I have been happy to give publicity to efforts by traders in Walcot Street and by Bath BID to promote the city’s retails industry through bright coloured banners – and am happy now to include efforts over in Widcombe too.

Bath Natural Theatre Company’s former artistic director Ralph Oswick tells me:

‘Re traders in Walcot and flags, Widcombe too has a flag-lined main street, utilising Bath Comedy’s Christmas tree brackets. Widcombe is just outside the BID area so has to take the initiative independently .

The traders have got together with B&NES and produced an ‘I Heart Widcombe’ campaign with heart flags on every business , special face masks etc.

The telephone box outside The White Hart has had a magnificent makeover  courtesy of Widcombe Association and is crammed with flowering plants plus the exotic lamppost next to it has been re-gilded . More planters arriving soon. 

The ugly old toilets have been demolished to be replaced with a small office development and a new garden created by the crossing with custom made railings from Ironart I think.

Currently the association is attempting to raise funds for a beautiful mural in the refurbished subway , the result of a public competition which came up with some fabulous entries.

What with Larkhall Butchers opening a branch in the street and live comedy and music returning to Widcombe Social Club (under the strictest social distancing), Widcombe is definitely rising once more!’