With its breathtaking Georgian-era architecture, the iconic Royal Crescent has served as a backdrop for high-society dramas such as Bridgerton, The Duchess, and Jane Austen’s Persuasion.
However, just two miles away from this famous millionaire’s row, life is quite different for the residents of Twerton, which falls within the lowest 10 percent of economic areas.
Although Bath is one of the wealthiest cities in the country, a stark economic divide persists in areas like Twerton.
Homes in Twerton are suffering from mold issues that have remained unresolved.
The city’s iconic Royal Crescent has been featured in high-society drama films.
Recent figures from the ONS indicate that 62.8 percent of people in the neighborhood are living in poverty, with 35 percent of households facing significant challenges.
During The Sun’s visit to the South West region, locals expressed their distress, revealing that their homes pose health risks, and they are calling for the buildings to be demolished entirely.
Others voiced concerns about crime in the streets, including a shocking incident where a prominent county lines gangster smuggled millions in cocaine disguised as designer items while using an unassuming Twerton property as a ‘safe house’.
Residents of a dilapidated block describe a constant struggle against dampness, which has left their ceiling on the verge of collapse, an issue they claim the housing provider is ignoring.
One local recounts how the flat she has lived in for 20 years has become infested with black mold, leading her to despairingly clean and repaint the walls at least once a year.
She shares: “The mold is a persistent issue. We’ve complained, but the housing authorities say they will take action, yet nothing changes.
“It impacts our health. I suffered from severe bronchitis this winter, and my doctor confirmed that the mold exacerbated my condition and prolonged my recovery.
“We constantly have to scrub it down and repaint. It’s appalling.”
A Tale of Two Cities
Renowned for its Roman baths, impressive Abbey, and historical significance, Bath attracts over six million tourists annually.
Yet in neighborhoods like Twerton, grouped with the Whiteway estate and Southdown, wealth does not seem to trickle down, leaving locals trapped in a cycle of poverty.
Colin Tiley, 65, who has lived in Twerton for 15 years, states: “The place is a dump.”
“Some areas need tidying up, such as the parks, with ongoing vandalism and litter scattered about; it’s just not pleasant to witness.
“Many people simply neglect it. I’ve been aware of numerous drug issues and dealers operating in the area.
“I wouldn’t feel unsafe going out at night, but I wouldn’t want my daughter to do the same, considering the circumstances.
“My council house is fine, properly maintained, and they take good care of it.
“However, there are persistent issues in the Curo flats that never seem to get resolved. They are so old and have been neglected for too long, making it impossible to keep up with maintenance.
“They promise to come and fix it, but they don’t follow through. My daughter is certainly not impressed – she has a 14-year-old son who has lived with this issue his entire life.
“Twerton and Whiteway are eye-opening compared to the upscale areas like Lansdown. It’s definitely a different experience.
“There’s not much to do here; there are a few shops that struggle with shoplifting, but aside from football, there’s nothing to entertain anyone.”
Community Spirit
Twerton Park stadium is home to the non-league Bath City Football Club and is located just off the high street.
The neighborhood also boasts a Daily, a barber shop, beauty rooms, a lending shop, a community center, a youth club, and Southside, a family support and domestic violence service.
A café serves burgers and pizzas, and there are two pubs, while another community café offers tea and coffee to locals.
It’s evident that despite the challenges, there remains a strong community spirit determined to improve the area.
