By Harry Mottram: It was good to see the Weston-super-Mare Sea Cadets at Cheddar Reservoir this week. Two of their boats were being rowed across the Res by groups of young girls. For more on the organisation and to join visit https://www.sea-cadets.org/weston No news I’m afraid on Cheddar Reservoir 2, Lidl or the Strongvox plans for new homes in the town – but plenty of other news – and despite the heat there are no plans for a hosepipe ban just yet. One appeal is ongoing and that is the Axbridge Carnival – slated for Saturday 26th September when the fun fair is in the Square – needs volunteers to marshal the event. Details at https://www.facebook.com/AxbridgeBlackberryCarnival
Speed watch
The good citizens behind the voluntary Speed Watch Group in Axbridge have published some shocking statistics of their findings of late. They reported on social media: “Statistics from the Speed Indicator Devices (SIDs) in June indicate we have an issue with a few drivers who ignore the speed limits on our roads. Cheddar Road inbound off by-pass at 71mph timed at 2243hrs and Jubilee Road/St Mary’s Street outbound 51mph timed at 2330hrs. And Houlgate Way 56mph timed at 1530hrs while West Street 47mph timed at 0400hrs.”
All of these reports clearly breach the speed limits in the town and reveal a shocking lack of road safety from the drivers involved since the limits are with 20mph or 30 mph.
The group’s Anthony Strange reported: “None of these speeds are acceptable, but most worryingly was the driver on Houlgate Way speeding at 56mph at a time when children were going home from school. This behaviour is totally unacceptable, and one hopes it wasn’t a parent running late for a pick up. A report has been submitted to the Town Council for them to consider the implications.”
The Axbridge Community Speedwatch Group is made up of residents who put road safety in the town first and foremost. To join them visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/250491564291119/
The police say this: Community SpeedWatch is made up of a network of community volunteers who monitor traffic speeds through scheduled high-visibility roadside sessions. These sessions are part of our evidence-based approach to addressing speeding and road safety concerns. More info at https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/apply/community-speedwatch/
Recycling News
What to do with those plastic plant pots from the garden centres when they are no longer wanted. Well this is good news – most non-black plastic plant pots can now be recycled from home in Somerset. The change follows the introduction of new national Simpler Recycling rules, which aim to make recycling collections more consistent across England. Somerset residents can now place non-black plastic plant pots in their Bright Blue Bag alongside other plastic pots, tubs and trays – but give the pots a clean out first. So why not black plastic pots? Apparently black plastic plant pots can’t be recycled because the black pigment they contain is not recognised by optical sorting machines.
Council Tax Reduction consultation
Somerset Council have a consultation about Council Tax Reduction (CTR). It is a scheme for working age adults on low incomes that runs until 28 September.
Somerset Council’s leader said: ”We know that Council Tax Reduction provides important support to many households across Somerset, so it is vital that we hear from the people who may be affected by any future changes. No decisions have been made, and this consultation is an opportunity for residents to tell us what they think about the proposals. Their feedback will play an important role in helping councillors understand the potential impact of the changes and shape the final scheme.”
Feedback received will be considered before councillors make any decisions later this year. Any approved changes would come into effect from 1 April 2027. Residents can find full details of the proposals and take part in the consultation by visiting the Council’s consultation page: https://www.somerset.gov.uk/benefits-and-payments/housing-benefit/claim-council-tax-reduction/
Lost relatives
This plea was posted on social media in July about seeking long lost relatives in the town: “My name is Kate Kelley and I am known as The Photo Angel for reuniting long-lost photos with families. Perhaps your readers would enjoy this local story! Meet George Alfred Cuff (1852-1931) born in Axbridge, England to William and Mary (Goodman) Cuff. George Alfred Cuff was born at Axbridge, England, July 30, 1852, and came to the United States with his parents the same year. The family lived in New York for a short time, then came to Wisconsin, settling on a farm in Marquette County. He was united in marriage to Mary L. Perkins, January 15, 1874. Mrs. Cuff passed away November 24, 1890. To this union were born six children, Lester W., A. Earl, Fred A., Louisa A., Mary A., and Hattie L. Mr. Cuff was united in marriage to Augusta Koeppen on May 22, 1892. Mrs. Cuff passed away January 17, 1913. To this union were born four children, Ralph E., Esther A., Pearl, and Mabel. Mr. Cuff’s family was brought up on the home farm in Marcellon, where he passed away November 4, 1931, at the age of 79 years, 4 months, and 4 days. He leaves to mourn his loss nine children, Lester W. and A. Earl of Marcellon; Fred A. of Philadelphia; Louisa A., now Mrs. Fred Beahm of Wyocena; Mary A., now Mrs. Otto Mullencup of Scott; Hattie L., now Mrs. John Patchin of Wyocena; Ralph E., on the home farm; Pearl, now Mrs. Wm. Russell of Marcellon; Mabel, now Mrs. Vio Jenkins of Wausau. Esther A., who was Mrs. Elmer Hare, died April 17, 1924. Besides the immediate family he leaves 33 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren, also one cousin, Mrs. Kilmer of Portage, several nieces and nephews together with a host of friends. Burial was from the home and the North Marcellon Baptist Church November 6. Interment was in the cemetery beside the church.”
More info at https://youtu.be/57lu9JLIcUk?si=rRBTOtaEG0yJIJaW
Bristol Water’s owner
Cheddar Reservoir is owned by Bristol Water. The company dating back decades are now owned by South West Water – a private firm in Exeter who are in turn are owned by The Pennon Group also in Devon. Cheddar Reservoir 2 and the pipeline from Cheddar to Devon is part of the firm’s future plans although as pointed out in my opinion section previously there is an element of doubt. This harks back to the new Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s preference for state control of our utilities. One reason he has given are the high salaries and share holder benefits of firms like private companies like South West Water who still charge consumers above inflation bills. It has been widely reported that Susan Davy, former CEO of Pennon Group, South West Water’s parent company has pocketed £270,000 in pay despite the firm’s dismal record when it comes to pollution. The firm stand charged with numerous incidents of pollution – raw sewage – pumped into rivers in the South West. South West Water is essentially Devon and Cornwall based but they own Bristol Water (drinking and clean water only as Wessex Water cover sewage here) and they own a firm in Dorset as well.
Bristol Airport
This is an article from my work in Bath – but is relevant to Axbridge:
Airport News: The cost of a drop off or pick up at Bristol Airport has risen to £8.50. The hike in prices is in line with the rise of drop offs at other UK airports with Gatwick’s the highest at £10 for 15 minutes. Bournemouth and Birmingham – two airports used by residents in Bath are £8 and £7 respectively while Cardiff charges £4.50 for the first 10 minutes.
Heathrow is the UK’s largest airport and they charge £7 for the drop off and pick up while the ten most busy EU airports don’t charge.
Despite the cost increases and the debate over enlarged carbon footprints due to air travel the airport remains popular with many who use it as the take off point for their holidays.
The airport is currently planning to increase the number of flights to allow 15 million passengers a year by the 2030s – rising from 10 to 12 million currently if the £500m plans succeed. Those plans also include a longer run way which is difficult as the main way to make this happen is to take over part of the Felton Common – a favourite place for walkers and a haven for wildlife. That has sparked a campaign to stop the take-over of common land by a private company.
The proposal includes extending the runway to allow long-haul flights to America and the Middle East. Visitors to the airport this summer will have seen major building work going on with an extension to the terminal building, a hotel and new carpark. A consultation on the plans ended in June.
The airport began life 1927 as a flying club before being used as an RAF base in the war. After 1945 it reverted to being a club base for light aircraft and gliders before becoming Bristol Lulsgate Airport in 1957. Since then, it has been slowly upgraded from an annual passenger count of 33,000 to today’s millions. Initially it was owned by the Council but became a public limited company in 1987 resulting in a further upgrading – and an end to the A38 traffic crossing the runway in between flights.
Since then it was privatised and after various owners it is now in the hands of Macquarie Asset Management with a 55% majority stake plus the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan along with other co-investors, including LGPS Central Limited.
Andy Burnham in Somerset
This is another article I have written for Bath Voice but it is of interest to people in Somerset as well: It is early days for the new Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s Government but his announcements this week have been welcomed by many. His first actions were to call world leaders to give reassurance of the UK’s foreign policies, then to appoint his cabinet and thirdly – visit Bath. He was met by the Metro Mayor Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England who welcomed him as he announced a £2 cap on bus fares from next year. Mr Burnham has also announced cuts to VAT on electricity bills and VAT for pubs from next April.
Whatever the views of his critics are – and Kemi Badenoch has already called for his plans to be discussed in parliament first – many in Bath will be pleased the new PM visited Bath first – rather than Manchester.
Axbridge Diary of Events
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 https://www.harrymottram.co.uk/diary/
Harry Mottram
Note: I get asked this frequently so just to repeat I write up these stories from time to time out of personal interest – all the information is in the public domain – I put it together, so it makes sense to me. I am not paid – my main job is covering Bath for Bath Voice News and ICSM of Bridgwater which is about business insolvencies. I have lived in Old Church Road for over 25 years and am married to Linda – our four children went to the local state schools. I’ve always taken an interest in local affairs having worked as a journalist in Somerset for many years. More at at www.harrymottram.co.uk and social media on X as @harrythe spiv, Facebook, Blue Sky, LinkedIn, Instagram, Threads and God knows where else!
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