THE behaviour of Liberal Democrat-run Somerset Council in keeping secret a decision to permanently close Watchet’s B3191 road until hours after a Lib Dem councillor was elected in nearby Dunster has been described as ‘shameful’.

Exmoor farmer and campaigner James Wright said he was genuinely shocked the council withheld the news when it was one of the biggest issues for voters who spoke to him on their doorsteps during the Dunster election campaign.

Mr Wright, who is chairman of the Conservative South West Rural Forum, said it was ‘absolutely disgraceful behaviour’.

The decision to permanently close the B3191 was taken despite more than 1,000 objections from residents and businesses.

Mr Wright said the council had used a Permanent Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) which not only shut the road but also removed the authority’s legal duty to explore or provide an alternative route.

He said it showed ‘complete failure of leadership and accountability’ by Lib Dems in County Hall.

Mr Wright said: “The council only received 12 responses to its official consultation.

“Over 1,000 people signed my letter, but they have been ignored.

“And by making the closure permanent, the council has washed its hands of any duty to find a way forward.

“What is worse, is that they delayed this decision until after the Dunster by-election.

“They knew it would be damaging to the Liberal Democrat campaign, so they waited.

“It is shameful.”

Mr Wright said legal options, including a potential judicial review, were now under discussion as the fight to re-route the B31901 was ‘just beginning’.

He said it should also serve as a wake-up call for people ahead of any future elections.

Somerset Council said election rules prevented an earlier announcement on the B3191, but the Free Press has seen a briefing for town and parish councils telling them of the decision, dated October 10.