Public and community leaders invited to drop-in on the Cleeve Hill B3191 closure

Local residents, businesses and community leaders are being invited to a drop-in event in Watchet later this month to discuss concerns around the Cleeve Hill road closure.

Somerset County Council supported by Somerset West and Taunton Council is running the public event at Watchet’s Phoenix Centre on Thursday, 23 March from 4-7pm.

The B3191 at Cleeve Hill was closed on 12 January following the results of a geotechnical survey. More detailed inspections have revealed further movement is inevitable and it will be impossible to safely reopen the road without major intervention which means it is likely to remain closed indefinitely.

The drop-in event will offer the chance for people to talk to officers about issues affecting businesses and the surrounding communities following the loss of this important route.

There will be an opportunity to cover a range of enquiries and concerns including:

• Road safety and highways issues arising on the surrounding network due to increased volume of traffic
• Economic impact on businesses
• Community transport options, including a link bus service
• Potential for active travel alternative routes
• Possible options for a new route should funding become available
• Measures to support and promote Watchet

The team is continuing to explore the possibility of applying for Government funding to potentially establish a new route but it is thought this option is highly unlikely to materialise due to the huge expense involved and practical difficulties in saving the cliff.

Cllr Mike Rigby, Somerset County Council’s Lead Member for Transport and Digital, and Somerset West and Taunton Lead for Economic Development, Planning and Transportation said: “We know the loss of the B3191 is having an impact on residents and businesses, that’s why we want to meet people to hear their concerns and discuss what might be possible in terms of support.

“We are not giving up on a future scheme to provide a revised route, our team is continuing to explore all options with Government and to try to access funding. But we need to be realistic about the likelihood of that happening in the near future.

“That’s why we want to work constructively with the Watchet Task Force which includes Watchet Town Council, Watchet Chamber of Trade (WACET), as well as with Old Cleeve and Carhampton Parish Councils, and all local elected members, to understand how we can support businesses and residents.”

Everyone is welcome to attend the Cleeve Hill drop-in event at Watchet’s Phoenix Centre, opens in a new window5 Harbour Road, Watchet TA23 0AQ,  on 23 March from 4-7pm.