Bath and North East Somerset Council is working closely with Johnny Palmer, the owner of the island adjacent to Warleigh Weir, following his announcement that he might close the popular wild swimming area to protect it from ongoing risks. Mr Palmer, who purchased the island eight years ago with the aim of safeguarding the site, cited concerns over fires being lit irresponsibly by some visitors, despite significant wildfire risks.
Although Mr Palmer is unable to legally close access, as a public right of way crosses the island, the council has previously declined requests to block this access. However, council members share Mr Palmer’s concerns regarding public safety and antisocial behaviour around the weir.
Manda Rigby, Cabinet Member for the council, stated, “Our primary concern remains the safety of the public. We continue to engage with Mr Palmer and local partners to explore solutions to the challenges posed by the public right of way at Warleigh Weir.”
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She further emphasised the ongoing issues involving antisocial behaviour, water quality, inadequate facilities, and safe access to the privately owned area. “Visitors should be fully aware of the personal risks they face when using sites such as Warleigh Weir,” she added.
Warleigh Weir has been a well-known swimming location for over a century. During periods of low river flow, the area upstream provides both shallow paddling and deeper swimming zones. However, the weir becomes particularly hazardous when water levels rise, due to strong recirculating currents beneath it that can be difficult for swimmers to overcome. Importantly, the site is unguarded, and access requires crossing railway tracks at a level crossing with gates and traffic lights.
Water quality is regularly monitored but can fluctuate. In 2017, Mr Palmer’s company, Warleigh Island Conservation Project Ltd, acquired the island to protect it and maintain public access. Last year, a permanent sauna was added to the island.
Mr Palmer has previously warned of possible closure over littering concerns in 2018 and more recently raised issues about railway safety affecting the public right of way. His current consideration involves restricting access to only invited guests and sauna users due to fire hazards, even if this entails blocking the public path illegally.
In a statement released last week, Mr Palmer acknowledged the illegality of blocking a public right of way but argued that the risk of severe wildfire damage justified such action. “Faced with breaking the law or preventing potentially devastating wildfires that could harm people and livestock, I feel compelled to take the necessary steps,” he said.
He also decried those leaving rubbish, describing some visitors as “revolting”, but emphasised that fire risk remains the main driver behind his potential closure plans.
Despite these warnings, as of Saturday, the weir and island continued to be frequented by friends, couples, and families enjoying swimming and picnicking as usual.