Category Archives: Over to you

Grow petals – win prizes!

Grow petals – win prizes!

Posted on by • Posted in history, Over to you • Tagged , , , , • Leave a comment

It’s not only Bath’s big formal public parks that can win awards for flower and shrub displays – there’s a chance now for green-fingered owners of everything from an allotment, a suburban garden or even a display of hanging baskets to win a cash prize too.

The annual competition run by Bath in Bloom is now open for entries.  There are categories for private gardens of all sizes.  Community groups, Allotment holders, Pubs and Businesses can also enter and a special category for children under 12 to plant a reused container. 

Prior park Gardens 2017

Prior Park gardens were the Community group winners in 2017.

The competition is free to enter and open to anyone within the Bath and North East Somerset area. 

Winners will be awarded vouchers and an Aqua blue glass paperweight.

‘Bath in Bloom’s new Category for 2018 in the local Competition is ‘The Battle of the Flowers between Streets and Squares’     Jane Moore well known local gardener and writer will be the judge – so get together within your area – street, square or a row of shops and enter.   You could win £75 and a Silver Cup for a year.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

The Star Inn got its award for being the Best Pub without a Garden.

Entry is free  For full details look up Bath in Bloom on the Bathnes website.  

If you are looking for help the Parks department can provide hanging baskets and troughs of Floral Displays, handmade, watered and tailored for you please click here or email the Parks department via Council_Connect@Bathnes.gov.uk or telephone 01225 394041

What’s your pitch on street trading​?

What’s your pitch on street trading​?

Posted on by • Posted in history, Over to you • Tagged , , , , • Leave a comment

Bath & North East Somerset Council is reviewing its policy on Street Trading – it says – to help the economy and ambience of the local area continue to thrive.

The Council is keen to engage with stall holders, residents, businesses and other stakeholders to ensure that this revision is comprehensive and supportive of a wide variety of interests, alongside local and national strategies.

street traders

Street traders in Bath from a year or so ago. Shame the florist had to give up!

The Street Trading policy was published in 2010 and reviewed in 2014, so we want to revise the contents to ensure we continue to create a street trading environment which:

  • seeks to enhance the character, ambience and safety of local environments;
  • provides diversity and consumer choice;
  • promotes healthy eating and provides local food;
  • ensures that public spaces become active spaces;
  • complements premises based trading; and
  • is sensitive to the needs of residents.

Cllr Bob Goodman (Conservative, Combe Down), Cabinet Member for Development and Neighbourhoods, said: “We have a vibrant mix of street traders – from fruit sellers and food outlets to florists and artists – as well as regular markets which all add to the distinctive character of our area.

“We will be looking at topics such as how the variety of street traders in Bath compares with what’s available in places like Keynsham and Midsomer Norton. We are keen to hear people’s views on all aspects of the policy so we encourage everyone to get involved.”

You can make comments on the Street Trading policy by responding online using the link: http://www.bathnes.gov.uk/consultations/street-trading-policy-review  You will find draft copies of the policy, conditions and guidance notes on the webpage.

You can request a paper copy by calling 01225 477533.

The consultation will run from 11 April to 6 June inclusive.  After this 8 week period, all comments will be reviewed and the final version of the policy will be submitted to the Council’s Cabinet for approval.

Come talk about clean air.

Come talk about clean air.

Posted on by • Posted in history, Over to you • Tagged , , , , , , , • 2 Comments

 

The first set of events for people wanting to find out more about plans for a Clean Air Zone for Bath – including charging high-emission vehicles to drive into the city centre – are being held during April.

Screen Shot 2018-04-03 at 15.23.53

Two public events have been lined up by Bath and North East Somerset Council with lots more being planned over the coming months.

The Council has been asked to take urgent action to reduce harmful nitrogen dioxide levels in the city and has drawn up a shortlist of three packages of measures which are capable of reducing vehicle emissions and bringing about the required improvement by the 2021 deadline.

No decisions have been made at this time but the Council is legally bound to reach a decision on a preferred package of measures by December and it is seeking people’s views. Over the coming months, each package of measures will be examined in detail and this includes ongoing public engagement, identifying the level of charges, hours of operation and assessing the social and economic impacts of each measure.

bob-goodman

Cllr Bob Goodman

Councillor Bob Goodman, (Conservative, Combe Down) cabinet member for development and neighbourhoods, said: “We have to address these NO2 levels and we have do to that in the shortest possible time and by 2021 at the latest.

“We want to strike a balance with a package that can deliver the most benefit to local people in terms of improved air quality, with the least effect on residents and the economy within the deadline to reduce NO2. But we cannot do this alone. We are now starting a series of events where we want to continue working with residents, businesses and other organisations to develop a package of measures that is in the best interests of the city. It is important that people embrace this and help achieve sustainable improvements for future generations.”

Get involved

The first public drop-in event is on Monday 9th April from 4-7pm; people are welcome to pop along to an information stand at the bottom of Milsom Street, Bath and find out more.

There is also a public surgery in the Guildhall, Bath on Wednesday 18th April from 3-7 pm; anyone wishing to attend this event needs to book a space by 12pm on Monday 16th April via the “Get Involved” section of the website: www.bathnes.gov.uk/breathe

These 30-minute-long public surgery sessions are designed to enable people to discuss the issues in more detail, but you can also get an overview via the “Frequently Asked Questions” section of the website: www.bathnes.gov.uk/breathe

Councillor Mark Shelford, (Conservative, Lyncombe) cabinet member for transport and environment, added: “We want to talk to people not just about the charging element but also about more sustainable ways to travel across Bath and the wider area. I would encourage people to come along to our free events. There will be more arranged over the coming months and the details will be on our webpage and in newsletters.” 

To find out more go to www.bathnes.gov.uk/breathe, which will also have details of regular drop-ins and events, how to subscribe to our newsletter. We will update social media #BathBreathes2021

NB.Both the videos on this feature have been produced by B&NES and are included with no comment from Bath Newseum. However, if you have some questions for Cllr Bob Goodman about these proposals then do use the comment section to relay them to me as l will be talking to him next week.

The types of vehicles that would be included within each of the three options are:

Small Class B charging option with complementary non-charging interventions

The focus of this option will be to introduce charging for Class B at small geography level. A Class B zone would apply a charge to buses, coaches, taxis, private hire vehicles and heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) which are pre‐Euro 4 petrol and pre‐Euro 6 diesel. In addition, this option will also include the following non‐charging options:

  • Provide additional cycle parking across the city centre in visible locations and pilot a management scheme to improve proper usage of cycle parking (abatement)
  • Extend walking and cycling priority schemes and encourage greater modal shift. Provide a safer environment for cycling and walking (abatement)
  • Implement reduced residents’ parking permit cost for low emission vehicles (abatement)
  • Promote low emission vehicles for Hackney carriages/private hire through review of taxi licensing policy (abatement)
  • Implement public transport route improvements including bus priority, passenger information and waiting facilities (target particular routes or demographics) (abatement)
  • Use variable message signs to promote air quality improvement messages. Potentially mobile and real‐time responsive signs (abatement)
  • Increase the number or usage of existing VMS signs to provide information about parking and reduce unnecessary trips into the city centre (abatement)
  • Targeted traffic management or improved bus priority on A367 Wells Road (abatement)
  • Sunset period to exempt Euro 5 diesel vehicles to enable longer for upgrades (mitigation)
  • Replace experimental TRO for bus lane on London Road with permanent TRO (abatement)

Small Class C charging option with complementary non-charging interventions

The focus of this option will be to introduce charging for Class C at small geography level. A Class C zone would apply a charge to buses, coaches, taxis, private hire vehicles, heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and light goods vehicles (LGVs) which are pre‐Euro 4 petrol and pre‐Euro 6 diesel. In addition, this option will also include the same non‐charging options as option 2.

Small Class D charging option with complementary noncharging interventions

The focus of this option will be to introduce charging for Class D at small geography level. A Class D zone would apply a charge to buses, coaches, taxis, private hire vehicles, heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), light goods vehicles (LGVs) and cars which are pre‐Euro 4 petrol and pre‐Euro 6 diesel. This option will also include the same non‐charging options as option 2 and 3, with the exception of ‘targeted traffic management or improved bus priority on A367 Wells Road’, which will not be included within this package. In addition to the non‐charging options mentioned in options 2 and 3, this option will also include the following non‐charging options: • Expand proposal (included in Go Ultra Low package) to introduce electric cycle hire to the city (abatement)

  • Pilot car sharing priority parking areas (abatement)
  • Expansion of car club network in Bath (abatement)
A ‘first’ for Parade Gardens

A ‘first’ for Parade Gardens

Posted on by • Posted in history, Over to you • Tagged , ,

A first for Bath’s Parade Gardens which – next month – will be hosting a spring fair featuring more than 50 stalls selling everything from locally-sourced food, stylish crafts and garden plants.

The two-day Bath Spring Fayre is the first of its kind and is being held on 12 and 13 May 2018 from 11am to 5pm.

Organised by Bath & North East Somerset Council’s events and parks teams, the free event will also feature children’s entertainment and music.A4 Bath Sprinf Fayre 2018 V2-01

In addition to the wonderful artisan crafts on offer, visitors will be able to buy an array of quality plants all gown in the award-winning Royal Victoria Park nursery which holds monthly plant sales for members of the public.

And brides-to-be will be able to browse specialist wedding stalls as well as the artisan craft stalls.

Councillor Bob Goodman, (Conservative Combe Down) cabinet member for development and neighbourhoods, said: “This is the first time we’ve held a two-day spring fayre in the Parade Gardens which we hope visitors and residents will enjoy. Entry into the fayre is free and a broad variety of stalls are lined up. You can also bag a bargain for your garden thanks to the Royal Victoria Park team which will be selling fantastic plants grown in our very own plant nursery.”

Royal Victoria Park Nursery, in Marlborough Lane, holds monthly public plant sales, they are on April 12, May 20, June 18, July 8 and September 16.

Let’s talk Twerton Park.

Let’s talk Twerton Park.

Posted on by • Posted in history, Over to you • Tagged , ,

Local people are being invited to drop-in sessions at Bath City FC next month to discuss the redevelopment of Twerton Park.

P1120731

The Club announced last year that it is working with Greenacre Capital to redevelop part of its site to provide new sports facilities and a community hub.
The scheme could also include the regeneration of the parade of shops on the High Street in Twerton, as well as reduced income housing and an element of Purpose Built Student Accommodation.
As part of ongoing engagement, people living in Twerton are being invited to attend drop-in consultation sessions at the football club where they will be able to share their ideas on what the scheme, particularly the community hub, could include.

Screen Shot 2018-03-27 at 15.41.57

Bath City Football Ground at Twerton Park.

Nick Blofeld, Chair of Bath City Football Club, said “The consultation drop-in sessions next month will again help inform the next stage of this exciting project to redevelop part of Twerton Park, which we believe will secure the future of Bath City FC and deliver real benefits for the surrounding community.
“We are still in the early stages and we are keen to have as much input as possible from the Twerton community and those who live in the area.
“We ran a successful workshop last year where stakeholders and residents shared their thoughts and ideas on what the new development could include.
“The feedback gathered at that event has proved invaluable to the project team but now we want to give more people the opportunity to have their say, particularly concerning the community elements.
“We hope as many people as possible will come along next month and talk with members of the project team about their ideas for the community hub.”
Bath City FC will bring detailed plans and designs on the redevelopment project to the public later in the year.
The drop-in sessions are being held in the J.Reynolds (Western) Limited Lounge at Twerton Park, High Street, Bath, BA2 1DB, on Wednesday 11th April between 12pm and 7pm, and in Charlie’s Bar at Twerton Park on Saturday 14th April between 12pm and 3pm (before kick-off of the home game with Hungerford Town).
If disabled access is required please call 01225 423087 to make arrangements.
All of the consultation information will also be available via www.bathcityfc.com/twerton-park-redevelopment/.

Dog-gone!

Dog-gone!

Posted on by • Posted in history, Over to you • Tagged , , , , , , , • 3 Comments

What is it about all these ‘offerings’ being made to the “Dog Poo Fairy?”

I cycle through Sydney Gardens on a regular basis. Last week there was a bagged bundle just inside the  Sydney Road entrance. It disappeared in time but there was another one in its place today.

IMG_7329

A little offering – just inside the park entrance.

It’s not as though the park doesn’t contain doggie poo bins – because it does and most dog owners use it.

IMG_7396

Today’s ‘offering’ in roughly the same place.

I never blame a dog for misdemeanours. After all, it’s the owner who has to take responsibility.

It’s a shame some parts of Sydney Gardens have just become a playground for dogs off their leads. Even the poor old spring daffodils have been taking a battering from our four-legged friends running wild.

IMG_7377 2

Trampled daffs!

Here’s hoping this historic green lung gets its HLF money and its supporters are able to transform it into a revitalised playground with allocated space for all.

Sydney Gardens gives you access to the towpath of the Kennet and Avon Canal. Turn left towards open countryside and you are in for a real treat.

IMG_7295

The snow has gone now and the canalside looks even worse!

Shame the Canal and River Trust has no real teeth to deal with some of those actually floating on the canal.

Not for me to say how you live your lives but when your rubbish despoils and destroys the canal verge – where others living in tents have also lit fires – it’s time to move on.

IMG_7398

The grit bag is full of rubbish – and there’s a pile of black bags alongside it now!

Never mind the dog poo fairy, here’s a bag of towpath grit being used as a general rubbish dump!

l feel for the responsible users of this amazing heritage and for the volunteers who do all they can to maintain it.

Tap us up!

Tap us up!

Posted on by • Posted in history, Over to you • Tagged , , , , , , , ,

About 50 Bath businesses have so far signed up for a water bottle refill scheme to help cut down on the use of single-use plastic bottles.

Refill is a national, practical tap water campaign that aims to make refilling your bottle as easy, convenient and cheap as possible by introducing refill points on every street.IMG_7319

Bath and North East Somerset Council is supporting the Refill scheme and its café at the One Stop shop in Lewis House, in Manvers Street, is the first council venue to be added as a refill station.

Meanwhile, stickers are appearing in the local shops and cafes promoting the scheme which also uses an app to help you find the Refill Stations and collect reward points every time you refill.

Refill Bath co-ordinator Vipul Patel, is working with volunteers to promote the campaign aimed at reducing plastic pollution and promoting health hydration by making refilling a bottle of water easy.

IMG_7320

Saw this poster in Rosarios in Northumberland Place .

Recycling your bottles is good but reducing the number you use is even better – here in the UK an estimated 800 plastic bottles a minute are either ending up in landfill or as litter, which too often makes its way into our waterways and out to sea.*

Councillor Bob Goodman (Conservative Combe Down) cabinet member for development and neighbourhoods, said: “We welcome this scheme because it is part of a commitment to discourage and hopefully eradicate single-use plastic bottles which we all know are a significant environmental issue. It is great that already around 50 Bath businesses have signed up to provide free tap water for anyone who wants to refill their bottles and I hope many more will join the Refill scheme.”

In the UK, we use a staggering 36 million plastic bottles every day – that’s 13 billion a year – enough to go around the world 31 times – but we recycle only 58% of them.

There are now more than 5,700 Refill points around the UK. For more information about the scheme and to find out about the app go to

https://www.refill.org.uk and as RefillBath on Twitter and Facebook

Find out more about plastic www.bathnes.gov.uk/plastic