By Harry Mottram: The extreme heat this week has seen owners Bristol Water close the Cheddar Reservoir to the public for safety reasons. On their website they state: “There will be no public access to Cheddar reservoir between Sunday 21st and Wednesday 24th of June. This action is in line with our routine water safety practice at Cheddar Reservoir for extreme heat scenarios. With the extreme heat, and very little shade around the reservoir’s permissive path, we want everyone to stay safe. We know the water can look very tempting on hot days, but it can be extremely dangerous, and we don’t want any extra pressure on the emergency services on what will already be a very busy time for them. We apologise for any inconvenience or disappointment this causes. We have further information and updates on our notice page.”
In the past the utility has also expressed concerns of dogs drinking the water: “In warmer months, blue-green algae can sometimes appear on the water’s surface. This algae might look harmless, but it can be toxic to animals if they ingest or come into contact with it. Exposure to this algae can lead to serious health issues for your dog, so keeping them out of the water is essential.”
Perhaps the real reason for closing the reservoir this week is more to do with concerns over insurance caused by drunken behaviour, anti-social behaviour, vandalism and late-night parties. Regular visitors will have witnessed these types of activity when it is hot and sunny with long summer evenings. There is a danger for people swimming (which is banned) due to the murky water and debris under the surface such as discarded fishing tackle and bottles. There have been a tiny number of deaths over the decades at the reservoir but if for instance a youngster drowned or be seriously injured the litigation that may follow could be expensive and lead to a full-time ban.
A long fence was put up by the Sharpham Road playing fields to restrict entry during such a closure along with a gate and steps. Although there are several unfenced entrances around the reservoir it is important to abide by the temporary closure.
Churchill Traffic Jams
North Somerset Council have warned drivers there will delays in Churchill at the lights by the Weston-super-Mare to Blagdon junction on the A38 due to road works. The major upgrade to the junction will see delays for months to come. They said: “Expect major delays along the A38 and A368 in Churchill, North Somerset. A major, long-term construction project to upgrade the crossroads into a smart-traffic roundabout is underway. This massive undertaking began in May 2026 and is expected to last until early 2027, causing severe congestion in the area.”
Anecdotally commuters from Axbridge have described long queues and delays of 20 minutes or more. The alternative route to Bath from Axbridge is via Cheddar and the Mendips while to Bristol there is Cheddar to Burrington Comber via the Mendips and Ashley Lane to reach the A38 – or of course the M5. You can check on local roadworks at this site: https://one.network/public
Banwell Bypass
The bypass to bring relief to one of Somerset’s most notorious bottle necks is set to be completed next summer. First planned before the Second World War due to the narrowness of Castle Hill and West Street it has taken several attempts in recent years to get the funding and planning in place. Banwell residents are not keen on drivers using the High Street which is even narrower while the southern lanes around Christon Road are just as narrow. North Somerset Council said: “Construction of the 3.3km Banwell bypass is well underway with main contractor Galliford Try. Piling is over 60% complete, heavy bridge beams have arrived on site, and tarmac is being laid as the road takes shape. The new road is on track to open to traffic in early 2027.”
Axe Vale Arts
Organisers of Axe Vale Arts (the former Methodist Chapel in West Street) have published this appeal: “Axe Vale Arts has a rare opportunity to buy the Methodist Church we currently call home and secure a permanent base for creativity, learning and cultural events in the heart of Axbridge. This opportunity is available now, but we need to show strong local support if we are to make it happen. By purchasing the building, we can protect the space for exhibitions, workshops, performances and activities for years to come. If you’d like to help, please consider making a donation and sharing our crowdfunding page with friends, family and colleagues. Every donation and every share brings us one step closer to securing the future of Axe Vale Arts for everyone in our local community. Email us to discuss how you can help at axevalearts@gmail.comor directly support the campaign at: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/axevalearts-4”
The arts centre has a mixed programmer of music, poetry, drama, workshops, publishing and social events.
The arts centre is also keen to recruit more helpers: “Do you have a few hours a week to devote to helping us develop and deliver a wide range of performing and creative art activities? Or can you assist with the administrative aspects of the project such as advertising, fundraising, governance etc. If you want to know more about our journey to date, our thoughts for the future and how you might get involved please fill in this Volunteering form or email us for a chat: axevalearts@gmail.com”
For more details visit https://axevalearts.org.uk/ and their FaceBook page which updates the many events.
The Storm
On the evening of Monday 22nd June, 2026, Axbridge experienced a powerful storm with thunder, lightning, heavy rain and strong winds from the south west. Some homes were flooded due to the ferocity of the winds driving the rain – often through open windows and doors left ajar to combat the extreme heat. It lasted approximately from 5-6pm and was not forecast – instead light showers and winds were predicted on the main weather sites. A dramatic change in the weather! There were reports of power outages in Shipham and floods between Wedmore and Westhaye, while flights at Bristol Airport were suspended. Both Axbridge and Fairland schools have announced closures due to the extreme heat for part of this week. Check with the schools for details.
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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 https://www.harrymottram.co.uk/diary/
Coming up is a Fun Day in the Square 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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