A £4 MILLION coastal protection scheme for Blue Anchor which will be designed, built and maintained at no cost to local district ratepayers, was given the go-ahead by Somerset West and Taunton councillors at a virtual special meeting on Tuesday

Chris Hall, assistant director, climate change and assets, said the scheme, to protect the vulnerable B3191 road and threatened properties including the Blue Anchor Hotel, would be paid for by the Environment Agency and the county council. It would be carried out by the district council as the coastal protection authority.

The scheme – scheduled to be completed by 2022 – would see the cliffs and a further 130 metres of coast stabilised to prevent long-term erosion. In addition to the upfront cost, the district council would also be provided with an annual sum by the county council to maintain coastal protection in future.

“What is there not to like about a scheme which is not costing this authority any money?” asked Cllr Sarah Wakefield, portfolio holder for the environment, who proposed that it be accepted.

She added: “There’s a well-known history of instability along this coast but particularly at this point.

“We have now completed works to protect the toe of the cliff, setting out 1,800 tonnes of granite which was brought from Cornwall by boat. This will help but is not a long-term fix for the cliff collapse.

“Somerset County Council has recently reassessed their highway at this point, and have at last agreed that its integrity is, and will be, undermined by further collapse at this point.

“This part of the coastline is designated as a ‘hold the line’ part by the EA – so we are not in a position simply to abandon it.”

Councillors were told the new scheme will be funded by the EA and the Department for Transport’s highway grants to the county council – but will be delivered through the district council under its coastal protection remit.

Of the £4 million which was committed by the county council in September, just over £2.5 million will be spent before the end of the current financial year, with the remainder being spent by April 2022.

Cllr Wakefield said it was justifiable to spend this much money at Blue Anchor despite the relatively small number of properties which would be impacted.

She said: “Some may consider it a finger in the dyke only. However, there are households, livelihoods and businesses at stake here, of which those who live and work in the area will be only too aware.

“In future, a realignment of the whole B3191 may be necessary, at a cost of many millions of pounds. But that is not on offer now.”

Cllr Mike Rigby, portfolio holder for planning policy and transport, said it was ‘excellent news’ that this work was finally being undertaken. Many businesses rely on access being maintained through this road.

“We are taking swift action to make sure that as the winter storm season approaches, no further damage is done and that the road and the adjoining properties are kept in place.”

Watchet and Williton councillor Ian Aldridge said the work at Blue Anchor would help to attract funding for coast protection needed for Watchet in the coming years.

He said: “This is a B-road but it is a vital route at times and a useful route in taking light traffic off the A39 between Washford Cross and Carhampton – which avoids bottlenecks on the A39 at Washford and Bilbrook.

“This scheme shows a commitment to the principle of preserving this route, and the other weak points will therefore have a better leverage on funding from external sources should the need arise.”