Mural boosts bid to brighten street
Twerton High Street has been given a lift with a mural on the wall of the old Co-op and the opening of a charity food pantry next door.
The mural, the work of Twerton Primary and St Michael’s Juniors, is the first hint of a regeneration project set to get going in earnest in September.
“It’s very nice to see the High Street improving,” said local ward councillor Tim Ball.
“It’s very nice to see the mural on the front of the old Co-op and lovely to see the food pantry open next door.
“We’re working with Bath City FC, Curo housing, and other interested parties to bring the High Street back to life.”
A bid for West of England Combined Authority funding of £192,000 to support the redevelopment of Twerton High Street was successful and work on this project is scheduled to begin in September.
Speaking about the new mural, Metro Mayor Dan Norris said: “It’s great to see the first hint of the redevelopment of Twerton High Street, the very heart and soul of the Twerton community, and I’m so proud this is being made possible by a £192,000 cash injection from the West of England Combined Authority I lead.
“This is an important first step towards making the High Street an even better place for local people to catch up with old friends, access important services and enjoy themselves.”
The Mercy in Action food pantry opened at a ceremony attended by Cllr Sarah Moore and MP Wera Hobhouse and charity CEO Allison Todd.
“We’ve actually invested £160,000 in buying and renovating the building which is the right place to be,” Allison said.
“We started the food pantry three years ago in a small space and thought we could serve 30 max families a week,” said Allison, the co-founder of Mercy in Action.
“With Covid, it shot up to 140 and is now at around 155 with more than 20 people on a waiting list.
“Our new building in Twerton gives us the space to take all of those additional families.
“As well as food, we are able to give free clothing for children and always have books for them as well. We have created a welcome area where our members can sit and chat or get advice and signposting to other services in Bath.
“We’ve been on the edge of Twerton for a long time and are delighted to now be in the heart of it, working more closely with partner organisations and being accessible for our members.
Ms Hobhouse said: “The work of those at the pantry club is heartwarming and a great example of the community pulling together to help those in need.
“There were so many lovely touches and great ideas to lift those who need a lift and to provide support for people.
“Obviously we would rather things like the pantry club didn’t have to exist but the work that they do is excellent in supporting those in need.”