Latest news with #BourtonontheWater
BBC News
28-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Clarkson's Farm: Council refutes 'awkward' portrayal on show
A council has refuted Jeremy Clarkson's claims its representatives were "awkward" and "had nothing positive to say" about his plans to buy a country revealed he was considering purchasing the Coach and Horses Inn, in Bourton-on-the-Water, in an episode of his show Clarkson's attending a pre-planning application meeting, he criticised Cotswold District Council and said it seemed "worried" he would make the pub a council has told the BBC it "absolutely refutes" Clarkson's claims, adding it had "several positive meetings" about the proposals and later received a thank you email from his planning agent. The Grade II-listed Coach and Horses Inn, which remains closed, dates back to the 18th Century and sits opposite Clarkson's Hawkstone Brewery on the A429 Stow former Top Gear presenter also owns Diddly Squat Farm in the Oxfordshire Cotswolds - the subject of his Prime Video series - and has previously been involved in planning rows with West Oxfordshire District Council. Prior to Clarkson's meeting with Cotswold District Council, he had a meeting at Shire Hall with Gloucestershire County Council, who said it was "pro-business and pro-tourism" and appeared generally supportive of his Clarkson was then filmed discussing the outcome of his meeting with the district council in a Cirencester café."We had a man from Bourton council and he just didn't have a single positive thing to say," Clarkson said."People are going to come... I know they are, that's the point of a pub."Bourton Parish Council told the BBC it was not represented at the meeting."Jeremy's references to who was involved are a bit vague and unclear," it said the pub had "failed" after being owned by eight different people over 12 years, but claimed the district council was "worried" his ownership would "bring a lot of people" to the area. A spokesperson for Cotswold District Council said: "We absolutely refute that any of the officers or councillors involved in working with Jeremy to realise his vision for the Coach and Horses had 'absolutely nothing positive to say' or were awkward."They added: "There were in fact several positive meetings between Jeremy and his team, and willing officers and councillors at Cotswold District Council. "These discussions explored how challenges to renovating this pub could be overcome, as part of the pre-application stage of this project. A planning application was never submitted."Upon deciding not to pursue purchase of the pub, Jeremy sent an email via his planning agent thanking the council for being 'so open and supportive', and for trying to find solutions to some of the hurdles needed to overcome renovation of the pub. He stated that 'the march of time and the feasibility of getting this done within a window that works for television' had been the project's undoing."
BBC News
08-05-2025
- BBC News
Thousands raised for memorial to geese killed in Cotswolds crash
Thousands raised for memorial after geese killed Just now Share Save Bea Swallow BBC News, West of England Share Save Cheryl Agg There has been an outpouring of grief from villagers, with many writing poems and laying flowers at the crash site A fundraiser set up to help cover cremation costs and a memorial for two geese killed in a crash has raised more than £3,500. George and Mildred were cherished by the community in Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire, and could often be spotted lounging on the riverbank together. The inseparable pair were hit by a driver on Landsdowne Road at about 17:45 BST on 30 April. The driver spoke to police voluntarily and will not face prosecution. Keith Steer, who lives opposite their riverside stomping ground, said he came upon the "shocking" scene and voluntarily paid £300 to have them cremated out of respect. "I thought we can't leave them where they are because it's so hot, and children might pass by, or the foxes could get them overnight. I couldn't let that happen," he said. "I had a tear in my eye when I saw them. I didn't understand how somebody could do that." Keith Steer Mr Steer said the geese would regularly spend time in his garden There has been an outpouring of grief from villagers, with many writing poems and laying flowers at the crash site. Mr Steer said the birds had called Bourton-on-the-Water home for the past four years, and residents felt they deserved a more dignified ending. The money raised will go towards installing a memorial on the riverside. Suggestions from the community include a mural, a pair of bronze statues, a wooden bench and plaque, or a road sign to remind drivers of the 20mph speed limit. "That could have been two small children or an older person trying to get across the road. It could have been horrific," Mr Steer said. "I didn't expect [the fundraiser] to reach the amount it has. It just shows how much people cared about them, and how much they'll be missed." Sarah Dugdale The geese were described by locals as "endearing characters" who were very protective of each other Resident Cleo Carruthers says "the community is in mourning" following their deaths. "People are really going to miss them, they brightened our days and it was so lovely to have them here," she added. "I felt so honoured that they came here and chose to stay. It's a tragedy as far as people here are concerned." Ms Carruthers said speeding was an issue in the area and urged both residents and visitors to "respect the wildlife and the rules of the road" to prevent another loss. 0:14 Residents have said the community "is in mourning" over the loss of the geese Cotswold Neighbourhood Policing team said the driver had voluntarily come forward with his details and would not face prosecution. "We understand the upset this has caused in the local community and want to reassure people that we are aware of the incident and enquiries are taking place," it added. "The investigation shows no offences in relation to the Wildlife and Countryside Act." Follow BBC Gloucestershire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.
BBC News
07-05-2025
- Climate
- BBC News
Remaining trees removed from land after Storm Darragh damage
Operation to clear road after storm damage completed Drone footage shows difference as A436 cleared of trees Almost 50 trees have been removed along a key route after the road was completely blocked during a storm. Storm Darragh felled 70 trees alongside the A436 in Bourton-on-the-Water on 7 December 2024, which led to the road being closed between Notgrove and the A429 at Whiteshoots Hill for more than two weeks. One man broke his pelvis and damage was caused to properties when the trees fell. Work to remove the remaining trees took place from 14-17 April and 22 April after Gloucestershire County Council worked with the local landowner.
