By Harry Mottram: An umbrella group for the water companies in the South West has announced a timetable for the creation of Cheddar Reservoir 2. In documents sent to residents and via statements on their website West Country Water and Environment (WCWE) will hold a public consultation as a drop-in session on Friday 19 September in Axbridge Town Hall from 4-8pm. Other dates include Saturday 13 September at noon in Cheddar Village Hall and at Cross Memorial Hall on Tuesday 16 September at 4pm.
You can complete a paper copy of the feedback form from deposit locations – as they call them – in Axbridge Town Hall and Cheddar Library, and post it to Freepost WCWE SRO CONSULTATION or you can complete one online at www.westcountrywaterandenvironment.org or send an email to CheddarSRO@westcountrywaterandenvironment.org – the website has more information of course about the project although doesn’t go into detail about specifics.
Those specifics which residents are keen to know include the exact location of the reservoir, what is the access route for the heavy plant and machinery, where will the new treatment unit be built, how many jobs will be created and what accommodation will there be, will there be compensation for landowners and households affected – along with 101 other questions.
WCWE is a group of water companies, regulators and stakeholders with members including Bournemouth Water, Bristol Water, Wessex Water, South West Water and the Environment Agency.
WCWE said in a statement: “While the need for the second reservoir has been accepted, the project is still in the planning and early design stages. Preparatory work is ongoing in the background to establish the impacts on the environment of a second reservoir, WTWs upgrade and new pipelines. This work will inform our early consultation with residents, communities, businesses and stakeholders. The Environment Agency, Historic England, Natural England, Somerset Internal Drainage Board and local authorities are among the statutory bodies being consulted during these early stages. A range of surveys will take place during 2024-26 including engineering, archaeological and environmental surveys to inform the project.”
Cheddar Reservoir One was completed just before the Second World War and was largely constructed using steam power, pick and shovel and early diesel diggers and trucks. The site was chosen to use the spring water from Cheddar pumping station and the geology of the valley with its water resistant and holding properties of part of its clay base. With an expanding population today and to some extent an increased demand for water it is no secret that the authorities have announced a programme of building reservoirs to meet demand.
The timeline for Cheddar Reservoir 2 will see spades in the ground in 2030 and water flowing from a completed reservoir five years later in 2030. Since planning was granted for the second reservoir in 2014 which then lapsed then the new Government announcing full speed ahead with the project last year – but further delays since then – an educated guess is that the timeline is provisional. However, there is no doubt Cheddar Reservoir 2 is now in ‘a go situation’.
Calendar of events in Axbridge
Some Axbridge dates coming up. Send Axbridge events to me and I’ll try to keep the list updated. Email: harryfmottram@gmail.com I’ll also post on my website at www.harrymottram.co.uk and hopefully we can sort out a permanent calendar for the town soon.
Sat 23 Aug. Axbridge. The Oakhouse. Music Festival. 5 bands plus DJ. From 11am.
Sun 24 Aug. Axbridge. Bristol Brass Band at St John the Baptist Parish Church. 7pm. free.
Wed 27 Aug. Axbridge. Poetry evening at Axe Vale Arts Centre. 7pm.
Sat 30 Aug. Axbridge. Lamb Inn. Weston Ukulele Players. Cider Shed. 9pm. Free – proceeds will go to the Children’s Hospice South West.
Sun 31 Aug. Axbridge. Lamb inn. Pub quiz. 8pm.
Sat 6 Sep. Axbridge Farmers’ Market. 9am-1pm. The Square.
Sat 6 Sep. Axbridge Square. Coin collection – unwanted foreign coins being collected in aid of Friends of Axbridge Church as well as fashion jewellery (donated) & coffee & cake in the Town Hall during the market.
Thu 18-Sat 20 Sep. Axbridge Fun Fair. Axbridge Square.
Friday 19 Sep. Cheddar Reservoir 2 Consultation. Axbridge Town Hall from 4-8pm.
Fri 19 Sep. Cross Memorial Hall. An evening with John Buckler. 7.30pm.
Sat, 20 Sep. Axbridge Carnival. 2pm. Procession through the town.
Sun 28 Sept. Axbridge. Axe Vale Arts Centre. Crumbs. Badapple Theatre. 7pm.
Fri 3 Oct, Axbridge. Music concert. Phil King in the Town Hall in aid of the carnival.
Sat 4 Oct. Axbridge Farmers’ Market. 9am-1pm. The Square.
Sat 4 Oct. Axbridge Square. Coin collection – unwanted foreign coins being collected in aid of Friends of Axbridge Church during the market.
Sat 4 Oct. Axbridge. St John’s Parish Church. Concert by Joyful Spirit Choir. 7.30pm. In aid of Friends of Axbridge Church.
Sun 5 Oct. Axbridge. Phil Hill in Concert. Carnival fundraiser. Town Hall. 7.15pm.
Sat 1 Nov. Axbridge Farmers’ Market. 9am-1pm. The Square.
Sat, 22 Nov: Axbridge Progressive Supper. 6pm-11.30pm.
Wed 26-Sat 29 Nov. Axbridge Town Hall. ACT present the play Vardy V Rooney: The Wagatha Christie Trial.
Sat 6 Dec. Axbridge Farmers’ Market. 9am-1pm. The Square.
Sat 20 Dec. Axbridge Square. Santa in the Square celebrations.
Sun 21 Dec. Axbridge Square. Christmas Farmers’ Market. 10am.
Wed 31 Dec. Axbridge. New Year Celebrations in the Square. 11.59pm.
2029
Sat-Mon 25-27 Aug. Axbridge. Pageant/community play. 3pm The Square.
Axbridge News is edited by Harry Mottram and is published for the interest of himself and fellow residents.
Harry is a freelance journalist. Follow him on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube etc
Email:harryfmottram@gmail.com
Website:www.harrymottram.co.uk
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