Eric Robinson’s letter (Free Press March 4) may raise wry smiles and quizzical eyebrows, although as qualified geologists we advise it should be read with a healthy dose of practical realism and sensible perspective.

Like Eric, we also are proud of the local coast and geology, but it is overt sensationalism to make any comparison between Watchet’s fault systems and those of San Andreas!

The latter represents the junction between two of the earth’s largest tectonic plates, it is a highly active system and is many magnitudes of scale far greater than the inactive geological faults at Watchet. 

So, could the West Somerset coast fault system become reactivated in the future?

Well, technically, yes (as Eric says, once a weakness, always a weakness). However, is this likely? Realistically, no - in fact, it is extremely unlikely.

Furthermore, although they are linked, there are important geological and structural differences between the fault systems at Helwell Bay and west of Watchet.

Of course, geological faults do need to be properly considered by engineering experts, but to suggest that the presence of faults should preclude the development of East Quay (or, to quote Eric, is probably ‘skating on thin ice’) is unnecessary scare-mongering and distorts any sensible assessment of geological risk. 

The planned development of East Quay is an exciting, positive and dynamic opportunity that will bring considerable benefits (including increased business, employment and community engagement) to Watchet and the local area.

We would not be investing in and setting-up a geological office/workshop at East Quay if we had any genuine concerns or shred of evidence that the Watchet-Helwell Bay Fault system was likely to move!

There are far more pressing and currently happening geological matters to consider along the West Somerset coast (such as the rates and impacts of coastal erosion) rather than unnecessarily setting “geological hares” running over the extremely low risk of ancient fault systems being reactivated

Dr Andy King, Williton, and Dr Dave Evans, Watchet.