New wall door is an open and shut case

PART of a medieval wall could soon be knocked down - to make way for a door. The wall is just one of the many important features in Axbridge, which boasts numerous listed buildings. Town councillors this week said they felt putting a door in the middle of the historic wall would ruin it completely. Axbridge Town Council has written to Sedgemoor District Council to share its concerns.In July 2006 a developer submitted proposals to build 10 two-bed homes, plus car parking facilities, on land south of Old Manor House in High Street. Axbridge Town Council rejected the scheme on the grounds that it would cause 'over development', but the proposals were accepted by Sedgemoor District Council. Since then a new version of the plans has been drawn up which includes a door in the wall to provide access between the buildings and the residents' car park. Town councillors are now fighting to protect the wall.Mayor Baz Hamblin said: "The council is dead against any work on the wall. Axbridge is an historic town and we need to treasure our heritage."Not enough local residents voiced their opinion by writing to the district council but I know a lot of them are against the plans. "They were under the impression that if the town council had already strongly opposed it, there was no need to follow it up further. "A notice also has to be pinned next to the property, and neighbouring land owners have to be informed. As far as we can tell, the notice was pinned several doors down the road and neighbouring land owners weren't properly informed."Councillors have now invited conservation officers down to the site, so they can see for themselves the damage the development could cause. Cllr Hamblin added: "We want to show them some of the unique qualities Axbridge has to offer and how this development could ruin the appeal of the town.