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Four arrested after Bath drugs raids linked to city nightclub Blue Rooms

January 10, 2013, 7:17 am
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Police have carried out drugs raids across the city as part of a crackdown on criminal activity taking place at a Bath nightclub. Officers executed six early morning warrants at various homes, arresting people suspected of dealing Class A drugs at The Blue Rooms, in George Street. They will also now be working with Bath and North East Somerset Council to take action against the licence holder for alleged breaches of its licence, which could result in the club being closed. It follows a lengthy investigation into activities at the club, which police say is a hotspot for trouble. They say that over the past six months more than a third of violent offences in the city's nightclubs have taken place at The Blue Rooms, with officers regularly dealing with assaults, criminal damage and thefts. During that period there have been 33 reported incidents, with a recent increase in reports of drink spiking, mobile phone and purse thefts. Four men - one aged 19, two aged 20 and a 24-year-old - have now been arrested and were today being held for questioning at Bath police station. No-one has yet been charged and a quantity of goods thought to be drugs discovered during the warrants is being analysed. Speaking after the raids, district commander Chief Supt Geoff Spicer said: "This is another good day for policing in Bath." Det Insp Janice Pearson, who headed today's operation, added: "Our aim is to destroy crime groups affecting people in Bath and north east Somerset and to arrest, prosecute and convict people supplying controlled drugs. "Today's action sends out a strong message that police are working around the clock, in uniform and undercover, to bring offenders to justice and make Bath a safer place to live and work." Businessman Kambiz Shayegan, who is a director of the company which owns The Blue Rooms, said he was shocked by the investigation. When the Chronicle phoned him this afternoon, he said: "This is the first I have heard of any drug deals in Blue Rooms and I have been working very closely with the police to keep trouble out of George Street. "Recently the police praised us for the good job we have done. I had no idea of any drug dealers in the club. It is a shock."

Four arrested after Bath drugs raids linked to city nightclub Blue Rooms

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Costumes from five centuries to be displayed at Fashion Museum in Bath

January 11, 2013, 3:11 am
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Dresses spanning five centuries will be put on display at a milestone exhibition at Bath's Fashion Museum. The 50 Fabulous Frocks event at the attraction at the Assembly Rooms will mark its 50th anniversary with everything from Georgian court dresses to punk bondage trousers. The museum was founded in 1963 by the old Bath City Council when it accepted a substantial private donation from enthusiast Doris Langley Moore's Museum of Costume. Mrs Langley Moore was a writer, costume designer and passionate collector of historic dress, who was looking for a permanent home for items which had been displayed at a number of venues, including the Octagon in Milsom Street. The yearlong exhibition will feature items from the Bath and North East Somerset Council-run museum's oldest piece – an exquisite 17th century silver tissue dress – to one of the latest Burberry creations. Fifty Fabulous Frocks will also include the work of iconic and influential names of 20th century couture including Christian Dior and Yves Saint Laurent, as well as the most desired fashion designers and brands of today such as Erdem, Burberry and John Rocha. The show will also feature a gold embroidered Georgian court dress and a delicate 1870s gauze bustle day dress edged with purple fringing, alongside a svelte crepe evening dress by Ossie Clark and a classic chic Chanel suit. Council cabinet member Councillor Cherry Beath (Lib Dem, Combe Down) said: "The Fashion Museum houses one of the world's great museum collections of historic and fashionable dress. It's been designated as a collection of outstanding national significance and was recently listed as one of the world's top ten fashion museums by the international broadcaster CNN. "The council is keen to offer everyone the chance to enjoy a wide variety of culture and creativity. This exhibition is designed to appeal to all – from those with a passion for fashion, to anyone interested in history or those who enjoy costume dramas like Downton Abbey and ITV's new programme Mr Selfridge. As 2013 also marks the 200th anniversary of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, we're also proud to display some costumes which hark back to that era." The display will also include eccentricities such as a champagne dress worn at a fancy dress party in Edwardian times, while men's fashion is covered with an ornately embroidered coat from the early 18th century and a pair of bondage trousers by 'queen of punk' Dame Vivienne Westwood. The exhibition opens on February 2, but sneak previews of some of the items are available on Twitter - @fashion_museum - and the museum's Facebook page. For more information visit www.fashionmuseum.co.uk or call 01225 477789.
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New planning application to be put in for expansion of Newbridge Park and Ride

January 11, 2013, 3:46 am
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Council chiefs have been forced to submit a new planning application for the expansion of the Newbridge Park and Ride site on the edge of Bath. Bath and North East Somerset Council will now put together a new scheme for the site to avoid a lengthy legal battle with campaigners who say the authority has presided over a shambles. The authority has failed to get a number of conditions of the original planning permission for the expansion of the park and ride site signed off, and its consent to do the work has now lapsed. The scheme is part of the Bath Transportation Package - a programme started by a previous Conservative regime and now being piloted by the council's ruling Liberal Democrats. When a new Liberal Democrat administration took charge at the Guildhall in 2011, it scrapped a controversial bus rapid transit route serving the park and ride site and cut 250 spaces out of the planned expansion scheme. Campaigners who have been against the council's expansion plans from the outset, will now be given another chance to oppose the plans. A statement from B&NES Council said: "After thorough consideration, the council has decided that due to the changes made to the proposals, a new planning application is required. This will mean that project can continue without further delay. "A legal challenge to our previous intention, which was a possibility, would have almost certainly led to an extremely long delay before construction starts, resulting in Bath residents and businesses waiting much longer than necessary for the benefits of the additional spaces." It added: "Preparation on the new application will start immediately and it will be submitted as soon as possible with a view to starting work on site in the autumn." Newbridge Matters, a group of residents opposed to the scheme, has claimed the news as a victory as it was its legal team which had been challenging the council on the validity of the old planning permission. A spokesman said: "Obviously we are delighted that after years of opposition to this unworkable scheme, the construction has been halted." The group is adamant that it would have won any legal challenge, after proving that conditions relating to the BRT and flooding had not been officially discharged - ie completed and signed off. Some trees had already been taken down at the site in advance of work. The group spokesman added: "We are dismayed that B&NES Council has chosen to act in this way, resulting in the loss of several mature trees in our neighbourhood. It is worrying that millions of local taxpayers' money has been spent on the Bath Transportation Package and the council seemingly feels it is unnecessary to follow the statutory regulations." There has also been criticism from local Conservative councillors, who have accused the council of a "botched" job. Councillor Tim Warren (Con, Mendip) said: "We are absolutely astonished that it has taken the Liberal Democrats so long before deciding to resubmit plans for the Newbridge Park and Ride extension. "B&NES has had nearly two years to put in a new planning application for the expansion, yet now at the 11th hour, just as work was meant to start, they announce it has been delayed." He added: "So we are now left with a situation where the expansion is only half that it was meant to be, and delayed by nearly a year. "B&NES also remains the only council in the country which is paying for the brunt of the transport package itself, rather than through Government funding." The council says that other parts of the £27 million package are making good progress. The expansion of the Odd Down Park and Ride has been finished, while a similar project at Lansdown is due to end in the next few months, and this year will also see further work on traffic signalling and bus routes around the city.
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Accident blocks A367 at Peasedown St John

January 11, 2013, 5:07 am
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A motorist has been airlifted to hospital after a two-car crash which has blocked a main road near Bath. The man was flown to hospital with serious leg injuries after his car was in collision with another at the roundabout where the Peasedown Bypass meets Wellow Lane on the A367. The A367 is closed in both directions at the spot. Another motorist was taken to hospital with minor injuries. Ambulance and fire crews attended the scene. Anyone who witnessed the crash, at around midday, is asked to call police on 101.@JordsLiddle tweeted: "Peasedown Bypass closed due to a Road Traffic Incident, Avoid at all costs"

Accident blocks A367 at Peasedown St John

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Fewest children awaiting adoption in Bath

January 11, 2013, 5:15 am
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Bath is among the areas in the country where the fewest number of children is waiting to be adopted, according to a new map published today by the Government. The map, available on the Department for Education website shows the number of children in each local authority waiting for a family to adopt them. It allows would-be adopters to see how many youngsters in their area and elsewhere are waiting for an adoptive family. Areas on the map have been split into four categories ranging from those with 17 or fewer children waiting to be adopted to those with 48 or more. According to the map, 17 or fewer children are awaiting adoption in Bath and North East Somerset. Comparatively, 48 or more are waiting in the City of Bristol and between 18 and 27 are awaiting adoption in North Somerset. South Gloucestershire falls into the same category as Bath and North East Somerset, with 17 or fewer children waiting to be adopted. Adoption scorecards, from which the map data was taken, show how long on average children have to wait before moving in with their adoptive family. On average, between April 1, 2008 and March 31, 2011, children in the Bath and North East Somerset authority area spent 512 days in care before moving in with their adoptive family. This was below the England three-year average of 625 days. The 512-day wait in Bath compares to 627 in Gloucestershire, 680 in North Somerset and 478 in the City of Bristol. In addition to the map a new telephone information and advice service staffed by adopters has today been launched. The service, contactable on 0300 222 0022, aims to help potential adopters navigate the process of adopting a child. The information line, operated by First4Adoption, is funded by the Department for Education and will allow all prospective adopters to access an authoritative source of advice on adoption in one place. Potential adopters can obtain information about the entitlements to adoption support, and will be pointed in the direction of suitable adoption agencies. The map and telephone service are part of a set of measures aimed at speeding up the adoption process, and increasing the number of adoptions. Last month Prime Minister David Cameron vowed to help children find adoptive parents, and to make the system more robust. The Government said it will look at ways to give adopters a more active role in the process, and offer support to those already adopting children who have been in care. It has also pledged to give adopters the same rights to pay and leave as birth parents. Edward Timpson, Children and Families Minster, said: "Today we are providing potential adopters with the tools they need to find children who need adopting right across the country. "Together the telephone 'infoline' and the new 'Hotspots' map will arm would-be adopters with the information they need to approach any local area. "We know many potential adopters out there can provide children with loving, stable homes but simply don't know where to start. These new tools will give many more people support in taking the first steps to adopting a child and giving them the chance to succeed in life." Hugh Thornbery, Adoption UK Chief Executive, said: "We hope the adoption 'map', which indicates the number of children awaiting adoption in different areas across England, will help prospective adopters have a clearer idea as to which agencies to contact to inquire about becoming an adoptive parent. "However, the Government, agencies and the adoption sector must remember that for adoption placements to succeed they must be well supported. "Adoption UK would urge the Government to continue the important job of improving the adoption system but acknowledge that this must go hand-in-hand with appropriate and timely support packages that help adoptive families parent some of the most vulnerable children in our society." A National Gateway for Adoption website, due to launch later this year, will provide an online service for the first stages of the adoption process. The website will be run by Adoption UK in partnership with Coram and Coram Children's Legal Centre. Mr Thornbery said it will provide "a transparent, comprehensive and supportive resource to anyone who is thinking of adopting". He added: "We hope this transparency will help address the shortage of prospective adopters in England and reduce the growing number of children in care who are waiting for a stable, permanent and secure home in the form of an adoptive placement. "We hope the launch of First4Adoption will encourage more people to come forward and find out more about the adoption process."

Fewest children awaiting adoption in Bath

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Motorbiker escapes serious injury at Marksbury

January 11, 2013, 7:18 am
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A motorcyclist escaped without serious injury after skidding on the A39 in Marksbury at around 2pm today. The area around Stalcombe Lane has now been cleared and traffic is moving as normal. A spokesman for Avon and Somerset Police said initial reports made the incident sound a lot more serious but when officers arrived they found the rider had come off his bike but had not been in collision with any other vehicle.
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Four in court after Bath drugs raids

January 11, 2013, 7:38 am
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Four men were appearing in court today following a series of drugs raids yesterday linked to activity at a Bath nightclub. Police have been investigating suspected drug dealing at The Blue Rooms, in George Street, and officers carried out a series of early morning raids at addresses across the city. Ben Shayegan, 20, of Quiet Street appeared at Bath Magistrates Court this morning charged with two counts of supplying Class A drugs, namely cocaine, one charge of possession of cocaine with intent to supply and one charge of criminal damage. He is the son of city businessman Kambiz Shayegan, who runs a number of restaurants across Bath and is one of the directors of the company which owns the Blue Rooms. Mr Shayegan snr was in court with his wife and son's girlfriend and offered £20,000 in security to the court in a bid for his son to be granted bail. However bail was denied and Shayegan was remanded in custody until a hearing at Bristol Crown Court next month. He did not enter pleas to any of the charges. Louie Mulholland, 19, of Linley Close, is charged with six counts of supplying Class A drugs. Calvin Scott, 24, of Newton Road, is charged with two counts of supplying Class A drugs. Kalum Watts, 27, of Fosse Gardens, is charged with one count of supplying Class A drugs. They were all due to appear this afternoon. Police carried out raids yesterday at addresses in Newton Road, Quiet Street, Linley Close, Fosse Gardens, Old Orchard Street and Dominion Road. Mr Sheyagan snr said yesterday that he had been shocked by the investigation. He said: "I have been working very closely with the police to keep trouble out of George Street. "Recently the police praised us for the good job we have done."

Four in court after Bath drugs raids

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Police appeal for missing Trowbridge man who may be in Bath

January 11, 2013, 8:13 am
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Police believe that a missing man from Trowbridge could be in Bath. They are appealing for information about Ivan Saunders, who was last seen at his home on Wednesday morning. Officers have released a photograph of Mr Saunders and a white VW Transporter van, which is similar to his vehicle. Wiltshire Police are increasingly concerned for the welfare of Mr Saunders and are asking anyone who has seen him to contact them on 101. They believe he may have visited Bath since he disappeared.

Police appeal for missing Trowbridge man who may be in Bath

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Great eight on Running Bath 2012 athlete of the year award shortlist

January 11, 2013, 11:00 pm
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It was a year when the elite competed at a home Olympics and Team Bath Athletics Club went from strength to strength, both in quality and quantity of members.

So what better way to wrap up a memorable 2012 than to name the third annual Running Bath athlete of the year?

There is a shortlist of ten athletes to follow in the footsteps of marathon international Holly Rush and Team Bath chairman Dave Coales, who took the honours in 2010 and 2011 respectively.

The winner will be unveiled next week and receive a special trophy from Running Bath, the city's leading athletics retailer and sponsors of the Chronicle's athletics coverage. The contenders are:

LOREN BLEAKEN The 17-year-old from Marshfield's outstanding versatility saw her shine both on and off the track. Having won the South West Club's cross-country title in the winter, as well as be crowned both the Wiltshire and South West Schools' champion, the Team Bath runner went on to dominate the 800m during the summer. She was victorious in the British, English and South West Schools' Championships, and won the Sainsbury's UK School Games at the Olympic Stadium. Bleaken also won the England Indoor under-20 women's title and took silver at the outdoor event.

ALAN BUCKINGHAM The 43-year-old is living proof that it is never too late to improve as he set new personal bests in the 5k, 10k, ten-miles, half marathon and marathon, finishing ninth in the veterans' over-40 age group in London.

ALEX CARTER Like training partner Bleaken, 16-year-old Carter showed amazing consistency on cross-country, road and track. As well as winning the Running Bath 5k series, he claimed the Wiltshire and South West Schools' cross-country titles and won bronze in the Midlands Counties Championships. On the track, he took 3,000m silver at the Midland Indoor Championships, the England Schools' Championships and the UK School Games, as well as bronze in the British Schools' Championships. A great medal haul was completed with 1,500m bronze at the South West Schools' Championships.

JENNY CARTER The 39-year-old mother of two won both the Royal Victoria Park four-mile road race and the Bath Skyline 10k in November, shortly after slicing three minutes off her half-marathon personal best in Cardiff. Carter, who teaches Year 1 students at King Edward's School, wants to go quicker still at March's Bath Half.

EMILY DIXON The 17-year- old's terrific year ended on a real high as she made her England debut at the British Schools' Indoor Pentathlon Championships. Multi- eventing is a tough path for a young athlete to follow but the Team Bath ace – who receives coaching from Di Viles, Baross and Ken Holmes – showed great dedication to end 2012 third in the UK under-17 heptathlon rankings. She was runner-up in the inter-girls' event at the English Schools' Championships having earlier lifted the South West title.

HANNAH GRUBB The 17-year-old is continuing a rich tradition of fine pole vaulters at Team Bath, having ended 2012 ranked fourth in the UK for women under-20 thanks to an indoor lifetime best of 3.70m. She also won the South West Schools' title outdoors but just missed out on the podium at the English Schools', England Athletics Championships and UK Under-20 Championships.

WILLIAM KENNEDY The 15-year-old Team Bath sprinter and mentor Colin Baross, who was named coach of the year at the inaugural Bath Chronicle Sports Awards, will look back on 2012 with great satisfaction. He ran 72 times and picked up several medals, starting with bronze in the under-15 boys' 60m and 200m at the England Athletics Indoor Championships. Outdoors he claimed a 100m and 200m sprint double at both the Wiltshire and South West Schools' Championships. Kennedy ended the year fifth in the under-15 boys' UK 100m rankings and third in the 200m, having set PBs over both distances and the 60m.

DANNY TALBOT The University of Bath graduate – who started his career at the Wessex & Bath Club, which later merged with Team Bath AC – lived the dream by representing Great Britain in the 4x100m relay at London 2012. The rising 21-year-old sprint star, coached by Bathampton's Dan Cossins, also won his first senior international medal – a 200m bronze at the European Championships.

The Chronicle's athletics coverage is sponsored by Running Bath, Bath's specialist running shop. Catering for runners of all abilities, from complete beginners to experienced athletes, it offers a wide range of running footwear, apparel and accessories. Visit Running Bath at 18 High Street, Bath, call 01225 462555 or log on to www.runningbath. co.uk.

Great eight on Running Bath 2012 athlete of the year award shortlist

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Bath engineering firm Polamco's community role

January 11, 2013, 11:00 pm
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An engineering firm in Bath is starting the new year by reaffirming its commitment to the local community.

Polamco, based at Weston Lock, is teaming up with the Bath Rugby Foundation through a corporate social responsibility programme.

Managing director Andrew Polson said the company had raised money for the community education charity in the past but wanted to increase its involvement. As well as raising money, staff will be given time to volunteer.

Mr Polson said: "We wanted to expand that a bit more and give something back to the community. Some of the guys here have given up their time – not just work time but spare time too – to help the foundation and volunteer with their projects."

Polamco is hoping to organise a football tournament to raise money.

Bath engineering firm Polamco's community role

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Time for you to nominate for the Pride in Bath awards

January 11, 2013, 11:00 pm
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For the second year running, the Pride in Bath awards will give people the chance to nominate those who have made a difference in their community, or who have shown great bravery, compassion or commitment.

There are many people in the community who perform selfless service and work to help others – from litter picking to caring for a relative or supporting a charity.

So that is why the awards – a collaboration between The Bath Chronicle and BMI Bath Clinic, at Claverton Down – have been organised to acknowledge their achievements.

To nominate a person, enter via www.thisis bath.co.uk/pride awards, or use the form on this page.

The eight categories are: Carer, Community Champion, Heroic Act, Charity Fundraiser or Volunteer, Young Person, Environmental Hero, Public Sector Hero, and GP Practice.

An award ceremony will be held on March 7 at the Assembly Rooms, where the winners will receive £500, with a £1,500 prize for the best GP practice.

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Bath couple celebrate 65 years of married life

January 11, 2013, 11:00 pm
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One of Bath's longest-married couples have celebrated 65 years of marriage.

Onetime PoW Wally Troutt and his wife Phyllis of Freeview Road, Twerton, got married 18 months after first meeting at a dance held at the Pavilion.

The wedding came not long after Mr Troutt, now 92, had been demobbed from the Army where he had served with the 7th Battalion of the Parachute Regiment.

Mrs Troutt, 87, said she could still remember the first time she saw her husband.

She said: "I was standing at the top of the steps going down to the Pavilion waiting for a friend to come and he went by and he just looked at me but when we got into the dance he came up and asked me for a dance. He must have remembered me."

The wedding was a low-key affair with a service held at St Thomas à Becket Church, in Widcombe, followed by a small reception at Mr Troutt's family home in nearby Regent Terrace.

The couple, who have two children Richard, 64, and Lynne, 60, three grandchildren and one great grandchild, first lived with Mr Troutt's mother in St John's Road and in Oldfield Park before settling in Freeview Road, where they have lived almost 60 years.

Mr Troutt, who was taken captive in Germany in 1944 and sent to the Stalag prisoner of war camp near Dresden, went on to work for the Co-op and Avon Rubber.

He said: "The years have flown by, or they seemed to have."

Teasing his wife, he added: "It has been like being a prisoner again but for 65 years."

Mrs Troutt attributed their long marriage to the fact the two are the same star sign and have the same temperament.

Bath couple celebrate 65 years of married life

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Bath childhood train lover now has his dedication rewarded

January 11, 2013, 11:00 pm
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A 20-year-old man who has fulfilled a childhood ambition to work on the railways has picked up a national award for his dedication to his job.

Liam Hutchison, a former Culverhay School pupil, has been named Passenger Transport Apprentice of the Year at the Remit Annual Apprenticeship Awards.

He has been working with rail operator First Great Western, in Bristol and the South West, since September 2011.

During that time he has worked in a variety of different roles, including in the ticket office, helping on the platforms and working the food trolley on the trains.

Liam, who lives with his mum Fay in Twerton and has been interested in trains since he was a little boy, has now seen his apprenticeship turn into a full-time job as a conductor.

He said: "I have loved my apprenticeship from the start to finish. It has given me the opportunity to learn about how the railways work, as well as giving me the skills I need to progress within the business.

"I particularly enjoy working with customers and helping people have a safe and comfortable journey."

He said of his apprenticeship: "It's something that all young people should consider as you can earn a wage while you learn, and gain valuable work experience to get you on to the next stage in your career."

Training firm Remit's chief operating officer Steve Yardley started his career as an apprentice and said Liam's success was proof that if you worked hard you could secure your dream job.

He said: "It was Liam's outstanding personality, commitment and dedication to his apprenticeship that made him stand out."

Andrew Perry, operations apprenticeship scheme manager for First Great Western, added: "This is a huge achievement, and one we are thrilled Liam has received. Since joining First Great Western we have been so proud to see the development Liam has shown in both customer service skills and personal skills."

Bath childhood train lover now has his dedication rewarded

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Warminster man finds burglars in his house

January 12, 2013, 2:05 am
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A man was pushed to the ground after coming home to find his Warminster home being burgled.
Salisbury Priority Crime Team are appealing for information about the burglary which happened at a house in Alcock Crescent.
Cash and a white gold and diamond bracelet were stolen during the raid.
At around 2:30 pm on Wednesday December 12 2012, the householder returned home and discovered two men in his house.
The victim, aged in his forties, was pushed to the ground by one of the suspects who then both ran off via the rear door.
They are both described as white and aged in their mid twenties. The first man was approximately 5'10, thin to medium build and had short ginger hair and facial hair. He was wearing a green fleece and black jeans.
The second man was of the same height and was of slim build. He had short black hair and was clean shaven. He was wearing a dark coloured jacket.
DC Darren Ambrose said: "Fortunately the victim did not sustain any serious injuries but to find intruders in your home is obviously very distressing and we are carrying out a number of enquiries in the area. I would like to appeal for anyone who was in the area between 1:30 - 3:00 pm on Wednesday 12th November to contact me as they may have important information which could help my investigation.'
Did you see two men running away from the scene? Do you know the identity of the two men described above?
Anyone with information is asked to contact DC Darren Ambrose at Wiltshire Police on 101 or call Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 where details may be left anonymously if preferred.

Warminster man finds burglars in his house

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Rain's returns means another weekend washout for Bath City

January 12, 2013, 2:30 am
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Bath City's Blue Square South match at Havant & Waterlooville has been rained off for the second time in three weeks. Originally due to be played the Saturday before Christmas, the fixture was rearranged for today but heavy overnight rain in the Portsmouth are means the Westleigh Park pitch is unplayable. The postponement means City have played just one Saturday fixture in a month, last weekend's 2-1 defeat at Basingstoke Town. A new date for the Havant game has yet to be decided but City have confirmed that their rescheduled home match against Welling United will take place on Tuesday, January 29 (7.45pm). The wet weather has played havoc with the region's Toolstation League fixtures as well, with Bitton, Larkhall Athletic and Odd Down all having their Premier Division matches called off. Keynsham Town's Division 1 match at Shrewton United has also been postponed but, at the time of writing (11am), the games involving Bradford Town and Corsham Town are both going ahead. In the Somerset County League, only Tunley Athletic's Division 2 East home match against Broad Plain House is still scheduled to be played. But all matches in the Roper Rhodes Bathroom Bath & District Saturday League are still listed as going ahead, although the situation may change before the 2pm kick-off times.
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Ice weather warning for Bath

January 12, 2013, 6:19 am
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A severe weather warning for ice in Bath and the South West has been issued starting from this afternoon, remaining in place until tomorrow morning.
Outbreaks of rain, sleet and some snow will gradually clear southwards during tonight, and with temperatures falling rapidly through the evening and night, there is a risk of icy surfaces. 
The Met Office warning runs from 3pm today (Sat) until 12pm tomorrow (Sun).
The rain, sleet and snow may linger well into Sunday morning, by which time it will be light and mainly falling as snow. 
While up to 2cm of snow is possible on some higher level roads, it is the risk of ice which is expected to be the main problem.

Ice weather warning for Bath

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Bradford on Avon artist unveils portrait of Duchess of Cambridge

January 12, 2013, 6:30 am
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A Bradford on Avon artist has become the first to paint an officially commissioned portrait of the future Queen of England – but the finished work by Paul Emsley has stirred a minor storm of controversy. The award-winning portrait artist, who has sketched everyone from one of his mates to Nelson Mandela, is South African, but works from Bradford on Avon. He was commissioned by the National Portrait Gallery to paint the Duchess of Cambridge, and she and the Duke had a private viewing of the portrait yesterday before they met with Mr Emsley, his wife Susanne and daughter Marie, and the painting was unveiled publicly. The Wiltshire artist caused a minor ruffle in the art world a couple of years ago when he won a major portrait prize award for a painting of a fellow artist, which he undertook solely from photographs, the subject having not had the time to meet the artist. His latest painting has also divided experts, with Richard Stone, Britain's most prolific royal portrait artist, saying the work had captured Kate's evident warmth and approachability, but art critic Waldemar Januszczak saying he was "disappointed" by the portrait and that there was a lack of sparkle in Kate's eyes. The Duchess described her portrait as 'amazing', and added that she did sit for Mr Emsley twice. At the launch yesterday, Kate smiled as she chatted to the artist. She told him: "It's just amazing, I thought it was brilliant." William also had high praise for the painting, saying: "It's beautiful, it's absolutely beautiful." Asked what Kate, who has a history of art degree, thought of it, Mr Emsley said: "I think, from what I can see this morning, she's delighted with it. I'm very happy about that. "I was delighted to get the commission and then after that it began to sink in to me how important this would be. A person whose image is so pervasive, for an artist it is really difficult to go beyond that and find something which is original – you have to rely on your technique and your artistic instincts to do that and I hope I've succeeded. "In discussions it became clear that what she wanted herself, and I was very happy with that, was that the portrait should convey her natural self as opposed to her official self. "In the sessions of photography from which I worked, I was always aware of the fact that we would use the hair very much as a kind of frame for the face, and not too much in the way of jewellery, other than the earring, to try to create something of her natural warmth, her natural serenity. "The fact she is a beautiful woman is for an artist difficult. In the end I think what I tried to do really was to convey something about her warmth and her smile. Any artist will tell you doing a smiling portrait is not at all easy so that was difficult," he added.

Bradford on Avon artist unveils portrait of Duchess of Cambridge

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Body found near Bath during hunt for missing man

January 12, 2013, 6:45 am
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Police searching for a missing man from Trowbridge have discovered a body in a woodland area near Bath. Ivan Saunders, 65, went missing from his home in Conigre on Wednesday morning. Shortly after 9pm last night, Wiltshire Police officers found his VW Transporter van in the car park of a pub in Newton St Loe. They then discovered the body of a man in a wooded area, a short distance away. Formal identification is still to be completed but it is suspected it is the body of painter and decorator Mr Saunders. The death is not being treated as suspicious and his next of kin have been informed.

Body found near Bath during hunt for missing man

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Bath Rugby edge out Agen to book place in Amlin Cup quarter-finals

January 12, 2013, 8:37 am
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Match report: BATH RUGBY 19 SU AGEN 16
Bath Rugby put their Aviva Premiership blues behind them to secure a place in the Amlin Cup quarter-finals with a hard-fought victory over French visitors Agen at The Rec.
Gary Gold's side have failed to win any of their previous four league outings but the latest continental victory means they cannot be overhauled at the top of Pool 4 ahead of next week's final group game at home to Bucharest Wolves.
The two sides were evenly matched throughout as lashing rain made flowing rugby difficult but Tom Heathcote's penalty midway through the second half proved decisive, with the home side holding on for 20 minutes to secure the spoils.
Although pleased with victory, Gold was disappointed that Bath failed to put their visitors away when in control of the contest.
"With what's gone on in the last couple of weeks and how disappointed we've been, it's good to come away with a win and give ourselves a home qualification in the quarter-finals," said Gold.
"I'll take the positives but I don't want to cover over the fact that we've got to set ourselves standards that are higher than that.
"I think there were opportunities in the first half when we could have closed the game out.
"We had more than enough opportunities and should have had better reward when we visited their 22 on a couple of occasions.
"We panicked a little bit, we just have to hold onto the ball and look after it. We needed to keep our composure and keep exerting the pressure.
"Going in at half-time with a 13-9 lead, I was frustrated and disappointed because we knew that was going to get their tails up. We did a hell of a lot better in the second half because they really came for us."
Fly-half Heathcote missed a second-minute penalty from 45 metres to put Bath ahead, but broke the deadlock when given another chance 20 metres closer soon afterwards.
Agen counterpart Raphael Lagarde levelled the scores after six minutes when Francois Louw was penalised for a high tackle. Parity did not last long, however, with Heathcote booting the hosts ahead once more.
The swirling wind and rain made kicking difficult, though, and Heathcote saw his next two attempts at goal drift wide as Bath tried to punish the visitors for repeated infringements.
It took 20 minutes for either side to get a glimpse of the tryline, with Agen's Belisario Agulla denied a score in the corner by Bath namesake Horacio after a good move. The Top 14 side did not return empty handed, however, with Lagarde bisecting the posts to level the scores.
An error from the Frenchmen then led to the game's first try, with Lagarde seeing his clearing kick fire straight into the midriff of scrum-half Alexis Bales and deflect towards the tryline.
Agen survived the initial charge for the ball but after sustained pressure, prop Paul James smashed over the whitewash from close range. Heathcote converted in front of the posts.
Lagarde added some atonement for his mistake, cutting the half-time deficit to four points with another penalty but the fly-half's topsy-turvy afternoon took another twist when he was sent to the sin-bin for killing the ball five minutes into the second half.
Heathcote landed the resulting penalty but they were the only points Bath were able to score when they held a numerical advantage.
Three minutes after Lagarde's reintroduction, Agen were on level terms. Back-row star Ueleni Fono dived over the tryline after sustained pressure, with the returning fly-half's kick ensuring nothing separated the sides with 22 minutes remaining.
The decisive moment arrived four minutes later, with Bath's Heathcote landing his fifth kick off the day to put the hosts back ahead and they were able to survive a frenzied close which was disrupted by a flurry of substitutions.
Despite having already assured their passage into the last eight, Gold insists there will be no let up from Bath as they bid for top seeding from the pool stages to avoid teams dropping down from the Heineken Cup.
 "We definitely want to follow it up with another win," said Gold. "It's a big issue because obviously the teams that don't get that top seeding play the three Heineken Cup teams that come down.
"We want to do as well as we can and in doing so it makes sense to make life as easy as possible for ourselves when we can.
"I'm not saying that if we play Wasps or Worcester potentially, or Perpignan, it's going to be any easier but we want to be at home in front of our own crowd.
"We're not going to take our foot off the gas because we've got so much to play for."
BATH RUGBY:Abendanon (Eastmond 59), Woodburn, Hipkiss, Williams, Agulla, Heathcote (Vesty 64), McMillan (Cook 68), James (Beech 68), Mears (Dunn 74), Wilson (Perenise 78), Attwood, Caldwell (Hooper 59), Skuse, Louw, Koster (Mercer 66).
Try: James   Conversion: Heathcote   Penalties: Heathcote 4
SU AGEN: Bataille (Tian 60), Agulla (Tagotago 68), Roux, Petre, Edmond-Samuel, Lagarde, Bales (Dupuy 66), Schwalger (Pitton 64), Telefoni (Janaudy 59), Muller (Afatia 59), Demotte (Bastian 41), Lagrange, Erbani, Julien, Fono (Vaquin 62).
Try: Fono   Conversion: Lagarde   Penalties: Lagarde 3
Referee: Dudley Phillips
Attendance: 9,131
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Emergency crews search river in Bath after fears woman was in water

January 12, 2013, 9:20 am
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Emergency crews were called to search the River Avon in Bath after reports that a woman may have been in the water.
Police, fire and ambulance services arrived at North Parade Bridge just before 3am this morning after receiving calls that someone had been spotted in the river.
They spent a few hours searching the area, but found nothing, returning again later this morning to carry out further searches around Pulteney Weir.
It is understood they will now wait to see if there are any people reported missing, before continuing at a later date if necessary.
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