URGENT action is needed to stop the B3191 falling into the sea at Blue Anchor, according to West Somerset's would-be Liberal Democrat MP Justine Baker.

She said the road was a vital tourist route and the recent wet weather had exacerbated the rate of cliff erosion around the already under-threat Blue Anchor Hotel.

Huge cracks in the hotel's garden have been getting worse and Cllr Baker, who is a member of both Taunton Deane Borough Council and Somerset County Council, said if something was not done soon both the hotel and road could be lost to the sea.

"This is a key tourist area and with Easter and the summer holidays coming the cliffs in this area need to be looked at as a matter of urgency.

"I understand West Somerset Council has applied for a grant from the Environment Agency to carry out work but this could take too long to come through and pressure needs to be put on the Environment Agency," Cllr Baker said.

A spokesman for West Somerset Council said the authority was fully aware of the cliff erosion at Blue Anchor and said a "substantial bid" had been submitted to the Environment Agency at the end of January.

The bid was supported by Somerset County Council and the owners of the Blue Anchor Hotel.

"It is hoped that the bid will provide enough funds to extend the sea wall protection, provide rock armour to break up the power of the waves as well as pin specific sections of the cliff improving their stability.

"The council is in regular contact and working with residents and the occupants of the clifftop inn.

"The road to Watchet is a matter for Somerset County Council but West Somerset Council understands the highway is not in any danger in the immediate future.

"We are now awaiting the outcome of this bidding process," the spokesman said.

Cllr Baker said she believed there was a real danger more cliff could fall into the sea before the money came through.

"I know the cliffs have been causing problems for years, but the recent wet weather is making them crumble at an even faster rate and is causing many in the local community huge concern.

"If the cliffs are not made safe then the main road will be under threat too."

Blue Anchor and the B3191 has already been earmarked as a top priority for protection in a multi-million pound shoreline management plan which was drawn up back in 2010.

The plan outlined how properties in Porlock Weir would be left to the mercy of rising sea levels, while either new or upgraded sea defences would be built to protect Blue Anchor.

Attempts would also be made to protect 600 homes behind Minehead Golf Club from flooding, Dunster Beach, Minehead seafront and the stretch of coastline between Watchet to Doniford - at least up until 2055.

The plan also outlined proposals to "realign" sea defences on the east side of Dunster Beach to Ker Moor.

However, the coast between Blue Anchor and Watchet and Doniford to Lilstock would be treated the same as Porlock Weir, with nature allowed to take its course.

The proposals were contained in a plan drawn up by local authorities from across North Devon and Somerset, by local authorities, the Environment Agency, English Heritage, National Trust, Exmoor National Park Authority, Natural England and the RSPB.