Bath and North East Somerset Council is working closely with Johnny Palmer, owner of the island beside Warleigh Weir near Bath, following his recent threat to close access to the popular wild swimming location.
Mr Palmer acquired the island eight years ago to protect the site, but has expressed frustration over repeated incidents of “scummy people” lighting fires and barbecues, raising concerns about the risk of wildfires. Despite owning the land, he is unable to legally close it as a public right of way crosses the island.
The council has previously declined requests to extinguish this right of way but acknowledges safety concerns at the weir. Manda Rigby, the council cabinet member responsible, emphasised the council’s priority: “Our prime concern is, as always, the safety of the public. We continue to work closely with Mr Palmer to explore possible solutions to the concerns he has raised about the public right of way at Warleigh Weir, which we have discussed with him at a recent meeting with local partners.”
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Ms Rigby further highlighted issues with anti-social behaviour, water quality monitoring, inadequate facilities, and safety provisions, emphasising the need for visitors to be aware of potential risks when visiting the site.
Warleigh Weir has been used by swimmers for over a century. When river levels are low, the upstream area offers both shallow paddling spots and deeper swimming areas. However, the site does pose dangers, particularly during higher water levels when the weir generates hazardous recirculating currents under the surface, which can trap swimmers.
There are no lifeguards on duty, and access involves crossing railway tracks at a level crossing equipped with traffic lights and a gate. Although water quality is periodically tested, conditions can vary.
Mr Palmer’s company, Warleigh Island Conservation Project Ltd, purchased the island in 2017 with the intention of preserving the site and maintaining public access. In 2023, he opened a permanent sauna on the island.
Despite these efforts, Mr Palmer has repeatedly threatened to close the island to public access. In 2018, he warned that continued littering could lead to closure. More recently, he sought the extinguishment of the public right of way due to safety concerns related to the adjacent railway. Now, citing fire risks, he is considering restricting access solely to invited guests and sauna users, even if it involves illegally blocking the right of way.
Last week, Mr Palmer stated: “I know it is an offence to block a public right of way, but when faced with breaking this law or seeing a vicious wildfire take place which could harm people and livestock, I have to do the brave thing and break one law to avoid a much more serious issue.”
He also criticised those leaving litter, describing them as “revolting scumbags,” but stressed that it is the fire hazard driving his consideration to close the island despite potential enforcement action.
As of the weekend following his statement, the weir and island remained accessible and were being actively used by families, couples, and groups enjoying swimming and picnics.