SOMERSET Council has provided £30,000 to the Watchet Task Force to help support local businesses and organisations following the closure of the B3191 Cleeve Hill.
 
The task force is made up of members from the town council and the chamber of trade.
 
The money will be used to promote the town through a range of initiatives and events, which could help improve footfall and attract new customers.
 
The council recently held a workshop to discuss ideas to best help businesses. Suggestions included creating offers with other businesses, looking at schemes to encourage and reward customers, and making the most of websites and social media to engage with customers.
 
The B3191 connects Watchet and Blue Anchor on the west Somerset coast, serving as both a vital connection between the two settlements and an important diversionary route for holidaymakers when the A39 to Minehead is closed or congested.
 
The road was closed by Somerset County Council on January 12 after a geotechnical survey showed that heavy rainfall had accelerated the ongoing erosion along this stretch of the coast.
 
Further surveys have revealed that it will be impossible to safely reopen the road. Somerset Council is in regular contact with the Government to explore options and potential revenue streams for a new route.
 
Speaking previously, Cllr Mike Rigby, Somerset Council's lead member for transport and digital, said: "We have to be clear - the road cannot reopen and there is no alternative route planned for the foreseeable future."
 
The council has said that it is fantastic to see local businesses coming together to learn and share their ideas at the workshop.
 
Councillor Ros Wyke, lead member for economic development, planning and assets, said: "The aim was for businesses to recognise that by working together they can achieve much more, building resilience and helping to ensure the local economy thrives.
 
“It’s fantastic to see local businesses coming together to learn and share. Knowing each other’s business, having information on local attractions, sharing offers and social media posts are just some of the opportunities that can come from getting together and understanding how others might help.”