Bringing normality back to Cheddar - the view of the parish council chairman

Anti-social driving in Cheddar needs to be sorted out by the police as a priority in the efforts to get the village back to normal following the coronavirus crisis, according to the chairman of the parish council.

In the first interview in a new series by Cheddar Nub News called "Bringing normality back to Cheddar", the chairman of the council, Peter Colton, speaks about how anti-social driving is the main issue affecting the village, and that residents are concerned about the impact to their health of too many visitors arriving and not obeying the social distancing rules

In this series of articles, we will be talking to key figures from the parish council, business and tourism communities.

Here is our Q&A with Cllr Colton about what Cheddar can do to work towards getting back to normal when the time is right.

What do you make of the current situation with the Government beginning to ease lock down restrictions?

We understand the desire of people to get out more, to relieve the boredom and frustration of eight weeks of lockdown, but the concern for popular destinations like Cheddar is that masses of people will arrive and social distancing will be difficult, if not impossible.

Hence the police decision to close the gorge to vehicles on two recent weekends. Sure enough last weekend hoards descended on Cheddar, many ignoring the two-metre rule, increasing the risk of spreading infection.

Those who do come should know that the caves, souvenir shops and most bars, restaurants and cafes are closed - just a few providing take-away service only.

The attraction of the gorge at present is its natural beauty. Many came to enjoy the walks around the gorge last weekend but, unfortunately, there was also a marked increase in cars and motorbikes speeding through the village, motorists parking indiscriminately in the gorge and black tyre tracks evidence of donuts and other anti-social driving.

Just appealing to the public not to flock to beauty spots is clearly not enough, there has to be a strong police presence to prevent groups gathering and abusing the peace and harmony.

What are the village's main priorities at this point?

The village's first priority is the safety and wellbeing of the residents. There is a higher than average incidence of older people living in Cheddar, naturally concerned about their health.

They have a right to a safe and peaceful life without the worry of crowded streets and the disturbance from high powered motorbikes and cars roaring through the village.

Visitors to Cheddar too are at risk from anti-social and dangerous driving, and many say they won't come back because of the disturbance and risk from speeding and noisy vehicles.

Cheddar wants to have thriving businesses, so discouraging this behaviour is important to the economic revival of the village.

How do we stimulate the village's tourism economy?

We must promote Cheddar's great outdoor assets - the beautiful gorge and wonderful Mendip Hills.

It is a lovely place for walking and cycling and, in due course, the caves will reopen. As restrictions are further lifted Cheddar will work with Visit Somerset to reach a wide audience, especially those within the UK, who are most likely to holiday in this country in the next year.

The business community, led by the chamber of commerce, will work with the National Trust, the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Somerset Wildlife and Longleat to attract visitors who will appreciate the natural wonders of Cheddar.

Following the success of the temporary gorge closures over two weekends there may be opportunities for more, to put pedestrians and cyclists back in control.

People can park in the many car parks and enjoy the village, the gorge and surroundings on foot. The anti-social and dangerous driving has to be stopped if Cheddar is to thrive once more.

What needs to be done to make sure Cheddar is ready for visitors?

The businesses need to be open and ready to welcome visitors again, of course, even if social distancing is still to be enforced.

Many have used lockdown to smarten up their premises. The police have to control problem motorists.

Somerset County Highways, Sedgemoor district and Cheddar Parish Council, together with Longleat and the National Trust can all play their part but, ultimately it is the police who have to prevent unlawful behaviour which endangers lives and spoils the enjoyment of the majority.

For everything you need to know about Cheddar and coronavirus, click here.