| THE CITY OF BATH
The Romans first recognised the unique qualities
of Bath, which became the largest settlement
in the area and has remained so ever since.
Set in a sheltered valley, surrounded –
like Rome – by seven wooded hills and
nourished by Britain’s only natural
hot springs, it is to this day a natural haven.
Over the past 2000 years, the City and its
surrounding areas have continued to grow and
prosper. The exquisite Georgian city which
grew from these ancient roots, composed of
an incredible number of architectural treasures
such as the Royal Crescent, The Circus, the
Pump Room and Pulteney Bridge, has been designated
a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
A rich diversity of museums, galleries, gardens
and attractions, including the fifteenth century
Bath Abbey and the Roman Baths, are within
easy distance of each other. Yet the local
community is far from being anchored in the
past; it’s a vibrant community, with
a lively, year round calendar of festivals,
theatre, musical and sporting events. Over
150 restaurants and traditional pubs are interspersed
with some of the best quality independent
shops in Britain.
Today, the spa complex which grew up around
the natural thermal springs, is enjoying a
rejuvenation. Soon, visitors will be able
to experience the benefits of the new Spa
for themselves in a stunning new building
in the centre of the city, which will incorporate
a rooftop pool, a series of steam rooms and
a range of complementary therapies.
WIDER AFIELD
In the wider North East Somerset area, you’ll
find hidden gems such as ancient Iron Age
forts and the standing stones of Stanton Drew,
nestled among a magnificent rural patchwork
of charming villages, lakes and valleys.
The industrial and social heritage of this
old coal mining and agricultural region is
celebrated at the Radstock Museum which is
housed in the town’s restored Victorian
Market Hall. Evidence of the former ways of
life are all around you in the form of well-preserved
aqueducts and viaducts at Dundas, Midford
and Pensford.
The River Avon meanders gracefully through
North East Somerset, providing not only abundant
leisure opportunities but also a wealth of
varied and beautiful riverside sites and amenities.
There are lively and colourful marinas at
Bath, Keynsham and Saltford and a host of
river craft and pleasure boats from which
to view the city or countryside. The Kennet
and Avon Canal remains one of the most beautiful
waterways in Britain and passes through the
City of Bath.
About Our Community
Situated between the Cotswold and Mendip
Hills, Bath & North East Somerset has
a complex and diverse character. Over 90%
is classified as rural and around a quarter
of the rural area lies within designated areas
of Outstanding Natural Beauty. 31 villages
are conservation areas, including the City
of Bath, which is the major centre of population,
and a World Heritage Site. The former Somerset
Coalfield in the south of the District has
left a network of small communities, which
has considerably influenced the towns of Midsomer
Norton and Radstock. The designation of the
Bristol/Bath Green Belt in 1966 further influenced
the growth of Keynsham, which is predominantly
a dormitory town for Bristol.
The population stands at around 170,000,
half of whom live in Bath. The population
growth of 3.3% in the last ten years is below
the south west average of 5.5%; the static
population of Bath masks relatively high increases
in population in other areas, especially around
Keynsham, Norton Radstock and Peasedown St
John. The over 65 population is above average
at 21% but there are fewer than average under
18’s. Census data for 2001 indicates
that 2.8% of the population were from ethnic
minority groups, well below the national average
figure of 9.1%.
Unemployment at 1.1% in March 2004 was the
lowest in living memory and well below the
national average of 3.9%. Over recent decades
the Service Industry has grown considerably
and now accounts for around 70% of jobs in
the region. Industries include professional,
scientific activities principally related
to public administration, education, health,
defence, tourism, retail and business/ professional
services. Large numbers of our residents work
in Bristol and Wiltshire and significant numbers
commute to and from these areas.
Tourism is a key contributor to the local
economy with over 6 million visitors bringing
£283m into the area. Whilst we have
few areas of deprivation, there are four areas
(three of which are within Bath) in the top
one third of the most deprived wards in England.
These contrast with the six areas in the top
10% of least deprived wards in England.
House prices are higher than the average
for the South West and have risen more quickly
than those in England and Wales generally.
The Audit Commission’s area profile
highlights the house price ratio as an ‘undesirable’
indicator and this is borne out by limited
availability of affordable housing for low-income
families.
SPORTS AND LEISURE
The area is truly one of sporting excellence.
For Rugby fans, Bath was the first British
club ever to win the European championship
and is recognised as one of the best in the
world. Bath City is the professional football
club and retains a vociferous following, whilst
Somerset County Cricket Club regularly play
in the area. Golfers can choose from no less
than ten local golf courses, and other outdoor
activities include watersports, bird watching
and fishing on the local Chew Valley lakes.
There are modern leisure centres in Bath,
Midsomer Norton and Keynsham, and facilities
for walking and cycling abound in the area.
RETAIL THERAPY
Bath’s reputation for fine shops began
in Georgian times and that legacy has been
built upon ever since. Milsom Street, Walcot
and Broad Streets, Pulteney Bridge and the
Podium, the Abbey Area and the Upper Town
all boast their distinctive and eclectic mix
of high quality independent retailers of all
types as well as all the country’s major
chain stores. The main shopping ‘spine’
of Bath, the Southgate area, is set to be
transformed into a stunning 21st century gateway
to the city and outline approval has been
given for a redevelopment scheme including
a new transport interchange, pedestrian plazas
and a new retail mall, along with new homes
and a health and fitness centre.
TRAVEL
Getting to and from the Bath and North East
Somerset area couldn’t be easier or
more convenient. Only 90 minutes from London
Heathrow, there are extensive rail and road
links. The nearest airport is Bristol, just
fifteen miles from Bath. From Gatwick and
Heathrow airports, there are direct bus connections.
The train service from London’s Paddington
and Waterloo stations takes just 80 to 90
minutes. The M4 motorway joins Bath to London
in the East and nearby Wales in the West.
The M5 links the city with the Heart of England
to the North and Somerset, Devon and Cornwall
to the South.
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