By Harry Mottram: More details have emerged for the new treatment works to be constructed by the current buildings on the Axbridge side of the reservoir as part of the Cheddar Reservoir 2 project. The map of the planned site posted online by a resident shows the new treatment works taking up far more space than the existing one in the field running alongside Portmead Drove and the reservoir embankment with an array of buildings. Absent from the image of the Treatment Process Units is the anticipated access road for the building site south of the reservoir which is expected to run around the western edge of the embankment.
Covering an area of three full sized football pitches the site dwarfs the old one which is not inconsiderable in size as can be observed if you walk around the reservoir. The field is used for grazing for livestock, and features a mature oak tree which would be in the way of the buildings and is often waterlogged in winter. If the plan is put into action this or next year as is planned then quite a few trees would also go – however until planning permission is applied for with more details we can only speculate. The main photo shows the field in question and the footpath leading across it.
Sergeant of The Mace
For those with an interest in the details of how Axbridge works the town council meetings are essential to understand some of the everyday mechanics of the town. Car parks, footpaths, dog poo bins, planning applications and licensing to name but a few topics. In the latest minutes on the council’s website to be published for the March 9th meeting reveals that Ray Sparks – the new landlord of The Oak House – has been co-opted as a town councillor. Ray is also listed as one of the ceremonial officers of the town council as the Sergeant of The Mace – in previous centuries a role which would have given him the powers of arrest, to help maintain law and order and to act as a body-guard for the mayor. In Medieval times a mace was also a club weapon to be used to beat the heads of knights in or to be swung around in close quarter fighting. Now it is more ceremonial – to carry the symbols of office – the mace represents the power of the council and the mayor – and to ensure everything is in order at civic ceremonies. Sadly it doesn’t give him the power to arrest boy racers who race through the town in the early hours! For details of the the council visit https://www.axbridge-tc.gov.uk/
Car crash
Police have reported on a serious car crash on the A38 at near Cross and Lower Weare. Writing for Somerset Live, Shannon Brown penned: “A police car has been involved in a crash on the A38 in Somerset. One person was taken to hospital following a collision between Rooksbridge and Axbridge involving a marked Avon and Somerset Police car. The police car had been pursuing a vehicle linked to a wanted person at the time of the collision, a spokesperson for the force said. Officers spotted the vehicle at around 7.25pm on Thursday, May 21 and began a chase when the driver failed to stop. At 7.28pm, the police car was involved in a crash with an unrelated vehicle occupied by two members of the public. They were treated by paramedics at the scene, and one person was taken to hospital for assessment for injuries not believed to be life-changing or life-threatening.”
The A38 section of Turnpike Road linking Cross to Tarnock has seen numerous road traffic accidents over the years with the junctions at Cross, Kingsway and Old Coach Road blackspots for crashes.
Crime
Residents have been using Facebook to alert householders in the town of attempted break-ins at night in the last few weeks. West Street, Clover Ground and Hippersley Drive have all seen reports of attempts by unknown persons to force an entry into garages. Avon and Somerset Police give this advice: “During the summer months, with lighter evenings and many people spending more time away from home or on holiday, burglaries remain an important priority for us. Taking simple steps can help keep your property secure.”
- Lock your doors and windows before going out.
- Invest in a light timer and use it when you are out.
- Report any suspicious activity in the area to the police.
- Invest in a burglary alarm and CCTV camera’s for added security.
- Flood lights are good to deter potential burglars.
- Keep keys locked away somewhere secure at night.
For more information can be found on our website www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/crime-prevention-advice.
Somerset Live
The online news site Somerset Live has run a portrait of Axbridge on its website which it describes as a “The Somerset town with Tudor streets ‘unchanged for 600 years’” By which we assume the article by Kate Wilson refers to the High Street and King John’s Hunting Lodge. She describes Axbridge as ‘looking virtually unchanged for six centuries’ which suggests the writer hasn’t noted much of the listed buildings are Georgian and Victorian – and there’s no mention of the 20th and 21st century housing. Despite that it is always good for the town to receive such positive coverage – although the news site reported that the next Axbridge pageant is in 2030. I contacted the editor to point out the next pageant is in 2029 over the August Bank Holiday weekend. The article was then updated.
Axbridge 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. There are many events coming up at Axe Vale Arts Centre in West Street including workshops – some for youngsters – the regular acoustic and poetry nights which are free – and live music including Tango Calor – an Argentinian inspired band on 14th June. In July there is a Sports and Social fun day in the Square on July 11th, plus there’s Rumble in the Jumble, Open Gardens and a pantomime recruitment event – check out the dates at: https://www.harrymottram.co.uk/diary/
New Axbridge
The estate off Houlgate Way is nearing completion with many of the properties built by Bellway Homes now occupied with the new residents taking part in the town’s events such as the Progressive Supper and their children attending school. Out of curiosity I took a wander around the estate of more than 50 homes – some detached, some semis and some terraced – and some described as ‘affordable housing.’ Lavendar Rise as the estate is known has homes on the market from £520,000 to £800,000 – I can’t comment on the prices but the layout is attractive with views across the Levels for some – and the chicken farm at Townsend for others. There is a playground, a car park and several green areas or mini parks with trees and shrubs – plus two ponds to encourage wildlife.
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!
You must be logged in to post a comment.