LOCALS, business people and community leaders are invited to a drop-in event following the closure of a coast road that is likely to fall into the sea.

During the public event they will will be able to raise issues affecting businesses and surrounding communities in the wake of the indefinite closure of the B3191 at Cleeve Hill, near Watchet.

The session take, run by Somerset County and Somerset West and Taunton Councils, takes place at Watchet’s Phoenix Centre, in Harbour Road, next Thursday (March 23) from 4pm to 7pm.

The road was closed on January 12 following 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.

A geotechnical specialist will be joining the council’s highways team to answer queries people may have about the need to close the important route.

Topics for discussion include:

• Road safety and highways issues arising on the surrounding network due to increased traffic;

• Economic impact on businesses;

• Community transport options, including a link bus service;

• Potential active travel alternative routes;

• Possible options for a new route should funding become available;

• Measures to support and promote Watchet.

The team is looking into possibly applying for Government cash to potentially create a new route, although it is 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 SWT 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, as well as with Old Cleeve and Carhampton Parish Councils, and all local elected members, to understand how we can support businesses and residents.”