City News – apr.qxp_Layout 1 26/03/2021 18:25 Page 1
CITY | NEWS
CITYNEWS UP THE BEAK, TWICE A WEEK
HORRIBLE HAUNT
Residents in Bath and North East Somerset are being encouraged to get into the habit of having a rapid Covid-19 test. Over the coming weeks, lockdown restrictions are expected to be loosened across England with changes including the return of organised sport, as well as groups of six people or two households being allowed to mix outdoors. This means an increased risk of transmission, and so individuals going out to work, volunteers, and parents and carers are being urged to regularly visit one of the test centres in B&NES to either take a test, or to pick up a test kit. Having a Covid-19 lateral flow test (LFT), is quick and easy. Once you’ve registered online, getting tested takes just five minutes, with results sent later that day. The tests are open to anyone over the age of 16 who lives or works in Bath and North East Somerset – provided they don’t have symptoms. This includes essential workers and volunteers, those people unable to work from home, personal carers and childminders. There are three sites in Bath and North East Somerset where you can take a quick, free test (The Apex Hotel, James Street, Bath; The Masonic Hall, Bath Road, Keynsham; and The Centurion Hotel, Charlton Lane, Midsomer Norton) and two venues (Carpenter House in Broad Quay and 1st Keynsham Scouts HQ in Ashton Way) where you can collect a test kit and test yourself at home. These sites are all open from 7am to 7pm, Monday to Saturday. You can also book online, up to two weeks in advance. bathnes.gov.uk/rapidtest
Tickets are now on sale online for Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein, the immersive new visitor attraction opening in Bath this year, and there is a preopening discount offering up to 20% off until 25 April. All early bookers can enjoy 10% off the standard online price and a further 20% saving on group tickets for parties of five or more. Guests purchasing the attraction’s bespoke ebooks, Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and The Life of Mary Shelly, A Concise Biography, will automatically receive one free ticket worth up to £13.95 now, or £15.50 at the standard online price. houseoffrankenstein.com
GREEN WARMTH GRANT More low-income householders across Bath and North East Somerset are now eligible for financial help to make energy efficiency improvements to their homes. Bath & North East Somerset Council has won additional funding from the government to expand its Green Home Grants Scheme and is now for the first time extending the scheme to houses with a D energy rating as well as those with an E F or G rating. Residents of qualifying properties, whose household’s joint annual income is less than £30,000, can apply for a council Green Affordable Warmth Grant to upgrade their home with double glazing, insulation or low carbon-heating. Improvements for homeowners will be fully funded with an average of £10,000 available, while renters and owner-occupiers may be eligible for upgrades with landlords receiving up to two-thirds of the cost, up to an average of £5,000, dependent on the work required. The upgrade required for a property will be identified by a property retrofit assessment visit. Visit energyathome.org.uk or call 0800 038 5680.
54 TheBATHMagazine
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aPRiL 2021
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issue 218
LONGLEAT COUNTRY ESCAPES Longleat is launching its own brand of exclusive rural retreats at a selection of historic properties on its Wiltshire estate. Visitors will be able to choose from six individually designed luxurious country getaways; each with its own fascinating story and stunning setting. Guests enjoying the luxurious interior design of Keeper’s House and Keeper’s Cottage, will have the added excitement of being able to watch the inhabitants of the East Africa reserve wandering past their window, with far-reaching views over the famous Safari Park. “These unique properties have been entirely transformed into luxurious overnight spaces with every modern convenience available for a truly unforgettable short-break experience,” said Ceawlin, Lord Bath, executive chairman of Longleat Enterprises. Initially East Lodge, Keeper’s House and Keeper’s Cottage will be available for bookings from April, with Deer Keeper’s House, Gardener’s Cottage and Prairie Lodge being added in time for the summer. Prices start from £375 per night. All of the accommodation options include Longleat Park Tickets for the duration of the guests’ stay. longleat.co.uk
