A council engineer has checked the Bathwick Hill canal bridge at Cllr Coombes’ request, following the concerns of local residents.

The crumbling stonework on the parapet was raised by the local residents’ association, but the structural engineer says this is (so far) only a cosmetic concern. Dust and grit swept by passing traffic scours the parapet causing erosion of the stone, leaving a flaking appearance. Structurally this is not of concern as there is plenty of stone left; historically the Grade II bridge is diminished by the pollution.

On inspecting the bridge, the engineer noticed unreported damage to the North-East (uphill, upstream) end of the parapet wall. This was probably caused by a collision knocking the ashlar blocks out of place. This and other minor issues are of concern and the engineer has made recommendations for repair.

The bridge is the responsibility of British Waterways, who own and manage the canals. They have been informed of the council’s concerns and your Liberal Democrat councillors will be following the matter up.

Network Rail are seeking to fenmce the high speed line through Sydney Gardens.

Netwrok Rail, who own the line, have been instructed by the Rail Regulator that the railway line must be made safe against trespass and vandalism. At a consultation in February, 90% of people agreed that something should be done to improve safety.

The revised plan is for a tall iron railing, one metre back from the low stone wall. The little-used track-side path to the North would be closed entirely. Network Rail also suggests a gate in the fence, so that they can organise track-side steam train viewing.

The plans will still need permission from the council, who own the park, and from the planning committee as the gardens are protected.

At last week’s cabinet meeting, Bathwick Councillor Armand Edwards asked how many parking tickets had been issued outside Tesco. The answer? In the 6 months since the shop opened, only five tickets have been issued.

Given that I once saw seven simultaneous infringements, less than one parking ticket per month is embarrassingly low. The loading bay in-front of the shop is not for parking, it has double yellow lines. Likewise, parking is banned from either side of the bridge as the road narrows, turns a corner and crests the bridge.

As ever, I am harrying various organisations on behalf of Bathwck residents; the council, who have promised a new sign, the police who need to act against pavement parking and Tesco, which needs to manage its suppliers better.

After First’s decision to axe the number 20 route, a new operator is to start up in town. However, Wessex Connect will not just run the 20A/C, but also intends to compete on the 18 route.

Maps and prices are at http://uni-connect.co.uk/default.aspx, showing the new U18 service running up and down Bathwick Hill, but crossing the river at North Parade. There are stops in the city centre and then in Oldfield Park. The 20 will also be kept in its current route, both anti- (A) and clockwise (C) around the city. Bigger buses will be used than present, but ticket prices will rise slightly. In contrast, the U18 will be a little cheaper than the existing 18 operated by First.

 I think that this is excellent news and I look forward to trying out the new operator. Armand and I, with the University and Students’ Union, have long been campaigning for better and cheaper bus services and I hope that competition will bring it.

The 20A/C will transfer, and the U18 will commence, from the 11th May. Tickets are available on the bus.

First Bus intend to scrap the 20A/C bus and reduce services on nearly all other Bath routes from May.

The 20, which has a circular route around the city, has long been the worst of all First’s services, operating small, old mini-buses at infrequent and unpredictable intervals. Despite this, the peak time buses are packed, providing the only service between Combe Down, Ralph Allen School and the University.

University and school students living in Combe Down will be furious at the withdrawal of the service, which is their only realisitic public transport route. Many University students currently live in Combe Down, and many more will have signed house contracts for the next academic year intending to use the 20 bus. With the service due to stop the week before the university exams, these students will be left stranded.

MP Don Foster and Lib Dem councillors across Bath say that the changes are unacceptable. Don has already booked a meeting with the regional director of First Bus and Bathwick Councillor Nicholas Coombes has been co-ordinating with the University and BathNES council. A protest website has been launched at http://ourcampaign.org.uk/onthebuses

Cllr Coombes was interviewed on BBC radio Bristol to explain how the loss of the service would affect University students, but it also serves Moorland Road, Twerton, Weston and the Royal United Hospital. Nearly all other bus services in Bath have had their frequencies reduced or early morning services cut. Across the South West, First have cut or reduced routes to protect their profits during the recession.

The snow was very enjoyable, but it did terrible things to our roads and pavements. Now, when the pavements have finally defrosted, we can see the damage to the road surface.

Snow, then water, gets into cracks in the road surface and freezes. In freezing, it expands, forcing the crack apart. Thus Bathwick Hill has ten new deep potholes all the way from Copseland to the canal. I spent yesterday afternoon on my bike photographing them and now I’ve sent a report to BathNES highways department.

First have altered some of their bus timetables to “improve punctuality and reliability”. Unfortunately for us, this means they have cut the service; fewer buses = better chance of making them run on time.

The number 4 service which previously went from Bathampton to Whiteway has been split. The 4 will now go along the Warminster Road from Bathampton to town and now the 12 will go up to Whiteway. However, while Whiteway retains its half hourly service, the number 4 slides to a 40 minute return journey. Obviously I am disappointed with this reduction in service and hope that it genuinely does improve reliability. Leader of the Lib Dem councillors, Paul Crossley has written to First on our behalf.

The new timetable is operative from 1st February and is here. The number 18 and almost every other Bath service is unchanged.