By Harry Mottram: Many in the town will know of the two Facebook sites that have much news, views and adverts for events and businesses: Axbridge Connected and Axbridge Community. As one of the admins for Axbridge Community I am amazed that the site has more than three and half thousand members since the population of the town is just over 2,000! There are members from the towns and villages surrounding Axbridge but also former residents who live as far away as Australia and Canada – and they like to keep in touch. There is also the more nostalgic Facebook site of OLD AXBRIDGE PHOTO’s (and new) which has a lot of photos and memories – and some new – of the town and its many residents. With the demise of local newspapers – my main source of employment as a reporter and editor for decades – social media sites have become a vital centre of news.
New Mayor
At the Mayor Making and Annual Meeting of Axbridge Town Council on Monday, May 11, 2026, Richard Willis was voted in as the new mayor of the town for 2026-2027 by councillors. His deputy will be Graham Page, while the other ceremonial posts were confirmed as Ray Sparks was appointed as Sergeant at Mace, Andres Bolado appointed as Town Bailiff, Nigel Scott be appointed as Town Crier and Tricia Clark was appointed as Keeper of the Bells. Sometimes known as the Tricorn hat brigade the posts although largely ceremonial have a long history and in the past held considerable power from law and order to checking weights and measures in the market. Perhaps the most high profile today of these positions is that of town crier with Nigel Scott proving a popular incumbent with his bell, cloak and strong voice. The outgoing mayor Pauline Ham was thanked for her work in the town and will continue to serve as a councillor having previously worn the chain of office in the past.
On his social media site, Richard Willis wrote: “It’s not every day you get appointed as the Mayor of the Town I have loved living in for the past 20+ years, the place where I married Amy Willis 25 years ago, thanks to everyone who came to the ceremony, it’s an absolute pleasure to be the Mayor of Axbridge for the next year.”
The role of the mayor dates to 1557 when Queen Mary I transformed the governance of the town from a Guild to a Borough Corporation. The town dates to the Early Medieval Saxon era of the 10th century with the first of several charters for trade and governance granted by King John in 1204. In 1229 Henry granted another charter – and this one is the one to be marked by the next Axbridge Pageant in 2029.
Don’t forget the mayor, deputy, councillors and other officers such as the town crier are volunteers who do their best for the town. The council has limited powers with most held at county hall in Taunton – but they can give views on planning, maintain the footpaths, Furlong Field and other assets of the town – including the carparks. Details on the council at https://www.axbridge-tc.gov.uk/
Cheddar Res 2
The new reservoir to built next to Cheddar Reservoir will hold considerably more water than the existing one despite covering a similar area. By being deeper the amount of water it could hold is around 8.2 billion litres compared to 6.1 billion litres. The design will be different with the Cheddar Res 2 which is strawberry shaped – the new one will have an irregular shape or as I call it like an amoeba and will feature areas for wildlife and possibly floating islands for wildlife. Cheddar Reservoir 2 will be constructed with a new earth embankment like its sister, with concrete sides and probably a clay bottom using the geology of the valley to help seal the water in.
Apart from the reservoir which will have a large construction site area, there will be a new access road and a new Water Treatment Works (WTW) next to the existing River Axe pretreatment facility, which will ‘be refurbished and integrated with the new WTW for operational efficiency.’
West Country Water and Environment is the water utility umbrella group for the region – they are behind the project that includes South West Water who own Bristol Water and the Res. There is Government backing so despite previous delays Axbridge News understands the new reservoir will be built – whoever is resident in Number 10 Downing Street. Consultations, excavations and planning proposals are expected this and next year with the first water flowing into the new reservoir from 2030.
Churchill
For those who travel up the A38 towards Bristol there will be major roadworks at Churchill starting on Monday 18 May. North Somerset Council said: “The Churchill traffic improvement scheme aims to alleviate congestion, improve traffic flow, and enhance both current and future bus services. Under the approved design, the existing crossroads will be transformed into a roundabout with smart traffic signals.”
The plans are designed to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, and provide a safer, more efficient route for all users with a bus lane safer pedestrian access. Work will take months with a completion date in 2027.
Bristol Airport
Up the A38 from Churchill Bristol Airport have announced plans to expand to serve 15 million passengers per year and to fly to farther destinations like America and the Middle East. Although I’ve chartered some of these plans already the airport has now published more details. These include expanding the airport to absorb neighbouring Cook’s Farm to the north west, increase the size of the terminal building by almost half, and lengthen the runway — with landing lights to cross the A38 and be installed on Felton Common. Plus there is a planned change to the A38 with it being rerouted slightly to allow for the runway extension as far as I understand.
Progressive Supper
The annual charity progressive supper is set for Saturday November 21, 2026, with as last year the help of The Oak House Hotel. The new landlord Ray Sparks has kindly granted the use of the main function area to host the start and finish of the event which sees diners consuming a three course meal in three different locations on the night. More details nearer the time but some details of last year’s supper are here: https://www.harrymottram.co.uk/journalist/axbridge/axbridge-features/progressive-supper-2025/
Axbridge Diary
Events in the town are listed here: https://www.harrymottram.co.uk/diary/
I try to keep it up to date but it is helpful if organisers email me at harryfmottram@gmail.com or send me a message using social media. Events coming up include those at Axe Vale Arts Centre, Fun Day in The Square in July and the carnival in September.
Development News
Strongvox have indicated they will put in planning permission this year to build 43 homes in the field at the end of Orchard Way in the town. On their website they show two new sites – both green fields – where they plan to build new homes – worth keeping an eye on their website at https://www.strongvox.co.uk/developments/ .
Close to Axbridge, Lidl wish to build a supermarket on Upper New Road near the filling station and Cheddar’s allotments, while the former yogurt factory on the A371 is to be converted to housing and other buildings. The link road to the works for Cheddar Reservoir 2 is thought to be likely to be built from the A371 near the former yogurt factory, while further along the bypass nearby a planning proposal has been lodged with Somerset Council for a Gypsy and traveller site off the bypass on the Mendip side of the A371. This has been opposed by Axbridge Town Council and has met with much comment since it would be within the Area of Outstanding Beauty. Meanwhile in the town, building continues off Houlgate Way in the Lavender Fields development with a newly built playground plus several detached houses under construction at the Townsend side of the estate.
Axbridge News: Harry Mottram
There’s more news at https://www.harrymottram.co.uk/journalist/axbridge/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 – 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.
+++++++++++++++++
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/
You must be logged in to post a comment.