Detail of coastal road reopening bid lays bare economic hit taken by Watchet

THE full extent of the plight suffered by Watchet residents and businesses during three years of closure of the B3191 to Blue Anchor came to light this week as Somerset Council released details of its bid for £40 million of Government funding to reopen the road.

If successful, the funding would pay for a stretch of inland carriageway by-passing the closed Cleeve Hill section and re-establishing a coastal link with Blue Anchor and Minehead, which would have to be completed by March, 2030.

The new route, through private land south of the current road, would see a 22 feet wide carriageway with pavements and a 30 mph speed limit.

It would reduce the risk from coastal erosion and cliff instability between the existing West Street sea wall defences and the Saxon Close area of Watchet.

The proposed scheme would combine cliff stabilisation measures, including soil nailing and mesh protection to the upper slope, with 1,150 feet of rock revetment to protect the lower slope and maintain the B3191 along its existing alignment within Watchet.

The council’s 27-page application to the Department for Transport (DfT) stressed the damage suffered by Watchet during the closure, which resulted in major problems for residents and businesses, reducing visitor numbers, and affecting the local economy.

Watchet was now reliant on a single access route via an ageing railway bridge and narrow road, creating a risk to maintaining town accessibility should it be disrupted.

Aerial monitoring in May this year confirmed coastal erosion and cliff instability remained active, with continued subsidence, cliff recession, and ground movement recorded in several areas.

A council spokesperson said: “Reinstating the route would provide a reliable and direct connection for residents, commuters, and visitors, supporting a more functional and inclusive labour market.

“The road closure has disrupted access to healthcare, education, and local services, with bus services being diverted.

“The scheme would restore these services, improve accessibility, and reduce longer journeys caused by limited alternative routes.

“The B3191 was kept open as long as possible using a system of sensors to identify movement but with the cost of remediation far exceeding the council’s available funds, a closure was the only option when data showed worsening conditions.”

The spokesperson said among the businesses which had been suffering was Hoburne Blue Anchor Holiday Park, which reported reduced visitor movements, while the town’s visitor centre recorded a 29 per cent decline in visitors from about 14,000 to 10,000 people.

A Watchet children’s clothing shop reported an 80 per cent reduction in passing trade, a hardware shop experienced a 30 per cent fall in transactions between 2022 and 2023, with June, 2026, transactions at 50 per cent of two years earlier, and a specialist craft shop recorded a 35 per cent decline in turnover between 2024 and 2025.

A local estate agent reported mortgage restrictions and reduced buyer confidence.

The spokesperson said: “Without intervention, community severance, reduced access to services, slower emergency response times, declining tourism, and continued economic decline will worsen.”

They said land acquisition was a key challenge, as private land would be required for the road realignment.

They said: “The council is proactively engaging with landowners, progressing acquisition strategies, securing early access agreements, and can maintain a compulsory purchase order programme if required.”

The cost of moving the road inland was estimated at £40.8 million, with about £14.9 million for highway infrastructure, and £25.9 million for coastal protection and associated marine works.

The council hoped £36,693,710, or 90 per cent, would come from the DfT’s £1 billion Structures Fund, £2,038,540 from the council itself, and £2,038,540 from the Environment Agency.

Somerset's own contribution would be funded through its existing highways and transport funding allocations.

The spokesperson said: “At present, no private sector contributions have been assumed within the funding package.

“However, Somerset Council will explore opportunities to secure additional funding from third parties where deemed appropriate.”

West Somerset MP Rachel Gilmour, who has supported the bid, said: “This will not just open up a new road, it will open up the possibility for prosperity and growth for Watchet, making a massive difference for business and families.

"This is an opportunity for this new Government to show that the promise of growth in every postcode from the new Prime Minister means something for rural and coastal communities, too."