London Road Community Blog

NEXT PACT MEETING: THURSDAY 4 DECEMBER 2008

2008-12-02T12:36:00.001Z

The next PACT meeting for the London Road community will take place on Thursday 4 December from 6.30pm at the Christian Centre (bottom of Snow Hill/Off London Rd).

Somer Housing’s proposed scheme for Longacre is still top of the agenda and in the absence of any Somer representatives, come and meet your Walcot Councillors to know what is to happen to Longacre. Also:

Will the Bus Rapid Transit scheme really solve the traffic & pollution issues of the London Road or will it create more problems for its residents and traders?

What is the Council doing about the scruffy appearance of the London Road and all the litter?

Any concerns and issues for the London Road community can be discussed at this meeting e.g. crime, drug dealings, noise pollution, school buses…

Come and tell your Councillors, Police and Council Officers how you want your neighbourhood to be. It is YOUR opportunity to do so!

TRADERS AND RESIDENTS' ANGER AT PUBLIC MEETING

2008-10-01T14:48:00.020+01:00

A well attended PACT meeting of 45 people was angered on 23 September to find no Somer representative, no local Councillors or Police and Council officers to discuss local issues.

A speaker from the floor said “It is absurd, callous, and arrogant of Somer not to engage with the community.” Another speaker added: “I have come to realise that the Council are not interested in this area, except as a through route and dumping ground".

In the absence of the organisers of the meeting and of the Walcot councillors and Council officers, Alex Schlesinger, Chairman of the London Road and Snow Hill Partnership (LRSHP) offered to chair the meeting.

Minutes of the meeting and further actions to take place can be found HERE.

It appears clear that Somer does not wish to engage with the local community though they are so readily talking to the Press. Click HERE for their comments about the meeting.

Here are important points to note:

- Somer had indicated that there is no need to communicate with the local community at this stage and that nothing can be added about the scheme for 3&4 Longacre, hence their absence at the PACT meeting.

- Some correspondence from Somer said that the architectural plans will now be revised only in the next few months but no specific date was given.

- People complained that it is impossible to get any action or response from Somer. It takes months before they can fix any problems on their properties nor do they take any interest in caring for people who live in these properties. A speaker said that she had been intimidated and virtually thrown out of a recent Somer meeting and expressed frustration that there is not one single person ready to take responsibility at Somer.

- A large majority of the meeting considered Somer Housing not competent. The meeting collectively expressed a vote of no confidence in Somer.

- Serious concerns were expressed how the neighbourhood is represented at present and it was felt that Council Officers and Councillors or their partners (Somer) makes local consultation a parody of democracy. The audience made the point that the publicity for the PACT meetings had been terrible, that there was no feedback from the previous meetings, and that there was now nobody present from the local authority, the Police or Somer. “It is appalling to see the contempt of the Council and Somer for this community”.

- The Chairman of the meeting will write on behalf of the meeting to Angela Gascoigne (Managing Director at Somer), to our two Local Councillors, to the Chief Constable, to the leader of B&NES Council, the Chief Executive of the Council and to the Housing Corporation. (Local residents and traders are invited to do the same individually). These letters will be published and will express our concerns about:

1- The poor and near absence of publicity for the public (PACT) meeting;
2- The absence of representatives from B&NES and Somer;
3- The location and format of the next meeting.

- Similar concerns were discussed about the absence of a genuine consultation about the Rapid Bus Transit (RBT) scheme. This being in addition to grave concerns regarding the removal of trees, front gardens, impact for the residents and local traders, the increased risks of accident for pedestrians and cyclists or because of the parking situation along the London Rd.

- Noise pollution was also discussed because of Burdall’s Yard late night openings and the impact of the possible extension of their openings hours and due to road works, on the London Rd in the evenings because daytime traffic flow is regarded as more important! In addition people indicated their concerns because of the removal of litter bins on the London Road for no valid reasons while more rubbish are now thrown in the street.

PUBLIC MEETINGS: COME AND HAVE YOUR SAY ABOUT WHAT YOU WANT FOR YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD!

2008-09-21T22:05:00.024+01:00

The next PACT meeting for the London Road community will take place on Tuesday 23 September from 6.30pm.

Somer Housing’s proposed scheme for Longacre is still top of the agenda. There is mysteriously no publicity for this meeting and we are also told that no Somer representative will be present to discuss concerns from the Police, residents and local businesses alike because Somer have nothing to say at this stage! But there is still plenty to talk about… Come and make your voice heard with us!

Others issues and challenges for the London Road community will also be debated at this meeting. Everything from drug dealing and crime (two recent murders), pollution (the London Rd is the 3^rd most polluted street in Britain!), road safety (3 serious accidents at Kensington in one year!), right down to: why has the Council taken away most of the litter bins along the London Road? Why are road works on London Road taking place at night not to inconvenience traffic, but at the expense of residents?...

Also some of you will have heard of the controversial BUS RAPID TRANSIT (BRT) proposals. This could involve the removal of front gardens, trees and green spaces outside Grosvenor and Kensington on the London Road, all to give space for a 24 hours bus route which will also involve no parking and no loading and unloading, possibly along the total length of the London Road!

Please note that the venue for the PACT meeting will be the Christian Centre at the bottom of Snow Hill (off London Road) and not the Riverside & Youth Community Centre.

Two additional meetings are also worth mentioning as each one will deal with the future of our community:

- The Council’s overview and scrutiny panel will be discussing the BUS RAPID TRANSIT scheme on Thursday 25^th September at 10.00am at the Guildhall. Don Foster, MP for Bath is to speak at the meeting. Calling the council officials to re examine the plans for the BRT, Mr. Foster said “I am not convinced that adequate research has been carried out into alternatives. The consultation document is extremely unconvincing and confusing.” Anyone can attend or ask to speak. Click HERE for more details.

- The next meeting of the Better Bath Forum (Click HERE to access the forum website) will take place on Monday 13 October 2008 from 6.00pm (Venue: St Michael's Church, Broad St, Bath BA1 5LJ). The Better Bath initiative is to give opportunity to everyone to give their opinion about how Bath should be. The next meeting of October will specifically focus on transforming the public spaces in Bath, how to manage the way people & vehicles get around the city, maintenance of the streets… These are important issues for the future of the London Road which so far sadly has always been sacrificed for the sole convenience of access to central Bath!

Make local democracy work! Make your voice heard! It is time the London Road deserves better!

GET READY FOR HALLOWEEN AT KENSINGTON MEADOWS...

2008-08-25T13:36:00.025+01:00

... and join a Moth Mosey or a Bat Walk in Bath's most centrally located nature reserve.

The Friends of Kensington Meadows (FKM) are organising walks to explore this reserve situated off the London Road within the floodplain of the River Avon. The Kensington Meadows is mostly flat with a surfaced path along the river. All welcome but children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Next walks will take place on Monday 8 September (Moth Mosey) from 8.00pm to 10.30pm and Tuesday 7 October (Bat Walk) from 7.00pm to 9.00pm.

Main entrance of the reserve is by the steps at the Ringswell Gardens (off London Road) but the walks will start from the Morrisons entrance to the meadow. Please wear suitable footwear. For more information please contact: Miriam Woolnough, B&NES Countryside Management Officer; Tel: (01225) 477612 - Email: Miriam_Woolnough@BATHNES.GOV.UK

B&NES RESPONSE ABOUT THE LONDON ROAD...

2008-08-05T13:50:00.094+01:00

B&NES Council has now responded to the questions put forward by our action group at the Better Bath Forum on 18 June 2008 regarding the London Road and its regeneration.

Forum conclusion 7 (18/07/2008 meeting)

Regeneration of the London Road area could make a huge difference to an important gateway to the city, to the benefit of residents, businesses and visitors alike. The Council should state whether it considers that comprehensive regeneration of the London Road area is feasible.

B&NES response

The question of regeneration of the London Road area must be considered in the wider context of Bath & North East Somerset. The Council have identified specific social and economic improvement priorities within the areas of South West Bath and Midsomer Norton and Radstock.

The Council need to work with the local community to understand their needs and ensure these are represented in the revision to the Sustainable Community Strategy. A more considered response to the needs of London Road and how these can be addressed to ensure the area contributes to the overall regeneration of Bath needs to be established.

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We note that the local authority declares that "The Council need to work with the local community to understand their needs and ensure these are represented...". This comes as a very big surprise because we have seen very little of this so far.

What we have seen for the London Road is inconsistent and contradictory planning provisions and policies; regarding expanding the hostel at Longacre/Caroline House a council leader for Social Services & Housing dismissing people's view so quickly and with such arrogance that it can only show the scheme is a "done deal", with a community that should have no other choice than to accept it; Somer Housing, working for the Council not bothering to answer any questions at the most attended PACT meeting in Bath or not even willing to stick to their words (still no new architectural drawings!)... The previous articles written on this blog have shown all of this and the absence of a true consultation with the local community.

Let's hope that from now on any decisions of the local authority will finally take into consideration the needs of the London Road and its community as it is proclaimed at the Better Bath Forum.

We also note that the Council says that "A more considered response to the needs of London Road and how these can be addressed to ensure the area contributes to the overall regeneration of Bath needs to be established."

A first step for the local authority to start with would be to listen to the local community, stop its support to Somer to expand Caroline/Longacre and why not give these buildings back for community use when there is so little community provision in the area or let the private sector (business or residential) to use these buildings and upgrade them (Click HERE to discover that several offers by private investors have even not been considered by the local authority).

But what is really striking above all in the response from the local authority is the very little knowledge it shows of our area and that it has not quite yet grasped the huge contribution the London Road is already doing for the overall economy of Bath. Those at the Council who have never set foot in this part of Bath shall be indeed reminded of few things.

- The London Road has a vibrant and mixed community to be proud of. It is really unique in Bath and it is evidenced by the multitude of street parties taking place in the neighbouroods and the works of the many community groups, often thanks to local volunteers, in the arts and music e.g. Baka Beyond, Walcot Choir, American Jazz singer, Joan Davis and her voice workshop... The area has its pockets of deprivation but it has improved tremendously recently with new comers and sucessful businesses who have spotted a real opportuinity here e.g. award winning King William Pub, Hudson, Burdalls Yard, Ideas of the Mind... Most of these successful business are listed on the column right of this blog.

- The London Road has got a very creative population profile; lots of publishing and web design companies have indeed choosen to be based on the London Road e.g. Radio Ltd, Made up design, Ideas of the Mind, Creative Concept, Anthem Publishing... Most of them are listed on the colum right of this blog and there is probably no equivalent in Bath of such high concentration of creative industries, that the local authority is so keen to attract for Bath. With the presence of two major universities in Bath which can provide the necessary skills, it is important for Bath to retain these highly qualified workers in Bath. These businesses in the London Road are already just doing this and it can only strengthen the whole economy of the city.

- The London Road also found another niche market and has the highest density of furnishing shops in Bath, especially antique dealers. This retail industry has the potential to become once again a thriving business community, attracting many more visitors and tourists at the same time enhancing the heritage status of our city and its “uniqueness”. The B&NES City and Town Centres Studies October 2004 reports that a significant number of visitors choose to park outside the main shopping area and appear to be prepared to walk five to ten minutes to and from the centre. This indicates in conjunction with the park and ride project at the East of the city (while addressing some of the traffic issues) an important potential for the London Road to become a shopping destination if provisions for walking and cycling, along affordable public transport are incorporated into the project.

- The London Road has probably the longest row of listed Georgian buildings in Bath and the whole area has in fact almost remained untouched (save Snow Hill) compared with other parts of Bath. The first impression on arrival to Bath via the London Road is sadly not very positive at present but this heritage is to be preserved and enhanced for the next generations and can make a positive statement for the whole city. The Longacre site alone is a powerful reminder to the city of the importance of the area and its contribution to the economy of Bath. The London Road further offers a very good supply of small space, in an historic heritage setting, that would be both ideally for more start up and creative business when reinforcing again the heritage status of the city. The easy access to the city centre and the A4, the possible future park and ride facilities makes it an attractive business location.

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Perhaps the image of the London Road at the Council is still based on a perception, sadly mostly negative that does not match today's reality. It may also explain fifty years of inadequate planning and investment or all the mistakes that have contributed to the challenges that the community is now facing. So the questions Council leaders now need to ask themselves are whether they wish to put it right this time or if they want B&NES to be part of and support a transformation, already taking place, of the London Road.... Or do they wish to prevent this regeneration to happen with for example such plans as the ill concieved scheme proposed for Longacre/Caroline House?

At the last meeting of the Better Bath Forum we also said that more is needed to be done to help the less well off. We note the response from B&NES (Forum Conclusion Response 3) and can only hope that the Learning Partnership will finally have a keen interest on those in need on the London Road. The purpose of the Learning Partnership is to provide collaboration, support economic development and regeneration and to ensure that the resources available for education and training are used to deliver the best possible opportunities for the citizens of Bath & North East Somerset. Is it not time for these resources to reach our community or at least, for the Learning Partnership to be a bit more visible here?

Everyone interested can comment on the Better Bath Forum. Click HERE to access the forum website, read the full response to the meeting of 18 June and raise your voice for the London Road.

FROM BUILDING CARRIAGES FOR ROYALTY FOR A CENTURY TO A VICTORIAN WORKHOUSE: WHAT HAPPENED TO CAROLINE HOUSE?

2008-07-23T21:28:00.047+01:00

Roman legionnaires must have marched along the London Road. Later, one of the most impressive events in the road in the 16^th century must have been the royal progress of Queen Elizabeth I along the London Road when she included Bath in a visit to the South West (Source: Bath Chronicle 24/10/89) but the buildings of Longacre deserve a special place in History in their own right. And yes it also deserves a capital H!

Just to explain, on the location sandwiched between the bottom of Thomas Street and the Longacre Tavern stands the Longacre; a row of Georgian and Victorian buildings consisting of Nos 1 & 2 Longacre, where Caroline House is now and which used also to be called Longacre Hall. Then comes Nos 3 & 4 (the building which as proposed by Somer Housing will become a hostel).

It started in the 18th century when the premises were built and we can only wonder why Somer Housing and the local authority want to obliterate this part of Bath History.

Longacre, where they made coaches for Kings and Queens for more than a century…

These photographs speak for themselves but as you can see, the Vezey & Co advertisement of 1906 says 'By appointment to the Late Queen Victoria'. The Royal Mews houses the State vehicles, used for coronations, State Visits, royal weddings, the State Opening of Parliament and official engagements and we are investigating with the Palace Museum examples of Vezey & Co works, built at Longacre used by royalty in the UK and abroad.

“No 2 [now Caroline House] was the workshops of Messrs Vesey & Co, Coach Builders and Harness Makers; No 3 was the residence of the proprietor. They were coach makers to her Majesty Queen Victoria and to the King of Sweden. The coming of the motor car led to a decline in coach building and after 100 years in the same premises the firm closed in 1908.” Source: Walcot Parish: Walcot Townswomen Guild. Further records show even more interesting information about a royal connection.

The family business received a large number of awards and recognition:

- They received the medal with honorable mention at the Great Exhibition of 1851 for a newly designed Sociable (see photograph; a bicycle that supports two riders who sit side by side) of that date, which was afterwards sold and sent to

India

- They also received honourable mention at the International Exhibition of 1862 and were awarded a gold medal for their Victorias at the Calcutta International Exhibition 1883-84. (Source: Ports of the Bristol Channel (1893)).

- According to the edition of the Ports of the Bristol Channel of 1893, one of the Vezey & Co coach scale models was a magnificent State coach made initially in 1761 for Queen Charlotte who approved personally its design. The State coach was built by Mr. Butler, coachbuilder, of Great Queen Street, London from designs by Sir William Chambers and decorated with carvings by Wilton, and paintings by Cipriani. The drawings from the Royal Collection gives an idea of the magnificence of this coach.

The State coach was first used for the wedding of Queen Charlotte in 1762 to George III, then later used at Queen Victoria’s coronation in 1837, and those occasions when the Queen Victoria conducted the state opening of Parliament, up to the time of the Prince Consort’s death. (Source: Ports of the Bristol Channel (1893).

- Also in 1817 when Queen Charlotte stayed in Bath, a year before her death, she included the showrooms of Vezey & Co in her visit. The State carriage was also sent to the Fine Arts Exhibition at Manchester, and to the London Exhibition of 1862. It was subsequently exhibited at South Kensington Museum, and the council of the Society of Arts requested the loan of it to send to the Paris Exhibition” of 1889.

Thanks to British and foreign royalty, nobility and others wealthy customers, the large workshops “situated in Long Acre, Bath, give employment to a large number of highly skilled workmen and are splendidly equipped with the most effective appliances” (Ports of the Bristol Channel (1893).

After the closure of fantastic coach making business, a number of changes occurred in contemporary times

In 1910 the Domestic Science Training College transferred to No 2 Longacre (or Caroline House) and the premises became known as the Long Acre Technical Institute. The College moved to Broughan, Hayes in 1925. Makers of monumental wrought ironwork then occupied the buildings, and a company which assembled wiring harnesses, with stylish cars displayed on the shop front windows, stayed in Caroline House until the early 1970. Source: Walcot Parish Walcot Townswomen Guild

Then Longacre reinvented itself to become a thriving community centre which helped social cohesion and provided music, a photographic gallery, carpentry workshops and vital community services for all…

The whole of the five storeys at Longacre Hall (or Caroline House) was used by various community groups and a Youth Training Project. In 1985 the garden at the back of the Longacre Hall which was first set up as a community garden. Walcot & Snow Hill residents are still very found of the visit of Floella Benjamin, OBE (www.floellabenjamin.com) to open this play garden.

Newspapers describe this garden as “children’s paradise” and many parents and now grown up children remember it as such. Sadly this public play area was closed without notice or consultation in the late 1990’s. It has remained inaccessible since and now, Somer proposes to put a three story building of doubtful design on this very location, which will mean the disappearance for ever of a valuable green space. Why such a thing when this green space has become vital to fight pollution (the London Road is recorded as the third most polluted thoroughfare in the UK - DEFRA data)?

Though it was really such a useful resource for the adults and kept many children happy, the crèche at Longacre Hall sadly closed down as well in the late 1990’s when the local authority decided to stop supporting the community centre.

Also as you can see on the photographs before Somer (Bath Self Help) ultimately took on the whole building of Caroline House, a photographic gallery (F.Stop) was based on the site before moving to Green Park. Its studios offered workshops for beginners and professional photographers alike. Contemporary artists worked there. Click HERE for another example.

Equally Caroline House aka Longacre Hall offered a great venue for music and concerts on the first 1st Floor. Local musician, Peter the Potter held classes for children, among others musician performance.

Finally on the 2nd and 3rd Floor, carpentry workshops offered children and young adults, the opportunity to develop useful skills to help find employment. More recently the FOTEC Centre on the ground floor, provided community service for unemployed and young people. It offered classes in basic reading and writing skills, IT skills training to help people to adjust in an ever changing working environment but, again under funding has meant almost non existent activities nowdays.

In 1935, No 3 Longacre was bought by a widow, Mrs Nellie Kemp, and she established a café and bed and breakfast accommodation. It was called Jubilee Café to mark the Silver Jubilee of King George V. With the war came rationing and the premises suffered a good deal of blast damage in the raids on Bath. In 1943, the premises were sold to a Mr. and Mrs. Kite who continued the business. Mrs. Kite gave up the business in 1957 though the premises continued as a café for another 10 years (1967). Source: Walcot Parish: Walcot Townswomen Guild. Later a printing shop used the premises, it then became a second hand antique shop.

No 4, the next building along, before the alleyway, was a private house until it was leased to the West Indian Community. There is still a debate on the ownership of this particular building and as to why the local authority has left these properties to become derelict over many years despite several offers made to the Council by local businessmen to purchase No 4 to be used as a shop, and particularly when the area is clearly marked as a designated shopping area in the Bath Local Plan.

Then across the alleyway lies the Longacre Tavern, a contemporary dated building as per the photograph below. However the Long Acre Tavern also has a special place in the history of brewing in Bath but 1956 marked the closure of its brewery and finally the end of brewing activity in the city, a craft which almost certainly predated the Roman settlement and was one of the city’s main industries in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, was no more. Sources: Bath Chronicle 14/01/1956 and Bath Pubs (by Kirsten Elliott & Andrew Swift).

As you can see on the photographs the original Georgian building was demolished in the 1960’s and was rebuilt to a typical 60’s design, definitely another very fine example of the post war sack of Bath! Let’s hope that Somer and B&NES council will not continue to pursue their current plans in that sad tradition… but the design of the current extension behind No 2 to No 4 Longacre is far from encouraging.

Sadly the below photo illustrates what is now left of a site full of History and of a community centre that provided so much to the wider community for many years.

On 17 June 2008, Cllr Colin Darracott, Liberal Democrat and member of the Bath Planning Committee confirmed that B&NES Council is under an obligation to get best value for money when disposing of public owned properties with the exception of affordable housing or properties that may be of value to the community. We acknowledge the needs for change but with a past that has enriched the whole community, can Somer plans really be what the Council wishes for the future of Longacre and Bath heritage?

And what are the reasons for B&NES Council to have left Longacre to fall apart for so long when the London Road is the main gateway to the city. The absence of community infrastructures is evident in the area and the London Road is in need of much more care and attention? Is it not time for B&NES to finally make a positive and visible statement for the London Road and Snow Hill area at Longacre instead of creating, as what many call it, a Victorian Workhouse. Click HERE for more information.

The whole community, residents and businesses alike, of the London Road would like to remind B&NES Councillors, decisions makers and planners to think again when Somer logs its planning application this summer and look into the potential that these premises could do for Bath and its community.

We thank every one who contribute to this article, especially the Museum of Bath at Work which gave us access to necessary information to piece this bit of History together.

All ideas and proposals for the sustainable redevelopment of Longacre are welcome. Please contact us at ilovethelondonroad@gmail.com if you wish to comment or contribute.

FOUR WEEKS LATER, STILL NO REVISED DRAWINGS...

2008-07-08T22:19:00.020+01:00

Four weeks after promising new architectural drawings, we are still awaiting any communication from Somer… This despite many reassurances by Somer themselves and the local authority that the London Road community will be listened to!

On 17 June, Somer representative, John Glyn announced that revised plans would be presented under one week and accessible on the internet. Is it therefore too much to ask Somer Housing and their architects, GCP Chartered Architects Ltd,to keep their promises and show us any changes made to this very disputable project? Or was the public meeting just a pure PR exercise for Somer?

As confirmed by Cllr Vic Pritchard, main proponent of the scheme, Somer is to seek planning consent by the end of August or sooner if possible.

Once again this situation only serves to confirm residents and business' worst suspicions of the purpose of this pseudo consultation.

ISN'T GREEN PARK HOUSE SUITABLE?

2008-07-04T22:32:00.056+01:00

It is confirmed that B&NES owned hostel, in Green Park in Central Bath, which was closed and put on the market, last year, in fact remains unsold and could therefore be renovated at far less cost than the proposed new building at Caroline House/Longacre on the London Rd.

We note that this large council owned hostel, known as Green Park House, was constructed about fifty years ago; it is very substantial and purpose built and constructed of local Bath stone. It contained until its recent closure, a supervised hostel for the adult vulnerable and supervised residential accommodation for the elderly as well as mixed social housing.

We wonder why at the public meeting on 17^th June when asked what alternatives exist to the site at Caroline House/Longacre, Cllr Colin Darracott, chairman of the meeting and member of the Bath Planning Committee said “there are no sites in Bath and that the only other solution would be for the hostel to be built outside the town”? Click HERE to hear it (Part 11 of the audio recording).

Why, therefore, is B&NES Council still willing to dispose of a very suitable and essential public owned asset at Green Park to build a similar one in another part of the city? At what cost for the tax payer and why on the London Road at a location that is unanimously considered completely unsuitable to ensure the safety of future residents?

Is B&NES planning to offset money received from the sale of the buildings at Green Park for the London Road community? Clearly this is not the case. The local police force has confirmed that no contingency plans have been drawn up to deal with a larger facility for the homeless. The Police admit that "the more people you fit in, the more problems you get. This leads to delays in response time and subsequent difficulties". Click HERE to hear it (Part 9 of the audio recording).

Members of the public have asked if there is any logic in the sale of the Green Park hostel. A comment from a resident echoes this: “I have contributed with my council tax for this hostel [Green Park] and for council tenant use. Why is it then, that B&NES and central government via tax payer’s money will now be subsidising Somer when they build a replacement hostel at Caroline House & Longacre?” Click HERE to hear it (Part 5 of the audio recording).

There will probably be no adequate explanation for the closure and sale of the Green Park House… Maybe this is the beginning of the answer: its closure and sale, with outline planning permission for demolition and re-development for commercial or corporate purposes have been included in the so called “Future for Bath”, an ambitious speculative commercial development proposal... To know more click HERE.

In this context aren’t people right to question the drive and motivation of B&NES Council current policy on social housing, including the disappearance of viable social housing stock, as it is happening at Green Park?

LONDON ROAD CHAMPIONS SPEAK OUT FOR THE LESS WELL OFF AND LOCAL BUSINESSES AT THE BETTER BATH FORUM

2008-06-30T23:13:00.041+01:00

On 18 June 2008, Lawrence Buabeng from Snow Hill & Alex Schlesinger, from Old Bank Antiques Centre, and chairman of the London Road and Snow Hill Partnership spoke at The Better Bath Forum.

Council chiefs were reminded by Lawrence that though it is fine to bring new workers and high-flying businesses into the city, more needs to be done to help the less well-off. Lawrence who is defending a Skills and Enterprise Initiative in Snow Hill, raised the issue of finding jobs for people who already live in Bath before bringing in new workers to the city. Mentioning a big problem in the city with drug and alcohol dependent people, he said “we need some sort of programme to bring them into the local economy."

This idea of supporting people in the city who are struggling to find work, before bringing in new workers was backed by the audience. A member of the audience Julia Bailhache said "Those who don't have anything, who don't have the skills for professional jobs, there is nothing for them".

Read the article of the Bath Chronicle or click HERE.

On behalf of the London Road traders, Alex said:

"I am from that forgotten part of Bath; the bit that everyone drives through on their way into the World Heritage site called Bath. You might have heard of it. It`s called the London Road. Half a century ago London Road was a thriving community. Very mixed in background, but alive. Then came fifty years of bad policy and self-contradictory planning on the part of the local authority.

Today, the London Road and the adjacent Snow Hill estate is the result of that planning. Today the area is reckoned to be in the bottom 20% of electoral wards in terms of poverty. Besides poverty we have crime, drug dealing, and traffic borne air pollution that puts the London Road in the top three or so polluted urban thoroughfares in the UK… and, well, we have to come top in something!

Thanks to local planning decisions, many of the local shops were allowed to be converted into flats in the 1970s and `80s. However, because the buildings and the shop fronts are "listed", the shop fronts had to be retained. Inevitably, due to noise and pollution, few people found these ground floor flats attractive, even to rent. Several are now empty and others are used for storage.

So what do visitors see on entering Bath? Besides traffic, they see litter and a generally poorly maintained public infrastructure. But above all visitors see dead shops. most with the ubiquitous dirty curtains, behind even dirtier glass. Visitors see first the outward signs of economic and social decay.

Of course, some businesses do survive, and other new ones have appeared. Most of these provide furnishings, bathrooms, kitchens and antiques. In general these new businesses have been successful, and collectively they give a strong hint that London Road could once again be a thriving business community, if only the local authority was ever minded to encourage this to happen.

But that would take planning and consultation with local residents and businesses and community groups. Above all, it would take Vision... and the London Road has seen very little of that from the local authority in the last half century”.

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The London Road regeneration and the needs for those who are struggling are now hopefully firmly on the agenda at The Better Bath Forum. We will endeavour to ensure that it remains as such in future.

In its latest statement, the Better Bath Forum stresses the “need for high quality housing at a cost commensurate with salaries; efficient and affordable transport; high quality public realm; and a lively cultural scene. Bath does not compare well with leading cities in the UK and Europe on these criteria, although it has the potential to be among the best. If it is to capitalize on its natural and architectural assets, it must cherish and enhance what makes it unique, including its diverse independent retail sector and its Rugby Club based in the city centre. And it must smarten up the run-down scruffy public realm”.

The meeting also concludes “that regeneration of the London Road area could make a huge difference to an important gateway to the city, to the benefit of residents, businesses and visitors alike. The Council should state whether it considers that comprehensive regeneration of the London Road area is feasible”.

"I HAVE NO IDEA" SAYS SOMER AT ALMOST EVERY QUESTION

2008-06-22T23:59:00.052+01:00

At a packed and heated meeting in the evening of Tuesday 17th June 2008, the residents of the London Road voiced their opposition to Somer's proposals. Colin Darracott, Liberal Democrat, chairing the meeting, opened the meeting with: “Welcome all, this is the best attended PACT meeting, to date, in Bath.” A representative of Somer arrived late to take part in the debate.

Campaigners deplore the absence of a competent Somer representative to handle the host of very valid questions. We also deplore the absence of anybody from B&NES Housing & Social Services.

Click HERE for the minutes of the meeting.

Click HERE for an audio recording. The recording is divided into 20 parts in total.

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Here are important points to note:

- New architectural plans are to be proposed by Somer, this time they will be published on line in a matter of one week., by 24th June 2008.

- Hayley Austin, Development Manager did not attend the PACT meeting. The local community were disappointed and angry by this complete disregard of the local views. She is paid to take part in this meeting to consult with the wider community where people here are taking time for this meeting from their own leisure and family to be present.

- The Somer representative, replacing Hayley Austin was unable to respond to public questions. He said “I have no idea” to practically every question.

- Chairman Colin Darracott, for the Council, maintained it is a planning issue to be objected to when planning consent is sought by Somer. “Nonsense!” responded the audience. The fundamental objection is the choice of the location. A speaker from the floor said that Somer is not able to run the hostel already in existence. “You build on success not failure. Caroline House is already a failure!” This was met by a round of applause. Part 4 of the audio recording.

- Not surprisingly the location was unanimously deemed unsuitable by the residents.

- There was discussion of the dangers to children in the area, including traffic, pollution, drug dealing and other crime. It was pointed out that Somer has no Child Protection Policy. There was also no response from Somer to ensure the safety of children accommodated in the hostel. Part 9 of the audio recording.

- Chairman Colin Darracott said the following, on why the Council supports a project that does not respect the Bath Local Plan “Yes, it is bending the rules, all plans are there to be deviated from”. Residents need to ask if this is a new B&NES policy. Part 12 of the audio recording.

- Why are council properties being sold at below the market rate to big companies, possibly to be later disposed of for huge profits? A hostel like the one that is proposed, existed at Green Park. The council closed it and sold it. We wonder what is the prime motivation – getting extra money? Perhaps this is a matter for review by the district auditor. Part 4, 8 and 12 of the audio recording.

- The report drawn up in 2005 was damning in its condemnation of Somer’s and Bath Self Help's management of this site, there was no follow up, and Caroline House was graded D, possibly the worst in Bath. Part 14 of the audio recording or read the 2005 report

- The Police have not been able to assess the “knock on effect” of such a proposal and no contingency plans have been drawn up. The Police admit that "the more people you fit in, the more problems you get. This leads to delays in response time and subsequent difficulties". Part 9 of the audio recording.

- Complaints were expressed about the lack of police involvement at the Longacre Tavern and its vicinity. When called, the police are slow to respond, and on many occasions they do not bother to address the issue. Part 16 of the audio recording.

- People asked for clarification of the relationship between Somer and Bath Self Help. Somer representative claimed at first that "Bath Self-Help" is not a part of Somer, but when challenged admitted that it is in a fact a division of Somer. No response was given in respect of queries related to a service level agreement. Part 15 of the audio recording.

--------------------------------

Members of the community, who had taken the trouble to come to the meeting, were disgusted by the absence of response. One resident commented, "this is typical of Somer’s arrogant attitude to this part of Bath. We are concerned about the people in our community who are ‘vulnerable’ and this plan makes no sense. There must be more in it than meets the eye for Somer to want to do this".

In an article before the meeting, the Bath Chronicle quotes Somer's Development Manager, Hayley Austin. She said the “plans have been revised in light of the issues that have been raised by our extensive consultation process”. If someone thinks there has been any extensive consultation, please contact us.

For media articles and comments from readers click on

Residents pack Snow Hill meeting

Residents unite to fight hostel extension

Snow Hill scheme meeting

Yes! Let’s bring more crack and heroine dealers to Snow Hill. There is a big enough problem there already without making it worse. Not to mention how close to Morrisons` it is; so they can go and buy their booze. These 'rehabilitation' centres should be away from all the facilities that put these people where they are in the first place. They need DETOX not RETOX! Bert, Bath

…In theory, I would therefore applaud the news that plans are afoot to open a homeless centre in Bath. However, I wholeheartedly condemn the proposed location, near the site of the brutal and, as yet, unsolved murder of Paul Kelly. Vulnerable individuals should not be placed at risk and disadvantaged by being sent to live in potentially threatening and dangerous areas… Sue Bond, Bath

… What a pleasant place it will be to live, but who cares about the residents eh? This is just the icing on the cake of soaring council tax and mismanagement of public money… George, London Road, Bath

Somer's "extensive consultation process", which has largely consisted of displaying incomprehensible plans and not telling anyone about them, and completely ignoring residents' comments, has been going on for nearly a year now and has blighted the lives of those who would be affected by this ridiculous scheme. Why cram yet another building onto a public garden, one of the few remaining bits of green space in this area? This scheme will bring nothing to the area and neither will it do any favours to those who are to be housed there. AL, Thomas Street

WELL DONE LAWRENCE!

2008-06-16T15:40:00.026+01:00

On 12th June 2008, Lawrence Buabeng from Snow Hill made a passionate speech at the Guildhall on behalf of the London Road & Snow Hill Partnership, and called publicly on B&NES Council for its long term commitment to the area and to endorse an alternative vision for the London Rd and Snow Hill. This includes specific and concrete measures to make the area more attractive and welcoming e.g creating community space, tree planting, giving priority to pedestrians and cyclists over cars and trucks...

The statement will be circulated to all leaders of the Council.

Read the full statement

A RAPE, DRUG DEALING, SECURITY ISSUES, AND NOW A DEAD BODY FOUND...

2008-06-16T15:23:00.031+01:00

You have all heard that a corpse was found in Caroline House on the evening of Tuesday 10th June 2008. You will need to know that an occurrence of this nature is not without precedent under Somer Housing management. Caroline house was assessed in 2005 by B&NES Council...

A damning report for Somer Housing on Caroline House, in 2005

The review found that there are some "serious problems around health, safety and security at Caroline House", and that "...this is adversely impacting on delivering support and so contributing effectively to the supporting people agenda."

Read the full report on the B&NES Council website.

Here are some extracts:

"There was an awareness amongst staff and management of the fact that Caroline House was not working as intended, and that there were some serious problems around health and safety and maintenance at Caroline House… There is a problem with vandalism in the block… Because the front door is insecure it is difficult to know whether it is service users, their visitors or those with no associations with the block who cause the damage… Corporate policies and procedures are in place to cover security, health and safety but they are not keeping the project safe… Serious concerns about the safety of the building were noted on 6th October 2005 and staff informed the review that these problems have been getting worse for about 18 months… Where fire doors existed, they had been propped open with bricks."

A number of particular incidents were pointed out by Bath Self Help staff including:

- A young female tenant was recently raped in her studio flat. The insecure front door had enabled her attacker, who was known to her, to gain access to the building.

- Concerns were expressed by one member of staff that drug dealing is being conducted on the premises.

- A serious threat had been made by a service user against a member of staff. (He had threatened to throw him down the stairs and break his legs).

There hasn’t been any follow up from B&NES on the recommendations of the report

We understand from B&NES Council that they are unable to find any reference as to whether or not the action plan from the report of 2005 has been followed through. Unfortunately, since this report, the Council has not carried out any environmental health review of the premises or indeed any other reports until… 6 June 2008; and that might have something to do with local residents getting together and raising the question.

Any follow up from Somer Housing?

The review recommended that Bath Self Help [Somer Housing] produce action plans by 1st February 2006 to tackle all the areas of concern, and to demonstrate how the service will be brought in line with the requirements of the Supporting People Framework.

It is not clear yet if Somer Housing has taken any action to address the situation after this report.

In particular here is mention of a Bath Self Help officer in attendance on the premises for seven hours every day. We have asked Somer about this on 3 June 2008 so that we know how many hours per day this officer is now on duty? The following questions have also been put forward:

- As of 2nd June 2008, how many flats have been empty on the Snow Hill estate for more than thirty days?

- Why was the hostel in Green Park [a similar unit as Caroline House] in Green Park recently closed?

Somer Housing confirmed that it would endeavour to provide a response but as of today we have received no further communication.

Can Somer manage a bigger hostel when it cannot deliver on a smaller scale?

Somerset & Avon Police is still investigating what happened recently at Caroline House; but it is said that the person died two weeks before being found, probably from a drug overdose. If this is true, questions will need to be answered. How did such a tragic event even occurred in the premises when Somer is meant to provided support and supervision? We can all appreciate that it is in the nature of Somer`s housing activities that this type of accident can sadly occur, but why did it take so long for the body to be discovered?

Everybody needs to be aware that Somerset & Avon Police has also confirmed that 95 police visits have taken place at Caroline House, from 1 May 2003 to 31 May 2008.That is almost two visits per month. We therefore ask why were there so many police visits to Caroline House, and what is Somer Housing doing to ensure the protection and safety of those vulnerable people and homeless they have a statutory duty to help and protect on behalf of the wider community?

Leaving aside that putting so many vulnerable people together is counter-productive, that full integration into the community is by far a better option, and that all of those who have been involved in housing the extremely vulnerable, are of the opinion that the facility Somer (and currently B&NES Council) proposes will probably compound the long term problems of the residents. We must ask ourselves whether Somer Housing is competent to manage a big scheme with 65 residential units (if not more), as they propose to build at Caroline House /3&4 Longacre, when it seems they cannot adequately manage the existing premises of 17 units.

It does not bode well that at a public meeting in January 2008: Somer Housing was unable to confirm funding to maintain and supervise the new building for more than 3 years, once the new extension is completed.

A rape, drug dealings and health, safety & security issues, a dead body, what else will it take for B&NES to stop Somer Housing's current proposals to extend Caroline House and 3&4 Longacre?

At the end of the report of 2005, it is said that it is hoped that the provider [Bath Self Help Housing] will be able to ensure and demonstrate that Caroline House will be delivering a quality service to the target client groups before the end of this financial year, (2005/2006). This will enable a new contract to be issued for the start of the next financial year, (2006-2007). Is it not time for B&NES Council to reconsider its partnership with Somer Housing and Bath Self Help Housing?

A FAIR CONSULTATION?

2008-06-05T11:44:00.018+01:00

Apparently residents who petitioned in November 2007 actually got a response from Somer Housing, Cllr Pritchard and Cllr Hanney in a public meeting which took place in January 2008. But what a response...

Not without surprise, the well-attended public meeting of January was unanimous (minus one) in its condemnation of Somer proposed scheme. Despite general opposition and many valid points raised, Cllr Pritchard, one of the main proponents of this scheme rounded up the meeting by saying, "we have heard many opinions here, most of which we can dismiss..." For further details, please follow the link.

People will recall that as a result a large proportion of the public walked out, in disgust.

Today despite continued opposition from the local community, Somer Housing is still planning to go ahead with their plans for Caroline House/3&4 Longacre (with submission for planning consent before August 2008 - see below correspondence to Amy). This is in clear contradiction with Somer Housing saying they will continue to listen to local opinion.

This lack of genuine consultation is evidenced in many aspects. One example in particular is that the meeting of January took place only at the initiative of the local residents' association, the London Road and Snowhill Partnership (LRSHP) where Somer Housing has never organised any public meeting. As of today no further public consultation is happening despite Caroline House/3&4 Longacre remaining on top of the list of items for local concern at every PACT (Police and Community Together) meeting.

This situation only serves to confirm residents' worst suspicions of the purpose of this pseudo consultation and clearly shows that the plans are already a "done deal" between Somer Housing and B&NES whatever the local community is saying. Let's hope this blog will help to change this...

Thank you to all readers who drew attention to this.

PUBLIC MEETING ON 17 JUNE; COME AND HAVE YOUR SAY!

2008-06-03T10:59:00.028+01:00

The next public meeting, organised by Somerset & Avon Police will take place on TUESDAY 17 JUNE 2008 at 6:30pm at the Riverside Youth and Community Centre, York Pl, London Rd, Bath BA1 6AE.

PLEASE COME AND EXPRESS YOUR VIEW ABOUT SOMER PROPOSED HOSTEL. EVERY OPINION MATTERS!

Follow the link for further details about PACT (Partners And Communities Together) meetings and full agenda.

Click HERE for location of the Riverside Youth and Community Centre.

PROPOSED ARCHITECTURAL PLANS

2008-06-02T23:39:00.018+01:00

The availability of the plans for public viewing has been extremely difficult but finally Somer Housing decided under local pressure to display these plans on the premises of the proposed scheme on the windows of Caroline House at street level.

However it would only work if these plans were appropriately available to the public; this means that Somer Housing needs to attach them properly in the windows at Caroline House. Sadly it is not the case and they are already on the floor. It is rather a simple thing to pick them up from the floor and stick them back on the windows…

We wonder when Somer Housing will finally notice it but it is difficult to expect much when you look at the general state of the building under Somer management. Two other simple ideas would be to clean the windows or offer proper labelling for pedestrians and residents to understand properly these plans. Is it a mistake, a deliberate ploy? We leave you to conclude on the nature of the consultation with the community.

Anyway we bring to you what is left in the window before it all disappears, the rest of the plans are still on the floor unavailable for viewing… We would particularly stress the following:

- The plans are particularly concerning because of the close proximity of the extension building to the back windows of the residents in Thomas Street and Walcot House. Residents of Walcott House in Snow Hill will have a 3 storey block, replacing the public garden at the rear of Caroline House, less than seven meters away from their windows. This block would be no more than 12 - 14 metres from Thomas Street.

- The public garden at the rear of Caroline House will disappear. Though it has been closed to the public (without notice or consultation) since about 1998, this garden was designated as a public open space in the early 1980s with even a public celebration held by the council for its opening. It is also an important green space to fight pollution.

- The Bath Local Plan stated that “As a world heritage site a careful balance is needed in order to accommodate development whilst preserving and enhancing Bath’s historic and architectural qualities”. The style e.g. brutal concrete 50’s extension, flat roof, exterior render… and scale of the proposed plans are in clear breach of this statement. We note that Somer Housing has given no explanation regarding the detailed finishes of the new building.

- There is no measure to ensure informal surveillance in the building where it is a natural deterrent to crime.

- Since Mr. Mike Grist, Group Director of business development for Somer mentioned to the Bath Chronicle on 15 May 2008 that families, victims of repossession will also be accommodated on the premises, what are the provisions for parking in the area?

We will also note the general poor quality of the plans. There are no artist’s impressions, and all the surrounding buildings have been left out of the drawings, or simply shown as a line up to about ground floor ceiling height. Is it the intention of Somer Housing to misrepresent the reality of the scale and height?

For instance the most mysterious and difficult aspect of the plans to unravel, is the height of the extension – the drawings of its 3 storeys make it seem OK, but how could you stand up inside them? There is no way at the upper level of the site, of fitting a 3 storey structure into an elevation which stops below the rear gable of Caroline House – as it is depicted. It must reach to the top roof level of Caroline House. It would therefore be higher than the Thomas Street houses. The drawings simply don’t appear to match any reality of scale.

Perhaps all of this should be explained in more details.

AMY LUNT GETS A RESPONSE; FINALLY...

2008-06-01T23:29:00.030+01:00

Amy Lunt, who wrote to Councillor Pritchard on 30 April 2008 and in absence of any response, courageously made a statement at full council on 8 May 2008 finally gets an answer on 28 May 2008.

Incredibly Cllr Pritchard, who speaks on behalf of the local authority, still does not see why Somer plans for Longacre/Caroline house are bad news for the local community. Despite 300 people objecting the plans and a new petition underway he still refuses to see in Somer proposals anything else than a simple planning issue. See below correspondence:

Councillor Vic Pritchard
Stowey Mead, Stowey, Bishop Sutton,
Bristol. BS39 5TH
Tel: 01275 333159
E-mail: vic_pritchard@bathnes.gov.uk

28th May 2008

Dear Miss Lunt,

Thank you for your letter submitted to the recent Council meeting concerning the proposed Longacre Road development. As the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Adult Social Services & Housing I would like to make the following response.

The comments you raise, such as loss of privacy, loss of light etc. are all valid and legitimate concerns which can be raised through the formal planning consultation process. The advice I have received from officers is that Somer Housing Group are intending to submit the planning application by the end of August or sooner if possible. As a neighbour you should be contacted directly by Planning Services giving you the opportunity to formally express your views and comments on the proposal. I would certainly encourage you to take this opportunity when it arises.

Yours sincerely

Councillor Vic Pritchard

Cabinet Member for Adult Social Services and Housing

-------------------------------
From: Amy Lunt [mailto:[address deleted] ]
Sent: 30 April 2008 14:47
To: vic_pritchard@bathnes.gov.uk
Cc: [Addresses deleted]
Subject: Longacre development - the impact on Thomas Street

Dear Councillor Pritchard

I thought you might be interested to know about the impact of the proposed Longacre development on householders on Thomas Street. Perhaps our experience will go some way towards convincing you that this plan is flawed in every respect.

My husband and I live at 2 Thomas Street and our rear wall is the boundary with the garden of Caroline House. We love living on Thomas Street, but having recently had a baby, we decided to move to somewhere with a garden. We were fortunate to find somewhere quickly and to find a buyer for our house. All was going well until our buyer looked at the plans for the development and decided that the risk was too great - just before we were due to exchange, they have pulled out of the purchase.

Before you jump to conclusions, they do not have a problem with the type of facility being proposed. They, like us, are positive about living in a mixed community and like this part of Bath because it is one of the few areas that has some diversity. Their objection, unsurprisingly, is Somer Housing's proposal to build an enormous extension just yards from our back windows.

Those of us who have moved to this area in the last few years have shown a commitment to this community, investing in improving our homes and showing a belief that this part of Bath can be a great place to live for everyone. By even giving discussion time to Somer Housing's proposals, the council is only showing a commitment to exhorting the maximum amount of money out of every possible square
inch of green space. I would have thought that the very fact that Somer need to build such a large building on this site to fulfill their needs suggests that actually, this site is not the right location for such a facility. And if that doesn't provide enough reason to question these plans, the experts who understand this community and the needs of its different groups do not think that this location is the right place for housing vulnerable families and that such a development could just cause more problems.

I know that you don't live in this area, or even in Bath, so perhaps it is difficult for you to understand fully the objections of those of us who do. But I urge you most strongly to think about the impact that these proposals are having on us now, and, if the scheme goes ahead, how it will affect all local residents in the future, and how you plan to compensate those of us whose lives will be blighted by this money-grabbing plan. At the very least, I hope that you and Somer Housing will have the courtesy and respect to make a swift decision on these proposals so that those of us who are most affected can plan accordingly.

Regards

Dr Amy Lunt
-----------------
View an aerial photo of the site and the proposed building/extension

SOMER HOUSING PLANS: YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD UNDER THREATS

2008-06-01T20:06:00.027+01:00

What Mr. Mike Grist, Group Director of business development for Somer implied in the Bath Chronicle of 15 May 2008 is wrong.

Noone from Snow Hill & the London Rd community is against homeless people. The London Rd is one of the last few areas in Bath to offer a mixed community that people here are proud of.

HERE ARE THE REASONS WHY THE LOCAL COMMUNITY IS AGAINST:

is the location appropriate? This stretch of the London Road has an appalling history of crime and illegal activities.

why will children be accommodated along with mentally ill people and victims of drug abuse?

the site is expected to sustain more people than is viable. 65 residential places is serious overcrowding on such a small piece of land.

Somer has given no clear demonstration of the availability of funding for staffing and maintenance after the hostel`s first three years` of operation.

why did the council refuse to sell 3 & 4 Longacre on the open market?

more temporary accommodation will not help to strengthen the community London Rd / Snow Hill.

how 65 residential places will ease road traffic, parking issue and fight congestion?

the lovely established garden at the rear of 3 &4 Longacre will be lost. Why allow the loss of public green space when it is an important factor to fight pollution on the London Road? What will be the fate of the trees and shrubs along the boundary of the site?

the building style & materials used are completely inappropriate for a conservation area e.g. flat roof, modern rendered finish...

more crime prevention measures are needed in the design especially on the north and east side where informal surveillance by overlooking residents which is a natural deterrent to crime will no longer exist, if not the building will encourage more crime.

why does the council support an ever increasing number of vulnerable people being accommodated on the London Road?

is Caroline house/ Longacre a future bail hostel for prisoners released on parole?

the architectural plans displayed on the street window at Caroline House are meant to inhibit visualisation, particularly of scale and height.

all the windows of the new building will be on the west side (facing rear of Thomas St) and as the new proposed building will form a U shape with the back of Thomas St and few buildings on the London Road; noise will be reverberating and be amplified considerably. Residents of the London Road are already exposed to very high level of noise and pollution due to traffic.

HOW TO OBJECT SOMER HOUSING PLANS

2008-06-01T20:04:00.008+01:00

Only your letters can force Somer Housing to stop this project.

You can express your personal opposition by writing to the following people:

Bath & North East Somerset Council, Guildhall, High Street, Bath BA1 5AW

► Francine Haeberling, Leader of the Council

01225 872199 or francine_haeberling@bathnes.gov.uk

► Malcolm Hanney, Deputy leader

01275 333397 & 07768943455; mchanney1@aol.com;

► Victor Pritchard, Councillor (Adult Social Services & Housing)

01275 333159 or vic_pritchard@bathnes.gov.uk

► David Dixon, Councillor (Walcott)

01225 462590 or david_dixon@bathnes.gov.uk

► John Everitt, Chief Executive of B&NES

01225 477400 or john_everitt@bathnes.gov.uk

House of Commons, House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA

► Don Foster MP

020 7219 5001 or fosterd@parliament.uk

Somer Housing Group, The Maltings, River Place, Lower Bristol Road, Bath BA2 1EP

► Mike Grist, Group Director of business development

01225 366000 or mike_grist@somer.org.uk

Avon and Somerset Police

► Olivia Pinkney, Chief Superintendant

0845 456 7000, Olivia.Pinkney@avonandsomerset.police.uk or on line on http://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk

ACTION GROUP FIGHTS PLAN FOR 65-BED 'WORKHOUSE' AT 3 & 4 LONGACRE/CAROLINE HOUSE

2008-06-01T18:47:00.021+01:00

Local residents are invited to react to the article on the Bath Chronicle of 15 May 2008 about local opposition to plans proposed by Somer Housing for a new homeless centre in 3&4 London Road (Longacre/Caroline House).

Read more HERE from the Bath Chronicle or for comments from readers.