A WATCHET business owner has begun a fightback against lost trade in the three years since the closure of the town’s B3191 road to Blue Anchor.

The road closed in January, 2023, due to the risk of it collapsing into the sea at Cleeve Hill, prompting a dramatic drop-off in visitor numbers.

Somerset Council helped fund a task force to come up with initiatives to attract people back to the town, but businesses have continued to suffer and some have closed.

Now, Little Lighthouse owner Helen Griffin and her family have taken the decision to expand her Swain Street shop in bid to attract more trade and help hard-pressed local families at the same time.

The store has provided ethically-sourced children’s clothes for the past five years.

Ms Griffin has now branched out with a ‘basics’ department in an unused upstairs part of the property which was officially opened on Monday (June 15) by town crier David Milton and Watchet Chamber of Trade (Wacet) chairman John Richards.

Mr Richards said it was ‘wonderful’ to see a new business initiative which in the current economic climate would be welcomed by people with young families seeking quality clothes at reasonable prices.

He said: “Watchet has had a tough time lately with the Cleeve Hill road closure but I can detect a gradual movement for new businesses and I hope other people will follow Helen’s example.”

Ms Griffin said: “We have always aimed to offer something unique, and recognised the need to evolve with the times and cater to every budget.

“Lighthouse Basics is our response to the everyday needs of families in Watchet and the surrounding area.

“This is not just an add-on, it is a new chapter.

“We have created a vibrant, welcoming space upstairs, designed to make families feel comfortable while offering practical, cheerful products for everyday life.”