SAFETY fears and concerns about damage to the surface of Watchet's newly enhanced Esplanade have led to a clampdown on vehicular access. The three entrance gates to the marina-side walkway will be locked from August 1, with access only allowed by specified keyholders, under a new policy drawn up by the landowners West Somerset Council. Properties on the Esplanade will have to provide documented evidence to prove they have a right of access over the area before being issued with keys to the gates. District council spokesman Stacey Beaumont said following complaints from the public about vehicles using The Esplanade the authority had consulted the police, fire and ambulance services and Watchet Town Council, who all felt that it would be in the public interest to control vehicular access. "The main reason for only allowing people with vehicle access rights to use the Esplanade is public safety," she said. "The Esplanade is well-used by pedestrians. It is not a highway or a parking area." The new measures, which could prove controversial, received the backing of the town council, which manages The Esplanade, at its monthly meeting on Monday. Councillors endorsed the new policy, agreeing to write a formal letter of support to the district authority, and also pledged a £300 donation towards the cost of padlocks, chains and keys. Councillors described the action as "long overdue". Former chairman Cllr Dave Westcott said that having fought for the last eight to ten years to resolve the problems of unauthorised vehicles using The Esplanade, he would have happily stumped up the £300 himself had the council not been prepared to make the contribution. And Cllr Vincent Woods said: "This has been going on for some while and it has caused some frustration." But Cllr Peter Murphy said he hoped the system being introduced by the district council would be foolproof. However, current chairman Cllr David Banks declared: "We have had so many complaints about this problem over the years - all the issues have been met, so let's just do it."
