By Harry Mottram: Cheddar Reservoir has been reopened by Bristol Water following the heat wave – although temperatures remain in the high 20Cs for the next week with rain forecast in the week after next. In a statement Bristol Water stated: “CHEDDAR RESERVOIR – 16TH OF JULY. Cheddar reservoir is now open for public access again with both car parks accessible. We thank you for your patience and understanding during this time. Please remember to stay hydrated during your visit, wear sunscreen, and avoid being in direct sun between 11am and 3pm where possible, as temperatures and humidity remain high. We also ask all visitors to follow safety guidance when visiting our reservoirs. Swimming is not permitted in our reservoirs. They are dangerous environments, with hidden machinery and other hazards that pose a serious risk to life. Water temperatures rarely rise above 12°C, creating a high risk of cold water shock.”
Anecdotally residents have noted people have entered the Reservoir during its closure. The advise is to obey any closure as if something happened such as an accident Bristol Water could insist on closing it for longer periods – and older readers will know the reservoir was out of bounds for many years in decades past apart from anglers.
Football
There has been a collective feeling of disappointment across the country when England lost to Argentina in the World Cup – and relief for those who are not football fans. Axbridge News understands the town’s pubs will be screening the remaining World Cup matches live. The games are England V France for the 3rd-4th place at 10pm on Saturday and 8pm on Sunday for the final which pitches Argentina against Spain.
As reported last week 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.
Churchill Traffic Jams
People using the junction of the A38 and A371 at Churchill will have experienced delays due to roadworks and new sets of lights. Cllr Hugh Malyan, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport at North Somerset Council, said: “This scheme will enhance the operation of the A38/A368 junction for all users, reducing delays, improving safety and supporting travel by bus, on foot and by bicycle. We have considered local feedback in detail and, as a result, the proposals have been strengthened through the introduction of controlled crossings on each arm of the junction, including audible and tactile features, to improve accessibility and provide greater confidence when crossing. In addition, by delivering these improvements alongside essential maintenance, including resurfacing, drainage enhancements and upgraded lighting, we will maximise value for money for residents across North Somerset.”
Traffic management will include lane closures, 2-way signals and a week of night works at the end of the scheme in early 2027. The works have been carefully planned to minimise disruption. The A38 is a key part of the North Somerset region, so the project is being managed to reduce impact on the network as much as possible. While this may extend the overall timeline, ensuring minimal disruption remains the top priority. Work will continue at the crossroads until the end of the year.
Sharp eyed drivers will have spotted that in Churchill the Churchill pub has closed and is boarded up with an appeal for a new landlord. I can find no evidence behind a local rumour that Tesco wanted to buy it. The Stag and Hounds pub is open as normal.
Opinion: Andy Burnham and Cheddar Res 2
This summer Britain will have a new Prime Minister in Andy Burnham who is now the new leader of the Labour Party as Kier Starmer has resigned. I’m not commenting on the politics apart from the potential changes to utilities that the new PM has in mind. Andy Burnham has said he believes public ownership is the best option for the hugely in debt Thames Water, raising the likelihood of nationalisation for the utility while this week British Steel has been brought back into public ownership. Add to that the hikes in fuel costs due to the Iran-USA war and the possibility of higher inflation and interest rates and there’s uncertainty for multi-million pound projects like Cheddar Reservoir 2 and the pipeline to Devon. By now I would have expected some news on the new reservoir as in June there was a deadline set by West Country Water and Environment on whether to give the green light to the next stage which is to seek planning permission . Having interviewed Andy Burnham twice in the past I can see why he is popular as he is more open than many politicians and is clear about his plans. In other words – hypothetically – why would South West Water build a pipeline to Devon which is projected to be 160% over budget if there was a possibility of them being nationalised? That doubt may explain the delays so far.
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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