WORK to prevent possible rockfalls on Minehead’s North Hill may not be able to go ahead if the funding cannot be found.

Somerset West and Taunton Council (SWT) has estimated the project would cost between £750,000 and £1 million.

It is awaiting the final design of a slope stabilisation scheme being drawn up by consultants WPS, which is considering the idea of a high tensile steel fence above houses in Quay Street.

The fence would be used to ‘catch’ any falling debris such as soil, stones, and rocks.

SWT environment portfolio holder Cllr Andy Sully said the project could then go out to tender if finance was available to deliver it.

However, Cllr Sully said it would be subject to a ‘capital bid’ for funds which could be considered by SWT before the council was abolished at the end of end of next month and would then need to be looked at by the successor unitary Somerset Council.

Cllr Sully said: “The council is hopeful that finance will be available for this project.

“But if not, we would have to rely on existing defences unless and until funding can be found in the future.”