Warmer Bath

Warmer Bath

A guide to improving the energy efficiency of traditional homes in the city of Bath was launched today. A collaboration between the Bath Preservation Trust and the Centre for Sustainable Energy, this practical guide shows how we can preserve the character of historic Bath houses and make the city and its buildings fit for a low carbon future. The guide is designed for all owners and occupants of traditional homes in Bath, mainly homes of solid wall construction typically built before 1919. It includes sections on energy efficient techniques suitable for traditional houses as well as advice on planning policy and practice. For more background information, and to download a copy of the guide, see either www.cse.org.uk or www.bath-preservation-trust.org.uk.

New businesses welcomed to Bathwick Parade

Bathwick Parade

For the first time in years, there is activity in every shop on Bathwick Parade.

Redlands Equestrian have moved into the old Threshers shop at the bottom of the parade. Their business organises holidays with horses.

Take Charge Bikes are now rennovating the former hairdressers nextdoor. They sell electric bicycles and are moving from Lansdown.

Myrtle Mee florists remain in the middle of the parade, and finally work is underway to clear out Bathwick Hill Stores.

Welcome to our new arrivals and good luck in your new premises.

Local Energy Champions

We celebrated the achievements of our Local Energy Champions yesterday. This is a competition organised by B&NES to inspire and reward community action to help save energy and combat climate change across our district. Entries from local groups across the B&NES area were involved, including Keynsham, Radstock, Timsbury, Twerton and Widcombe. There was also a student group from Bath University. All entries were judged on a number of criteria including: carbon or energy savings, impact on the group, impact on the wider community and progress made. The winners were Newbridge Primary School which received a prize of £1000 to put towards further community activities.

New path for bus stop

Oakley bus path

Bus passengers have a new pavement thanks to Cllr Nicholas Coombes.

The bus stop at the top of Bathwick Hill which serves North Road, Copseland, The Avenue and the University is used by both standard and bendy buses. Previously passengers alighting from the rear of the bendy buses did so into grass or mud.

The new stretch of pavement was requested by Cllr Coombes a few months ago and has recently been completed.

New roles for Bathwick councillors

David Martin and Nicholas Coombes

Your Liberal Democrat councillors have both taken on additional roles within B&NES Council.

Dr David Martin has been appointed as the council’s energy champion. He is well qualified for this role given his professional background as an energy and transport adviser to the EU.

Cllr Martin will also sit on the Development Control committee and the Planning, Transport and Environment policy development and scrutiny committee.

Nicholas Coombes is now the chair of the Regulatory committee after serving on it for several years. He is also a member of the Pensions committee and its Investment Panel.

Bathwick Hill, North Road and Darlington Road to be resurfaced

Potholes on Bathwick Hill

The new Liberal Democrat council will be resurfacing several stretches of road in Bathwick this Summer.

Darlington Road, outside St Mary’s Primary School, will be re-surfaced over the school holidays, as will a stretch of North Road uphill from Cleveland Walk. In both cases the road will be closed for about a week in August.

Bathwick Hill, from Sydney Buildings to the roundabout ,is due considerable work and was set to be closed in October, but your councillors have asked for this to be moved to fit university holidays and avoid unnecessary disruption.

Canal bank repairs

Canal bank repairs

British Waterways are to repair the banks of the canal upstream of Bathwick Hill.

The bank to the turning pool has been eroded and the towpath is now crumbling into the water. A very specific ‘hand-brake turn’ is required to turn a narrow boat on this section of the canal and it is often done incorrectly, resulting in damage to the bank.

Piling will be installed to protect the bank and allow the towpath to be rebuilt.

PaCT meeting to decided local priorities

Cllr Coombes and Dr Martin at St Mary's Primary school

The Police and Communities Together are holding a meeting to review and reaffirm their priorities for our area.

The meeting is chaired by Rev David Prothero with representatives from the police and council in attendence. Cllr David Martin will join the panel following his election earlier this month.

It is at Bathwick St. Mary’s Primary School on Darlington Road at 6:30pm on Wednesday 25th May. Local residents are invited to participate with their questions, observations and ideas.