Introduction
We are working with local organisations to support and promote Watchet after the community was hit by the loss of the B3191 Cleeve Hill road due to cliff erosion.
A decision was taken to close the road indefinitely in February 2023. This was due to safety concerns following the results of a geotechnical survey which looked at serious and significant cliff erosion close to the road. Detailed inspections revealed further movement is inevitable with the conclusion that it will be impossible to safely reopen the road without major intervention.
The Government has confirmed that no funding is available for such a scheme at this time. Somerset Council as a result of this, has no plans to build a new road.
Joining forces
In March, a drop-in event was organised in Watchet’s Phoenix Centre by Somerset Council and Watchet Town Council and Watchet Chamber of Trade. Residents, businesses and councillors were able to meet officers and discuss:
- The engineering and geotechnical reasons for the closure, including the chance to view drone footage of the cliff failure.
- Potential measures which could be taken to promote and support the town.
- Safety measures, including permanent closure signage and other potential measures to alleviate resulting traffic issues affecting the Old Cleeve community.
- The costing of options for a replacement road, estimated at between £30 to £60 million. This would be dependent on Government funding.
How we are supporting
We are working with the Task Force, which involves Watchet Town Council and Watchet Chamber of Trade, along with the town’s Visitor Centre, the community-run Onion Collective and local businesses to support the local economy and residents.
Following feedback from March’s drop-in event and subsequent meetings, the Council, Watchet Task Force, Old Cleeve and Carhampton Parish Councils have been working on a package of measures to support communities. These include:
- £30,000 of funding to enable a local response in Watchet to the closure. This is to improve the visitor economy of the town by boosting visitor numbers, including supporting longer-term plans for regeneration and recovery.
- Additional 30mph markings, signage and new Speed Indicator Device (SID) warning signs for Old Cleeve and Carhampton areas to encourage drivers to act responsibly. A review of speed limits is being explored with the Parish Council.
- Permanent road closure signs for the B3191 to ensure the safety of road users.
- Possible Active Travel and Public Rights of Way improvements.
- A proposed realignment of the car park entrance in Swain Street to improve traffic flow.
- Proposed realignment of the road at the entrance to Watchet so traffic is directed down Harbour Road rather than Swain Street.
Erosion image
Picture courtesy of Geckoella Ltd.
Progress so far
As of August 2023 the Council has now officially signed an agreement with Watchet Task Force to unlock £30,000 of funding to promote the town with the aim of boosting visitor numbers. The funding was approved in principle pending agreed terms. The money will be used to support social media promotion, advertising, events and part of it will fund a long-term review of the design of the town to explore the potential for future improvements. New permanent signage has been installed across the town to provide information about accessing communities, including improved and updated brown signs for the Blue Anchor area.
In Old Cleeve, the Council’s team has been liaising with the Parish Council on a number of measures to support the community and mitigate the impact of the B3191 closure. These include:
- No HGVs signage – now in place
- New name plates for Chapel Cleeve and Old Cleeve – on order
- Additional 30 mph speed markings – due to be installed shortly
- Speed Indicator Devices (SIDs) – on order
- A review of speed limits in the parish area is ongoing.
The Council is continuing to work alongside Watchet Task Force, as well as the town’s Visitor Centre and community-run Onion Collective, and local businesses, to support the local economy in Watchet. Other important measures include:
- Working with Visit Somerset and Visit Exmoor on a package of measures to promote the town
- Work to establish a new coastal path route and work to enhance existing routes for walkers and cyclists
- Promotion and support from Somerset Council via media and social media
- A proposed realignment of the car park entrance in Swain Street to improve traffic flow
- Proposed realignment of the road at the entrance to Watchet so traffic is directed down Harbour Road rather than Swain Street.
More information
You can contact with us by completing this form: Cliff erosion support for Watchet – Somerset Council – Citizen Space
Contact the Watchet Task Force by completing this contact form : Contact Us – Watchet Town Council
Visit Watchet Indoor Family Attractions on the Love Watchet website for more information about what’s on in Watchet.