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Friday 17th July - Thursday 30th July 2026

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Issue No. 134

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COUNCIL TO PAY M&S Council paying Marks & Spencer to surrender store lease - P3

Don't miss the latest sports news with our expanded team coverage! P18 onwards

Ceremony marks progress on new fire station - P2

Witness appeal after driver dies following collision on A46 - P4

Norland wins university status in first for early childhood - P5

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Ceremony marks progress on new fire station

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How to get in touch with us... For news items and press releases: news@bathecho.co.uk 01225 585484 Editor Sebastian Hawker editor@bathecho.co.uk Becky Feather, Reporter becky@bathecho.co.uk Richard Briggs, Sports Reporter richard@bathecho.co.uk Advertising & Marketing: Rob Last - 07990 253664 rob@mediabath.co.uk For sport and match reports: sport@bathecho.co.uk 01225 585484 Want to have a letter published? letters@bathecho.co.uk Subscriptions/Distribution: production@bathecho.co.uk 01225 585484 Published by Media Bath Limited

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Fire service staff with representatives from Willmott Dixon at the fire station site | Photo © Avon Fire & Rescue Service

“I also want to share my gratitude to the residents who engaged with our process from the beginning and have helped shape the plans for the rebuild of their local station. “We do appreciate your continued patience while the building work commences. This also goes to residents living by our temporary location – thank you for your support.” Richard David, director at Willmott Dixon, said: “The redevelopment of Bath Fire Station is a project we are

incredibly proud to deliver. “It will offer a modern, highquality operational environment that will meet the demands of the firefighters at Avon Fire & Rescue, supporting them as they protect the community. “We are looking forward to seeing the site transformed from the foundations to a landmark public building that will serve the city for decades to come.” The original Bath Fire Station was built in 1938 and was one of the oldest stations operated by Avon Fire & Rescue Service.

From the Editor... Opinion, insight and the stories shaping Bath this week

S I sit writing this, Argentina have just beaten England in the World Cup quarter-finals. It’s certainly disappointing for the country, however there’s always next time! You may be able to tell I’m not an avid football fan, but each to their own – the passion that people have for football and their teams is certainly unmatched. Something you may have read in our previous issue was Clare Moody’s column, as Avon and Somerset’s Police and Crime Commissioner. She raised the important point of domestic violence, and the significant increase in incidents that are reported following losses at football events.

The figures are quite horrific – research found that domestic abuse incidents rose 38% when England lost in the past three World Cup tournaments. We all have to face the fact that England losing against Argentina will have meant that people suffered on Wednesday night. It’s completely unacceptable, and the majority of it will go unreported. Anything we can do to stop this gets our full support. Domestic violence ruins lives – not just those who suffer from the violence, but also loved ones who either can’t stand up against it through fear for themselves or are affected long-term by losing someone they love when it goes too far.

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The service said the redevelopment was needed to support its eight-minute response targets, improve firefighters’ safety and wellbeing, reduce running and maintenance costs and provide greater long-term resilience. The replacement building is also intended to be energy efficient and net zero in operation. During construction, crews will continue responding to incidents from the temporary fire station at Roseberry Place on Lower Bristol Road.

Sebastian Hawker

As Clare rightly said, for victims of domestic abuse, whether female or male, it’s not their fault. It’s not the fault of England winning or losing, and it’s not the fault of alcohol and heightened emotions. Nothing justifies violence at home or elsewhere. I would highly encourage anyone who is a victim of domestic abuse to get in contact with the support organisations out there. There are a range of services funded across the region, with free and accessible support offered to those who need it. In Bath, Southside, based in Twerton, provide targeted and specialist help. Whether it’s physical violence, coercive control or

intimidation, there are teams on hand for victims. It may seem like a scary prospect to try and get help. What if the person causing you harm finds out? Southside offers an initial triage, risk assessment and advice on the services and choices available to victims. If you are at risk of immediate harm, you should get in touch with Avon and Somerset Police by dialling 999 – more information on what you can do if you can’t speak on the phone is available on the Southside website at https://bit. ly/4ynS1Bd Alternatively, you can contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247, which offers free 24/7 advice.

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Pictures from the Past

CONSTRUCTION of Bath’s new fire station has formally begun following a groundbreaking ceremony at the Cleveland Bridge site. Firefighters and staff from Avon Fire & Rescue Service joined representatives from construction company Willmott Dixon for the event on Thursday 2nd July. The ceremony followed the demolition of the former station and marked the start of work to create a modern and more sustainable facility on the same site. Construction is expected to be completed in summer 2027. Chief Fire Officer Matt Cook said: “As we break ground on our new fire station at Bath, it’s a chance to celebrate all the hard work and effort it’s taken to reach this milestone and get excited for the next chapter in its redevelopment. “I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who’s been involved in this project. “Our staff have shown compassion, drive and resilience in delivering the planning for a building that best serves our communities for generations to come.

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In this issue... Top Stories

Friday 17th July - Thursday 30th July 2026

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Marks & Spencer

17 Southgate Place, Bath, BA1 1AP

Morrisons

York Place, London Road, Bath, BA1 6AN

Prior Park Garden Centre

Prior Park Road, Bath, BA2 4NF

Royal United Hospital

The Atrium, RUH, Combe Park, Bath, BA1 3NG

Sainsbury’s (Green Park)

Green Park Station, Green Park Road, Bath, BA1 2DR

Sainsbury’s (Odd Down)

Frome Road, Bath, BA2 5RF

Tesco Express (Wellsway)

52 Wellsway, Bath, BA2 4SA

Tesco Express (Weston)

20 High Street, Upper Weston, Bath, BA1 4BX

The Hub, Mulberry Park

Mulberry Way, Combe Down, Bath, BA2 5BU

Waitrose

The Podium, Northgate Street, Bath, BA1 5AL

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Issue 134

Your City, Your News - Bath Echo

Council pays M&S to surrender former store lease BATH & North East Somerset Council is paying Marks & Spencer to give up the 36year lease that remains on the retailer’s old Stall Street store, it has emerged. M&S, which relocated to the former Debenhams store in SouthGate earlier this year, has no intention of investing longterm in the site, of which the council owns the freehold. Not wanting the ageing building to stand empty, the “urgent” decision has been made to take it back so a new lease can be granted to support city centre regeneration. The decision, taken by the council’s cabinet member for resources Councillor Mark Elliott, is not open to scrutiny by councillors. It is revealed in a report published on the council’s website from which information is exempted – including any reference to the company by name. The report says: “The council owns the freehold of a site, which is currently subject to long leasehold interests with just over 36 years unexpired. The current rent payable to the council is modest and materially below market levels. “Part of the property has been sublet by the tenant, while the remainder of the building is

The former M&S store on Stall Street in Bath

obsolete and requires significant intervention to support the vitality of the city centre. “The current tenant has relocated and has confirmed that it does not intend to undertake any longterm investment in the site. The remaining lease is too short to be of any interest to a developer. “The existing leasehold structure therefore restricts the council’s ability to intervene, improve or regenerate the asset. “The council preferred approach is to regain control of the site to enable redevelopment by a third party through onward disposal of part or the whole of the premises.

“Although this involves a payment of a reverse premium, it would address the obsolescence, secure planning consent and enable redevelopment consistent with the council’s city centre regeneration strategy, as outlined in the council’s adopted Local Plan and Placemaking Plan.” It adds: “Early exchange prevents the tenant from reconsidering or withdrawing their agreement, which would undermine the council’s ability to progress the redevelopment opportunity.” The transaction includes a completion backstop date of 4th December, by which time

the council must have secured a developer willing to take a long lease and enter into a development agreement. The premium payable by that developer is expected to fund the reverse premium due to the tenant. A new tenant and the length of a new lease are yet to be determined, the report adds. It also notes that “redeveloping this outdated building offers the chance to deliver a modern, energy-efficient property that aligns with the council’s commitment to achieving net zero by 2030”. On the reason for keeping information exempt, the report says: “It is in the public interest that the council is able to deliver cost-effective solutions. “This depends partly on the council being able to protect its commercial position while the detailed terms of relevant schemes are agreed.” M&S first announced plans to relocate from Stall Street in the summer of 2024. In November 2025, the council told the Echo that M&S was holding a long lease of the existing premises, which still had a “very significant period” left to run, so any decision over the future use of the building would rest with the retailer.

Campaigners call for Bath to become 20mph city John Wimperis

Local Democracy Reporter

CAMPAIGNERS are calling for Bath to become England’s first fully 20mph city. The city was one of the first to start introducing the 20mph speed limit and, by the end of April 2027, it will apply everywhere on the north side of the River Avon. Now campaigners are calling for Bath & North East Somerset Council to apply the limit to the remaining eight and a half miles of 30mph roads on the south side of the river. 300 people have so far signed the ‘Bath 20mph City’ campaign’s petition. Campaign spokesperson Guy Hodgson said: “30mph where people live, work and play is akin to indoor smoking. When it is no more, we will look back and wonder how we tolerated such a

There are eight and a half miles left of 30mph roads on the south of the river

harmful situation for so long.” Pete Dyson, a transport expert at the University of Bath, said: “We have already seen 20mph works well for people on places like London Road, which is now safer, less polluted and easier to cross. We need to roll out those benefits

to all communities.” Addressing Bath & North East Somerset Council’s cabinet on Thursday 2nd July, Mr Hodgson said: “Safer speeds, say 20mph, give people more time to react, reduce the energy in collisions when they do occur, and that

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results in fewer people killed or injured.” He added that driving at 20mph was still, on average, six to seven times faster than walking. The campaign estimates that the move would cost £15,000, which Mr Hodgson called “excellent value for money.” Councillor Lucy Hodge, the council’s cabinet member for sustainable transport delivery, said: “We are committed to putting in 20mph speed limits where they are requested by residents, recognising how much safer they make our streets for school children.” Mr Hodgson said: “With half the city now moving to 20mph it is time for all Bathonians, especially our children, to enjoy the benefits of safe speeds. “Hundreds of people have already signed our petition, and we urge others to add their voices.”

News in Brief Charges to be brought against Wessex Water Criminal charges are to be brought against Bath-based Wessex Water following the fatal explosion at the Avonmouth sewage treatment plant, trade publication Utility Week has this week revealed. The intended prosecution by the Health and Safety Executive, under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, follows a long-running investigation into the incident in December 2020 that claimed four lives. The youngest was 16-yearold Luke Wheaton, who had only just started an apprenticeship at Wessex Water. The other three were Ray White, 57, Brian Vickery, 63 and Mike James, 64.

Plan to drop speed limit There are plans to lower the speed limit on the A4175 Durley Hill, the road linking the Hicks Gate roundabout to Keynsham to 30mph. The section stretches from the existing 30mph limit on the approach to the miniroundabout at the Durley Hill, Bristol Road and Old Bristol Road junction, to approximately 70 metres south of the Hicks Gate roundabout.

Library books destroyed 465 library books were damaged and have been destroyed due to damp and mould caused by flooding at Bath Central Library last month. The storm on 23rd June caused extensive leaks.

Weather Forecast Fri 17th Sat 18th Sun 19th Mon 20th Tue 21st Wed 22nd Thu 23rd

28°c 27°c 25°c 25°c 25°c 26°c 27°c

Long range forecast:

      

(24th to 30th July) Staying dry across the region as high pressure remains, however it will be less hot. Towards the end of the month, there is more chance of rain and storms.

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Friday 17th July - Thursday 30th July 2026

Witnesses being sought after driver Unsafe wall closes Bath dies following collision on A46 road for urgent works A MAN has died following a collision involving two cars on the A46 near Bath. Emergency services were called to the road near Upper Swainswick at 3.06pm on Saturday 11th July after a white Dacia and a black Range Rover collided. The three occupants of the Dacia were taken to hospital, where the driver died later that evening. Police say his family are being supported by a specially trained family liaison officer. A woman and a child who were passengers in the Dacia remain in hospital. Their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening. A man in his 30s, the driver of the Range Rover, was arrested in Wiltshire on the Saturday night on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He has since been released on conditional police bail while officers continue their enquiries. The A46 was closed while

Police are seeking dashcam footage and witnesses

emergency services attended and investigators carried out their initial work at the scene. Police are continuing to appeal for anyone who witnessed the collision and has not yet spoken to officers to come forward. They are also seeking dashcam

Fresh appeal over assault of 11-year-old

footage showing a black Range Rover travelling westbound on the M4 or southbound on the A46 during the afternoon of Saturday 11th July. Anyone who can assist the investigation is asked to call 101 and quote reference 5226192720.

A ROAD at Lansdown in Bath has been closed while urgent works are carried out to a retaining wall. An application seeking listed building consent was submitted to Bath & North East Somerset Council last week by Kingswood School for the wall along Hamilton Road. A report with the application says: “The proposed works are required in the interests of public safety and the long-term conservation of the boundary wall. “Sections of the wall have been identified as presenting an immediate risk due to movement, loss of stability and the potential for collapse onto the adjacent public highway. The works are therefore necessary, proportionate and time-critical.” Fencing has been erected next to the wall to keep the public safe. The report says the wall has been

Local Democracy Reporter

DETECTIVES investigating the serious sexual assault of an 11-year-old girl in Bath have issued a fresh appeal as enquiries continue. The incident happened in a wooded area near the Clarks Way playground in Odd Down between 5pm and 5.30pm on Wednesday 24th June. Police said a man in his 40s had been arrested, but was released under investigation while the inquiry continues. Officers from Operation Bluestone, Avon and Somerset Police’s serious sexual offences investigation team, said they had now built up a more detailed description of the suspect and were urging anyone who may recognise him to come forward. Detective Inspector Hannah Marsh said: “This is an incredibly serious incident and significant resources are in place to progress our investigation to identify the man responsible. “Specially trained officers are also ensuring the victim and her family are receiving all the support and updates they need. “More than 300 hours of CCTV footage have so far been recovered and this work is

continuing. We’re also carrying out forensic enquiries and using the expertise of officers and staff across Avon and Somerset Police. “We’ve now been able to build a more detailed picture of the offender and I would urge anyone who recognises anyone who matches this to contact us immediately.” The man is described as white, in his early to mid-40s, with a short beard that was black, white and grey in colour. Police said he had brown eyes, a dark-coloured stud or hoop piercing in one ear, and two words tattooed in black ink on his neck. At the time of the incident he was said to be wearing a black cap with a black logo, a watch, a blue T-shirt with a pocket on the left-hand side of the chest, white knee-length shorts, and black and orange hiking boots with long laces. Anyone who recognises the man or has information is being asked to contact police on 101 or through the force website, quoting reference 5226174542. Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

subject to ongoing structural monitoring after concerns were identified in condition surveys in 2019. Subsequent inspections have recorded further movement. Parts of the wall have already been dismantled, with the application for consent “concurrent with the works as a record of the scope and methodology”. The report says that sound salvaged masonry will be reused where practicable, and temporary and permanent stabilisation measures implemented in accordance with the structural engineer’s recommendations.

River footpath closure ‘paused’ as councillor row continues John Wimperis

The attack happened near the Clarks Way playground

The wall is undergoing repairs

PLANS to regularly close a riverside footpath in Bath have been put on hold as councillors clash over plans to evict boaters living alongside it. Bath & North East Somerset Council had planned to begin temporarily closing the footpath next to the Recreation Ground on days when Bath Rugby is playing there from September. Now that plan has been “paused” while the evidence and governance behind it is reviewed. The plan drew criticism from some councillors as it emerged at the same time as the council ordered houseboat residents moored along that path to leave, telling boaters they would face legal action if they were not gone by September. The council says the eviction is not connected to the river path closure, reasoning that the river is dangerous in bad weather. Not all councillors, or boaters, are convinced. When the council decided to apply to the Land Registry to try and formalise its ownership of this stretch of the river bed, 11 backbench councillors challenged the decision over a “lack of transparency” and called it in to a scrutiny committee. It was at this committee on 15th July where Councillor Saskia Heijltjes (Lambridge, Green), who led the cross-party call-in, revealed: “Yesterday I received an email from an officer confirming that the proposed match day river path closure has now been

Boats on the Pulteney stretch of the River Avon | Photo © John Wimperis

paused and is currently under review pending proper evidence, consultation, and governance. “I very much welcome that, but I would ask: If the path closure requires all that before proceeding, why did this land registration not?” She said: “The council has owned this river bed in practice for a long time. It has chosen to register formally at precisely the moment when a £1.85 million feasibility study for the radial gate is under way or about to be underway, when Bath Rugby’s £70 million stadium redevelopment is about to start, and when boat dwellers on that same stretch are being told to leave. “That may all be a coincidence, but the decision report makes no attempt to explain the connection and this panel has every right to ask for one.” Deputy council leader Councillor Sarah Warren (Bathavon North, Liberal Democrat) said the perceived coincidence was due to the fact that the council had temporarily engaged a member of staff dealing with the river and moorings, and registering the ownership of the river bed was

one of the recommendations he had made while in post. Councillor Warren said: “There is no specific project currently identified. “In future there might be projects relating to ecological improvements or flood prevention which might be of interest in this location. Any future decision will be subject to its own approval process.” The call-in signed by councillors raised a number of concerns, including the impact on the boaters being evicted from the river, but the council’s top legal officer said their objections were “primarily misconceived”. He said that the meeting could only discuss whether a reference to “subsequent implementation of other associated projects” was specific enough. After a sometimes tense meeting, in which committee chair Councillor Andy Wait (Keynsham East, Liberal Democrat) repeatedly reminded councillors to not ask questions about the boaters or river in general, the committee voted to dismiss the call-in. The council ordered boaters off the stretch of river in May, and they have until September to leave before the council takes legal action. Percy Walton has lived in a boat on the Pulteney stretch for four years and said previously he would stay as long as he could and try to fight the eviction legally. He said: “I don’t think we fit in with their designs for the future. It’s a bit discriminatory against us.”

Issue 134

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Bath-based Norland wins university Post Office set to reopen in ‘new location’ status in first for early childhood NORLAND has been granted university status and will become the world’s first university dedicated to early childhood. The Bath-based higher education provider will formally become Norland University of Early Childhood this September, after being assessed and approved by the Office for Students. The move marks a major milestone for the institution, which was founded in 1892 by education pioneer Emily Ward and has specialised in early childhood education for almost 135 years. The new status will strengthen Norland’s role in education, research and professional practice, while also helping raise the profile of the early childhood sector and shape its future. The university title will allow it to build further on its degree programme, which combines academic study with practical training and workplace experience, as well as expand its postgraduate offer, including its new MA. Its model currently includes a BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Education and Care alongside

Students at Norland | Photo © Norland

the Norland Diploma, with more than 1,200 hours of placements across schools, nurseries, hospitals, specialist settings and family homes. Students also complete a fourth year in paid employment sourced and supported by Norland, and have access to the organisation’s employment agency, which places fully qualified graduate Norland Nannies with families around the world. The new university will also offer a master’s programme with specialisms including supporting behaviour, food and nutrition, sleep, and home-based pedagogy and care. Norland said the new title reflected wider recognition of the importance of the early

years, describing early childhood as the most critical period in human development because of its influence on future learning, health, wellbeing, relationships and life chances. Dr Janet Rose, principal of Norland University of Early Childhood, said: “Achieving university title is a landmark moment for Norland and for the field of early childhood education and care. Becoming Norland University of Early Childhood strengthens our ability to advance research, connect knowledge and skills with practice, extend our influence on policy and professional standards, and help shape the future of early childhood for generations to come.”

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THE Post Office says it has a retailer interested in reopening the branch in the Oldfield Park area of Bath. Morrisons in Moorland Road and the in-store Moorfields Post Office branch closed in April 2025. The Post Office launched a search for a new retail partner. With the community still missing a Post Office more than a year on, the old Morrisons store is set to become a 10+One Store, and a poster has been displayed in the window by local campaigners who would like to see the branch reopen there.

The Echo this week contacted the Post Office press office to see if that would be a possibility and a spokesperson told us: “We know how important a Post Office is to a community. “The vacancy has previously been advertised, and we have an interested retailer. “We are progressing with that applicant. This is at a new location.” The name of that retailer has not been revealed. The current nearest Post Office branches to Oldfield Park include the one at Southdown Road and Twerton on Avon.

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Crime & Court

Friday 17th July - Thursday 30th July 2026

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52-year-old Bath charity donation Drunken offender box thief given suspended sentence ordered to wear tag A 52-YEAR-OLD man who was caught on CCTV stealing a cancer charity donation box from a Bath takeaway has been given a suspended jail sentence. Gary Hoskins had pleaded guilty to stealing the box containing between £45 and £65 from Bombay Balti in Mount Road, Southdown, on 16th April. He had also admitted a burglary at the YMCA building on Broad Street in the city centre on 1st May when he entered as a trespasser with intent to steal. He had two long screws with him at the time, suggesting he had gone equipped. A pre-sentence report had been ordered by magistrates, but Hoskins failed to turn up for his appointment with the Probation Service and his subsequent sentencing date, and a warrant without bail was issued. He appeared at Bath Magistrates’ Court in custody on Wednesday 8th July. Prosecutor Marjorie Jackson told the court that Hoskins had 79 previous offences for dishonesty. The Probation Service told

Hoskins pleaded guilty to stealing the charity donation box

magistrates that Hoskins is not motivated to change. One of his main issues is drugs. He is currently living rough in the Bath area. Magistrates gave him a six-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months. They said he has “a flagrant disregard for people and their property” and there was a failure to willingly comply with a proposed requirement for a

Drink-driver caught after celebrating win

Neblett had been celebrating England’s win over Panama

A MAN who beeped his car horn to celebrate England’s 2-0 win against Panama in the World Cup was stopped by police who found him over the drink-drive limit. At Bath Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 13th July, Esra Neblett pleaded guilty to driving on Hayes Road in Midsomer Norton on 28th June while over the legal limit. He had 46 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The prescribed limit is 35. Prosecutor Kevin Withey said Neblett had come to the attention of the police by driving around sounding his horn. He was found to be intoxicated and had also taken some recreational drugs. Duty solicitor Jennifer Stetson,

representing Neblett, said he had beeped his horn in celebration after seeing some England fans; it was only that which caught the attention of the police, not bad driving. The 35-year-old had drunk a couple of ciders and thought he was fit to drive. The magistrates gave Neblett credit for being co-operative when arrested and for his early guilty plea. They banned him from driving for 12 months but that will be reduced by three months if he completes a drink-drive rehabilitation course. Neblett, of Specklemead in Paulton, was also fined £120 and ordered to pay a £48 court surcharge and £85 prosecution costs.

community order. Hoskins was ordered to pay £60 compensation to The Ben Saunders Foundation, the Bathbased charity which supports teenagers and young adults with cancer across the UK. He must also pay £85 prosecution costs for each offence and a £154 court surcharge. Magistrates ordered the deprivation of the screws.

A MAN who committed three offences during a drunken night out in Bath has been ordered to wear an alcohol tag for 60 days. Bath magistrates heard that 31-year-old Zane Wheeler had “mixed and matched” his drinks during the night out with work colleagues. He had been to Labyrinth nightclub where, due to his behaviour, he was restrained by door staff and taken to the ground. Wheeler threatened: “You will die for this.” In court on Monday 29th June, Wheeler admitted that on 7th May he used threatening or abusive words or behaviour or disorderly behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress, and a separate charge that he caused an individual to believe that immediate unlawful violence would be used against him. Wheeler also pleaded guilty to wilfully obstructing a police constable in the execution of his duty. He had threatened to headbutt him.

Wheeler will wear the tag for 60 days

Duty solicitor Jennifer Stetson said Wheeler, of previous good character, was “absolutely ashamed” of his behaviour, adding that alcohol had played the major part. Magistrates took the Probation Service’s advice and imposed a community order under which Wheeler, from Broom in Rotherham, must comply with an alcohol abstinence and monitoring requirement for the set period. He was also ordered to pay a £114 court surcharge and £85 prosecution costs.

Repeat offender gets custodial sentence for driving whilst banned A MAN convicted for a third time of driving whilst disqualified has been given a suspended prison sentence. At Bath Magistrates’ Court on Monday 29th June, Thomas Matthews pleaded guilty to four offences. As well as driving whilst disqualified at Radstock Road in Midsomer Norton on 10th June, Matthews had 44 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of his breath, above the legal limit which is 35. The 29-year-old failed to stop for police, fleeing the scene which resulted in a chase on foot. He was also driving without insurance. The prosecutor told the court that police had seen a Ford Transit van being driven by a known disqualified driver and had put their lights on for him to stop. Solicitor Neil Brooker, representing Matthews, said the reason Matthews had fled was he “panicked”. He said there had been no suggestion that Matthews has been driving poorly and that the chase was only short; he was sitting on the ground when the police officer arrived. Mr Brooker said that life has been difficult for Matthews in recent months, and he had been selfmedicating with alcohol to help

Bath Magistrates’ Court

him sleep. He said Matthews would welcome an alcohol treatment requirement (ATR) as part of his sentence. Magistrates said only a custodial sentence could be justified as Matthews, of Hillside Avenue in Midsomer Norton, has a “flagrant disregard for court orders”. They suspended the 12-week sentence for 12 months as there is a “realistic prospect of rehabilitation”. Unemployed Matthews must also wear an alcohol tag for 120 days.

He was also banned from driving for five years and fined £120 for drink-driving. For failing to stop, he was fined £80. There was no separate penalty for driving without insurance, although his driving record was endorsed. Matthews was also ordered to pay a court surcharge of £154 and £85 prosecution costs.

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Issue 134

Your City, Your News - Bath Echo

Pair held in custody 47-year-old escaped after attempted robbery from custody at RUH leading to manhunt

A hearing will be held at Bristol Crown Court in August

A MAN and a woman have been charged following an attempted robbery and stabbing in Bath. Lewis Cunningham and Shannaya Gray appeared in custody at Bath Magistrates’ Court on Monday 6th July. The pair, who are both aged 24, are jointly charged with trying to rob a woman of money, alcohol and drugs of a value unknown on Thursday 2nd July. A knife was allegedly held to the woman’s throat in a car outside the Tesco Express store near Windsor Bridge. The pair are also jointly charged with unlawfully and maliciously inflicting grievous bodily harm on the woman in the Oldfield Park area. Cunningham, who told the court he is of no fixed abode but has a

care of address at Upper Bristol Road in Lower Weston, also faces two charges of possessing a Stanley knife without good reason – at Upper Oldfield Park on 2nd July and in Kingsmead Square on 3rd July. Gray, of Llys Yr Hen Felin in Llanelli, is charged with possessing a Stanley knife in Upper Oldfield Park on 2nd July and on the same day in Monmouth Street. She faces a third charge of possessing a Stanley knife in the city on Friday 3rd July. No pleas were entered at Monday’s hearing. Cunningham and Gray were remanded in custody until 14th August when there will be a plea and trial preparation hearing at Bristol Crown Court.

Gary Gainard | Image © Avon & Somerset Police

A MAN escaped from custody at the Royal United Hospital in Bath, sparking a manhunt involving a police helicopter and dogs, Bath magistrates heard this week. After complaining of feeling unwell on 18th April, Gary Gainard, who had been arrested for failing to attend court on shop theft charges, had been taken to the RUH but fled. He was caught two days later. At Bath Magistrates’ Court on

Monday, 13th July, the 47-yearold pleaded guilty to a charge of escaping from lawful custody. The charge is an indictable only one, meaning it has to be dealt with at the Crown Court. Gainard, of Kildare Road in Knowle in Bristol, is already subject to a community order for previous offending, and the judge at Bristol will receive an updated report at the sentencing on 11th August. Gainard is on unconditional bail until then.

Why do we ‘name and shame’ in our stories? Since the introduction of our Crime & Court section, we've been contacted by concerned members of the public, defendants and guilty parties regarding the inclusion of their names, ages, and partial addresses. We are proud to be able to provide court coverage of cases at Bath Magistrates' Court, something that many local newspapers are unable to do due to restricted time for their reporters. Reporting court cases acts as a deterrent against crime. Printing a defendant’s age and address stops anyone with the same name from being defamed. We do not have access to police or CPS files regarding cases, so everything reported is based on what the prosecution and defence say during a court hearing. HM Courts & Tribunals Service encourages and facilitates media access to courts and tribunals. We have the right to attend and report on proceedings held in open court, unless a statutory restriction applies, or a court order prevents this. Our stories are governed by the regulator IMPRESS, the Independent Monitor for the Press. We follow their dedicated Standards Code, which can be found at https://bit.ly/4n0d9qN

Friday 17th July - Thursday 30th July 2026

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Pictures from the Past The Mineral Water Fountain

The fountain as it stood in the 1960s in central Bath

Kirsten Elliott Akeman Press

THIS week’s archive photo was taken by Colin Hamilton in the 1960s, when you could still drink freely of Bath’s mineral waters from a fountain at the end of Bath Street. The fountain was installed in 1859 and originally had a statue of Bladud on top. Opinion on its merits was divided from the start. One critic described it as ‘a hideous perpetration’, while another demanded

to know when it would be removed. The statue of Bladud was particularly unpopular, and in 1873 was replaced by the urn seen here. The statue was re-erected in the grounds of a house called – appropriately enough – Bladud on Entry Hill, the home of James Williams, who had been involved in installing the fountain. The fountain continued to dispense mineral water until 1978, when it was stopped after a girl died from meningitis from swimming in the thermal springs. The fountain stayed put, however, as one

of Bath’s most familiar – although not perhaps one of its best loved – landmarks, for another 11 years. By now, awareness of the importance of Bath’s Georgian heritage was growing apace, as were calls to do away with anything that compromised it. In 1986, the archaeologist Barry Cunliffe, who had done so much to raise the city’s profile, singled out Bath Street for especial praise, calling it a ‘brilliant piece of planning’. He added, however, that ‘the view from the Cross Bath is marred by the totally inappropriate Victorian fountain that

stands, vulgar and askew, obscuring the view of the New Private Baths’. Three years later, it was removed and reerected in its present location on Bog Island. As for the statue of Bladud, in 2009 it was taken out of storage, where it long lain forgotten, and re-erected in Parade Gardens with a newly-carved pig by its side. Much more about the troubled history of the fountain and of Stefan Pieroni, who created it, can be found in Colin Fisher’s Pieroni’s Fountain, available from Akeman Press.

COLUMN | Clare Moody, Labour Police and Crime Commissioner

HE drivers of youth crime, violence, and anti-social behaviour are complex. Many young people are not only at risk of becoming involved in offending, but also of being exploited or harmed themselves. There is no single cause, and no simple solution. But we do know that early intervention matters. That is why I am funding the Pol Ed programme for all primary and secondary schools across Avon and Somerset – to help young people better understand risk, safety, consequences and the law. The programme offers teachers free access to practical resources – including hundreds of lesson

plans – all mapped to the existing PSHE/RSHE curriculum and developed by teachers, police officers, and subject experts. It covers topics such as exploitation, consent, hate crime, anti-social behaviour, online safety and responsible citizenship. The work speaks directly to my Police and Crime Plan priorities: to reduce serious violence, including youth violence and violence against girls, and prevent crime by working with other organisations and the public. At its heart, it is about prevention; giving children the knowledge and confidence they need to

make informed choices and stay safe, while reducing the likelihood of them becoming perpetrators or victims of crime. It isn’t just about abstract learning; it’s rooted in what is really happening in our communities. Local policing teams and my office can input information to the Pol Ed platform about the issues affecting different areas, allowing teachers to tailor lessons to their students. Importantly, introducing this programme will help bring a consistent, standardised approach to how crime prevention and safety education is delivered in schools across Avon and Somerset that, until

now, has been missing. By funding Pol Ed centrally, instead of schools paying individually, we can also deliver this in a cost-effective way and ensure that every child, regardless of where they live, has access to the same high-quality support. In June, we held a webinar with schools in Avon and Somerset to introduce the programme and support teachers to get started. Within that first week, 38% of secondary schools within Bath and North East Somerset had signed up. I’m encouraged by the level of interest we are seeing so

early on, as my office continues to roll this out to schools across the region. It is a programme, I believe, that can make a real difference to the safety, wellbeing and future opportunities of young people in our communities. If you’re a teacher, you can register for access to Pol Ed directly on their website. Or if you have any questions, you can contact the Violence Reduction Partnership – which I chair, and who are delivering this work alongside Avon and Somerset Police: VRPHub@avonandsomerset. police.uk

Issue 134

Crossword

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Congratulations to Kim Lilley for winning £20! You can find the answers to last issue's crossword on page 20

Complete our crossword for your chance to win £20! Across 1 Kind of story (7) 5 Like some cysts (7) 9 Really ought to (6) 10 Dreary meteor is exploding (8) 11 Mexican harbour on the Pacific (8) 13 Drive of a kind (6) 14 Oxfordshire railway town (6) 17 They sometimes flare (8) 19 Hospital users (8) 21 Notwithstanding (6) 23 Rectifiers (6) 25 Fit to be chosen (8) 28 Frigate, perhaps (3-2-3) 29 Religious message (6) 30 Performs (7) 31 Set free (7)

Down 2 Code of conduct (5) 3 Ruff (5) 4 Kate and Pippa --- (9) 6 Not bacterial, perhaps (5) 7 Dessert fruit (9) 8 Bony-plated burrower (9) 10 Androcles extracted one (5) 12 Assist (3) 15 Lifeless (9) 16 Time of one’s life (9) 18 Gains tiny loco, not going out (7,2) 20 Almost vertical (5) 22 Centre of activity (3) 24 Waste tunnel (5) 26 Debate topic (5) 27 City on the Aire (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 1707 Bath Echo, PO Box 5395, Bath, BA1 0YA The winner will be the first randomly opened entry with the correct answers on 29/07/2026. They will be notified using the details they provide when entering the competition. Winners will be given the option of receiving a High Street shopping voucher or be provided the £20 via a BACS transfer.

P10

Friday 17th July - Thursday 30th July 2026

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Food & Drink

Sponsor this section! Get in touch with Rob Last via rob@mediabath.co.uk

Melissa Blease

Food Writer

Tasty Dates For Your Diary Say ciao bella to Osteria Partenopea, a family-run affair with roots firmly embedded in Naples, which has recently opened in the space formerly known as Bonghy Bo’s on Upper Borough Walls and includes a beautiful secluded alfresco courtyard.  /osteriapartenopea The fabulous vherbalkitchen are popping-up for a very special plant-based pizza event at the Green Rocket Cafe (Pierrepont Street) on Thursday 23rd July. Book via Instagram or Facebook @vherbalkitchen or call 01225 420084. www.thegreenrocket.co.uk Order any main course from the Sepoy Club (Broad Street) à la

Review

carte menu every Tuesday-Friday from 12pm-5pm and get a second one for free by using voucher code BOOFSEPOY when making your reservation. Meanwhile, Sangria Tuesdays bring a jug of Sangria to serve up to 6 people to the party for just £19. Cheers! www.thesepoyclub.co.uk Brickell’s pop-up “French, custard-style ice cream” shop is chilling us out at the heart of Shires Yard every WednesdaySunday daytime from now until September. www.brickellsicecream.co.uk Enjoy 2 courses from a sumptuous seasonal menu for £22.95 (3/£26.95) and add a glass of wine for a fiver at The Square Grill (Abbey Churchyard) all day

every Monday-Thursday. www.squaregrillbath.co.uk Explore and celebrate wines from Piedmont’s Azienda Agricola Lorenzo Negro vineyards at La Terra (John Street) on Thursday 23rd July when Claudio Negro, grandson of winery owner Giovanni Negro, will be on hand to guide you through a selection of the estate’s finest vintages accompanied by a bespoke 4-course menu (£98pp). www.laterra.co.uk The team behind the Beckford Bottle Shop (Saville Row) and the Beckford Canteen (Bartlett Street) have opened the doors to Corsham House (High Street, Corsham), which brings a British

Fire up your lunchtimes at The Bird Grill (The Bird Hotel, Pulteney Road) with a 2-course lunch for just £25 (3/£32) from 12pm-3pm every MondayFriday. Wanna go large at this exciting, flame-centric hotspot? Tomahawk Fridays bring a mahoosive 1kg Tomahawk-toshare complete with the sides and sauces of your fiery dreams to the menu (£105). https://bit.ly/4ynAo4y

hotel (Walcot Street) on Monday 3rd August. breadstreetkitchen-bath.com Pizza Sundays are GO at the Rose and Crown (Larkhall) courtyard: scrumptious homemade pizzas cooked to order from 12pm7.30pm. roseandcrownlarkhall.co.uk

Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street Kitchen and Bar is set to open within the DoubleTree by Hilton

The Fine Cheese Co (Walcot Street) have unveiled their beautiful foodie destination in Marshfield (8 miles/13km north of Bath): a Wall of Cheese (yes, really!), exclusive charcuterie, an in-house bakery, a fabulous farm shop and more, plus two dining spaces specialising in fabulous food from light bites to full-on feasts… and takeaway options too! www.finecheese.co.uk

of rich, creamy sauce, ginger/ garlic/chilli-marinated Bombay Dockyard ‘Prawns’, soft and succulent inside their golden coat and served with a silky yoghurt and (I think?) tamarind dippy pot and the Avocado Street Chat from the dedicated Chat Bhandar selection: a superpretty, savoury/sweet flavour explosion, multi-layered, multitextured, multi-fascinating from start to finish. And our mains were still yet to come! And so, after a short break in which to gather our thoughts… Vivacious Chick’n Jalfrezi laden with peppers, tomatoes, onions and thrilled up with a bracing chilli kick. Bhindi Do Pyaza, which put lusciously tender okra at the heart of beautifullybalanced, earthy/umami sauce of richly caramelised, supersweet onions grounded by the warm, softly smoky hum of cumin, garam masala and ginger. Rich, comforting Saag Aloo

in all its deceptively complex glory which, in the manner of a very experienced party host, forged a close bond with fellow personalities on our main course guest list while still retaining its own lively character. Cumin rice, peshwari naan – given all I’ve just said, Sarthi aren’t going to get those staples wrong, are they? To the contrary, they got both very, very right. Throughout it all, the staff make you feel as though you’re part of a big, happy family, portions are generous (to say the least) and the overall sensory experience is so totally gratifying that the phrase ‘food for thought’ doesn’t do it justice. The word Sarthi loosely translates from Sanskrit/Hindi to mean guide or companion: someone who navigates you through the journey of life. In Bath restaurant terms, you couldn’t put yourself in more capable hands for a uniquely foodie journey.

Sarthi

88 Walcot Street, Bath BA1 5BD 01225 462992 www.sarthi.co.uk  @sarthirestaurant It’s hard to believe that Sarthi only opened the doors to its understatedly elegant oasis of plant-based South Asian food on Walcot Street little over a year ago; seriously, up until that point, what did we do without it? For sure, there are plenty of beyond decent Indian restaurants in Bath, from the traditional/ conventional to the thoroughly modern. But what sets Sarthi apart from its contemporaries is the all-round life-affirming energy that wraps itself around you even before you begin to peruse a menu that represents the diverse, complex flavourprofiles of the world’s largest subcontinent. On a down-to-earth level, the surroundings go a long way to

brasserie, Bottle Shop and 14 bedrooms together in perfect – and, of course, super-stylish – harmony. www.corshamhouse.com

The Avocado Street Chat at Sarthi

creating Sarthi’s own, unique vibe too; heck, we’re dining beneath a sparkling chandelierlit wooden vaulted roof in an imposing Grade II listed former chapel. But that genuinely warm and friendly ethos at the heart of the matter in line with a mission statement that puts heritage, tradition and a magnanimous

eat, drink and be happy vibe at the epicentre of proceedings encourages you to chill out rather than stress out over – well, everything and anything that’s currently stressing you out. We opened our eating-outas-therapy session with a trio of starters to share: crispy/ succulent Hara Bhara Kebabs served with their own little pot

Issue 134

P11

Your City, Your News - Bath Echo

What's On

Friday 17th July - Thursday 30th July 2026

Bath Summer Fayre 2026

Tyla Dyne

Michelle Wolf

Perennial Exclusive Garden Tour

Milsom Street 17th – 19th July Visitors can browse artisan stalls before exploring the surrounding streets for lunch, shopping or sightseeing. Live entertainment and a DJ will create a lively but relaxed atmosphere.

The Grapes 19th July, 4pm After a successful 2025 both gigging and releasing her debut EP “Growing Pains”, 2026 sees Tyla challenging herself and the band to perform in grassroots music venues across the UK.

Komedia Bath 23rd July, 8pm Michelle Wolf has established herself as one of the most influential voices in the comedy landscape. Her stand-up specials across HBO and Netflix have garnered critical acclaim.

Caisson Gardens, Combe Hay 28th July, 10am-3pm Join owners Amanda and Phil Honey for a tour and talk at Caisson Gardens, featured on Gardeners’ World. Set in idyllic countryside, Caisson Gardens is an eclectic and romantic garden.

Sounds of the Roman Seicento

Summer Lates

Newton Park Tree Walk

Teechers

St Mary’s Church, Bathwick 18th July, 3pm Vocal gems of the early Baroque from Rome, with Musicke in the Ayre. The power and wealth of the families associated with the Vatican attracted some of the best Italy had to offer.

Roman Baths 20th July – 31st August As the sun sets, the Great Bath glows in soft torchlight. Enjoy a more relaxed and intimate experience Monday to Thursday with late night opening, and evening bar and dedicated tours.

The Refectory - Bath Spa University 24th July, 10.30am A guided tree walk around the campus of Bath Spa Uni. Newton Park is a Grade II* listed 18th century landscape designed by Capability Brown. Head around the lake and amongst the buildings.

Theatre Royal Bath 28th July – 1st August Updated by John Godber from his original 1980s classic, Teechers is a fast-paced comedy with a vital message about the entrenched inequalities of the UK’s education system.

Festival of Archaeology

Summer of Play

Lost In Music

K’Chevere

Prior Park (National Trust) 18th July – 2nd August Take part once again in the Festival of Archaeology, with walks and information on previous digs and projects. Information will be on display about previous digs in the Pasture.

Dyrham Park (National Trust) 22nd July – 2nd September Drop in this summer for a whole host of family-focused activities across the 270acre site. Alongside the play area at Old Lodge will be imaginative, performance and creative play.

The Forum 24th July, 7.30pm Join a spectacular night of non-stop disco anthems as the sensational live band, powerhouse vocalists, and vibrant production bring the magic of the 70s back to life.

The Bell Inn 29th July, 9pm Formed for Walcot Nation 2000, straight into the top division of dance parties in these parts - and have stayed there. Latino music with the accent on Cuba, Venezuela & Puerto Rica.

Paddock Circus Festival

Solar System Trail

Historic Walking Tour

Juan Martín (Solo)

Beckford’s Tower 19th July, 11am–6pm Enjoy spectacular performances inside a “Little Big Top” tent, outdoor shows, and hands-on circus skills workshops throughout the day. With delicious food, an all-day bar, and space for picnics.

Herschel Museum of Astronomy 23rd July - 1st September The planets of our solar system have hidden around the museum rooms this summer. Can you find them all? Once you’ve spotted them, colour in a planet sticker to take home.

Sydney Gardens 26th July, 2.30pm–3.30pm Enjoy a historic walking tour of Sydney Gardens led by experienced Mayor’s Guide Clive Johnstone. All money raised at the events is used to continue to improve and renovate the park.

Chapel Arts Centre 30th July, 8pm The spectacular flamenco guitarist Juan Martín is a supreme artist and a talented composer. Juan will introduce his compositions set within the rhythmic forms of the great flamenco tradition.

DISCOVER OUR HOME CARE SERVICES

You don’t have to do this alone. When caring for someone you love starts to feel overwhelming, having the right support can make all the difference. Your local Bath home care team is here to support your loved one in their own home, giving you complete peace of mind.

somersetcare.co.uk

0800 817 4928

Not for profit, all for you.

P12

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Community

Legal Expert

Disruption to continue as A4 roadworks over-run Becky Feather Reporter

ROADWORKS on the A4 between Keynsham and Saltford continue to cause delays and disruption for motorists, residents and businesses after over-running due to “complex challenges”. The works are in connection with Curo’s new Withies Green housing development and have caused long tailbacks along Bath Road since they began on 8th September last year. The roadworks were originally expected to take 35 weeks. But towards the end of May, a new date of 6th July was announced. The latest revised completion date of 3rd August has also been hit after the discovery of previously unidentified Virgin Media cables and ducting, which

The roadworks on the A4 are for the new Curo development

will need to be diverted. A Curo spokesperson told the Echo it had followed advice from Bath & North East Somerset Council about how these works need to be organised.

Fresh funding for evening P&R services LATER evening Park & Ride bus services in Bath are set to continue after Bath & North East Somerset Council secured further funding from the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority. The funding will support extended operating hours across Bath’s Park & Ride network as part of a wider regional investment aimed at improving bus services. The later journeys will remain in place on the routes serving Newbridge, Lansdown and Odd Down. Under the arrangement, Bath’s Park & Ride services will continue running until 11.30pm from Monday to Saturday, and until 6pm on Sundays and public holidays. The council said the extended hours would make it easier for people to travel into the city without using a car, whether for work, shopping, eating out or evening events. Councillor Manda Rigby, cabinet member for communications and community, said: “Securing this funding is great news for people who have been relying on the extended hours. “By making it easier and more convenient to use public transport later in the day, we can help reduce congestion, improve air quality and support our local economy – all while giving people more choice in how they get around.” West of England Mayor Helen Godwin said: “We’re delighted to be funding these late-night buses in and around Bath, alongside a range of new services from 26

“We’re pleased the road has operated safely throughout and allowed two-way traffic flow at peak times. Unfortunately, some disruption has been unavoidable, and the project overrun has been

frustrating for all involved. “This can happen with works of this scale – many services run through the site, and this can create complex challenges that can’t always be anticipated. “The cycle path installation was required by B&NES as part of the planning permission given for the Withies Green development. We’ve agreed with the council that this work can now be completed by 3rd August. “The final stages of the project have revealed the presence of undocumented fibre optic cables that will need to be rerouted by Virgin. They will complete this work at a later date – it will not extend the current project.” There will be 168 houses and 40 flats at Withies Green. Of these, 62 affordable properties will be managed by Curo long-term, with 47 designated for social rent and 15 for shared ownership.

Charity warns against entering waterways

The services will run until 11.30pm

July. “Getting our region moving is one of our biggest priorities, connecting people to jobs and education in our city centres and improving sustainable travel options. “Extending these services will make easier to explore everything Bath has to offer, while leaving the car at home, as we work to build the kind of bus network that local people deserve.” The council said the move formed part of its continuing work with WECA and other partners to improve local bus services and provide more reliable, affordable and sustainable transport options. It added that visitors to the Roman Baths would also be able to make use of the later Park & Ride journeys during the Summer Lates programme, which runs from 20th July to 31st August and includes weekend music events, with admission to the site available until 10pm.

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The lock at Weston Lock on the River Avon | Photo © Canal & River Trust

THE Canal & River Trust is urging people in Bath to stay out of canals and rivers during the hot weather, warning of the serious risks posed by inland waterways. The charity, which looks after 2,000 miles of waterways across England and Wales including the Kennet & Avon Canal and River Avon Navigation through Bath, said warmer weather brings more visitors to canals and rivers but also increases the risk of incidents in the water. According to the trust, 61% of accidental drownings in the UK in 2024 happened at inland waters such as canals, rivers, lakes, quarries and reservoirs. Popular locations including Saltford Lock and Bath Deep Lock can attract visitors in hot conditions, with people often gathering to watch boats pass through and spend time by the water. But the charity warned that locks and weirs can be especially dangerous if people try to jump in to cool off. It said locks are not swimming

pools and can contain hidden shelves, known as cills, which can cause serious injury, while weirs have strong currents capable of pulling even strong swimmers under the surface. Anne Gardner-Aston, director of health and safety at the Canal & River Trust, said: “Spending time on or by Britain’s waterways is a lovely way to spend a summer’s day and they are excellent places for families to explore during the warm weather. But it is also important that people, especially children and teenagers, are aware of the dangers of cooling off by going for a dip. The consequences can be devastating. “Inland waterways, like canals, rivers, reservoirs and docks, can look really inviting but you can’t tell what is below the surface. Even if you are familiar with a stretch of water, it doesn’t mean there aren’t risks. “The water often isn’t clear, and you will not be able to see the depth or any obstacles in the water. Everyone is welcome to the waterways this summer, but please keep to the waterside.”

Will my spouse get half of everything if they cheated on me?

Your spouse has just announced that they have fallen in love with someone else and you want to know what this means for you financially. The bad news for clients in this situation is that the law does not take into account why the marriage has ended when deciding how finances should be divided. The law – achieving ‘fairness’ There is no standard formula for dividing finances on divorce. Instead, the court must consider a set of factors listed in the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973. Whilst ‘conduct’ is one of these factors, it will only be relevant in very exceptional circumstances, such as where a serious crime has been committed. The court’s goal is achieving fairness, and the starting point is that assets accrued during a marriage are divided equally. However, where the needs of the parties and any children cannot be met by an equal division, an unequal division of resources may be appropriate instead. In these cases, ‘needs’ are likely to dictate how capital and income are divided. Relevance of a new relationship If your spouse is cohabiting with their new partner, the court will look at what their new partner should be contributing to the household economy. This will serve to reduce your spouse’s ‘needs’ in the eyes of the court but can be viewed as an additional resource from which those needs might be met. What this means for you Your spouse is entitled to a fair settlement even though they have cheated, which could in some cases see them receiving more than half of the assets, at least in the short term, if this is what your respective needs dictate. However, it is always open to you and your spouse to reach an alternative agreement through legal advisors or at mediation. It is therefore sensible to seek early legal advice. How Battens Solicitors can help As Head of Family Law at Battens Solicitors in Bath, I specialise in advising clients on the financial aspects of divorce and separation. If you would like tailored advice about your situation, please contact me, Sarah Jackson, by calling 0800 652 8373 or visit our website battens.co.uk

01225 562581 www.battens.co.uk hello@battens.co.uk 7 Gay Street, Bath, BA1 2PH

Issue 134

P13

Your City, Your News - Bath Echo

Former Royal Yacht launch begins new chapter on Bath’s River Avon

Funding available for community groups

The Jolly Brit on the river | Photo © Bath River Cruises

A HISTORIC boat once used by Queen Elizabeth II has arrived in Bath for a new role carrying visitors along the River Avon. Bath River Cruises has introduced The Jolly Brit, a restored wooden launch built in 1953 as one of the official “Jolly Boats” carried aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia. The vessel was used to transport members of the Royal Family between Britannia and the shore during official overseas visits. Among its most notable journeys was in 1961, when it carried Queen Elizabeth II along the River Gambia during her visit to the country, allowing her to view crocodiles and other wildlife

from the water. More than 60 years later, The Jolly Brit is preparing to begin a new chapter offering river trips in Bath. James Seith, co-founder of Bath River Cruises, said: “We wanted to bring something genuinely special to Bath. “There are plenty of sightseeing boats, but very few can claim to have carried Queen Elizabeth II. The Jolly Brit is a living piece of British history, and we’re incredibly proud that her next chapter will be written here on the River Avon. “The Royal Yacht Britannia remains one of the UK’s most

popular attractions because people love getting close to that kind of history. Now they can experience a piece of it here in Bath, aboard a boat the late Queen actually sailed on.” The vessel has been restored by traditional boatbuilders while retaining features from its former royal service, including a navy hull, varnished mahogany and polished brass fittings. Rather than being placed in a museum, the boat will continue carrying passengers, offering visitors the chance to experience Bath from the water while travelling aboard a piece of maritime history.

COMMUNITY organisations are being invited to apply for funding to deliver projects aimed at improving neighbourhoods across Bath. Bath & North East Somerset Council has opened a new round of applications for its Community Infrastructure Levy Neighbourhood Fund. The scheme uses money collected from new developments to support community-led projects that respond to local needs and provide practical benefits for residents. More than £2.8 million has been awarded to 80 projects across Bath since the fund was launched in 2015. In the previous round, announced in May, projects received more than £270,000 between them. These included plans for a new football cage at Royal Victoria Park, a sensory garden at Oldfield School and pedestrian safety improvements in Lambridge. Local organisations can now submit proposals through the council’s website, with applications remaining open until midnight on Wednesday 26th August 2026. Councillor Kevin Guy, leader

More than £2.7m has been awarded

of Bath & North East Somerset Council, said: “Communities know best what their neighbourhoods need. “This funding gives local groups the opportunity to turn ideas into practical improvements that benefit residents and help shape the future of Bath. Please come forward with your applications.” The council administers the neighbourhood portion of Community Infrastructure Levy funding within Bath. In North East Somerset, the money received through the levy is allocated by town and parish councils. Applications will be considered by a panel of ward councillors before final decisions are made by the council leader.

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Friday 17th July - Thursday 30th July 2026

www.bathecho.co.uk

Health

Home Care Expert

RUH cuts compression sock use to boost comfort THE Royal United Hospital in Bath has changed its guidance on the use of compression stockings, in a move aimed at improving patient comfort, reducing waste and cutting costs. Compression socks, also known as anti-embolic stockings, have traditionally been used in hospitals to help prevent blood clots in patients recovering from surgery or spending long periods with reduced mobility. However, the RUH said the latest evidence shows that for many patients who are already receiving blood-thinning medication, the stockings offer no added benefit. Research has also found no advantage in routinely using them for patients undergoing day-case procedures. Following that evidence, the trust’s haematology team updated its guidance so that

Nurse Sophie with single-use compression socks | Photo © RUH

compression stockings are now used only when they are clinically needed. The RUH said the change has improved comfort for patients and reduced risks linked to

wearing the stockings, including skin irritation. It is also expected to have a significant environmental and financial impact. The trust said the revised guidance could save

around 270 metric tons of carbon dioxide each year and reduce costs by an estimated £2.5 million over the next five years. Sophie Millington, lead nurse for thrombosis and anticoagulation at the RUH, said: “Our priority is always to provide safe, evidencebased care for our patients. “The latest research shows that these socks do not provide additional benefits for many patients when appropriate medication is already being used to prevent blood clots. “By updating our guidance, we can continue to protect patients from blood clots while reducing unnecessary treatment, improving comfort and supporting our sustainability goals. “It’s a great example of how small changes can make a big difference for our patients, for the wider NHS and for the planet.”

Hospital backs endometriosis diagnosis research THE Royal United Hospital has played a special role in early-stage research exploring whether endometriosis could be diagnosed sooner without the need for invasive surgery. The RUH supported the pilot DETECT study, led by the University of Oxford and backed by Serac Healthcare, which examined whether a new imaging technique might help identify the condition earlier. Endometriosis affects around one in 10 women and people with a uterus in the UK, but diagnosis currently takes an average of eight to nine years. In many cases, confirmation still depends on laparoscopy, as MRI and ultrasound scans can struggle to detect the most common forms of the condition in its early stages. The RUH, part of the BSW Hospitals Group, was asked to take part in the study because of its specialist SPECT-CT scanner and the expertise of staff in using the technology. As a result, all 19 participants in the pilot had their scans carried out in Bath. Staff at the RUH helped design, develop and review the study scans, and advised on how the technology could be used. The trial explored whether an experimental tracer, known as 99mTc-maraciclatide, could highlight new blood vessel growth on CT scans, a feature often linked to early-stage endometriosis. Sarah Cade, head of medical physics and bioengineering at the RUH, said: “We were pleased to support this important earlystage research.

“By designing and developing a tailored scanning protocol, we were able to explore whether this technology could help identify endometriosis in a different way. “While further research is needed, the early findings are encouraging.” According to the trust, the scans carried out at the RUH matched closely with what surgeons later found during planned diagnostic surgery, suggesting the technique may in future help support earlier diagnosis. Professor Krina Zondervan, head of department at the Nuffield Department of Women’s and Reproductive Health at the University of Oxford, said: “The most prevalent subtype of endometriosis currently evades reliable detection, leaving women no choice for diagnosis other than invasive surgery. “If these results are confirmed in larger phase III studies,

imaging with maraciclatide could transform clinical research and practice and potentially empower the development of treatments for women across the globe.” Professor Richard Graham, research and development director for BSW Hospitals Group, consultant radiologist at the RUH and co-author of the study, said: “We are delighted to have been invited to take part in this important pilot study. “Research is extremely important to all hospitals in BSW Hospitals Group, and evidence shows that patients treated in researchactive hospitals have better outcomes, even if they are not participating in a study. “The RUH is also one of the most research active hospitals of its size in the UK, something we are very proud of. “Being part of the DETECT study reflects our commitment to

research that benefits our wider community and to working in partnership with academic colleagues. We are also pleased to be supporting research that aims to improve women’s health.” The RUH stressed that the work remains at an early stage and that more studies are planned before the scan could be introduced more widely. David Hail, chief executive of Serac Healthcare, said: “With FDA Fast Track Designation and agreed Phase III study designs, we are now advancing to validate these findings in larger trials and progress to regulatory submission.” The trust said that while the scan is not currently part of NHS care, the results so far represent an important step towards reducing delays in diagnosis and helping people with endometriosis access answers, support and care sooner.

Beat the Heat: Keeping Older Adults Safe and Independent at Home This Summer

As summer temperatures rise, so do the risks for older adults. The UK Health Security Agency reported an estimated 1,504 heatassociated deaths during the summer of 2025, with those aged 75 and over being particularly vulnerable. Ensuring our loved ones remain cool, hydrated, and safe is a top priority. Our approach includes comprehensive hydration checks, where we offer cool drinks during every visit, monitor fluid intake, and ensure water is always within easy reach to prevent dehydration. We also focus on home cooling by actively managing the environment. Our carers close blinds, improve airflow, and remove heat sources to keep living spaces as cool as possible. At Abney & Baker, our focus is on proactive care, stepping in early to prevent a crisis. Our proactive Heatwave Care: during periods of intense heat, our care teams are fully prepared to ensure client safety and comfort. We integrate essential heat management into our regular visits, providing peace of mind for families. Furthermore, our team conducts vigilant health monitoring. We are trained to spot early signs of heat exhaustion, such as flushing, dizziness, or new confusion, and can escalate concerns immediately. For clients living with dementia, we provide dementiaaware support by maintaining familiar environments while gently introducing cooling measures to keep them calm and secure. We don’t wait for a crisis. The heat can quickly compromise strength and mobility. By choosing a preventative care approach, small issues are addressed before they become emergencies. Our Prevent clients require 37% fewer care hours than the national average, proving that early support keeps people thriving at home for longer. If you are concerned about how an ageing parent will cope with the heat this summer, don’t wait for a crisis to happen. Let’s talk about how proactive care can protect their independence. Call our friendly team today on 0333 043 4880 or email us at enquiries@abneyandbaker. com to discuss our Prevent and Prevent+ packages and how we can help you keep your loved one safe this summer.

Issue 134

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Education

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More than 430 B&NES pupils join electronics recycling workshops

Team Bath Netball launches partnership

MORE than 430 primary school children from across Bath and North East Somerset have taken part in workshops aimed at teaching them how to repair, reuse and recycle electronic items. The sessions were run over recent months by Bath & North East Somerset Council in partnership with Sustainable Hive, and were designed to help children develop good recycling habits from an early age while learning more about the environmental impact of electronic waste. Six of the workshops were held at the council’s Keynsham Recycling Hub, giving pupils the chance to see modern recycling processes in action as part of the experience. The programme was funded by Valpak, the waste management and recycling organisation which works with the council to collect and recycle electrical and electronic equipment. All primary schools in Bath and North East Somerset were invited

HAYESFIELD Girls’ School will become a training venue for Team Bath Netball’s Player Pathway squads as part of a new partnership between the two organisations. The Bath school will host pathway training during the 2026-27 season and beyond, while working with Team Bath Netball to increase participation and raise the profile of the sport among pupils. The partnership is intended to create stronger links between school netball and the Team Bath pathway, giving students greater awareness of the opportunities available to continue developing within the sport. Team Bath Netball NXT Gen players Sophie Siffre and Ellen Morgan visited Hayesfield to meet pupils and staff and celebrate the launch of the agreement. The partnership was announced while Hayesfield fundraises to resurface its netball courts. The school said improved courts would provide a better

to take part. Councillor Mark Elliott, deputy leader and cabinet member for resources, said: “These were fun and engaging activities that gave children first-hand experience of what recycling really involves, while helping them understand why it matters. “I hope the workshops will help build positive habits that last a lifetime.

“These events are part of our wider efforts to reduce waste, so it’s fantastic to see so many pupils become enthusiastic about making a difference.” A spokesperson for Newbridge Primary School said: “The activities really engaged the children. A really formative and engaging workshop.” The council said this was the third year it had run the workshops.

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environment for training, matches and player development, as well as enhancing a facility used by local teams and community groups. Emily Siddy, netball manager at Team Bath Netball, said: “We are really pleased to be launching this new partnership with Hayesfield Girls’ School. “Hayesfield has a long-standing commitment to sport and creating positive opportunities for girls to participate, develop and thrive through netball. “Partnerships like this are incredibly important to us as we continue to build meaningful connections across the region and strengthen the connection from school and community netball through to pathway environments. “We also fully back the school’s fundraising efforts to resurface their netball courts. “Quality facilities play a vital role in giving young girls the best possible experience when being active with their peers.”

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Friday 17th July - Thursday 30th July 2026

Business Combination of problems brought down leading law firm Becky Feather Reporter

THE joint administrators of BLB Solicitors Limited have revealed how the firm, which had offices in Bath and Wiltshire, reached breaking point. They say there will be enough to pay preferential and secondary preferential creditors, but unsecured creditors are unlikely to recover anything. Around 90 staff lost their jobs when the firm, which had offices in Edgar Buildings in George Street in Bath, as well as in Bradford-on-Avon, Trowbridge, and Swindon, collapsed into administration at the end of April. On 5th May, the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) carried out an intervention into BLB Solicitors, with firm Stephensons Solicitors LLP appointed to collect clients’ files and keep them safe. BLB Solicitors’ services included conveyancing, family law, wills and probate, commercial property, employment law, and personal injury and medical negligence. In a notice published this month, the joint administrators of BLB Solicitors, Gareth Buckley and

The former BLB Solicitors offices in Bath

Steve Elliott from The Insolvency Company, say the established regional law firm traded profitably until recent years. Detailing the events leading up to the administration, they say the firm had experienced “increasing financial pressure arising from a combination of market, operational and trading factors”. They explain: “A significant contributor to the company’s difficulties was the performance of its clinical negligence department. Historically, the department operated with a relatively consistent cycle of opening and settling cases, generating a steady stream of fee income. “Following the Covid-19 pandemic, this pattern became

disrupted, resulting in periods where the department incurred substantial ongoing costs without corresponding fee recoveries. “Whilst the wider business was capable of supporting one year of reduced fee generation, it did not have sufficient scale or financial resources to absorb multiple consecutive years of belowbudget performance. “The position deteriorated further when forecasts for the 2026/27 financial year were significantly downgraded by the head of department, materially reducing anticipated future income and adversely impacting the company’s budgeting and cash flow projections.” The company also faced a number of challenges within its core legal

teams: “During the preceding year, substantial investment had been made in recruitment and training, with a number of new fee earners requiring time to become established and generate fees at expected levels. “In addition, the company was adversely affected by a slowdown in conveyancing transactions at the start of the financial year, which persisted longer than anticipated due to uncertainty surrounding the Government Budget. “Although activity levels subsequently recovered, the prolonged downturn had a negative impact on income generation.” Further pressure arose from increased employment costs following changes to National Insurance contributions, together with recruitment costs incurred following the departure of several key members of staff. A new case management system, whilst necessary due to the existing system becoming obsolete, also resulted in a temporary reduction in productivity as staff adapted to the new platform. The administrators say: “The cumulative effect of these factors placed increasing pressure on the

company’s cash flow and financial position. Following a review of the company’s forecasts and available funding, the directors concluded that the company was unable to continue trading without the protection afforded by an insolvency process and sought advice from insolvency practitioners in March 2026. “Following those discussions, it was determined that administration represented the most appropriate course of action and the business to be potentially sold as a going concern.” An offer for the business and assets was agreed upon but the purchaser ultimately withdrew their offer, leaving no option but to cease trading. The administrators anticipate that there will be sufficient funds to pay preferential and secondary preferential creditors. However, it is uncertain at this stage if there will be enough funds to pay unsecured creditors, who are owed around £2.53 million, as this is dependent on any surplus of debtor recoveries from the SRA. Agents have been instructed by the administrators to undertake valuations of the two freehold premises in Trowbridge and they are being advertised for sale.

Curo and Abri exploring Supermarket chain Lidl submits application for new Keynsham store partnership options LIDL has submitted plans to build a supermarket right opposite Waitrose in Keynsham. Lidl’s rival Aldi won permission last month to build a store at the nearby Brincliffe Nursery site, with Bath & North East Somerset Council’s planning committee voting in favour of the plans, despite officers recommending refusal due to concerns over traffic congestion. Lidl had indicated its intention to build a store at Broadmead Lane earlier this year, but its two applications to demolish industrial units at the Jewson and Glenavon Timber Services site were refused by the council as there was not enough information to assess the likely potential impacts on protected species. Now Lidl has lodged a full planning application to demolish the existing buildings and build a new food store with parking, landscaping, drainage and servicing. Lidl says its proposed store, which will create 40 local jobs, is much closer to the town centre than Aldi’s and is in an area of existing retail and commercial activity.

A retail impact assessment accompanying the application says there will be no adverse impact on the viability of Keynsham town centre, and a Lidl will benefit customers and local residents by providing discounted groceries at a time of what is a continued cost-of-living crisis. Lidl says that, looked at cumulatively with the proposed Aldi on Bath Road, the impact on the town centre would still be within acceptable limits, with the main trade diversion to both stores coming from the Tesco at Bristol Road which is “trading well above its company average level”. Lidl states that all potential impacts of the scheme can be appropriately mitigated and there will be no adverse impacts. The store’s proposed opening hours are 7am to 10pm Monday to Saturday, including bank holidays, and 10am to 4pm on Sundays. It will have a bakery and 1,529sq m sales area, with 135 car parking spaces including nine disabled bays, nine parent and child spaces and two rapid electric vehicle charging spaces.

Vehicular access is proposed via an upgraded junction that serves the current Jewson site. The Glenavon Timber Services entrance will be stopped up and reinstated as a footway. Lidl says the development will incorporate pedestrian-friendly access points and cycle parking facilities to promote walking and cycling for local shoppers. There is said to be good public transport access with the nearest accessible bus stop on Bath Road about 350 metres from the proposed store. A transport assessment says the store is not expected to generate a significant increase in primary new trips on the local highway network, with most traffic transferring from other food store locations within Keynsham and the wider area, or diverting off the A4, resulting in a redistribution of existing trips within the local area. Sustainability measures include heat recovery systems and air source heat pumps, with roofmounted solar panels capable of providing up to 25% of the store’s energy requirements. Landscaping proposals include new trees and hedges.

HOUSING associations Curo and Abri have confirmed they are in discussions over forming a new partnership that could oversee more than 73,000 homes and community assets across the South and South West of England. If agreed, the partnership, announced on 1st July, would support around 142,000 customers across the region. Both organisations said their boards are currently reviewing options for bringing the two groups together, with the aim of strengthening investment in existing homes, improving services and increasing the delivery of new affordable housing. Abri and Curo have highlighted their strong track records in housing provision and development, saying that a combined organisation could build on these strengths. Gary Orr, group chief executive of Abri, said: “We believe Abri and Curo are an excellent fit for one another. As well as operating in the same geographical area, both groups share the same core purpose, vision and values. “Separately we are two high-

performing organisations, but together we believe we can be even greater. “Our combined strength and resilience will allow us to invest more into our customers’ homes, offer greater services and build more much-needed affordable homes.” David McQuade, interim chief executive of Curo, added: “Curo and Abri have many things in common and our boards believe that together we will have more capacity to improve homes and services. “Combining resources and capabilities is in the long-term interests of our customers and communities. While the partnership discussions progress, our focus will be on maintaining the delivery of highquality services. Our customers’ views are extremely important to us, and we will give them every opportunity to provide feedback on the proposals and their priorities for the future.” No final decision has yet been made on the proposed partnership. A conclusion is expected later this year, following consultation with customers.

Issue 134

P17

Your City, Your News - Bath Echo

Politics

Planning Round-up Plans to repair seven damaged columns

Criticism over salary for WECA’s deputy mayor Adam Postans

Local Democracy Reporter

THE £19,300 salary for the deputy mayor of the West of England Combined Authority (Weca) has been blasted after it emerged they did not deputise a single time last year. A Freedom of Information (FOI) request showed Bath & North East Somerset Council Lib Dem leader Councillor Kevin Guy had little to do in the role between May 2025 and May this year. Democracy campaigner and journalist Andrew Lynch told WECA’s audit committee that the authority “had no clue about what the deputy mayor was up to on WECA’s behalf”. Labour’s metro mayor Helen Godwin and Councillor Guy said in response that the position of deputy mayor was ‘important’ and ‘legally required’, although Ms Godwin’s predecessor Dan Norris did not appoint a deputy throughout his tenure from 202125. They said the special allowance for the role of £19,300 was decided by an independent remuneration panel. WECA’s response to the FOI said Councillor Guy did not deputise for the mayor in her absence at any statutory public meetings – WECA committee, West of England joint committee, or the overview and scrutiny committee. It said he did not chair any advisory boards at Ms Godwin’s request, although he did chair the transport advisory board in his capacity as a leader of one of WECA’s constituent authorities

– B&NES, Bristol and South Gloucestershire – rather than as deputy mayor. WECA said it did not hold information about the dates and occasions Councillor Guy represented the mayor at internal or external meetings requiring mayoral attendance because it did not hold a diary for the deputy mayor, which would be held by B&NES Council. Similarly, the combined authority also did not hold information on any meetings he held with international visitors to promote international relationships when Ms Godwin’s duties prevented her from attending. Another democracy campaigner, Suzanne Audrey, said in a written statement to the committee on Monday 6th July: “People are generally supportive of having a deputy mayor, and of rotating the role to encourage cooperation across the mayoral authority. “But I wonder if there needs to be more thought given to ensuring there are sufficient opportunities

for the deputy mayor to be seen to be fulfilling the duties of the role?” Mr Lynch asked: “How can members of this audit committee or the auditors be assured that any value for money is being created or maintained by paying unitary authority leaders for this seemingly nominal post?” After the meeting, Councillor Guy said: “The role of deputy mayor is an important part of the West of England Combined Authority’s governance arrangements, helping to ensure continuity of leadership and representation across the region. “During my year in the role, I was pleased to support the mayor and represent the West of England on our shared regional priorities. “The allowance attached to the role is independently determined through the combined authority’s independent remuneration panel, which considered the responsibilities involved. ” Ms Godwin said: “It was wonderful to have Councillor Guy

serve as my first deputy mayor, with the role rotating annually between our council leaders. “I am grateful to Kevin for his continued work and support, and for representing our region as deputy mayor at events across the West of England and beyond – including at 10 Downing Street. “It is of course right that politicians’ pay is independently recommended by an expert panel, as is the case for this important – and legally required – role.” In response to Mr Lynch’s question, WECA officers said: “The law requires that a deputy mayor is appointed, regardless of whether the mayor is able to attend all statutory meetings (as was the case last year, but is not guaranteed). “Members’ remuneration is reviewed and recommended by an independent remuneration panel. “The allowance for the deputy mayor was set at the level recommended by the independent remuneration panel (which considered the responsibilities and duties of the deputy mayor in reaching their recommendation). “The Freedom of Information response confirmed that each local authority holds the diary for their respective council leader. “At committee meetings, the mayor has thanked the former deputy mayor for attending a number of engagements as part of that leadership role – in addition to chairing an advisory board.” The new deputy mayor is Bristol City Council’s Green leader Councillor Tony Dyer.

Thermae Development Company Ltd has unveiled plans to repair and restore seven historic columns at the Grade II* listed Old Royal Baths complex in the city centre. In May last year Bath & North East Somerset Council approved detailed repair work to a Georgian column at the Thermae Bath Spa after it was severely damaged by a lorry during the Christmas Market. Now there are works planned to repair and restore the seven other exterior columns where damage over the years is said to have been “unsympathetically repaired” with modern filler. That will be removed and the columns will then be assessed, stabilised, cleaned and repaired with appropriate materials. The planning reference is 26/02243/LBA. The deadline for comments is 13th August.

Solar panel scheme for day centre roof Bath & North East Somerset Council is looking to install rooftop solar panels on Carrswood Adult Day Centre at Cleeve Green in Twerton to provide on-site power generation. There is a current planning application seeking prior approval for the 70kWp scheme.

Bakery and café plan for former fish & chip shop There are plans to turn a former fish and chip shop in Bath into an independent artisan bakery and café. The council is being asked to approve the scheme for Brume Bakery in what was Seafoods at 38 Kingsmead Street in the city centre, which is Grade II listed. The takeaway closed last August.

Council working to tackle waste from holiday lets in Bath John Wimperis

Local Democracy Reporter

BATH & North East Somerset Council is trying to tackle waste from holiday lets, but it does not know how many are in Bath. Uncontained waste from holiday lets is a “key issue” for the local authority, but its cleaning teams are having to go street-by-street to identify them. There is no central register of how many there are in the city. Waste strategy manager Lisa Gore told a council scrutiny panel on 9th July: “At the moment we tackle it street by street, so as they are identified the team will do a lot of research into the background to work out if they are paying business rates/council tax and approach any lettings companies — but it is a lot of work behind it.”

The scrutiny panel was discussing the first six months of the council’s new evening business waste rules, which say business waste must be put in gull-proof sacks and cannot be put out until 6pm. Asked about whether this should apply to holiday lets too, council cabinet member Councillor Ian Halsall (Oldfield Park, Liberal Democrat) said: “There is an argument as to whether they should actually be registered as businesses and we should be charging them accordingly but its definitely something we are looking into.” He said the council had been making an assessment of what the appropriate action was on a case-by-case basis for each holiday let it found. He said: “In some instances, we have taken direct action and served fixed penalty notices,

The Guildhall in Bath

other times we have just been politely asking them to get their guests to put their rubbish out on the appropriate collection day.” Councillor Halsall said the council was campaigning for there to be a national register of holiday lets. The meeting heard that there are 1,850 holiday lets in the greater Bath area listed on Airbnb alone. 41 fines were issued to businesses

in the first six months of the new evening business waste rules, which came into effect in October. The council’s figures show that there was initially a large number of breaches of the rules, but they quickly reduced. In the first week of the new rules in October, 61 businesses put their waste out without their name on it and 43 businesses put

it out at the wrong time. By the seventh week, there was only one instance of each breach. The requirement for businesses not to put their bins out before 6pm was highly controversial. Shops could previously put them out from 5pm, and the council’s own analysis warned that it could cost shops which shut at 5pm over £3,000 a year in additional wages for someone to stay for another hour just to put the bins out. Two of the businesses which ended up receiving fines had previously formally complained about the 6pm rule. An estimated 1,126 businesses are within the central Bath area affected by the new rules. Eighty businesses objected to the rules before they were introduced, and 21 businesses have complained to the council about the policy since.

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Bath to start PREM Cup campaign with a Sunday visit to Sale Sharks

Larks concede goal in each half and lose

Richard Briggs Reporter

BATH Rugby will start their PREM Rugby Cup campaign with a visit to Sale Sharks in September. The Blue, Black & White, who are in Pool A, will make the trip to the CorpAcq Stadium for a Round 1 clash on Sunday 6th September. Bath have a bye in the following stage but will next be in action in the competition when they face Exeter Chiefs at Sandy Park in Round 3 on Saturday 7th November. Johann van Graan’s side will open their home programme in the cup by playing Gloucester Rugby at The Rec in Round 4 on Saturday 14th November. Round 5 will provide Bath with another derby – this time against Bristol Bears at Ashton Gate Stadium on Friday 20th November. There will be another bye for the Blue, Black & White in Round 6. And in Round 7 they will meet the Bears at The Rec on Saturday 6th February. Another home match will follow a week later, the Chiefs coming to Somerset on Saturday 13th February. Bath will go to Kingsholm Stadium to play Gloucester in Round 9 on Saturday 20th February before concluding their pool schedule at home to Sale on Saturday 27th February. The semi-finals and final will take

place in March. Bath’s PREM Rugby Cup fixtures: September: 6th Sale Sharks (A, Round 1, 3pm). November: 7th Exeter Chiefs (A, Round 3, 3pm), 14th Gloucester Rugby (H, Round 4, 2pm), 20th Bristol Bears (A, Round 5, 7.45pm). February: 6th Bristol Bears (H, Round 7, 3pm), 13th Exeter Chiefs (H, Round 8, 3pm), 20th Gloucester Rugby (A, Round 9, 2.30pm), 27th Sale Sharks (H, Round 10, 3pm). Bath trio Connor Treacey, Sam Winters and Tyler Offiah were in the starting XV as England U20 lost 53-37 to their South Africa counterparts in the World Rugby Junior World Championship semi-finals in Georgia on Monday 13th July. Treacey once again skippered England, who will face New

Zealand in the third-place playoff on Saturday 18th July (3pm UK time). The Junior Springboks are the reigning champions but England gave themselves a mountain to climb with the permanent redcarding of Seb Kelly – for butting – in the 32nd minute. Bath’s Enoch Opoku-Gyamfi started, scored a try and was yellow-carded for Italy in their ninth-place semi-final with Georgia on 13th July. Italy won 43-19 and will take on Ireland in the ninth-place playoff on 18th July (5.30pm UK time). Bath’s Oscar Thomas, Alex Ridgway and Bailey Cutts all came off the bench for Wales in their 38-36 success against Australia in a fifth-place semifinal on Sunday 12th July. Wales will face Scotland in the fifth-place play-off on Friday 17th July (5.30pm UK time).

Romans and Odd Down beaten at home in midweek friendlies Richard Briggs Reporter

BATH City’s first home preseason friendly ended in defeat to a useful Cardiff City U21 side. The Romans – who beat neighbours Larkhall Athletic 3-1 at the Camella Stadium in their opening warm-up fixture – lost 2-0 to the young Bluebirds at the Cannon Clarke Stadium @ Twerton Park on Tuesday 14th July. Cardiff, featuring several players with first-team experience, thoroughly deserved their success in front of a crowd of 182. They took the lead after four minutes but Bath almost levelled shortly afterwards, a Jordan Tillson drive being pushed over the bar. The former Scottish Premiership player’s effort represented the hosts’ best

Larkhall Athletic were beaten by lower-grade Shepton Mallet in a pre-season friendly here at West Shepton Playing Fields on Friday 10th July | Photo © Richard Briggs

Bath Rugby’s first PREM Rugby Cup derby of the 2026-27 season will be here at Sandy Park on Saturday 7th November | Photo © Richard Briggs

chance of the game. Cardiff sealed their victory when, with 56 minutes gone, they converted a penalty. Bath: Harvey WilesRichards, Joe Raynes (Trialist D, 46), Dan Greenslade (Kieran Parselle, 46), Ollie Tomlinson, Jack Batten (Sam Stirling, 70), Trialist A, Scott Wilson (Seweryn Streczen, 85), Trialist B, Jordan Tillson (Owen Pritchard, 79), Harry Parsons (Enzio Boldewijn, 70), Trialist C (Owen Windsor, 46). Unused sub: Dominic Cook. Next up for the Romans is a friendly against League One outfit Plymouth Argyle at the Cannon Clarke Stadium @ Twerton Park on Saturday 18th July (3pm). Odd Down, from Jewson Western League Division One, were beaten 2-1 by Wessex League

Premier Division newcomers Sturminster Newton United in a friendly at the Lew Hill Memorial Ground on 14th July. The Cherries – who played alongside the Down in Western League Division One last season – led 1-0 at the break. James Hare netted for the hosts in a fixture they described as a valuable run-out. Odd Down will entertain Corsham Print Wiltshire Senior League Premier Division team Trowbridge Town in another friendly at the Lew Hill Memorial Ground on 18th July (3pm). And the Down will be on their travels on Tuesday 21st July, when they visit Bishops Cannings – another Wiltshire Senior League Premier Division outfit. Photo © Richard Briggs

Richard Briggs Reporter

LARKHALL Athletic conceded a goal in each half as they tumbled to defeat in their preseason friendly at Shepton Mallet on Friday 10th July. The Larks, from Pitching In Southern League Division One South, went into the match having beaten Bitton and lost to Bath City in their two previous warm-up fixtures. But they suffered disappointment at West Shepton Playing Fields, losing 2-0 against a side from the Jewson Western League Premier Division. Mallet destroyed Hengrove Athletic – newly relegated from Western League Division One – 10-1 at the Datel Services Stadium on Tuesday 7th July.

And in front of a crowd of 129, the Mid Somerset outfit took the lead against Larkhall when Ali Sen struck in the 36th minute. Sen almost doubled his tally in the 76th minute, his long-ranger hitting the bar. However, Tom Ovigne was on hand to bury the loose ball and complete the scoring. When Athletic took on Shepton last summer in a friendly at the Camella Stadium, the hosts cruised to a 5-1 success. The Larks will face Welsh opposition in their next warm-up game – at the Camella Stadium on Saturday 18th July. John Durbin’s side will entertain Newport City, from Novira Cymru South – the second tier of Welsh football. Kick-off will be at 3pm. Athletic’s Southern League fixtures will be released on Friday 17th July.

Goalkeeper turns down Bath City contract offer Richard Briggs Reporter

KEEPER Charlie Binns has turned down the offer of a new contract with Bath City. The 21-year-old – a former pupil of Millfield School in Street – joined the Romans in October on non-contract terms, having departed Ipswich Town last summer. In December, Binns signed a permanent deal at the Cannon Clarke Stadium @ Twerton Park. Binns produced some superb displays for City last term – and he was the hero in two successive matches in the Isuzu FA Trophy. He saved a spot-kick when Bath got the better of Bracknell Town on penalties in the second round on Saturday 15th November. And at Dorking Wanderers in the third round, on Saturday 13th December, he saved two

penalties – effectively three, as one was retaken and stopped both times – to earn the Romans a 4-2 victory in the shootout after the sides played out a 1-1 draw in 90 minutes. Binns was sent off during Bath’s Enterprise National League South game at Maidstone United in December, prompting the visitors’ then-manager Darren Way to slam the referee. However, the red card was overturned on appeal. In a statement confirming the goalie’s exit, Bath said: “We can confirm that Charlie Binns has declined our offer of a new contract and will be moving on from the club. “We thank Charlie for his time with us and he goes with our best wishes for the future.”

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Lansdown 1sts suffer surprise loss, 3rds out for 76 but Devs win Richard Briggs Reporter

LANSDOWN 1st XI suffered a surprise defeat at Twyford House 1st XI on Saturday 11th July but are still right in the mix for the league championship. The Bath side went into the game against the promoted Shirehampton-based outfit by lying second in the West of England Premier League Premier 2 Bristol / Somerset table, three points behind table-topping Golden Hill 1st XI. But Lansdown were beaten by 41 runs at Penpole Lane and Golden Hill went down by three wickets at Old Bristolians Westbury 1st XI. That meant Taunton Deane 1st XI nipped into pole position by overcoming Downend 1st XI by six wickets. But Lansdown remain in second spot by picking up more points than Golden Hill managed. Twyford elected to bat and racked up 259-9 in their 50 overs, although they collapsed from 229-2. The innings was built around a third-wicket stand worth 143 between number three Elliot Bevan and number four Nicholas Chantler. The pair were separated when Chantler was caught by Josh Smith off Luke Charlesworth for a 64-ball 55 that contained a six and five fours. Elliot Bevan was fifth batter to go, run out by Jake Roberts having struck 10 fours in his 87 from 124 deliveries. Best of the rest was opener Charles Bevan (45). Josh Smith snapped up 4-36 and Charlesworth finished with 3-65, both bowlers sending down 10 overs.

Lansdown lost Roberts early in their reply but Tejas Bante and Praneel Choughule (36) added 59 for the second wicket. Bante was joined by skipper Jordan Smith and the duo compiled 44 for the third wicket before the former was caught for 47 – with two sixes and two fours – off 72 deliveries. The captain went on to make 45 but was the last batter to seriously trouble the scorers, although Sam Pearce (20) and Josh Smith (28) raised hopes from the lower order. Lansdown were shot out for 218 in 47.5 overs, Alex Quin starring with the ball for Twyford by snaring 6-40 from 10 overs. Among Quin’s victims were Bante and Jordan Smith. Lansdown 2nd XI were undone by eight wickets when they received Shirehampton 1st XI at Combe Park on 11th July in Bristol & District Cricket Association Division One. The home side were restricted to 142-7 in their 40 overs after opting to bat, skipper and number four Dan Veal the pick of the bunch with 45. Sam Bowery, batting at number eight, crafted an undefeated 41. Shire’s Aidan Kee returned 3-26 from eight overs. Ollie Gooding struck early in the response to dismiss Kee. But visiting captain Lewis Mason (88 not out) carried his bat to inspire Shirehampton to victory

at 145-2 from 23.5 overs, Bowery taking the other wicket. Lansdown 3rd XI were humbled by 229 runs when they faced Midsomer Norton 3rd XI at Morts Meadow on 11th July in Bristol & District Cricket Association Division Nine East. Norton, who are chasing the championship, powered to 305-3 in their 40 overs, having chosen to take first knock. A first-wicket stand worth 165 – between Luke Justin (104) and Luke Stansfield (64) – set the tone. Justin’s innings spanned 80 balls and included a six and 20 fours. Skipper Sebastian Gianella (42 not out) and Reuben Hobbs (50 not out) piled on an unbroken 112 for the third wicket. Ashton Williams claimed 2-30 in five overs – but the most economic member of the Lansdown attack was Giles Johnson, whose figures were 0-36 from eight overs. Lansdown were as good as beaten when they slumped to 5-3 in response. Only number seven Ollie Rowntreee (23) and extras (17) got into double figures as the travellers were skittled for 76 in 21 overs. Devon Baker (3-11 from five overs) and Callum Bicknell (210 off four overs) were the most successful and most miserly Norton bowlers. Lansdown Sunday Development XI captain Josh Smith hammered 83 not out from 73 balls to play a major role in a North Somerset League Sunday Conference Division One success against Bristol Warhawks 1st XI. The Devs prevailed by seven wickets at Combe Park on Sunday 12th July, ripping out their opponents for 163 in 34.2 overs and replying with 164-3 from 28.3 overs.

Centuries for Ebdon and Jackman as Bears’ two teams win big Richard Briggs Reporter

JAMES Ebdon and Peter Hodson-Thomas led Bear Flat 1st XI to an astonishing 10-wicket victory over Spaxton 1st XI to enhance their bid for the Somerset League Division Four championship. The duo carried their bats for a superb unbroken first-wicket partnership that produced 209 runs at The Glasshouse Playing Fields in Combe Down on Saturday 11th July. Sedgemoor side Spaxton elected to bat and posted 204-8 in their 40 overs. Their chief run-getters were number three and skipper Tim Hill (58) and number four Tom Clarke (54), who put on 87 for the third wicket. However, Spaxton collapsed from 171-3 to 190-7 and must have been thankful to pass 200. Peter Wood, Jonathan Heywood and Ebdon each took two wickets. Ebdon and Hodson-Thomas proved unstoppable in the reply, steering Bear Flat to 209-0 from 33.5 overs. Almost all of Ebdon’s 136 not out off 107 balls came from boundaries. He hit a six and two dozen fours. Hodson-Thomas finished with 60 not out from 98 balls, his knock containing two sixes and seven fours. Spaxton’s most economic bowlers were Adam Richards (022 in five overs) and Ben Rich (037 from eight overs). The table-topping Bears are nine points ahead of second-placed Holford 1st XI. Bear Flat 2nd XI were also

James Ebdon hit an unbeaten ton for Bear Flat 1st XI on 11th July

victorious on 11th July, beating hosts Harptree Villages by seven wickets in Somerset League Division Six North. Harptree clocked up an impressive 263-6 in their 40 overs after opting to bat, opener Simon Matthews cracking a six and 16 fours as he made his way to 105 off 89 balls. He and Steve Thomas (35) shared a 110-run stand for the first wicket. But it was not until number seven Ben Moore arrived at the crease that any other home batter managed more than 23. Moore’s undefeated 48 from 50 balls included eight fours. Ben Thompson was the Bears’ most successful bowler, returning 2-28 in five overs. Bear Flat fell to 53-2 in response – but Jack Randle and Alby Jackman turned around the innings by plundering 189 for the third wicket. Randle was bowled by Moore for 90 – from 85 deliveries and featuring 14 fours – but Jackman kept going and was unbeaten on 127 as the Bears closed on 264-3 off 37.2 overs. Jackman’s innings spanned 110 balls and contained three sixes and 16 fours. Tom Arrowsmith pocketed 2-37 in seven overs for Harptree, who are bottom of the league.

HE recent spell of weather has certainly presented its challenges here at Bath. We have experienced a prolonged period of warm, dry conditions. And while the sunshine has been welcomed by many, it does create additional demands when it comes to preparing a racecourse. During periods like this, the work behind the scenes becomes even more important. The grounds team have been working exceptionally hard over the past few weeks, watering overnight with our bowser to gain maximum benefit from the limited quantities we can apply

whilst temperatures and wind speeds are at their lowest. Our aim is always the same: to provide a safe, level racing surface with excellent grass cover. It takes a great deal of work to achieve that during such dry weather, but I am pleased to say that the course was in excellent condition ahead of the fixture on Wednesday 15th July. One aspect that is proving particularly valuable this year is the way the fixture list has been planned. During the race planning process, we deliberately looked to create a quieter spell through

July and August, with two-week gaps between meetings. Those recovery periods are proving their worth in the current conditions, allowing the track valuable time to recover from bruising between fixtures and giving us the opportunity to carry out watering continuously. As always, we continue to monitor the weather closely. Conditions can change very quickly, and our preparations are constantly adapted to ensure the track remains in the best possible shape. While the recent dry spell has required plenty of extra work, the

course has responded well. At the time of writing, though, the forecast tells me we will not be relaxing any time soon. We are now once again benefiting from a short break before racing returns to Bath on Friday 31st July. That meeting is always one of the most enjoyable evenings of our calendar, as we welcome back The Wurzels for what will be their 19th year performing here at Bath Racecourse. The Wurzels have become a much-loved part of our season,

and they never fail to create a fantastic atmosphere. Their performance is always hugely popular, with racegoers staying on to enjoy an evening of music after the final race. The Wurzels have built up a loyal following at Bath over the years, and it is a pleasure to welcome them back once again. The whole team looks forward to welcoming you to Lansdown over the coming weeks. As always, thank you for your continued support throughout the season.

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Day to mark anniversary Bath quartet among of cricket legend’s death the points in Nations Championship Round 2 Reporter

Photo courtesy of Hampset Cricket Club

Richard Briggs Reporter

HAMPSET will host a memorial day next month to mark the 40th anniversary of the death of former club captain Dave Walters. The tribute will take place at the club’s Bloomfield Rise ground in Odd Down on Saturday 9th August. A club spokesman said: “Dave was a talismanic figure at the club, being an outstanding allrounder, a hard-hitting batter, an excellent slip fielder but, above all, a fearsome quick opening bowler with a smooth run-up and copybook action. “In 1955 he joined Hampset, where he played all his club cricket for the remainder of his life. “Dave captained the 1st XI from 1969 until 1971 and from 1981 until 1986. “He took 1,628 wickets, scored 8,243 runs and held 352 catches for the club. “His on-field prowess was admired by the local cricketing

community, and he was widely considered to be one of the fastest bowlers in the area. “Dave not only represented Somerset County Cricket Club 2nd XI on numerous occasions in the early 1960s, but he was also an excellent football goalkeeper, playing for Odd Down in the Somerset Senior League. “Away from the field of play, he was an active and enthusiastic Hampset club member and was involved in the planning for the new clubhouse that was built in 1987. Sadly, he did not live long enough to see the completed building due to his untimely death during the tea interval of a home league cricket match against Taunton Deane on Saturday 9th August 1986.” Everyone is welcome to attend the memorial day, which will include several matches. There will be a barbecue and a raffle, and the bar will be open. The programme for the day is: 9am – youth match, 11am – women’s match, 2pm – inter-club matches, 5pm – tribute to Dave Walters by Malcolm Johnson. Timings are approximate.

(1ST XI)

Saturday 18th July – 12pm Bath 1st XI v Frocester (Home) WEPL Premier 1 Saturday 25th July – 12pm Bath 1st XI v Midsomer Norton (Away) WEPL Premier 1 Four Bath Rugby players who turned out in Nations Championship Round 2 on Saturday 11th July scored points | Photo © Richard Briggs

Black & White clubmates Finn Russell and Josh Bayliss. Fly-half Russell played the full 80 minutes and back row Bayliss came off the bench to score a try as Scotland suffered a 42-28 loss to South Africa at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria, in Round 2 on 11th July. Bayliss came on for the second half and crossed with 12 minutes remaining. Russell also got among the points, majoring all four of the Scots’ tries. His final conversion left the guests seven points adrift with nine minutes to go, only for the Springboks to add more daylight between the teams. With Round 3 to come on Saturday 18th July, Scotland are third and England fourth respectively in the Northern Hemisphere standings – and Argentina lie third in the Southern Hemisphere table.

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Crossword answers - Issue 133 (03/07/2026) Across: 1 Mafioso, 5 Closets, 9 Career, 10 Istanbul, 11 The Storm, 13 Swamps, 14 Sharif, 17 Opposite, 19 Llanelli, 20 Ran dry, 22 To arms, 24 Inferior, 27 Peruvian, 28 Locust, 29 On a diet, 30 Tourism. Down: 2 Awash, 3 Ideas, 4 Sorrowful, 6 Lotus, 7 Sun Yat-sen, 8 Trumpeter, 10 In my opinion, 12 E T A, 15 Hallowe’en, 16 Runaround, 18 Portfolio, 21 Dei, 23 Spice, 25 Racer, 26 Oasis.

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Saturday 25th July – 3pm Bath City v Melksham Town (Away) Pre-Season

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Richard Briggs BATH Rugby second row Guy Pepper scored a try as England destroyed Fiji in the Nations Championship on Saturday 11th July. Pepper – the only Blue, Black & White star in the England matchday squad for the encounter at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool – played the full game and drove over in the 27th minute. Pepper’s score – his first for his country – came just after the Pacific Islanders had Levani Botia yellow-carded in the Round 2 fixture. England, the away side as Fiji are playing their home games in the UK this summer, romped to a 73-8 victory, having led 35-3 at half-time. However, Fiji played the whole of the second half with only 14 men as scrum-half Simione Kuruvoli was sent off shortly before the break for kicking out at Ellis Genge. Bath back Santi Carreras scored a try for Argentina as they overcame Wales in a Round 2 fixture at Estadio San Juan del Bicentenario, San Juan, on 11th July. Carreras – who played the full match and was one of two vicecaptains of Los Pumas – touched down just before the interval. Argentina won 35-21. But while Pepper and Carreras were celebrating wins, there was disappointment for their Blue,

Saturday 18th July – 3pm Bath City v Plymouth Argyle (Home) Pre-Season

Lansdown Cricket Club (1ST XI) Saturday 18th July – 12pm Lansdown CC 1st XI v Taunton St Andrews CC 1st XI (Away) WEPL Premier 2 Saturday 25th July – 12pm Lansdown CC 1st XI v Golden Hill CC 1st XI (Home) WEPL Premier 2

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