SOMERSET Council has collaborated with local organisations to provide financial support and promote Watchet after the community was hit by the loss of the B3191 Cleeve Hill road.

THE Counci is ready to provide £30,000 of funding to the newly formed Watchet Task Force, comprising members of the Town Council and Chamber of Trade, subject to an approved plan of action, with the aim of boosting visitor numbers.

The proposed £30,000 of funding to enable a local response in Watchet to the closure, to improve the visitor economy of the town by boosting visitor numbers, including supporting longer-term plans for regeneration and recovery.

The funding could be used to support positive marketing and messaging to highlight alternative routes into Watchet; that the town is accessible, and businesses are open; local events to encourage visitors, as well as improved signage and longer-term plans for regeneration and recovery.

The Council is working alongside the Task Force, as well as the town’s Visitor Centre and community-run Onion Collective, and local businesses, to support the local economy and residents.

Councillor Ros Wyke, Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Economy, Planning and Assets said: “We understand the concerns of residents and local businesses about the impact of the loss of this key route.

“That’s why we are working hard with partners to ensure that together we do everything we can to get the message out there that Watchet is open for business and is a fantastic destination for day-trippers and holiday makers.”

The B3191 on Cleeve Hill is closed indefinitely due to safety concerns following the results of a geotechnical survey looking 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.

Councillor Mike Rigby, Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Transport and Digital said: “As well as the impact on Watchet, we know displaced traffic caused by the closure has had an impact on the community around Old Cleeve and Carhampton.

“We’re working with the parish council on a range of measures to encourage responsible driving on these rural roads as well as discouraging HGVs from using them as an alternative route."

Councillor Sean Terrett, Watchet Town Council member and Chair of the Watchet Task Force said: “The Task Force is looking at ways of securing the existing town infrastructure, maximising the summer seasons trading opportunities as well as looking at ways to secure our town’s future trading through what could be a tougher than usual winter season."