By Harry Mottram: On Monday 11th May in the town hall at 8pm the town council will elect a new mayor. The current mayor Pauline Ham (pictured) is likely to be succeeded by Richard Willis who is currently deputy. Other civic posts in the council will also be confirmed or voted on including the new deputy mayor, the Sergeant of Mace, Town Bailiff , Town Crier and the Keeper of Bells. The evening is known as Mayor Making and always takes place in May and marks the beginning of the new municipal year and the new council year as a new civic leader is installed.
The town councillors are all volunteers who work as a committee for the good of the town with powers over the cemeteries, allotments and open spaces as well as areas like the changing rooms, playground and to a certain extent highways and planning – although most major decisions are made by Somerset Council. Everyone in the town is welcome to the Mayor Making which also includes the Annual Council Meeting when a number of reports are given – and if you are interested in the town it’s a chance to learn about our ancient settlement.
More info from the clerk: Mrs V L Brice Axbridge Town Council Email:town.clerk@axbridge-tc.gov.uk The Council Office Website: www.axbridge-tc.gov.uk
The Oak House Hotel
On Friday May 8th at noon the Oak House Hotel will reopen on the Square with Ray Sparks as landlord and the Valiant Pub Company as owners. It’s good news for residents who will have a choice of establishments to enjoy a tipple and competition for the Lamb Inn across the road – and don’t forget the pubs in Cross down the lane where there is also the Cross Brewery in the White Heart.
In a cheery social media post Ray Sparks wrote: “Hi everyone! I’ve been proud to call Axbridge home for the past 8 years, having moved here for family—and it’s truly become a place close to my heart. With 38 years in hospitality and a background as a qualified chef, I’ve had the privilege of running award-winning real ale pubs. Now, my focus is firmly here in Axbridge. Many of you may already know me through my role as a Town Councillor or from volunteering as a steward in the Museum. I also support various community groups in Axbridge. My aim is simple: to make The Oak House the heart of the community—a place where everyone feels welcome, can come together, and enjoy great company. I’m always here to support the town in any way I can, so please do pop in, say hello, and make yourself at home.”
We wish Ray and all the staff and customers or the Oak House all the best as it will make a valuable addition to the town’s social life.
For more on the Oak House see their social media site at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574301893240#
Gypsy and Traveller site plans
As previously reported there is a planning proposal lodged with Somerset Council for a Gypsy and traveller site off the bypass on the Mendip side of the A371. Graham Godwin who is an admin for the ‘LOVE Cheddar, Axbridge and Shipham’ Facebook site has mounted a petition to oppose the plans with a link to the campaign at https://www.cheddarvalleymatters.org.uk/campaigns/no-traveller-camp-behind-axbridge
Axbridge Town Council have already listed a number of reasons why the plans should not go ahead which included concerns of traffic and road safety as well as the site being with in the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and by a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Before the petition was posted there had been considerable amounts of comments online opposing the plans from the public. Graham Godwin-Pearson writes, “This is the wrong location for any development of any kind. The hills to the north of Axbridge are extremely special and need to be protected – hence they are part of the AONB.”
However not everyone is opposed with some pointing out the inherent prejudice there is against the gypsy and traveller communities and voicing the problems of a shortage of affordable housing in the area. One resident gave this sage advice online: “From experience of working in planning, petitions are fine, but if people are really concerned about something they need to take time and write an objection as part of the planning process (it holds more weight).”
In a statement the town council addressed their concerns over the PLANNING APPLICATION NO. 02/25/00030 CHANGE OF USE OF LAND as listed on the Somerset Council’s planning portal.
The town clerk Vicky Brice put into words the thoughts of the council’s planning committee. She wrote: “Axbridge Town Council strongly objects to this application on the following planning grounds:- Compliance with national, regional and local planning policy and guidance; Effect on the landscape and the Impact upon the character and appearance of the area The site is outside of the settlement boundary within the Mendip Hills National Landscape adjoining the Axbridge Hill and Fry’s Hill Designated Site of Scientific Interest.”
Railings mystery solved
A piece of the old Axbridge Railway Station has been found and will be reunited with the former station yard now under the governance of the Mens’ Shed. Musical impresario, gardener and litter picker Barry Walsh came across a length of iron railings in a garden in the town which the owner wished to be removed. It appears they are the missing section in the station yard and must have gone ‘walkabout’ when the station was closed in the Beeching cuts of the 1960s. Unlike Winscombe, Axbridge’s station building remains largely intact and has been used as a youth club in the past. Will the station ever be reopened – unlikely since the various bridges linking the town to Yatton in one direction and to Wells in the other have been dismantled. Plus of course the line is mainly laid out as a footpath and cycle path as The Strawberry Line. But at least the station will be little more complete thanks to Barry Walsh and The Mens’ Shed.
And https://www.harrymottram.co.uk/journalist/axbridge/axbridge-news/
Axbridge News: 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.
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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 www.harrymottram.co.uk
Visit: https://www.harrymottram.co.uk/diary/
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