THE online community newspaper for Nailsea people, their family and their friends

April 2026

Our town is a very, very nice (and pink) town

Property people

An outline planning application to build up to 130 homes at Poplar Farm at West End Lane, Nailsea, has been submitted to North Somerset Council. The 53 attached documents published on the planning portal show the dwellings with associated landscaping, access and infrastructure will have principal vehicle access from Leighwood Drive. As the Renters’ Rights Act moves closer Stuart Burdge, of Hensons, to offers his advice to landlords. Read more HERE.

What's On 2026

April sees in an early Easter with church services and more HERE. All the pub/club quiz and bingo nights are featured on our What's On page HERE which includes details of the next farmers' market, spring flower show, concerts and live gigs and the Somerset Square Saturday, April 25, programme for Turn Nailsea Pink event by Nowhere FUNraisers for Cancer Research UK

Gallery 2026

We have eight slideshows now in our 2026 gallery including the first two farmers' markets and the charity concerts at St Andrew’s church, Backwell, organised by local mum Jane Roberts to mark the anniversary of when she was told she had an incurable brain tumour. North Somerset MP Sadik Al-Hassan and his wife Katrina were among those dancing in the pews by candlelight. See more HERE and please email your photos to nailseapeople@gmail.com

Charity fundraiser, fashion icon and reality show success Mollie Pearce is one of Nailsea’s best known celebrities.

With musician boyfriend Connor Ball the couple have decided on a five marathon’s challenge to raise money for Crohn’s and Colitis UK.

Mollie shared with her 128,000 Instagram followers: “Hi, we’re Mollie and Connor. This year, we’re taking on a huge challenge to raise money and awareness for Crohn’s and Colitis UK — conditions that affect hundreds of thousands of people across the UK, often invisibly. Together, we’ll be walking five marathons in five days, covering around 130 miles, to support Crohn’s & Colitis UK and everyone living with these conditions.”

Mollie lives with Ulcerative Colitis and has a stoma, which she’s named Sid. Sid plays a huge part in helping Mollie live her life day to day - and now, Sid is coming on tour.

She added: “To say that I’m a little nervous is an understatement. Even walking one marathon is a challenge but doing that every day for five days in a row is a massively daunting prospect that will push me to my absolute limits. It’s going to be incredibly tough, but I’ve been training hard and I’m keeping my fingers crossed I don’t pick up a blister on day one! Crohn’s and Colitis can be incredibly tough, both physically and mentally. Because they’re often invisible, people don’t always see how much they impact everyday life - or how much support, understanding, and research is still needed. We want to help change that, even in a small way.”

To donate go to:

https://www.justgiving.com/page/sid-on-tour

Superfit Mollie who was runner-up of The Traitors

Series 2 intends to cover roughly 300,000 steps in under a week and on a recent holiday to Thailand she practised her keep-fit regime on the beach!

She is an ambassador for the charity, which supports the 300,000+ people of all ages in the UK living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).

In early 2025, she completed the Padstow to Rock Swim in Cornwall, a one-mile open-water challenge for Marie Curie and during her amazing Dancing on Ice stint she used her cardio training from the show to prepare for her swimming goals.

Forget the Brighton to London vintage car run as there is something rather special about joining the community in a much loved local tradition.
Hensons is delighted that Dotty Blue, its original 1930 vintage 'company car', will be appearing in the Nailsea carnival parade on Saturday, July 4.

As the procession departs Clevedon Road car park at 12.30pm and makes its way towards Millennium Park, we hope Nailsea people, their family and friends will enjoy seeing this charming veteran adding a little extra character to what promises to be a wonderful day for Nailsea organised by 1st Nailsea Scouts.
Hensons is very proud to support this splendid community occasion and to celebrate, in our own small way, the enduring spirit, heritage and togetherness that events such as this in countless small towns and villages across the country represent.

Watch this space for news of another ancient vehicle that could be joining the parade...

Rallying support

Fab feat, 5 marathon charity runs in 5 days

PINK MARKET DAY

Saturday, April 18, at Nailsea's farmers' market when we have two dance groups performing at 11am followed by the Barn Owls in Somerset Square. The BIG pink party is on Saturday, April 25. Look out for all the brilliantly decorated businesses all around town. A Nowhere FUNdraising spokesperson said: "We are so grateful for their support."

Nailsea People special VIP feature on our marathon runners is HERE but we start on our front page with Mollie and Connor charity run

Super Sue Jenner is biking, again

Nailsea town councillors Karen Bird, Terri Mazur and Ian Presland are inviting local people to talk about shaping the future of Nailsea.

This is an invitation to a workshop exploring the potential of a community-led Neighbourhood Plan for the Town.

The group said: "As local residents we are aware of proposed future development in and around Nailsea.

"We have been advised that one way of influencing the shape of the change is to produce a Neighbourhood Plan.

"This is not a council-led initiative, however, Nailsea Town Council is supportive of it and has been asked to send this communication out to you on our behalf.

"We are hosting a workshop to explore the town’s future and, specifically, to discuss whether a Neighbourhood Plan is the right approach for Nailsea.

"A Neighbourhood Plan is more than just a community-led planning document; it is a legal framework that gives our community a statutory say in planning matters such as protection of green space, community facilities and design.

"We need to know if there is collective support to move this forward.

"We will be led in the workshop and throughout the process by Katie and Vaughan, of Place Studio, a Bristol based community planning, design and engagement company with experience of enabling communities (such as Portishead) to be part of shaping the future of the places that matter to them."

People with knowledge of the community and with enthusiasm is all that is needed.

Here are the details:

6.30-8pm Thursday, April 30, bar open from 6pm
Function Room, Mizzymead Recreation Centre, Mizzymead Rise
Tea and coffee will be provided

Under discussion at this workshop will be:

Explore the opportunities, priorities and challenges the future is likely to hold for Nailsea.
Consider if a community-led Neighbourhood Plan could be a valuable way of shaping the future of the town.
Assess interest in forming a representative group to move this project forward.

Please email to confirm attendance to enquiries@nailseatowncouncil.gov.uk

Workshop invitation to talk about Neighbourhood Plan

Superfit Sue Jenner is getting on her bike for a solo ride to raise money for young people in crisis.

She is going on a 500-mile bike ride to raise money for Wellspring Counselling.

Sue now aged 78 completed successfully a slightly shorter (50 miles) ride in 2019 – see screenshot from Nailsea People at that time.

Sue, a counsellor and trustee at Wellspring Counselling, will cycle an incredible 500 miles from St Davids to Canterbury starting on Thursday, April 30.

Taking on the challenge solo, Sue will spend four weeks wild camping along the way as she raises vital funds.

Her mission? To support young people struggling with mental health.

With anxiety, exam pressure and school stress on the rise, demand for support has never been higher. In North Somerset, hospital admissions for mental health and self-harm among young people are above the national average — a worrying trend

Wellspring is determined to tackle through early intervention.

Sue, who has supported the charity since 2018, is now going the extra mile — quite literally — to ensure young people have a safe place to talk and be heard.

SCREENSHOT: From Nailsea People 2019 archives

Sue Jenner, counsellor and trustee at Wellspring Counselling

is an inspiration in the Nailsea community, Sue is also known for helping local refugees. Now, she’s hoping her epic journey will inspire others to get behind the cause and make a difference.

Wellspring provides professional, low-cost counselling for adults and donations-based counselling for young people aged 11 to 25.

The service is open to anyone living in North Somerset. All sessions are subsidised thanks to donations, grants and fundraising.

UPDATE FROM LIGHTHOUSE

Readers will be aware that between January-March 2026 Lighthouse Schools Partnership (LSP) held a listening period on the proposal to close Wraxall CofE Primary School from September 2026.

A decision was expected from the Minster of School Standards by the end of March 2026.

We have been informed by the Department for Education that a decision will now not be made before Monday, April 27, (at the earliest).

Therefore we now expect to receive a decision on the future of Wraxall CE Primary School at the end of April 2026.

A letter has been shared with the school community, said Lighhouse Schools chief executive Dr Gary Lewis.

He added: “Throughout this difficult process we have wanted to be as open and transparent as possible. Our priority continues to be the pupils, families and staff at Wraxall School as we navigate this period of extended waiting. When a decision is confirmed and communicated, we will, of course, continue to offer support to those affected by this proposal and potential closure of the school.”

Kids Go Free Easter social_1080x1080_A.png

HOP ON: Bus updates including new timetable links and airport bus as well as roadworks are on this page HERE

PROGRESS REPORT: Marathon two and the pair said 'tired and defeated' as it is all proving much harder that they thought. The pair on Instagram '...we're staying as positive as we possibly can but we're bruised, blistered...'. After three marathons Mollie reports sore feet and lots of tears BUT her fundraising target is reached. More hopefully to come on the final Friday. And here are the final photos shared from Mollie's Instagram where you can read more...

Changing colours

A Nailsea district councillor defected to the right-wing party Reform on April 1 making many on social media think it was an April Fool’s joke.

Andy Cole, who represents the Nailsea Golden Valley ward, becomes the party’s second councillor on North Somerset Council.

Wick St Lawrence and St Georges councillor Stuart Davies swapped from independent status to the Reform Party in February this year.

Mr Cole has been a councillor since 1995. He polled 1,027 votes in the 2023 elections.

Living in Nailsea since 1974 he married his locally born wife Sue the following year. Together they have two sons and four grandchildren.

Before retiring, Mr Cole worked in retail management for more than three decades.

Back in 2011 in a déjà vu moment, he announced he was disillusioned with party politics and had decided to fight district elections as an independent.

For 16 years he had represented Nailsea East as a Liberal Democrat on North Somerset Council.

He said at this time: “This has been a difficult decision for me, but I believe that I am making the right decision.”

“In my opinion the most important reason to be involved in local politics is to represent and protect your local community and to do your utmost to help local people with planning and other numerous issues.”

Commenting following his defection, he said: “Today, I am joining Reform UK because I believe they are the only party capable of restoring Britain to the great nation it once was.

“Both nationally and locally, I have seen the country I love decline, and Reform is offering real solutions to turn things around.

“As a district councillor, I want to see sensible control of spending on the issues that matter most to residents, rather than wasting money on ideological projects.

“I look forward to continuing my work with the backing of Reform UK.”

A Reform UK spokesman said: “We are delighted to welcome Andy to Reform UK.

“He is an excellent addition to our growing team in the South West as we build towards the May elections.”

Plans to move Nailsea & Backwell railway station

Talks are currently going on between councillors, planning officers and would-be developers about moving Nailsea & Backwell railway station.

A new site is yet to be identified but given the time it took to get the new stations at Portishead and Pill approved it is not thought to be imminent.

Nailsea & Backwell railway station was built in 1841 and is described on Wikipedia as ‘with two short platforms but little in the way of facilities.

It has been deemed ‘not fit for purpose’.

GWR accessibility manager Tom Law and head of public affairs Tom Lydon were part of the discussion at the Friday morning Nailsea & Backwell Disabled Access Café.

Organiser Alison said she had been battling since the early 1990s to get improved access at the station.

But those present heard fixing the access would cost the same as building a new station but not near the current embankment as that would be ‘extremely challenging’ and ‘extremely costly’.

Tom Lydon said: “‘We have messed around for a long time and we are going to bite the bullet and relocate the station,”

He added that preliminary work had already started.

Building a new rural railway station in the UK costs between £15-20 million for a basic one or two platforms like that proposed for Wellington in Somerset.

North Somerset MP Sadik Al-Hassan who lives in Pill which is getting a new station asked if there is a site nearby which would be more accessible.

Flax Bourton which was axed by Beeching in 1964 is semi-derelict but on the flat, see photo by Matt Buck.

Currently those with mobility issues wanting to journey to deepest Somerset and beyond must catch a train into Bristol and then get a West Country connection.

And coming home they must get out at Yatton and use a taxi which has to be booked in advance.

With a limited supply of specialist taxis, timetable problems and cancelled trains nearly everyone present had tales of horror to relate including Sadik and Alison.

While one person said: “On past experience when life is hard anyway it makes you just not want to go anywhere except by car.”

Tom Law talked about GWR acknowledging the issue with the taxis and also explained the work of the Passenger Assistance team.
Nailsea Town Council chairman Graham Parsons said: “I think there is no political will to fix our station.”

Alison added: “Several wheelchair users shared passionately about being let down by lack of fully accessible taxis.

“GWR acknowledge difficulties but nothing is likely to be done about the station for at least 10 years, despite it being the worst station in UK for access and a ‘unique case’.

“GWR is still looking for an new site.

“I got the impression that if N&B station could be included in a fancy, vote winning scheme, funding could be found but that’s probably me being cynical after being told the same excuses year after year after year.”

Sadik volunteered to investigate taxi provision.

And in other matters:

Concern was expressed about the withdrawal of the X7 bus, particularly its affect on Flax Bourton residents, but several Nailsea and Backwell residents who rely on it to get to Bristol, now face more difficulties.
the new A2 service answers many constituents’ requests for a bus link to the airport. Sadik said sadly with every scheme to improve things there are always going to be winners and losers.
Sadik advised that for the first time pavements are now being assessed and maintenance issues recorded along with road surfaces. He also advised that town and parish councils will be able to set money aside from their precepts for pavement repairs.

Sadik advised of difficulties ticking the boxes for government funding.

However, a new £165 million fund will unblock housing and employment sites across England, delivering the critical road infrastructure that developers need to get building.
Part of the Government's Road Investment Strategy - the biggest long-term investment in England's motorways and major A-roads in a generation - with over £27 billion committed to keep the country moving and drive growth in every region.

The West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, in consultation with local councils, has submitted initial plans to the Department for Transport on how to invest the funding secured from government last year for transport improvements. The draft proposals include:

£150 million for bus improvements
£150 million for rail
£150 million for mass transit
£50 million for active travel
£59 million has also been provisionally allocated to assess options for future transport improvements.

The next café meeting at 65 High Street is on Friday, May 22, at 10.30am.

Scotch Horn Centre 2026 mprovements

Nailsea Action Group is busy monitoring, evaluating and commenting on local planning applications especially those which threaten open green space.
One application by Crest Nicholson is for outline permission - reference number 26/P/0464/OUT - to build 130 houses on land adjacent to Poplar Farm, West End Lane, Nailsea.
The proposed single entrance to the site is off Leighwood Drive close to its junction with West End Lane leading immediately to North Street and Engine Lane.
See https://planning.n-somerset.gov.uk/online-applications/.
NAG is also working on its response to the St Modwen developers’ appeal against North Somerset’s refusal to grant planning application for 200 houses on what is now Batten’s Farm immediately to the west of the Parish Brook development of 171 houses off Engine Lane reference number 23/P/2325/OUT.
Nailsea, Clevedon and Portishead town councils are working together to try to convince North Somerset Council that the parking charges imposed by it on these towns lowers footfall and damages local businesses.
To learn more about the work of NAG and take out membership go to https://nailseaactiongroup.org.uk/