News in Radstock

The return of thousands of students to Bath's two universities will inevitably lead to an increase in coronavirus cases, the city's public health boss has warned.

Dr Bruce Laurence said he "completely supports" the reopening and noted that a lot of planning had been put in place by the University of Bath and Bath Spa University to ensure they are as safe as possible.

Peasedown St John's new Community Trust has launched a grant scheme to support projects in the village.

B&NES is reminding parents, carers and pupils from across Bath and North East Somerset to walk to and from school or bus stops in groups of no more than six and to maintain social distancing, following the introduction of the new restrictions on social gatherings earlier this week.

The new six -person restriction introduced by the government is designed to reduce the spread of covid-19 and is enforceable by law.

In his latest column, Jacob Rees Mogg writes:

This week, the Government won a vote on its Internal Market Bill, which will give it the authority to override parts of the Brexit agreement with the European Union (EU).

Local residents have travelled as far as Exeter and Cardiff to be tested for Covid-19 – despite two facilities within 10 miles.

A centre opened in Odd Down last week, Paulton's is being wound down and a walk-in facility is set to open in Bath.

More than 27,000 homes will have to be built across Bath and North East Somerset over the next 20 years if changes to the planning system are pushed through – double the previous target.

Councillors say the figure is unachievable and will leave the green belt vulnerable to predatory development.

Some delicious smells coming from the kitchen of the local charity Swallow as they readied for re-opening their cafe on September 15.

With an abundance of goodwill, not to mention super service, cafe goers will doubtless pleased to see them back.

It was being advertised locally for rent, but now the former Number 10 cafe on Fortescue Road has gone on the market.

The cafe is on sale for £150,000.

The Mayor of Radstock, Rupert Bevan writes:

In Nikolaus Pevsner's massive work: 'The Buildings of England,' the volume entitled 'North Somerset and Bristol' contains a brief summary of what the author considered worthy of mention in Radstock. Epithets such as 'ugly' and 'without dignity' are used and one is left with the feeling that civilisation passed over this town without leaving a positive mark.

Local law firm Thatcher + Hallam LLP has announced the appointment of James Weller as a trainee solicitor at the firm. James has just embarked on a two year contract as a trainee solicitor, during which time he will undergo professional training as part of the process of becoming a fully-fledged and qualified solicitor.

James was educated locally before attending Oxford Brookes University where he graduated with a Law Degree in 2017. Since graduating, James has spent time travelling extensively and has also worked on a temporary basis at Thatcher + Hallam where he fulfilled a number of administrative and other roles. Last month James successfully passed all of his Legal Practice Course exams (with merit) and in addition was awarded a Masters of Law (LLM).