A VITAL rat run near Yeovil could eventually reopen after a proposal to permanently close the route was defeated.

Chinnock Hollow runs from the A30 High Street in East Chinnock through the neighbouring village of Odcombe and onto the western edge of Yeovil, providing a much-used alternative route for motorists wishing to avoid the A30 through West Coker at peak times.

The road has been closed since February 2021 following a significant landslide involving 20 tonnes of rock and sand, as well as a large tree.

Following extensive studies, Somerset Council stated in June 2023 that it “could not justify” spending around £2.7m on reopening the road – meaning it will remain closed until further funding becomes available.

The council subsequently launched a consultation over a traffic regulation order (TRO) – which, if approved, would have seen the road permanently closed to all pedestrians and traffic.

But this order has now been scrapped, much to the joy of local Coker division members Mike Hewitson and Oliver Patrick.

Of the 44 people who directly responded to the council’s consultation in late-2023, 39 objected to the permanent closure (nearly 89 per cent), with three being in favour and two being neutral towards the proposals.

In its official response, the council’s highways department said there was “no realistic prospect” of obtaining funding to reopen the road at this time – but noted the strength of public feeling regarding any permanent closure.

A spokesman said: “The community strongly objected to a permanent TRO as they were concerned that it would signal the end of any interest in
opening it, which is understood.

“It is also noted that interim or lower cost solutions have been suggested, but from officers’ initial assessment these are not viable options for Chinnock Hollow, and there is currently no council funding available to explore any of these in more detail.

“The temporary closure will be reviewed in advance of its expiry date.

“To support the existing closure, we will be implementing the recommendations contained within the road safety assessment report. Fencing will also be installed at either end of the Hollow to prevent unauthorised access.”

The existing temporary TRO, which was implemented after the initial landslips, will officially expire on March 14, 2025.

In a joint statement, Messrs. Hewitson and Patrick (who have represented East Chinnock and the neighbouring villages since May 2022) welcomed the council’s decision – but warned it did not mean the road would reopen any time soon.

They said: “We’re pleased to share the news that the permanent legal closure order will not be sealed as the council listened to local concerns.

“We would like to say a big thank you to everyone in the local community who responded during the consultation period.

“Unfortunately, as can be seen in recent images of the site, the slopes of Chinnock Hollow are very active.

“It may be true that a local has cleared the 2021 landslip, but it’s also true that it cannot be reopened to the public without work to make the slopes safer for road users.”