By Harry Mottram: The town is expanding – with one new estate being built and one in the planning stage the population is set to rise by around 20% in the next few years. That will put pressure on the health centre and school and potentially increase traffic. It’s always best to look on the positive side since it shows the town’s location is very popular – with more people to help with the next pageant and take part in the town’s various events – listed below. The planning stage allows for the public to voice their objections to any new developments – and it is always a good idea to turn up at the town and county planning meetings to keep informed and voice concerns. Speaking of which the town council has vacancies for a councillor – see https://www.axbridge-tc.gov.uk/
Axe Vale Arts Centre events
The launch day for the arts centre in West Street on July 6th was considered a great success with hundreds of people attending the timetable of events throughout the afternoon and evening. Teas, coffees, cakes and mocktails were served as visitors to the former Methodist Church/Chapel viewed the art exhibition in the school rook below the main space and listened to the various speakers, poets and musicians who entertained and showcased the future performances and events. A regular Acoustics Night has begun with more dates slated for the third Wednesday of the month while the first spoken word and poetry night is set for Wednesday 23 July – the fourth Wednesday of the month. The next open mic Acoustic Night is on 20th August – with around 50 people attending the first one. Unfortunately I was too ill and I didn’t make the launch day or the Acoustic Night but I did write a review of the art exhibition at https://www.harrymottram.co.uk/2025/07/08/axbridge-review-from-the-abstract-to-the-realistic-and-from-enigmatic-to-the-monographic-axe-vale-arts-first-exhibition-reveals-an-inspiring-range-of-creativity/
There is a FaceBook site for the arts centre – see https://www.facebook.com/groups/583188354145782 and a website at https://axevalearts.my.canva.site/
New homes planned
Lavendar Rise – the housing estate currently going up off Houlgate Way developed by Bellway is creating 53 new homes while Strongvox hope to build a further 43 properties off Orchard Road (pictured). Assuming each home has at least two residents then with the current population of the town just over 2,000 souls then there will be an increase of around 200 or more folk. Good news for the shops, pubs and cafes but there will be an increase in traffic and pressure on the surgery and school. Although Somerset Council will be pleased to gather the extra council tax, and the utilities also will benefit with more customers. Prices at Lavender Rise go up to more than half a million for a four-bedroom property while those off Orchard Road are yet to set.
One of the questions about the Orchard Road development is access as the road itself is lined with homes and parked cars and as part of Knightstone and adjoining the Furlong Field car park is already a busy street. Those on foot will know there are several points of unofficial access either from the Reservoir side or the footpath off Cheddar Road and Mendip View Gardens – although officially there isn’t. Planning permission is set to go in soon while the developer say on their website that they will hold a public meeting for residents in the town hall with the Town Council.
See https://www.bellway.co.uk/new-homes/south-west/lavender-rise
And https://orchardroadaxbridge.com/index.php?contentid=6
Cheddar Reservoir 2
The reservoir was again closed to the public ‘due to hot weather’ on the 17-18 July although the temperatures were down both days with some light rain. Not surprisingly there was public scepticism over the closure online with the collective wisdom thinking it was more to do with the end of term for some pupils who may want to party at the Res and possibly enter the water while in ‘high spirits.’ the water firm are always keen to stress safety as the reservoir is not safe for swimming.
Meanwhile the water regulator Ofwat is under threat of being abolished following a review into why the watchdog has failed to bring to heel the water utilities who have allowed widespread pollution coupled with high water bills. The former Bank of England deputy governor Sir Jon Cunliffe is set to review the situation and recommend a new regulator who will look to impose a new system following the abuses of the utilities. This shouldn’t affect Cheddar Reservoir 2 as it is already planned and given the green light by the Government.
There’s no news on when the first spade will be pressed into the soil to begin the excavation of the new reservoir other than anecdotally residents who have properties or land adjoining the potential site have been notified by letter that the project is going to happen.
My last article on the subject is at https://www.harrymottram.co.uk/2025/06/30/axbridge-review-its-full-speed-ahead-for-cheddar-reservoir-2-after-environment-agency-report-with-public-consultations-first-and-a-planning-application-to-follow-but-it-is-two-years-at-least-be/
Calendar of events
Wed 16 Jul. Axe Vale Arts Centre. Axbridge, West Street. Acoustic Night. Open Mic. 7.30pm.
Fri 18 Axbridge Cricket Club Quiz. Lamb Inn.7.30pm.
Wed 23 Jul. Axe Vale Arts Centre. Axbridge, West Street. Poetry. Open mic. 7pm.
Thu 24 Jul. Compton House. A Midsummer Night’s Dream. 7pm. Outside in the garden.
Sat 2 Aug. Axbridge Farmers’ Market. 9am-1pm. The Square.
Wed 20 Aug. Axe Vale Arts Centre. Axbridge, West Street. Acoustic Night. Open Mic. 7.30pm.
Sat 23 Aug. Oakhouse. Beer and Cider Festival.
Sat 6 Sep. Axbridge Farmers’ Market. 9am-1pm. The Square.
Wed 17 Sep. Axe Vale Arts Centre. Axbridge, West Street. Acoustic Night. Open Mic. 7.30pm.
Thu 18-Sat 20 Sep. Axbridge Fun Fair. Axbridge Square.
Sat, 20 Sep. Axbridge Carnival. 2pm. Procession through the town.
Sun 28 Sep. Crumbs. A play about cooking. Axe Vale Arts Centre. 7pm.
Sat 4 Oct. Axbridge Farmers’ Market. 9am-1pm. The Square.
Fri 24 Oct-3 Nov. School Half Term Break.
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.
News
If you have news about the town email harryfmottram@gmail.com with the details – this is only a voluntary effort so no promises!
Axbridge Review 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, Blue Sky, YouTube etc
Email:harryfmottram@gmail.com
Website:www.harrymottram.co.uk
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