At the AGM, the new constitution was formally adopted by the Association. Rupert Rhymes and Rosemary Emsley were unanimously re-elected as vice-chairman and secretary respectively and newly co-opted committee member Sue Dawson was unanimously confirmed. Sue will be taking over the Streetscape portfolio from Brenda Beeton, who was presented with a bouquet in recognition of her hard work on the committee, particularly in regard to Abbey Cemetery. Once the business of the meeting was over the guest speaker, Brenda’s husband, David, shared with the meeting his views on the World heritage city in which we are fortunate enough to live.
David Beeton is Chairman of the Bath World Heritage Site Steering Group. To an attentive audience he explained that there are only two complete cities in the world designated as World Heritage cities; namely Venice and Bath. Unfortunately, however, the designation carries carries no legal status and no money. The delegation last November from UNESCO was concerned about the impact of Western Riverside and the Dyson Building on our city and will report in June this year. The Dyson building has of course now been dropped, but in any case our status is not in danger. Bath is a very challenging site for the following reasons:
- Lack of cash. A low spending Council doesn’t spend on conservation. One solution might be to raise the parish council tax in Bath itself. We only pay £6.62 per resident compared for instance with Norton Radstock’s £87.55.
- The state of the local economy. We have two universities with world class young professionals but there are few opportunities for them to stay in Bath and work. We export rather than attract talent.
- Traffic: the biggest threat to our heritage. 24,000 people a day commute into Bath from new housing outside the city centre.
- Low priority afforded by the Council to Heritage. Most Councillors live outside the city. Only one Cabinet member lives in Bath. Our World Heritage status is not mentioned in the ‘Vision of Bath.’ There is even talk of moving the Council Headquarters to Keynsham.
- We have a great problem in developing modern building styles. Most people like the new Spa and Pulteney Weir but there is great controversy over the bus station, the Holburne Museum, the Rugby Club and particularly Western Riverside.
What can we do? There are huge challenges: not enough money, no easy answers and a polarised citizenry. We need to take action to raise pride in our city. David had four proposals for action:
• Setting up a charity to raise funds for conservation work with a contribution from the Council.
• Volunteer working parties
• Extend the National Trust’s ownership of Bath Skyline. It already owns over 2 square miles When they acquire land, it is safe.
• Start an annual Heritage Festival – national and international.
WA Chairman Richard Wales thanked David for an excellent presentation and questions were taken from the floor.
(WA members please note: Formal minutes of the meeting available here).