the greatest need and on prioritising the statutory provision laid down by central government. “At this early stage in the review I am undertaking to keep our third sector providers informed and to listen to them closely as part of this budget consultation before any decisions are taken in February.” The proposed savings will be discussed at council scrutiny panels on 11th, 15th and 23rd January, before going before the council cabinet on 8th February. The budget will then go for a vote at a full meeting of Bath & North East Somerset Council on 20th February. The consultation will run until 5pm on 15th January.
Construction gets underway on new social houses
Photo © Bath & North East Somerset Council
WORK is set to get underway on eight new homes for social rent under the ownership of Bath & North East Somerset Council. The Argyle Works site on the Lower Bristol Road, which was formerly a Highways Maintenance Depot, will be developed to provide affordable, energy-efficient apartments to help meet the demand for low-cost homes. The properties will be delivered in partnership with Aequus Construction Limited (ACL), the council’s wholly-owned development company, and will include three one-bedroom apartments and five two-bedroom duplexes. The development is the next step in the council’s own affordable housing scheme, which directly delivers council housing by developing existing council properties and surplus land. The initial £12 million B&NES Homes programme will provide 58 general needs
council houses for rent. The Argyle Works planning application was approved in September last year and completion is due in summer 2025. Councillor Matt McCabe, cabinet member for Built Environment and Sustainable Development, said: “Our first social rent properties in 30 years were completed earlier this year at Newbridge Road and I am pleased to see work starting on the Argyle Works site, the next step in our plans to provide affordable homes. Our ambition is to build a pipeline to deliver hundreds of homes a year.” The apartments will be available through Homesearch, the council’s housing allocation scheme for social rent homes and low-cost home ownership in B&NES. Three of the units will be set aside for young people. ACL is also working to develop plans for a social rented scheme on council-owned land at Danes Lane in Keynsham.
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Friday 12th January - Thursday 25th January 2024
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Keynsham cycle lane continues to claim victims Becky Feather Reporter
PEOPLE are continuing to fall at the cycle lane in Keynsham High Street with one recent victim, an architect, questioning whether it was “designed by toddlers” or to deliberately attract tourists to what’s been dubbed the UK’s most dangerous cycle path. Well over 100 people have fallen and suffered injuries in the contraflow lane, which has differing kerb heights, since it opened in March 2022. In some cases, people have broken bones, sustained head and facial injuries and lost teeth. In November it was announced that Bath & North East Somerset Council would be introducing more “visual cues” (paint) in the new year to alert people to the hazards of the cycle lane. The falls began as soon as the lane opened as part of the High Street refurbishment. Signs advising people about the new layout were put up shortly afterwards and the cycle lane was painted red in August 2022, but the falls have continued. The latest was reported on FixMyStreet on 31st December. The victim wrote: “On Friday 29th December on visiting Keynsham with my wife and grandson by train, I fell badly on the pavement outside Boots Chemist at approximately 1.50pm due to the slight kerb between the cycle lane
and the pavement. “I received first aid in Boots but was advised to go to the Royal United Hospital as I needed stitches to my left knee. This resulted in my son having to collect us from Keynsham, he lives in Frome, take us to the Park and Ride at Bath to collect our car, and then my wife driving me to the RUH where I received nine stitches in my knee as well as cuts to my left elbow and hand having to be cleaned and dressed. I am at the moment incapacitated.” On Wednesday 27th December a report was posted on FixMyStreet of a trip on a kerb opposite Grounded, which resulted in a badly jarred back, pain, numbness and sciatica. The victim wrote: “This is the worst cycle path design I have ever seen. No consistency in levels. Some parts flush, some parts raised with no distinct difference in visual colouration to help differentiate between the two, which is an obvious breach of accessible design criteria. “It is shocking. I can’t believe this is legal. Completely idiotic. I’m an architect and I can only imagine that this was designed by toddlers or with the intention being to attract tourists to the ‘UK’s most dangerous cycle path’.” Another person posted on Wednesday 20th December the details of their fall that happened on Saturday 9th December at 9.10am after they had walked down the lane from Ashton Way
Photo © Avon Fire & Rescue Service
“The Service that we provide to you matters to us and that’s why it’s important you have the opportunity to have your say on the areas that you would like us to focus on the most and what service provision you would expect from us. “We will be carrying out the work in our Service Plan against a
Sunday 14th January – 1pm Bath Rugby v Racing 92 (Home) Investec Champions Cup – R3 Sunday 21st January – 3.15pm Bath Rugby v Toulouse (Away) Investec Champions Cup – R4
Bath Rugby Ladies Sunday 14th January 1ST XV v Old Albanians (Home) The cycle lane on Keynsham’s High Street
car park to the High Street. They did not notice the height difference between the pavement and the cycle lane, explaining: “Mis-stepped on this half kerb, fell full-length, half twisting as fell. Main impact on left knee and lower leg. Was unable to get myself, was assisted by three very kind strangers who managed to get me in to Costa. “One stayed to keep an eye on me whilst others went off to pay my parking (which was all I was trying to achieve at that point). Sustained significant trauma and soft tissue damage left knee and lower leg. Now 11 days on I am still in significant pain with severe swelling to knee and bruising that is still coming out. “The kerb needs to be hazard marked, it is lethal.” In response to all the reports, the council posted that the appropriate team would review
the incidents. As previously reported, disability campaigners have said they warned the council about design and safety problems at the planning stage but were ignored. The cross-party group of six councillors who represent Keynsham on the council have been campaigning to get the layout changed. One of them, Cllr Alan Hale, who is the council’s member advocate for road safety, has written on a number of occasions to both the council’s chief executive and leader, advising them that should someone die of injuries sustained from a fall, they could face investigation for corporate manslaughter. It was revealed in November that a consultation is due to take place in the next financial year about pedestrianising the High Street, with a ban on bicycles.
Feedback sought on funding for fire service RESIDENTS are being invited to have their say on what Avon Fire & Rescue Service should prioritise to keep communities safe, and how much they are willing to pay for it. The feedback will be used in Avon Fire & Rescue’s Service Plan 20242028, which outlines local risks and the plans to reduce them, making sure the fire service is value for money and ensuring it is a good place to work. AF&RS Chief Fire Officer Simon Shilton said: “As a Service, our main aim is to make our communities safer and we do that by preventing fires through education, protecting you in your homes and your places of work, and by responding to fires.
Bath Rugby
backdrop of financial pressures and an increasing demand for public services and providing the support people need from their fire and rescue service will become increasingly challenging. “I know that times are tough for everyone, and the cost of living is impacting us all, and that is why we are also asking residents what they would be prepared to pay towards their fire and rescue service.” Chair of Avon Fire Authority, Councillor Brenda Massey said: “The Authority’s role is to address the challenges facing Avon Fire & Rescue Service, with the resources available, ensuring an effective and efficient service that meets public expectation.
“As an Authority, we oversee the fire service and represent the views of our local communities covering Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset. “We can only do this by listening to and hearing from our local communities, and I would encourage you to find out more about the Service’s priorities for tackling risk across the area and keeping our communities safer and share your views.” People are encouraged to share their views by completing the short online survey at www. surveymonkey.com/r/YSWB3L7. The survey will close on 14th February 2024.
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Crossword answers - Issue 068 (02/01/2024) Across: 9 Open-air, 10 Cholera, 11 Tress, 12 Tollbooth, 13 Kept, 14 Drug, 15 Debra, 19 Rutted, 20 Bear up, 23 Abhor, 24 Dour, 25 Cede, 27 Folk music, 29 Nadir, 30 Retinue, 31 McEnroe. Down: 1 South Korea, 2 Fever pitch, 3 Waist, 4 Oratory, 5 Ecology, 6 Forbidden, 7 Veto, 8 Rash, 16 Bartenders, 17 Apple trees, 18 Merriment, 21 Odyssey, 22 Succumb, 26 Inter, 27 Farm, 28 Lute.
Sunday 21st January 2ND XV v Reading (Away) Sunday 21st January 3RD XV v Bridgwater & Albion (Home)
Bath City FC Saturday 13th January - 3pm Bath City v Walsall Wood or Coalville Town (H) FA Trophy 4th Round Saturday 20th January – 3pm Bath City v Dartford (H) Vanarama National League South Tuesday 23rd January – 7.45pm Bath v Weston-super-Mare (A) Vanarama National League South
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