By Harry Mottram: It’s the one story I get asked about most: Cheddar Res 2. When is it going to be built, where will the access road go, and will it affect house prices with all the construction traffic? Having ploughed through Ofwat’s scrutiny documents it is not difficult to see why the project is proceeding with caution. West Country Water and Environment (WCWE) – an industry umbrella group that includes West Country Water who own Bristol Water – have a series of ‘gates’ they need to go though in Ofwat’s evaluation of the project and how much it will cost. With the way HS2 costs spiralled out of control it’s not hard to see why politically a project that goes over budget can create a political crisis. Few would doubt that we need better water resilience – but how, where and what is the question – and with Government backing a new reservoir next to the current one along with a pipeline to Devon and a new treatment works is the solution from the authorities.
But there’s a but. Having read through the pages and pages of the scrutiny documents there is a doubt about the plans – since project Cheddar Res 2 cleared gate’s one and two the expected costs have risen by 173% up from £688.23 million to £1,876.81 million. The reasons are: “…developments in scope, design maturity and the associated risk profile, and is primarily attributable to further definition of the solution. In particular, this includes progression to a more developed reservoir design (and associated uncertainties), the addition of the 73 km pipeline to Wimbleball, and the inclusion of additional pumping and associated infrastructure.”
Now WCWE who are behind Cheddar Res 2 have to produce more details of the anticipated costs for gates three and four – which is as any engineer will tell you is an uncertain science. The next key date is 23 June for them to provide further information followed by December this year, and early in 2027 they will hope for Ofwat’s green light. It seems unlikely the project would be halted but in the documents it says if in the meantime a cheaper alternative to Cheddar Res 2 was found – then things could change. I covered the original plans back in 2016 when it was rising costs that put the kibosh on that more modest project – and politics can change a Government’s priorities as has happened with HS2. The odds suggest it will go ahead but one thing is certain – it will cost more than expected. And some of those costs will inevitably fall on us consumers.
Axbridge Town Council
On Monday 1 June 2026 at 6.30pm there is an extra-ordinary meeting of Axbridge Town Council to scrutinise a set of accounts – which you can read on their website at https://www.axbridge-tc.gov.uk/the-council/minutes-agendas/
The documents under discussion are Agenda Item 4.1 External Audit Section 1 Annual Governance Statement 2025 26 (pdf) Agenda Item 4.2a External Audit Section 2 Accounting Statements 2025 2026 (pdf) Agenda Item 4.2b Explanation Of Variances (pdf) Agenda Item 4.2b Explanation Of Variances Detail (pdf)
For those keen on numbers they make interesting reading with the Explanation of Variances revealing details of grants, the costs of grass cutting, vehicle speed indicator devices, maintenance of the public toilets and even the costs of the mayor’s regalia.
Water notes
Bristol Water owned by South West Water provide our drinking water – and rather confusingly we also have another company in Wessex Water who sort out our sewage and waste water which is why we get two bills. If you live in Taunton or Yeovil Wessex provides both – essentially it is down to the history of water boards and later companies as to why we have two providers. Wessex Water have organised community drop ins this summer with the nearest one to us is at Cheddar library – with three dates of 15 July, 9 September and 11 November. You can quiz their people on all things water between 10am-12noon and 1-2pm. The sessions give you a chance to find out about your bill, get advice on saving water and avoiding blockages and get information about water quality, plumbing and drainage. Their magazine Source has dropped through Axbridge letterboxes. See https://www.wessexwater.co.uk/
Axbridge Local History
The group based at King John’s Hunting Lodge have a trip planned to visit the SS Gt Britain on Wednesday 17th June with a mini bus from the Square pick up at 9.45am. The cost will be a max of £30 per head payable on the day. If you are interested and would like to join the society email Liz at moorlandfm@btinternet.com for more details.
Incidently Axbridge’s Rumble in the Jumble takes place on Sunday 28th June from 10am and proceeds will go towards the King John’s Hunting Lodge, so come to Axbridge and have a browse around the town. The Museum will be having a table top sale and many interesting books will be offered for a modest fee.
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/
Coming up is a Fun Day in the Square, Open Gardens, pantomime recruitment and lots of events at the Axe Vale Arts centre – check them out as for a small town Axbridge punches above its weight.
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!
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