By Harry Mottram: Axbridge Town Square was taken over by a film company Simon Mayhew-Archer, and Big Talk Studios, Mayhay Studios and CBS Studios this week – in a co-production filming a comedy based around the actress Dawn French for the first three days of September. Residents were permitted to cross the Square during the filming with some disruption to traffic but the goings on of the cast and crew became a spectator sport for residents who could sit and watch the action.
The actress is the main character in the TV comedy series Can You Keep a Secret filmed in and around Axbridge. Screened on BBCTV French played the role of Debbie Fendon in a farce about a bogus insurance claim. Perhaps best known for her partnership with Jennifer Saunders and the sitcom The Vicar of Dibley, Dawn French was pictured on social media talking to Axbridge residents and posing for selfies.
Previous to the filming of Can You Keep a Secret Axbridge was the setting for the teenage whodunnit A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder in 2023. The drama was based on the Holly Jackson novel with Emma Myers playing the lead role Pip.
Hosepipe ban and Cheddar Reservoir
Last month Bristol Water announced a hosepipe band for the first time in half a century. On Thursday, August 27, due to the need to protect the River Severn’s water resources the ban was put in place despite periods of rain since. In a statement Bristol Water said: “The water supplier, which provides water across the city, North Somerset, parts of Somerset and South Gloucestershire, said that the ban will remain in place and lifting the ban will depend on conditions on the River Severn. It anticipates that next summer will be very dry.”
The last hosepipe ban in this area was in 1975 and again in 1976 during an exceptional hot and dry period in what became known as the Year of the Drought.
There is still no end date for the hosepipe ban.
Cheddar Reservoir remains low with parts of the reservoir floor beginning to be revealed on the Sharpham Road side. There is no evidence at the three inlets that water is flowing into the reservoir. Further consultations over Cheddar Reservoir 2 are scheduled for later this year with planning proposals expected in 2027 and work to start in 2028.
A38 upgrades
As previously reported in Axbridge News the A38 in our area is being given a spruce up. The Edithmead M5 Junction 22 roundabout is to see a major change to the layout to mitigate the long queues at the junction.
The main points:
• Edithmead Roundabout near J22 M5: Creation of thoughabout traffic signals where the heaviest traffic flow is routed through the centre of the roundabout to improve capacity and ensure queueing does not go back onto the M5. A signalised cycle crossing on the B3140 via the enlarged splitter island is also included.
• Rooksbridge: Safety scheme comprising mainly road markings.
• Cross: Creation of a staggered junction arrangement.
• Strawberry Line Crossing: Enhanced visibility measures and upgraded signage. That’s the one at Shute Shelve where the strawberry Line path crosses the A38. Work is expected to start in the first quarter of 2027.
Fostering
Fostering in Somerset are hosting a relaxed ‘Cuppa with a Carer’ information session in the Bluebird Café in Wedmore. The group said: “Drop in for an informal chat with real foster carers to hear about their experiences, and enjoy free coffee and cake. There is no pressure and no commitment. The friendly team will be happy to talk through the different types of fostering, the support and payments available, how the process works, and the training they provide Bluebird Café, Wedmore, BS28 4EB, Tuesday 15 September. 6pm-8pm.”
Planning
No updates on Lidl on Upper New Road, Cheddar Res 2, Strongvox development off Orchard Road of news at the old Yogurt factory site on the A371 – or the planned Traveller site near St Michaels. But at least the new playground off Houlgate Way is open.
Axbridge Cemeteries
Plans are afoot to update areas at Axbridge’s Cemeteries, Allotments and Open Spaces. The town council reported these notes: “b) Allotment Works The work to clear the two plots at the entrance and the community allotment area had been completed. The contractor would renovate the two sites with the intention of turning the community allotment area into four smaller plots. Consideration would need to be given to fencing and gates. The allotment inspection had taken place will most plots passing the inspection.
“A meeting would be requested with the tenant of plot 2B to discuss fencing concerns. There were a few empty plots and with 4 smaller plots being created, the group would need to consider this matter to ensure plots were occupied (with consideration being given to offering plots to individuals outside of Axbridge). c) Cemetery Fence The fence between the graves and the roadside was falling into disrepair and would need replacing. This would be discussed by the Group.”
NHS News
The new boss of the reorganisation of the Bristol and Weston-super-Mare hospitals which are now grouped together to save money and improve efficiency sees the Southmead Hospital boss Maria Kane become the CEO of the Trust on a six-figure salary.
Maria Kane has announced the area could have a single 24-hour emergency department concentrated at Southmead Hospital in the future. That’s not good news if you want to be taken to Weston Hospital in the middle of the night due to illness or anaccident. Her comments (say the BBC) follow the merger of two major NHS trusts, creating one of the largest organisations in the country with 28,000 staff and a £2.6bn budget. The newly named Bristol NHS Foundation Trust (BFT) also becomes the UK’s biggest recipient of National Institute for Health and Care Research funding, with almost £3m.
Draycott Road Closure
Please be aware of temporary No Entry restrictions coming into force from 1 September 2026, for up to 21 days, while works are carried out in the Cheddar with the main closure being the A371 at Draycott. In Cheddar this has led to huge tailbacks in the rush hour as vehicles follow the diversion to Wedmore. Affected roads include: Brook Bank, Wedmore; Westfield Lane, Wells; New Road, Wells; Latches Lane, Cheddar; Upper Draycott Road (Top Road), Cheddar. The restrictions will apply when indicated by traffic signs, so please allow extra time for your journey and follow signed diversion routes. The works are being carried out by Wales & West Utilities. For further information about the works, contact 0800 912 2999.
Strawberry Line News
There are closures or the Strawberry Line for essential tree work. In a statement a North Somerset spokesperson said: “Sections of the Strawberry Line in North Somerset will temporarily close on weekdays from Tuesday 1 September for around two months to enable North Somerset Council’s tree team to carry out essential safety work. During this time, ash trees severely affected by Ash Dieback disease will be removed as they pose an unacceptable threat to users of the route. The work has been planned in consultation with Natural England and is expected to take around six to eight weeks, with closures in place Monday to Friday only. The Strawberry Line will remain open at weekends.”
The works will take place in phases:
- Phase 1: Tuesday 1 to Friday 18 September – between the A38 and the tunnel near Axbridge. The remainder of the line to Winscombe Sports and Social Club will be fully shut to allow safe works and removal of timber (around three weeks).
- Phase 2: Monday 28 September to Friday 9 October – between the tunnel near Axbridge and Winscombe Sports and Social Club. The line will be shut from the A38 to the social club to allow safe works and removal of timber (around two weeks).
- Phase 3: Monday 2 to Friday 13 November – between Lynch Road bridge and Woodborough Road bridge in Winscombe (around two weeks).
For more information on Ash Dieback visit www.n-somerset.gov.uk/ashdieback
Co-op store
Apart from the surgery and the chemist the number one resource in Abridge, is the Co-operative grocery store on The Square. The shop has had problems with its fridge and freezers which have limited the amount of fresh food and drinks for several days. The main issues have been resolved and most of the units are working again but it does highlight how vulnerable people with no transport are. The nearest shops as alternatives are a long walk to the fuel station at the Magic Roundabout on Upper New Road, Turnpike Road on the A38 or the fuel station at Shute Shelve. For more on the Co-operative shop visit https://www.coop.co.uk/store-finder/BS26-2AR/2-the-square
Pantomime
Axbridge Community Theatre held its first read through of the script for Dick Whittington and his Cat on Saturday 6th September in the town hall – it is a joint project by Tony Leach, Katie Underhay, Dan Ward and Tony Wilson. The pantomime will run in the last week of November in the Town Hall from the 25-28th at 7.30pm nightly with a 2pm matinee on Saturday. The read through was very successful and also generated many laughs – Katie as Alice and her love interest Dick (Marieke) were superb – with so many strong actors including of course Tony Wilson as the dame, Emily as Dick’s Cat Tommy, Jake as Idle Jack, and King Rat played by Sonia – to name but a few. It’s all set for a great experience with a large cast – which I’m sure will see full houses each night. Tickets at https://www.ticketsource.com/axbridgecommunitytheatre
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 and Axbridge News
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. 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!
For more visit: www.harrymottram.co.uk or follow him on Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, BlueSky, YouTube, TikTok, LinkedIn and God knows where else!
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