A MONTH after a massive landslip brought the 16th century Blue Anchor Hotel to within feet of the cliff edge, owner Cara Strom this week slammed what she claims was a lack of action by the local authorities as she watches her home and business get nearer to falling into the sea.

“I would have thought this was an important issue for Blue Anchor,” she said. “But neither West Somerset ward councillors nor a local county councillor has visited me since the slip occurred.

“I feel there is a lack of urgency or realisation that the situation, though not immediately dangerous, is now very, very serious.”

It was after gales and high tides in March that hundreds of tons of cliff gave way, opening up huge cracks just feet from the historic building and forcing Cara to close the hotel to overnight guests.

Day by day since then, the erosion has moved nearer to the building.

During the worst of the weather, three metres of seafront garden was lost in two weeks.

A West Somerset Council spokesman said yesterday (Thursday) that the authority had been in touch with Cara and had answered questions that she had asked.

The spokesman added: “We are acutely aware of the issue and while it is unclear how this can be resolved or funded, West Somerset Council remains the lead as the coastal protection authority.

“We continue to work in partnership to consider the implications for the public and the highway across the entirety of the route.

“Once that is complete, we will be able to provide further updates.”

It is understood there has been a meeting between West Somerset Council, Somerset County Council and the Environment Agency.

“I am pleased this has taken place but disappointed that it took so long and I understand nothing has changed significantly in the last month,” Cara said.

“Until now, I have received little communication from either the district or county councils. I wrote to the county council leadership just after the slip occurred and have yet to receive a reply, yet the Environment Agency have visited me twice and so has the local MP, Ian Liddell-Grainger.

“I have invested a considerable amount of time, effort and money into the business and the building, with the intention of both having a long-term future. It is only reasonable for me to know what the local council’s intention is. "