By Harry Mottram: The extreme hot weather has continued into a second week but for those with a long memory there’s no likelihood of standpipes in the street or the appointment of a Minister for Drought appointed as happened in 1976. The Reservoir although closed this week is fairly full compared to previous years and rain is forecast for Thursday when the Taunton Thespians are set to stage an out outdoor production of Twelfth Night at Compton House. However as mentioned earlier Bristol Water has closed the reservoir for concerns over health and safety – read that as irresponsible partying and swimming in the ice-cold water. Anecdotally some residents have disobeyed the closure and have entered the reservoir area in the evening despite the barriers and security put up. This is not advised.
And whilst we are on the weather the national weather forecasts have underplayed the strength of the winds lately. Yes it is very hot and will remain so for a few more days but the winds – especially at night have been around 30mph – close to gale force – which led to the recycling bins of the town being blown over and paper, card and tins being blown up the roads. And some recycle bins disappearing in the blasts. More on recycle bins and replacing them at https://www.somerset.gov.uk/bins-recycling-and-waste/order-replacement-bins-and-recycling-containers/
Upper New Road
No news on Cheddar Reservoir 2 although Bristol Water are carrying out extensive works which have closed Upper New Road this week. The closure runs to Friday 17th July, 2026, as the utility carries out ‘new connection works.’ Axbridge Town Council issued this note: “The contractor has indicated that access for Emergency Services through the site is not permitted on this occasion. For any further information about this closure please contact Bristol Water on 0345 702 3797, quoting reference: ttro952968N.”
A diversion has been set up around Round Oak Road with links from Upper New Road to Axbridge Road and The Barrows – which is very busy as a result. Allow extra time if you are driving to Cheddar this week in the rush hours. The alternative is of course Venns Gate and Tweentown to avoid too many hold ups but anecdotally the village is congested at times.
No new updates on Lidl’s plans for a supermarket on Upper New Road or Cheddar Reservoir 2. And the plans for the former yogurt factory on the A371 near Cheddar Woods are being looked at by planners.
Highways news
Whilst on the subject of roads a man has died in a car crash near Chew Valley Lake this week. In a report the police said: “We are appealing for witnesses following a fatal collision in the Chew Valley. Officers were called at around 7.40pm yesterday (Monday 13 July) to Bath Road, in West Harptree, following a report of a two-vehicle collision. Sadly, a man in his seventies was pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin have been informed and they are being offered support by a specially trained officer. Our thoughts are with them during this incredibly difficult time. A young adult was taken to hospital but was later released after receiving medical attention. The road was closed in both directions while emergency services attended and reopened at around 8am today (Tuesday 14 July).”
Also on the roads near Axbridge the M5 continues to have major hold-ups due to vehicle crashes – in the media we used to call them ‘road traffic accidents’ or RTSs but in reality none or only a tiny number were genuine accidents. The motorway is now clear again but earlier there was a crash near Wellington. That sounds a long way away but the knock-on effect is that traffic can experience a stop start movement either side of the incident for many miles with some drivers deciding to use the A38 as an alternative. When the M5 was built it was criticised for being under used in the 1970s – now some people feel it should have been four lanes wide.
And while we are on the roads a man was arrested in Bleadon near Axbridge. Charlie Watts of the Mercury reported: “Avon and Somerset Police said officers were on patrol near Bleadon today (Tuesday, July 14) when they spotted the driver not wearing a seatbelt. Further checks revealed the vehicle had no insurance and had been declared SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification), meaning it should not have been being driven on the road. Officers then carried out a roadside drugs test, which police said returned a positive result for cocaine. The driver was subsequently arrested and the vehicle was seized.”
Football
Axbridge News understands the town’s pubs will be screening the remaining World Cup matches live. The games are Spain V France at 8pm (3pm in Dallas) on Tuesday 14th July, and England V Argentina on Wednesday 15th July also an 8pm KO (3pm local time in Atlanta). The temperature for both games is the same as here in Axbridge at around 30C. The two games at the weekend for the third/playoff are 10pm on Saturday and 8pm on Sunday for the final.
More importantly in Axbridge the town’s United team are seeking new players – training has started on Tuesday evenings at 7pm on the Furlong – so if you feel you’d like some exercise and make some new friends – and have a football mind – pop along or contact the team on their social media accounts.
Axbridge United kick off the new season on September 14th.
Axbridge Fun Day in the Square
We cannot pass without saying how brilliant Saturday’s Fun Day – or rather party – in the Square was. The town’s Sports and Social did Axbridge proud with one of the best attended events in the town’s recent history. The ball run, the live music, the stands, the community involvement and above all a wonderful atmosphere in the Square as friends and families met up for a chat, a drink or to enjoy the weather. The Axbridge Sports and Social have a FaceBook site at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559132188770
Their next event is Santa in the Square at Christmas – yes – I have mentioned the Christmas word and it’s not even August!
Hospital News
And if you were not aware Weston Hospital is now part of a new group called the Bristol NHS Foundation Trust (BFT). From 1st July 2026, the new Trust has been formed by a merger with the North Bristol NHS Trust – that’s the BRI or the Bristol Royal Infirmary and its various sections. Southmead in north Bristol is joining the Bristol and Weston Hospitals Charity so it seems a slow coming together of the area’s NHS organisations. In the meantime you can find out more at bristolft.nhs.uk
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/
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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