Another year is coming to a close, and we’ve compiled some of the top stories from our website throughout 2014, just as a little reminder of the big things that happened across Bath…
Moles Nightclub Closed After Devastating Fire
Photo courtesy of Derryn Vranch
Saturday 8th March 2014: Local residents were dismayed to see Bath’s world famous Moles nightclub go up in flames on a Saturday morning in March. Smoke was seen billowing out of the building by passers-by who called the emergency services. There was concern that a band, Mallory Knox, who had been recording in the studios were still inside, but it was later confirmed the building was empty. Full story here.
Delivery Lorry Topples Onto Pub In City Centre
Wednesday 22nd January 2014: A lorry delivering to the new Gainsborough Hotel on Lower Borough Walls had a little accident in January, when it toppled over into the Lamb and Lion pub. The lorry, which had an attached crane, fell into the busy pub while lifting a generator into the new development. Members of the public in the pub were swiflty evacuated after hearing a loud bang. Full story here.
Budget Chain Primark Finally Opens Its Doors In Bath
Thursday 5th June 2014: A sigh of relief could be heard across Bath when Primark finally confirmed they would be opening a store in the city in the former BHS store on Stall Street. Local residents welcomed the news, with most of them then travelling to Bristol to take advantage of the cheaper clothing on offer from the retailer. BHS closed last December to make way for the new store. Full story here.
Bath Magazine Apologises For Half Marathon Front Cover
Tuesday 28th January 2014: The Bath Magazine was forced to apologise earlier this year after their February 2014 edition cover was shown to be an almost identical copy of the Boston Magazine’s cover used as a tribute after the Boston bombings. The Bath Magazine, who were an official media partner of the Bath Half marathon, used their February edition cover to promote the half-marathon in the city. Full story here.
Bath’s Ping Coombes Wins BBC MasterChef Competition
Friday 16th May 2014: Bath’s Ping Coombes won this year’s BBC MasterChef competition, beating two others in the much-anticipated final of the cookery competition. Ping successfully cooked her way through weeks of MasterChef to the final, competing against the last two amateur chefs. Full-time mum Ping moved to Bath eight years ago, and lives in Fairfield Park. Full story here.
B&NES Council Refund Dorchester Street Bus Gate Fines
Wednesday 30th April 2014: Thousands of local motorists were overjoyed to hear that Bath and North East Somerset Council were to begin refunding thousands of fines issued to people who had driven through the controversial Dorchester Street bus gate. The leader of the Council, Paul Crossley, has said that signs put in place to warn drivers of the new restrictions on Dorchester Street weren’t clear enough. Full story here.
Cannabis Factory Discovered After Substantial House Fire
Image courtesy of Avon Fire & Rescue Service
Thursday 12th June 2014: A severe fire which destroyed a house in Vernon Terrace in June (that was later discovered to be a cannabis factory) was believed to be arson. Two Asian men were seen leaving the house but police had not been able to trace them. The property was so badly damaged that no-one was allowed inside. The fire took over two hours to fully extinguish, with fire crews from all over the area attending the scene. Full story here.
Kelston Road Reopens Following Months Of Repairs
Saturday 15th November 2014: There was relief across the city after Bath & North East Somerset Council announced that the A431 Kelston Road would reopen following extensive repair work. The reopening follows months of exhaustive work to permanently repair damage caused by a severe landslip which closed the road in February. The work cost in the region of £2.6 million. Full story here.
Marks And Spencer Set To Open Second Store In Bath
Monday 10th November 2014: Back in November, retailer Marks and Spencer submitted plans to open a second store in Bath, at the Weston Lock retail park on the Lower Bristol Road. The planning application has been submitted to Bath and North East Somerset Council for Marks & Spencer to occupy half of the site currently occupied by Currys and PC World as a ‘Simply Food’ store. It is hoped around 65 jobs will be created. Full story here.
Bath Experiences The ‘Largest Storm In Decades’
Friday 19th September 2014: Most of Bath’s residents woke up a little bit tired on Friday 19th September, after a huge storm arrived above the city the previous evening and caused just a little bit of noise. The storm began at around 6pm, with a short spell moving across the city before another formed at around 9pm. The torrential rain was accompanied by thunder and lightning, some of which was so loud that some residents reported their windows shaking and movement in their homes. Full story (and some great photos) here.
