Defence and manufacturing-related companies are recruiting the largest number of graduates in the South West, it has been revealed.
The region's leading industries dominate graduate recruitment here while nationally those finishing their studies are moving into finance and retail, according to a survey by the Complete University Guide.
Manufacturer Dyson leads graduate recruitment in the South West with 40 posts, while those leaving university are also chasing 30 jobs at engineering support firm Babcock and 25 with the Royal Navy.
The leading graduate employer in the country is Boots, taking on 365.
Boots drops to fourth in the table in this region, tied with engineering company Atkins with both firms employing 20 graduates.
According to national statistics, 85% of graduates from the University of Bath are employed in the top three occupational sectors nationally.
While the largest proportion of its graduates works in the South West, nearly a third move to London and the rest to other parts of the UK and abroad.
A University spokesperson said: "Nearly two thirds of our undergraduate students take placement years as part of their degree programmes, which helps them boost their employment prospects across all sectors nationwide, not just in the South West".
Students from Bath Spa University are more likely to find work in the region, with 55.6 per cent of graduates remaining in the South West and 63.3 per cent staying on for either work or further study.
University of Bath graduate Thomas Buxton-Smith, 28, said that graduate employment depends largely on where the jobs for their chosen employment are.
Mr Buxton-Smith, who works for a civil engineering firm in Exeter, graduated in 2010. He said: "For me, remaining in the region was a logical decision as there were plenty of jobs around for me."
But with only a few employers taking on more staff that it becoming more difficult for new graduates.
Morwenna Jones
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Looking for a job? See who leads the way in graduate recruitment
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Tribunal rules that Bath Rugby can't have extra land at The Rec for new stadium
Bath Rugby's new stadium at The Rec looks likely to have to be built on the club's current footprint there, after a tribunal vetoed plans to give it extra land.
The independent panel has overturned a key proposal agreed by the Charity Commission to allow the club a bigger share of The Rec to develop the best possible new arena for the 21st century.
Instead the panel - established after official objections to the commission's "scheme" to redraw the rules of the charitable arrangements affecting the city centre green lung - has ruled that only the land currently occupied by the club can be used.
This means the land occupied by its permanent stands and the seasonal temporary East Stand.
The decision has been greeted with dismay by the Recreation Ground Trust, which had been confident that the plans it agreed with the commission would stand up to outside scrutiny.
It is now considering an appeal of its own, amid concern that its hopes of greater income from a new expanded lease with the rugby club could be dashed.
The club was being told of the news today, as it fine-tunes its proposals for a 16,000-capacity stadium.
It is the latest twist in a torturous saga that traces its roots back to the granting of a covenant for use of the land in 1956.
The club has been trying to find a way to update its jaded facilities at The Rec since a High Court ruling in 2002 confirmed the land as having charitable status.
The Charity Tribunal (Lower) heard evidence from local resident objectors at public hearings.
A statement from the trust - a body made up of councillors and community representatives which oversees The Rec - said it was surprised at the boundary changes.
"The trustees worked with the commission to support the 2013 scheme at the tribunal. These changes to boundaries were not discussed at the tribunal and are potentially harmful to the trust. The changes appear to risk significantly limiting future development and improvement of the rugby stadium.
"The trustees want to maximise the use of the Recreation Ground and look to the future. They also want to be able to take forward key aspects of what has previously been subject to public consultation in 2011 in the run-up to the creation of the 2013 scheme.
"The trustees will now look closely at the legal options which include appeal."
It added: "The trust will want to work closely with the council and Bath Rugby to obtain information to help it develop plans for the future. It will separately decide if any further legal action is in the interests of the trust and its beneficiaries."
Another development from the tribunal is a ruling that the trust can no longer be chaired by a B&NES councillor, meaning that Councillor David Dixon will have to step down from that role sooner than intended.
Today Mr Dixon, deputy leader of the council, said: "I am extremely disappointed by the restriction that the tribunal has at this 11th hour placed on the trust's ability to seek the best deal possible for the charity. The tribunal's decision has drastically limited what can be achieved and I do not accept that the final result is in the best interests of the charity."
But he added: "I see no reason that we can not make the project with Bath Rugby work, this is integral in the future success of furthering our charitable objectives.
"We all have one common goal in mind, to increase participation in amateur sports and recreation and I know that we will find a way forward from here."
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Adie Britton and Ken Loach urge football fans to give Bath City a chance after Community Day success
Adie Britton has urged football fans in the area to give Bath City a chance after the club's Community Day proved a success both on and off the field.
A season-high gate of 1,374 took advantage of City's 'pay what you want' initiative, with support from local businesses and a proportion of the money taken at the turnstiles boosting the RUH's Forever Friends Appeal.
Director of football Britton was delighted his side had been able to rise to the
occasion – unlike a year ago when a similar scheme
coincided with a dour home defeat to Staines Town.
"The most important thing for me was that a really
good crowd turned up and sometimes in the past when we've had that we haven't entertained or done ourselves justice," he said after the 4-1 win over Chelmsford City.
"If nothing else, it was a spectacle – there were goals, incidents and good football and I think throughout we showed a really good attitude.
"In the Conference [Premier] days, I was disappointed that when we did produce real quality then insufficient numbers turned up.
"Had more turned up and we had the 400-500 more on the gates that our football at the time merited then perhaps we would have been able to invest and stay in there.
"It wasn't to be and we are now trying to do it another way. We are 18 months into a new plan with a young side and it is coming to fruition.
"If we can produce some exciting football again then I hope people can give them time and a chance."
That plan is set to benefit from a £15,000 cash injection from the Football Conference, whose chairman Brian Lee was in attendance on Saturday to hand over a cheque to Bath City Community Sports Foundation representatives.
"We receive money from the Premier League and the Professional Footballers' Association to do this and there is some outstanding work at all levels of the Conference," Lee explained.
"Bath is but one example and I am delighted to be here.
"Like all schemes, it is about enthusiasts and people who see the greater good. We all live in a community and helping future players and supporters is important.
"I look around and the age of people here is worrying – there aren't a lot of young people. Changing that will start in the work in the community.
"The schools are vitally important, as is the business of buddying and getting a Bath player involved with them."
Film director Ken Loach, chairman of trustees for the Foundation, says moves are afoot to restore school visits by members of the playing squad next season.
Charlie Griffin, Mark Preece and Sido Jombati have all assisted the scheme in recent years.
He also hailed the work of Foundation founder Pete Sellwood, who welcomed hundreds of local schoolchildren to Saturday's match.
"There is a glamour to football players at all levels and the lads from our team who have visited schools have really been outstanding in the way they've communicated with the kids – that's the great joy," said Loach.
"It can remind people that this is their football team
because they live in Bath. Their team is not Manchester United or Arsenal or Chelsea.
"That identification of a town with a team is something you are fighting for, especially with the mass publicity the big clubs have."
The club will present its contribution to the Forever Friends Appeal when City host Farnborough on Easter Monday (3pm).
The Community Day idea was originally proposed by director Andrew Pierce, enthusiastically accepted by the board and all supporters groups and arranged down to the finest detail by volunteer commercial executive Bob Chester.
Chairman Paul Williams said: "We wish to thank all the generous sponsors who made the day possible, including local companies and supporters groups.
"We were also pleased to welcome the Bath City Community Sports Foundation, who arranged for local schoolchildren to make up part of the bumper crowd."
In a bid to attract back families who enjoyed the match, the club is launching a new family ticket deal - two adults and two children for just £18 - which is available at the matchday ticket office.
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Bath Taps into Science . . . it's electrifying
More than 1,600 schoolchildren have been learning about how science can be exciting and fun at an interactive fair at the University of Bath.
The annual Bath Taps into Science event gave young people the opportunity to show off their scientific knowledge and pick up new insights by getting messy with hands-on experiments.
The school fair, which was held at the Claverton Down campus, involved youngsters from across the country and even abroad, and saw them playing with "goop" - a coloured mixture of cornflour and water - as well as demonstrating chemical reactions in mini-volcanoes and splashing around with model boats.
It was followed by a family science day at Green Park Station on Sunday, which involved more interactive experiments and a visit from adventurer Elsa Hammond, who is rowing across the Pacific Ocean this summer and brought her boat along to show the children.
One of the organisers Sarah Robinson, from the university's science department, said she hoped the youngsters had left enthused and excited about the sciences.
She said: "The Bath Taps philosophy is that we want to inspire the scientists of the future and we think the best way is to inspire them with fun, interactive things.
"We don't want to be too precious, a lot of them get messy and throw things around, and it is about learning while having fun, which is really important.
"We encourage them to just have a go and really get stuck in."
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My Bath: Nick Steel . . . city living's a real laugh
Nick Steel, director of the Bath Comedy Festival, which starts today, answers the questions in our My Bath feature
1. What's your favourite part of Bath?
It has to be Widcombe. I live there and for me it has everything: Great eateries, pubs and independent shops, easy access to the city centre and railway station and a village buzz, helped considerably by the presence of Natural Theatre's HQ (residents are perfectly used to seeing the most bizarre characters rehearsing in the street) .
Plus I am co-organiser of Widcombe Rising, Bath's big community celebration, and on the committee of Widcombe Social Club, which is in the process of an exciting redevelopment, the latest part of a great transformation of the area I've been witness to over the last 16 years.
2. Where's the best place to eat?
Hon Fusion for the hot and sour soup. I live practically next door and the spicy odours wafting through my window invariably tempt me away from my computer. Otherwise, it has to be the Ring O' Bells or the White Hart. Why travel further when some of the best of Bath is a mere 20 yards away? In town, Woods restaurant is a favourite, or the Mint Room for a fabulous curry.
3. What's the best view in the city?
We recently visited Alexandra Park at dusk to research Arthur Smith's up and coming Comedy Festival Ghost Walk. The whole city was glowing beneath us. I had forgotten that we have a world-class panorama on our doorstep.
4. What would your perfect day in Bath entail?
Breakfast at Bill's with all the trimmings, then work off the calories by taking the Abbey tower tour. Meet possible sponsors at the wood-panelled Harington Club for a glass of fine ale and a light lunch, perhaps the club's delicious eggs benedict. Then an afternoon at my desk doing all sorts of wheeling, dealing, string-pulling and buttering up for my Comedy Festival. I really enjoy the work. Then off into the Widcombe Triangle (The Ram, The Ring, The Hart, The Royal Oak) for networking and jolly times with mates.
5. Where would you meet friends for a drink?
See above! But if I can escape the dreaded triangle, I'll go to the Bell to check out the music or visit my particular favourite, the Star, where hopefully the cheeseboard will make an appearance.
6. What's your favourite shop?
I would like to buy everything in Kitchens on Quiet Street. Also, I have a penchant for the new Sainsbury's at Odd Down. It has a calmer atmosphere than some of the bigger supermarkets. And as a grand old lady pushing a trolley once remarked to my colleague Ralph Oswick, "You get a different class of person here".
7. What one thing about Bath would you change?
The roaring traffic in Widcombe. And after more than 30 years of campaigning, it is going to change. The new bypass arrangements will be completed in a few months' time. Hoorah!
● The Bath Comedy Festival, which runs from tomorrow until April 6, has everything from up and coming hopefuls and the rising stars of tomorrow, to veterans of comedy and Radio 4 favourites.
For full information and to book tickets, see www.bathcomedy.com.
Next week: Big Issue seller James Heaton
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Marketing guru Anji Henderson to fight the corner of Bath small firms
A new business champion has been chosen to fight the corner of small companies in the city.
Marketing guru Anji Henderson has become the new chairman of campaign group Small Business Focus.
Ms Henderson replaces Angela Ladd, who died of cancer shortly before Christmas.
"I've got small feet and big shoes to fill. I am not Angela and she was so important to me and building my business and making me more determined.
"I want to make sure that support carries on for other businesses in Bath.
"To not carry on with the group and the work it does would be a betrayal to Angela and all the hard work she did."
Ms Henderson, who has run her own marketing and communication business in the city - Henderson Communications - for three years, said she was keen for Small Business Focus to continue championing small businesses and fighting on issues that affect them.
But she is also keen for the group to enter a new era.
"I want us to work closer with people and other groups. I want to expand our network so we are working together as opposed to in conflict."
Ms Henderson said she had already had talks with the Federation of Small Businesses and Business West and was hoping to develop ties with the Bath Business Improvement District and B&NES Council.
"My goal is to get everyone on the same page, get everyone talking with regular contact between the groups. If we share information and work together we can be more effective and achieve more."
Small Business Focus has already re-launched its business breakfasts, teaming up with Regency, which runs several managed office spaces in the city. The breakfasts will be held monthly at Brasserie Blanc.
Mrs Ladd, who set up the Bath group in 2010, will be remembered at a fundraiser for Dorothy House at the Bath Function Rooms at Green Park Station on April 1 from 6pm.
Tickets are £25 and include an evening of entertainment from Gavin Lazarus, Clara Atkins and Magic from Mandy Farrell. For tickets e-mail chair@smallbusinessfocus.co.uk or book online at www.smallbusinessfocus.co.uk/events.
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History Makers of Bath exhibition celebrates city's heroes
An outdoor exhibition will commemorate Bath's historic heroes later this year.
The History Makers of Bath display will be staged near the abbey in Kingston Parade from September 4 to October 23.
It will celebrate a selection of the city's most influential and creative people – and the odd villain.
The 30 panels will reflect the roles of architect John Wood the Elder – recently named the Greatest Bathonian in a survey by local law firm Mogers – and his son John Wood the Younger, writers Jane Austen (pictured) and Mary Shelley, and brother and sister astronomers William and Caroline Herschel.
Inventors on display will include engineer and car maker Sidney Horstmann, and William Harbutt, the creator of Plasticine.
Villains will not be ignored, with Bobby Crocker, the last known man to be placed in the stocks in the Orange Grove in 1840, having his place in history cemented.
The exhibition is supported by B&NES Council and sponsored by the charity St John's Hospital, which has itself been part of the city's history for eight and half centuries.
Organiser Angela Calvert-Jones (pictured below) added: "The exhibition provides a unique opportunity to bring back to life some of Bath's greatest citizens and link their incredible legacies to present day. They each have a story to tell and will continue to inspire new generations for years to come. I am grateful to St John's Hospital and to all those who are supporting this historic Bath exhibition."
Charity chief executive Jonathan O'Shea said: "St John's is delighted to be able to support the History Makers of Bath exhibition. It is particularly relevant for us in our 840th year to be supporting a celebration of some of the people that have made Bath such a great city."
Among those being celebrated will be the charity's founder Bishop Reginald Fitzjocelyn.
There will be an opportunity for each of the history makers displayed to be sponsored by local businesses, individuals or other interested parties. Details are available from Angela Calvert-Jones via info@bathcelebrities.co.uk or from the website www.historymakersofbath.co.uk.
The exhibition will also raise money for the Forever Friends Appeal at the Royal United Hospital.
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Flying full-back Nick Abendanon bidding to bow out of Bath Rugby in style
Nick Abendanon will tick off one of his Bath Rugby ambitions on Friday night – but those he wants the most lie in wait at the end of the season.
February's announcement that Abendanon had agreed a move to French giants Clermont Auvergne at the end of the season saw the full-back bring the curtain down on a decade of service at The Rec.
Since breaking into the first team in 2006, he has been almost ever present in Blue, Black and White. Still only 27, Abendanon will make his 200th appearance in the club's colours tomorrow if, as expected, he retains his place for their showdown against Sale Sharks.
Landmark appearances are one thing but winners' medals are another and Abendanon admits he has not picked up nearly enough at The Rec.
The 2008 European Challenge Cup is the only trophy Bath have won during his time at the club. But with the team still battling in that competition and the Aviva Premiership this term, there is still time for Abendanon to make up for missed opportunities.
"It'd be nice to finish on a high. I've won one medal with Bath but I should have won a lot more," said Abendanon.
"We've got to the Premiership semi-finals numerous amount of times over the years and got to a few other semi-finals in cups but haven't been able to cross the line.
"We're in the hunt for a play-off spot and are in the quarter-finals of the Amlin at home.
"There's a lot to play for and if we can carry on playing the way we know we can then we are definitely going to be in the hunt for both of those."
Friday night's landmark will see Abendanon mix with some very exclusive company from Bath's history. Few players have been able to maintain such excellence in longevity as the South Africa-born star.
Whatever happens between now and the end of the season, he should be remembered fondly by The Rec faithful.
Abendanon said: "I've been at this club a long time and any milestone is a nice one.
"To get into the 200 club is something special and it's something I've wanted to do ever since starting to play for Bath.
"There's a lot of amazing names in that club that I can now associate my name with, provided I am selected on Friday."
Attacking-wise, Abendanon was at his brilliant best last Saturday, setting up two tries as Bath bagged a bonus-point win at London Irish.
That result keeps them third in the table and makes tomorrow's meeting with fifth-placed Sale all the more mouth-watering.
Abendanon said: "With Leicester beating Exeter so convincingly on Sunday it was vital that we got the bonus point to keep up the chase for the top four.
"Sale are on a bit of a roll and have got a fantastic result against Northampton, which not many teams get to do.
"They are playing some good footy at the moment so I am sure it's going to be a great contest on Friday."
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Style icons like the Duchess of Cambrisge give a boost to high street sales
Nicky Hancock from Bath in Fashion 2014 tracks the impact of celebrity endorsement on high street sales
The power of celebrity association can never be under estimated and has an immediate impact on high street sales. When the Duchess of Cambridge stepped out on Valentine's Day in that electric blue Detroit L K Bennett dress, the store saw an enormous spike in sales. Fashion coverage of both the Middleton sisters is relentless and the fact that they champion affordable high street fashion has been hugely beneficial to brands like Whistles, Reiss and Hobbs. Grazia magazine online even runs a Kate Middleton Look Book. The official engagement portrait of Kate Middleton featured a flattering cream dress by Reiss which was re-released and 1,000 dresses sold out within minutes.
Earlier this year, Pippa wore a pair of "Alice" boots by Somerset brand Seven Boot Lane who operate their only store in Milsom Place in Bath. The suede boots, disappeared from shelves within a day of Pippa's appearance in them.
Sebastian Edwards, who founded Seven Boot Lane with his wife Mais, said: "We were delighted to have Pippa Middleton wearing Seven Boot Lane. Pippa's natural style embodies the Seven Boot Lane woman perfectly.
"Alice has always been a popular boot but the impact of Pippa wearing them has been extraordinary. The boot sold out online in about 12 hours - overnight basically - and nearly half the orders we have taken came from overseas, particularly the US. 'When someone with Pippa's influence is wearing your product it opens up a whole new audience, all over the world. Because she dresses in a way that is effortlessly stylish, people find her looks to be very accessible and therefore they trust the brands that she wears."
Speaking about how they coped with the overwhelming demand Pippa has created for the Alice boot Mais said: "We are very proud to work exclusively with one independent shoe factory in Spain. They are small a family-run company - like us - and we share the same passion: making high quality products using traditional materials and methods. Being small often means you can be more flexible, so we worked together on our production to satisfy the increased demand."
Roland Mouret who was among the celebrity guests at Bath in Fashion 2013 is no stranger to the Kate effect as she has worn his glamorous gowns in the red carpet. He only dresses 'A list' celebrities and creates beautifully crafted fashion for the rich and famous. Super models also work alongside fashion brands to create a buzz. Kate Moss collaborates with Topshop, Chilcompton firm Mulberry now has a series of bags dedicated to Cara Delevigne, and the current campaign for Burberry stars Kate and Cara together.
Super models attract as much attention on the FROW as they do on the runway. And the arrival of Harry Styles creates as much attention as Anna Wintour from American Vogue. Who will be in the FROW at Bath in Fashion's catwalks this May ? Unlike the London Fashion Week which is staged exclusively for media and celebrities, in Bath anyone has the opportunity to watch top quality shows created by John Walford who has curated shows at LFW for Vivienne Westwood among others.
Demand for Superdry rocketed when Leonardo DiCaprio and David Beckham were seen wearing their sweatshirts and Beckham created a stir in 2012 when he modelled underwear for H&M. River Island collaborated with Rihanna in 2013 so the boundaries between fame and fashion are becoming blurred.
Bath's resident, Manolo Blahnik has dressed the it crowd for many years but the brand was thrown into the spotlight in Sex in the City and ultimately Carrie Bradshaw AKA Sarah Jessica Parker worked on a collaboration with the famous shoe designer.
This year, Bath in Fashion is once again working with top names in the world of fashion, with guest speakers including managing director of Topshop Mary Homer and Meadham Kirchhoff which has a cult following at London Fashion Week.
They say that "high street fashion has never looked so good as for spring summer 14" so maybe now is the time to get out and shop with or without a celebrity to lead the way.
Book your tickets for Bath in Fashion now on bathinfashion.co.uk.
Other celebrities with fashion lines:
Kelly Brook lingerie at New Look
Twiggy Collection at Marks and Spencer
Tulisa at BANK
Coleen Rooney at Littlewoods
Holly Willoughby and Fearne Cotton at very.co.uk
Sam and Billie Faiers from TOWIE's GraciEve collection at House of Fraser
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Latest traffic, travel and weather updates for Friday
A quiet end to the working on the roads with no new major problems to report.
Those making an early start to the weekend getaway will find trains to and from Bath Spa Station running on time.
Drivers will be now be getting used to the delays on the A4 after the announcement that the A431 Kelston Road could be closed for a year.
Emergency traffic lights are also still in operation on Midford Road.
People in Bath will be playing dodge the showers today, with some heavy downpours promised and the chance of hail and thunder at times.
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Anger at tribunal ruling that restricts size of new stadium for Bath Rugby
Anger was growing today at a decision by a little-known judicial panel which puts a further stumbling block in the way of Bath Rugby's dream of a new stadium at The Rec.
The 5,000-strong pressure group the Real Friends of the Rec said it was "incredulous" at a ruling from a three-person tribunal panel that vetoes the idea of giving the club a slightly bigger share of the Recreation Ground.
There was also fury on Twitter at the move, which has dismayed the trustees charged with the responsibility of clearing a way through the bureaucratic maze surrounding use of the land.
Anger is particularly focussed on the tribunal's decision to rule on an aspect which had not been a significant part of a three-day public hearing in the city in January.
@neilfissler Rugby brings in many people to visit @WeLoveBath , and TV coverage is a great advert for the city. pic.twitter.com/wg7ihqQQZN
— Edward Bradley (@EdwardB_UK) March 27, 2014So frustrated with the lack of passion and imagination the petty few have for something that we desperately need. @bathrugby@WeLoveBath
— Rich Wyatt (@RJWyatt) March 27, 2014Shocking that Bath's Nimby's have got their way over The Rec. Want shooting for spoiling the enjoyment of thousands. #rugbyunited#rugby
— NM Fissler (@neilfissler) March 27, 2014@LeeCurran_media@WeLoveBath@Paulwiltshire since when was Bath made a living museum? Growth for the club is needed over and above nimbyism
— Taffy (@Taffy_KCCO) March 27, 2014@Paulwiltshire@WeLoveBath the entrepreneurial spirit Bath was built on is sadly lacking in any Rec planning. The city needs rugby
— Brick it Pro (@BrickitPro) March 27, 2014@Paulwiltshire@WeLoveBath the nimby community of bath strike again! #havesomevisionpeople
— Lizzie James (@lizziejimbo) March 27, 2014@votedave@Paulwiltshire What is it with this country and our backward approach to sports grounds! First Ashton Vale, then Rovers, now this!
— Dave Vernalls (@dvernalls) March 27, 2014@Paulwiltshire what will it take for some people in our city to realise the importance of a well-designed sustainable @bathrugby venue
— Ian Pocock (@ianpocock) March 27, 2014
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Bleak warning for transport in the West Country
The West Country's transport network faces a looming crisis that could leave it crippled and unfit for purpose.
That was the grim warning for the region's road, rail and bus users today from industry experts and politicians.
Chief among the threats facing the West is the controversial HS2 rail link being proposed by the Government to drive economic growth in the Midlands and the North.
The West was also warned it must confront the spectre of crumbling roads, an inadequate rail operation and dwindling bus services.
Chris Selway, who specialises in putting together major infrastructure schemes for international property firm BNP Paribas warned that the billions being spent on improving Bristol's notoriously poor transport links was "like fiddling while Rome burns."
He also claimed that HS2 would damage the West. The region would suffer while other parts of the country would see travel to and from London cut by half, he said.
Meanwhile, Somerset MP Tessa Munt yesterday called for a root and branch upgrade of transport in Somerset to "bring it into the 21st century".
Ms Munt said that not only must the county's rail network be made more resilient against floods in the face of climate change, but roads must be restored to a more robust standard and bus services must be given more Somerset County Council support – or the local economy would suffer.
The MP for Wells was speaking ahead of tomorrow's annual general meeting of the Severnside branch of train passenger campaign organisation Railfuture, which takes place at Highbridge. Ms Munt is due to speak at the meeting on transport issues.
The Bristol to Taunton and Paddington to Taunton railway lines were both disrupted by the winter's flooding, brought on by record-breaking rainfall, with the line between Taunton and Bridgwater out of use for weeks. It has now been restored but trains are still running slower than is normal over that section of track.
Ms Munt said: "What we certainly need to do is bring the 21st century into some parts of the West, but there are a lot of other things that need looking at apart from railways. In my constituency I have only one railway station, Highbridge and Burnham. It is not just about railways. It is also about roads and buses. Why don't we build roads properly so that they don't float away in the rain, and are not just patched up."
The Liberal Democrat said: "Most people in my area can't get anywhere near a railway and if they need to get anywhere they often need to drive. Support for buses has declined although the county council is sitting on £40 million in reserves. I pay my council tax for it to be spent on services, not to be left sitting in a bank. I am doing all I can for jobs, but if people cannot get to and from jobs that is no help. It is a huge expense to have to run a car to travel ten miles and that is the reality for a lot of people."
She also said bus services needed to be better co-ordinated.
Harvey Siggs, Cabinet member on the Conservative-controlled county council said: "I am saddened that Tessa has criticised our road repairs considering the massive amount of work done in the most difficult conditions. We have never 'just patched'. You only have to look at our record in safety terms."
Although the council has had to makes savings on bus support over several years, Mr Siggs said it was still investing £2 million in supporting bus routes, as well as £6 million in concessionary fares.
He said that a rural county like Somerset faced particular issues.
"An MP should be looking to work with the council," he said, adding: "Our reserves are dealt with according to the financial code determined by national government. We do have reserves and also a capital programme, and reserves are a vital part of that."
A spokesperson for FirstGroup, which runs bus and train services in the region, said: "We are fully committed to transport in the South West, and always look to work in partnership with local authorities and other stakeholders, across our bus and rail businesses, to deliver the best possible integrated transport services across Somerset and the rest of the region."
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5 easy steps to side step the signs of ageing
Side-step skin pitfalls by avoiding these surprising ageing antagonists.
:: Avoid straws and cigarettes
Pursing your lips to sip out of a straw or smoke a cigarette can cause fine lines around your mouth.
Too late? Reduce the appearance of deep and vertical wrinkles with Vichy LiftActiv Advance Filler, £31 (Boots).
:: Sleep on your back
People who sleep on their side are most likely to see sleep lines appear on their chin and cheeks. These are wrinkles etched on tot he surface of the skin that don't disappear when you lift your head off the pillow.
Too late? Encourage a restful night on your back with Aromatherapy Associates Relax Eye Mask, £46 (www.aromatherapyassociates.com).
:: Beware of face infectors
Mobile phones, glasses and sunglasses all pick up bacteria that can cause pimples around the cheeks and jawline.
Too late? Deep clean and prevent outbreaks with Bioderma Sebium H20 micellar, £10 (www.garden.co.uk).
:: Seek shade on aeroplanes
On a plane you are much closer to the sun than on land so the rays are more intense. If you're sitting next to a window, pull down the shade, drink plenty of water to hydrate, and avoid salty foods and alcohol, and apply a moisturiser with a minimum SPF 15 half an hour before boarding.
Too late? Even out age spots and stubborn pigmentation with SkinCeuticals Advanced Pigment Corrector, £83.50 (www.effortlessskin.com).
:: Maintain a healthy weight
Repeatedly losing and gaining weight can take its toll on your face's elasticity, leaving behind jowls and sagging.
Too late? Perk up sagging and loose skin with Origins Plantscription Powerful Lifting Cream, £50 (www.origins.co.uk).
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Rail Minister Stephen Hammond was late for Corsham railway station meeting . . . after missing his train
Rail Minister Stephen Hammond was late for a meeting with campaigners hoping to re-open Corsham railway station - after missing his train.
But his arrival was worth waiting for after Mr Hammond said there case was "strong and viable".
The minister took part in a public discussion organised by Chippenham's Conservative prospective parliamentary candidate Michelle Donelan.
She recently consulted 5,000 residents, 98 per cent of whom said they wanted trains again. Passenger services from the station stopped in 1965 and a campaign to re-open the station began in the mid-1980s.
Mr Hammond told campaigners they were doing all the right things to make the case to Government. He agreed to organise a meeting between them and Department for Transport officials to put together a timetable for action.
"From today's meeting it's clear to me that Michelle is right and there is a strong and viable case for getting Corsham station re-opened," he said. "The support from Wiltshire Council, the Local Enterprise Partnership, local business and, as Michelle has proved, from the local community is very strong."
Ms Donelan said: "Three of my focuses are jobs, rejuvenating our towns and championing our community. Corsham station is a key piece of this jigsaw.
"We now have a real viable opportunity to get the station opened and I organised today's meeting to drive things forward.
"We now must prove the business case and the huge benefits that the station will bring. I will continue to work with local business, the LEP, Government and the community to make sure that, finally, this project is delivered."
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Ofsted insists it was not leaned on to halt publication of full Oldfield report
Ofsted has insisted that it was not leaned on by anybody to halt the publication of a full inspection report into Bath's Oldfield School.
Speculation has surrounded the decision by the education watchdog to not make public a highly damaging inspection report, which would have put the Bath academy in special measures.
Instead, it decided to release a mini-report which, while raising concerns about leadership and governance, did not affect the school's outstanding rating.
The Chronicle has repeatedly asked questions about who made that decision and why, in light of conspiracy theories suggesting a cover-up had taken place.
Many people have highlighted head Kim Sparling's links to Education Secretary Michael Gove, with Oldfield being one of the first schools to embrace his flagship academy policy.
But now, a letter from Ofsted's south west regional director Bradley Simmons to parent James Couchman gives the most detailed explanation yet as to why the nine-page draft – which heavily criticised Mrs Sparling's leadership style – was never published.
He said he understood that parents had concerns after reading the leaked report, which was published on the national charity Fair Play for Children's website, and wanted to reassure them that Oldfield students were safe at school.
The letter said: "I would, therefore, like to take this opportunity to explain that the draft inspection document was not published by Ofsted because it does not convey our final judgement on this school following our inspection in December 2013.
"We have a stringent moderation process to check that our draft reports are accurate and the judgments within them are completely based on the evidence gathered by the inspection team.
"The aim of this process is to ensure that parents and the wider public can rely on our inspection reports for an accurate appraisal of how a school is performing.
"The draft report was sent to the school on a confidential basis for the purpose of checking factual accuracy, and cannot be relied upon."
The letter added that: "I can assure you that no influence whatsoever was brought to bear on our inspection findings, or on our decision-making processes at any stage.
"All decisions flowed from the moderation process and the absolute duty placed upon us to ensure that we publish reports that are completely rooted in evidence."
Mr Couchman had written to Mr Simmons, inviting a representative from Ofsted to attend Wednesday night's public meeting.
Nobody from Ofsted, the Department for Education, nor the Education Funding Agency were in attendance.
Some of the issues raised in the unpublished report are now the subject of an investigation by the agency, which oversees academies.
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Summer shorts at the ready . . . warm weekend follows last blast of winter
Break out the shorts and summer clothes because Bath is set for the warmest weekend of the year so far.
People are set to enjoy the first real sign of summer as temperatures could hit 20C is some places with the mercury in Bath set to reach at least 16C.
But winter gave the region a parting blast yesterday with a dustying of snow and hailstorms reported.
Paul Knightley, forecast manager at MeteoGroup, said: "There's been a covering of snow over Dartmoor, some in places in Scotland and other parts of high ground. Over the next few hours a few more showers of snow will continue towards the south west of England and a little bit for the Pennines too.
"As we get towards the weekend there will be a change in the wind which will pull warm air from the continent and temperatures in London might get up to the 19 or 20 degrees."
This would mean the weekend could see temperatures double what is normally experienced at this time of year.
Any early showers will soon clear to leave a fine day on Saturday with increasing amounts of hazy sunshine but with a brisk wind.
More hazy sunshine is promised on Sunday.
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Bath business can keep window box display despite anonymous complaint from neighbour
A Bath business which provides upmarket ready meals has been told it can keep its new window box despite a neighbour making an anonymous complaint about it "obstructing the highway".
Cavendish Cooks owners Nancy Gardener and Rebecca Coke had installed the mini herb and flower garden outside their St James's Street shop as a way to brighten up the area.
However, just four days after it had been planted they had a visit from a Bath and North East Somerset Council official who told them the authority had received an anonymous complaint from someone living nearby.
Apparently the flower box was inappropriate because it cluttered up the pavement, so the council had no option but to investigate and see if it needed removing or if the business should be fined.
Mrs Coke said: "I can't believe that somebody in this neighbourhood would complain about something so petty. They should be supporting small, independent businesses.
"We cannot find one other person who is opposed to it, and we feel quite hurt that somebody could do this.
"We put this window box in as a way to improve the whole look of the street and we thought it would be something to enter in Bath in Bloom. We thought it would encourage other shops around here to do the same."
The window box, which so far contains mint, spinach and parsley, all ingredients which the duo hope to use in their cooking, was created by city-based landscape gardener Lynne Bridge.
And the pair said it was "great news" that the council investigation had concluded that no further action was needed and the small garden was allowed to stay in place.
Mrs Coke said it had been welcomed by everyone who had heard what was going on and offered their support.
She said: "We have had so much support from customers and passers-by about this, the main word which people use is 'pathetic'.
"We're just relieved it can stay."
It is not known who made the complaint and a B&NES Council spokesman said the matter had now been closed.
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Swindon man, 25, arrested in connection with armed robbery after handing himself in at Bath police station
A 25-year-old man from Swindon has been arrested in connection with an armed robbery in the town earlier today after handing himself in to Bath police station.
The man walked into the Manvers Street station at around 1pm and is now expected to be transferred to Swindon@s Gablecross police station for questioning.
This morning's incident happened at around 9.40am when a man entered a Ladbrokes bookmakers in Regent Street, Swindon and used a handgun to demand money from the till.
He then left the store and the area on foot and is believed to have taken approximately £400 in notes in a rucksack.
The police helicopter was up searching for the culprit and CCTV images were released of a man Wiltshire Police wanted to speak to.
Officers have also recovered a replica firearm believed to have been used in the robbery.
The weapon was found inside a bag on Bridge Street in the town.
Wiltshire Police have thanked the media for their help in appealing for information and members of the public who have provided important details following their appeal.
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Oldfield head Kim Sparling off sick as deputy steps up to run the school
Oldfield School head teacher Kim Sparling is on sick leave and her deputy Matthew Woodville has taken on the job in her absence.
Speculation had been growing about Mrs Sparling's whereabouts after a BBC Radio Bristol interview yesterday when chair of governors Stuart Weatherall declined to comment on who was currently running the school.
However, today he posted a message on the school's website confirming that the under fire head teacher is off work.
His letter to parents and staff said: "You may be aware that the head teacher, has been away from the school due to sickness.
"During her absence the deputy head teacher, Matthew Woodville, will continue as acting head teacher.
"He has my full confidence, as do the remainder of the school's senior leadership team and staff."
It is understood that Mrs Sparling, whose leadership is being investigated by a team of officials from the Department for Education and the Education Funding Agency, has not been in school for more than a week.
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Bath City sign Reading keeper Stuart Moore and much-travelled midfielder Danny Wring
Bath City have moved to fill the void left by Jason Mellor's impending three-match suspension with the loan signing of Reading keeper Stuart Moore.
The 19-year-old was snapped up for the rest of the season ahead of Thursday's loan deadline, with Mellor's ban due to begin next week. The City number one saw red for retaliation during Saturday's 4-1 win over Chelmsford City, leaving the club with academy player Josh Barrington as the only cover in the goalkeeping department.
Moore hails from the Isle of Wight and is the brother of Simon Moore, who is currently on loan to Bristol City from Premier League outfit Cardiff.
City have also strengthened their midfield ranks after Danny Wring, who has been training with the squad, put pen to paper.
The former Bristol City trainee has featured for a host of South West clubs, including Team Bath, Mangotsfield, Yate Town, Chippenham Town and, this season, Clevedon Town and Bridgwater Town.
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