I’ve come over all American, but Richard at Rosario’s sounded too pompous. Being addicted to strong Italian coffee, it’s the cafe of choice most mornings when I cycle into the centre of Bath.
I was in quite a good mood turning into (Great) Pulteney Street. Even accepting the terrible road surface, which is the scourge of any two-wheeler.
I am afraid the mood darkened on approaching the Laura Place Fountain, once more enveloped in foam which some little quirt has found so funny. – no doubt, squeezing copious quantities of detergent into the water. It amazes me that no one ever notices this all-too-common vandalism.
It’s not just a question of cleaning the fountain bowl, but this leads to pump damage, and it also blackens the stone. It means that we ratepayers ultimately pay for the repairs and cleaning.
I have to say I found the latest Lib Dem newsletter, delivered through my door, a little ironic. Our street happens to be on a rat run, which seems to be enjoying ever-increasing traffic at the moment.
We have lots of potholes that need attention. Indeed, a complete resurfacing wouldn’t go amiss.
While we’re hovering around my homeland, regulars will know we had a bit of a run-in with contractors working for Curo, who took a hack at our hedge.
While this not-for-profit housing association was quick to apologise and affirm it wouldn’t happen again, we did point out that nearby garages could do with weeding.
A week later, it appears they have come and done just that. However, I did have to smile as I would imagine the workers followed a diagram they had been given to the absolute defining line of exactly what was Curo property.
Right beside the garage steps, they had stripped of weeds; there are a couple of steps leading to an electrical transformer. I just could not help wondering why, while that strimmer was whizzing, they couldn’t have cleared the weeds there, too.
A little way down the public footbath behind our garden is the local community centre and laundry used by a lot of people in Curo property.
Outside the entrance are beds and steps covered in bindweed. They may not have been told to clear that, but I can only hope they will be back.
Finally, something completely different.
Bath apparently rates amongst the top ten best UK cities for student ‘downtime’ – that’s according to Canvas Student, which has revealed the top and most affordable cities for post-exam freedom.
Studies have shown that 56% of students stress daily or weekly about exams and deadlines, and 55% long study hours. These stats highlight the importance of student downtime, taking the time needed to relax, socialise and unwind. As university students finish their exams, which UK student cities offer the best opportunities for switching off, having fun, and making the most of post-exam freedom?
To uncover the UK’s best cities for affordable and active student living, Canvas Student analysed a range of factors, including gym membership costs, the number of local gyms, access to quality green spaces and walking trails, levels of noise and light pollution, public transport affordability, the average cost of a pint, and the availability of free attractions.
Bath ranks seventh overall, standing out for its strong access to fitness and outdoor space, including a high number of gyms per 10,000 people (4.2) and 169 walking trails.
With a solid green space quality score (75/100) and relatively moderate noise and light pollution (45/100), it offers a calmer environment compared to larger cities.
Neighbouring Bristol, as you can see, came tenth.
Herman Barros, Director of UK Student Operations at leading student accommodation provider Canvas, shares advice for students looking to make the most of their downtime without overspending: “The summer months don’t have to drain your student budget. Most UK cities have a wealth of free attractions, from museums and galleries to parks and walking trails, that cost nothing to enjoy. Making a list of what’s free in your city before you spend a penny is always a good starting point.
“If you’re planning day trips or travel between cities, booking in advance makes a significant difference. Rail fares in particular can drop considerably when booked weeks ahead, and a 16-25 Railcard pays for itself quickly if you’re travelling regularly.
“Student discounts are widely underused. Apps and cards such as UNiDAYS, Student Beans and TOTUM unlock savings across everything from food and fitness to transport and entertainment, it’s worth checking before every purchase.
“Finally, cooking meals at your accommodation before heading out is one of the simplest ways to keep costs manageable. Eating before you go means you’re not making spending decisions on an empty stomach, and it frees up more of your budget for the experiences that actually matter.”
Maybe more likely that parents read this, so maybe pass on the information to your sons and daughters!
Re your final point, oh those poor students! How did we ever manage in our day? I don’t remember anybody ever being concerned about my welfare and ‘downtime’ other than my family. But then I didn’t have to worry about paying back student loans either. You win some; you lose some. They call it life.
Why is Bath apparently worse for noise and light pollution than, say, Liverpool or Glasgow? How is this calculated? What if anything could we do about it?