News that Bath Place in Taunton is to be improved has been greeted with dismay by Cornhill trader, Sharon Davis who owns Interiors and Flowers.
Hearing of the plans for Bath Place Sharon Davis said, “This is absolutely shocking. I don’t know what to say. You look at what we’ve got here in Wellington [in Cornhill] and what could be done.” Ms Davis has battled to improve the environment around her shop.
Cllr Roger Habgood, Taunton Deane’s Executive Member for Planning and Transportation, referred to Bath Place as Taunton’s “Jewel in the Crown”.
The Bath Place makeover – which includes the replacement of paving slabs – is a joint project funded by Somerset County Council, Taunton Deane Borough Council and Bath Place Traders Association. The work will take 4 weeks.
Sharon has fought a long battle with Taunton Deane and Somerset County Council to solve the problems blighting Cornhill – one of the oldest streets in Wellington – which include pigeons roosting in derelict properties above the archway and an absence of investment.
Asked whether any action had been taken to solve the problem of pigeon mess, Sharon said, “The Council has done nothing to help. I’ve had one visit just before Christmas from someone from the Enforcement Office and they were going to get in touch with the owner of the flat above the arch but I’ve heard nothing since. They don’t even come through to sweep once a week. It’s quite upsetting to be completely honest. I’ve been here 4 years and battled on. I’ve been given this promise and that promise but nothing happens.”
Local residents expressed the hope that the opening of The Iron Duke would signal an improvement in the maintenance of Cornhill but, apart from Wetherspoons installing hanging baskets and netting to protect its terrace from pigeons, no further progress has been made. They may now question why Bath Place is worthy of investment and Cornhill – which many see as a potential ‘jewel in the crown’ for Wellington – continues to suffer from neglect.
For disabled users only having access to the Iron Duke pub at the side and the lovely walkway it is a shame that it has gone to rank n ruin. Pidgeon mess is everywhere. Derelict buildings could be utilised much better in this growing town if some maintenance and clean-up investments were made. Such a big shame. As I see it Bath Place is nowhere near as bad.
Rack even! (altho rank seems appropriate)
I would like to take issue with Ms Davis comments that the council have done nothing. I can assure her that Wellington Town Council have constantly been on to the owners of the buildings which harbour these pigeons to do something about it, they have not. The Town Council has a commitment from the Deane to hose down the area on a constant basis and try in some part to keep it clean and presentable. I personally have ‘e’ mailed the owners and had no response. Some time ago the owners were advised about the pigeon problem and they secured some areas but this was just a sticking plaster on an arterial bleed. Please be assured we will be keeping up the pressure on the owners and TDBC to come to a suitable conclusion how long this will take is another issue.
Cllr James thank you for your comments on this issue, however, I don’t think the occasional email is sufficient!
I have been in Cornhill for 4 years now, Mannys barber shop longer, we have in that time had the lane cleaned by the council twice! (I’m not sure when they are supposed to be hosing it down, but I can assure you this is not done)!For this I thank you! I go out once each week with buckets of bleach and sweep the pigeon mess away… this cost me money and time, but I do it because I care for the safety of people, it becomes a serious hazard and smells if it isn’t done!
Secondly; the reason the agents that manage ‘the property’ came out to ‘secure the building’ was because one of the windows were broken and glass had fallen out one morning! The other windows were secured but not by them!!
But this building is just part of our problem, what about the rest of the properties owned by Rayglow? What exactly are they waiting for?? Permission was granted for their plans over 2 years ago… still we wait! I think the whole thing is a disgrace and compulsory purchase orders should be put in place… this lane is one of the oldest in the centre of town, part of Wellington’s history, but for some reason TDBC don’t seem to care… can’t even replace the light opposite my shop that went out back in October, I have called you guys up and been transferred on 5 separate occasions now, and still I wait!!!
I agree with my colleague Gary James. Wellington Town Councillors have repeatedly tried to get this situation rectified. Where do we go from here when we have an irresponsible owner who will not help?Please don’t criticise the very people who have tried to help councillors are only human after all!!
I have chased this matter with relevant Officers at TDBC. There is hope on the horizon. A planning application is in the pipe line and access to the offending pigeons home should be allowed shortly. Environmental Health declare pigeons are not “Vermin “but Natural England say they are! If this is correct can we proceed to exterminate the pigeons? I say this at risk of being castigated by people who love pigeons. I don’t dislike them but human care does rank higher in my estimation.