Landowner seeks to close Warleigh Weir public right of way
A landowner has applied to close a public right of way to Warleigh Weir, citing safety concerns and antisocial behavior.
The Full Story
A plain summary built from the channels that reported this story.
The landowner of a popular swimming spot near Bath, Warleigh Weir, has applied to close a public right of way, citing safety concerns and antisocial behaviour. Johnny Palmer, who owns the land, says he fears someone could be hit by a train while crossing the live railway line to reach the weir. He claims that visitors have been taking selfies on the tracks, leaving rubbish on the lines, and ignoring warning systems. Network Rail has said it is vital that people obey the safety signals. The site has also seen problems with litter, parking on the A36, and general antisocial behaviour. Palmer argues that closing the right of way would allow him to introduce controls, such as a possible entry fee, to make the site safer and continue to allow public access. However, Bath and North East Somerset Council has accused him of being irresponsible, stating that he actively encourages people to visit the site and hosts events and commercial activities that draw increasing numbers. The council says the site is unmanaged and the risks are well known. Palmer disputes this, saying he runs a non-profit project aimed at helping people access nature safely. Visitors interviewed at the site expressed mixed feelings: some opposed any charge, valuing the free and natural experience, while others said a reasonable fee might be acceptable but raised concerns about limiting access for those who cannot afford it.
On screen
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Key Claims
Claims reported during this story's coverage, mapped by channel. Ordered by how many channels carried each claim.
| Claim | ITV |
|---|---|
| A landowner reported that people are taking selfies and lying on train tracks to create YouTube videos, increasing the risk of a fatal accident. | |
| Bath and North East Somerset Council accused the landowner of actively encouraging visitors and hosting events, calling it deeply irresponsible. | |
| The landowner stated that his project is non-profit and aims to help people access nature safely. |
Channel Perspectives
What each channel focused on, with key quotes.
ITV1 focused on the landowner's safety fears and the tension with the council. The report gave significant airtime to the landowner's perspective, including his concerns about train track dangers and antisocial behaviour, while also presenting the council's strong criticism. The tone was balanced but leaned slightly towards the landowner's narrative of trying to create a safe space, with the reporter noting the difficulty of closing a right of way.
- “The issue with the train tracks is you have to walk across live train tracks to get here, which if you follow the signs is completely fine. But people do stupid things like take selfies or lay on the train tracks to get YouTube videos.”
- “Closing public rights-of-way is very, very, very difficult. There's a lot of campaigning groups who I generally support their position, don't want public rights-of-way closed.”
- “I don't think people are paid to come into this area. They like the whole natural turning up, having a free swim and enjoying the environment, basically.”
Broadcast Timeline
News broadcasts tracked for this story, in time order.