SWIMMERS have been flocking to Warleigh Weir this summer to make the most of the weather.

The beauty spot near Bath is a popular location for many visitors. In previous years, swimmers could use the toilets at the site. However, this year there are no available toilets following a warning from Bath and North East Somerset Council.

Owner of the wild swimming spot Johnny Palmer explained in a video posted to the Warleigh Weir Facebook page.

Johnny said: “In 2022 and 2023 we had toilets down here which were being paid for by a mixture of the commissions from the food vendors, the donations, and my own personal funds but in 2023 I got a letter from the B&NES environmental health department saying the toilets weren’t clean enough.”

Johnny said that the toilets were being cleaned and emptied weekly which he felt was “sufficient” but the council issued an enforcement notice ordering them to be cleaned daily. 

“So it turns out that its somehow better — according to the environmental health department — to have no toilets rather than toilets that are cleaned and emptied once a week. So unfortunately that is why there’s no toilets down here.

“I invite the council to get back in contact and agree parameters that are reasonably practical and sustainable from a health point of view, but also to give people the facilities they need in this beautiful spot.”

Tim Ball, Bath and North East Somerset Council’s cabinet member for neighbourhood services said: “The toilets are on private land, however last year we received a complaint about overflowing excrement near the water. Our officers notified the site owner, who said they would take action. Officers also advised that once-a-week cleaning would not be enough during the summer considering the complaint that was made.”

The Warleigh Island is private property but respectful visitors are permitted to access the land and encouraged to leave a £1-2 donation. Visitors to the site must take their rubbish some with them. 

Visitors should also be aware of their safety. Accessing the site means crossing over train tracks where trains travel in both directions and which does not have a level crossing. There are no life guards and swimmers should be aware of the dangers associated with weirs, where strong currents can hold people under the water even when the water appears calm.