Ian Gilchrist

Thanks to some kind Widcombe residents I have seen an old copy of the ‘Bath Spark’ magazine from July 1978, which clearly announces the start of a campaign to get Rossiter Rd re-opened to two-way traffic. The organisers - ‘Widcombe Action Group’ write, “Bath City Planners… agree that the environmental impact will kill off the shopping area and that this would undoubtedly represent an immeasurable loss to the local community. The planners have therefore suggested a scheme whereby Rossiter Rd would become a two-way route. Avon (CC) however deny the viability of the route…” Some names may have changed, but it seems we are not much further forward than in 1978!

On Sunday Sept 26 the annual Julian House ‘Circuit of Bath’ sponsored walk will be taking place. This is a great opportunity to get some fresh air and exercise and raise money for one of Bath’s most-respected local charities. To find out more see this link. I shall be doing part of the walk with some friends starting at Odd Down Park & Ride at 2pm. If you would like to sponsor me or even join us, please get in touch!

Behind the facade of this normal looking Victorian house in Widcombe lies a taste of the future. The owners, Mr and Mrs ffield, have been spending a lot of effort to bring this old house up to the highest energy standards. When completed it should use approximately 60% less energy than its unmodernised counterparts in the same street. Mr and Mrs ffield are so proud of their efforts that they are offering Open  House visits to anyone who would like to visit on Sept 12, 24, 25, 26, and group visits may be possible on other dates by arrangement. Please call 07583-693861 or email retrofit@transitionbath.org for more information.

Following the recent alarm about the possible use of the former Lime Grove School site as a ‘wet house’ for problem drinkers, I was told by the Cabinet member responsible, Cllr Vic Pritchard, that a study was being commissioned about the need for such a facility in Bath. When I asked him again this week about it, he said, “The study is in draft form and I am told needs some amendments before I am to see it. I don’t however believe it will identify any concerns for the residents of Widcombe or Bathwick.”  I am still trying to find out if any alternative uses or proposals for the site have been identified.

The Council is in the process of sending out consultation letters and plans for the introduction of a 20mph zone in the Greenway Lane, Lyncombe Hill/Vale area. This will be partly self-enforcing through the use of ’speed tables’. The overall aim is to make these roads safer and less attractive to ‘rat-runners’. Public responses are invited up to Sept 3. If you would like to know more please contact me.

The council in partnership with others in the so-called West of England is trying to refine its plans for transport in the next few years. The draft plan is currently out for public consultation, so if you are reading this and have a view on the subject please go on-line here to submit your views. You have until October 4th to do this.

There is a new proposal to re-mark the lanes in Pulteney Rd on the approach to Widcombe Parade. The outcome will be the current single lane split into two, with the left-hand lane for local traffic going up Widcombe Hill or Prior Park Rd, and the right-hand lane for through traffic. The overall purpose is to help to reduce congestion, but at what local cost? If you’d like details of this please contact  me. There is until August 16 to send your comments to the Highways Dept.

Last August my attention was drawn to the blighted conker trees all over Bath. I did a little research and learnt that this is caused by a rapidly spreading pest known as the ‘life-mining moth’.  Now, in July, there are signs everywhere that the pest is back, and indeed is continuing to spread. Some academics at Bristol University are monitoring the spread, and are encouraging people all over the country to join their survey. You too can join at their wesbite: http://www.ourweboflife.org.uk/

Following a suggestion from a Widcombe resident who works in Bristol and saw this sign there, I am pleased to report that B&NES is in the process of ordering and installing some similar signs. The hope is that by discouraging people from feeding the birds they (the birds) will become less of a nuisance than they currently are. Do you have any suggestions for locations where such signs might be erected?Longer term the Council is hoping that the food waste collection, due to start in October, will further discourage the birds.

The residents parking zone 02, which covers roughly Pulteney Rd, Dolemeads, Horseshoe Walk, and the Tynings, is currently up for review. Residents should have received a letter on the subject, inviting thoughts by June 30. If you have not received a letter but have comments to make please let me know ASAP.