Somerset Council has submitted a £40 million bid to central government to reopen the B3191 Cleeve Hill, a crucial rural coastal road in west Somerset that has been closed since January 2023. The closure was imposed due to severe coastal erosion concerns, cutting off a vital alternative route between Watchet and Blue Anchor.
Previously, the B3191 served as an important diversion for holidaymakers and locals whenever congestion hit the main A39 between Minehead and Williton. Since the closure, residents and visitors have relied on a single route using a 150-year-old bridge over the West Somerset Railway heritage line, leading to increased travel times and significant inconvenience.
The council, which took over from the former Somerset County Council in April 2023, is exploring solutions to either reinforce the current road or relocate it further inland to ensure safety and accessibility. Councillor Richard Wilkins, responsible for transport and waste services, emphasised the urgency: “While securing funding isn’t guaranteed, this is our best opportunity yet to reinstate this vital community route since its closure last year.”
Although the road reopened to pedestrians and cyclists in spring 2024, motor vehicles still face lengthy detours via the A39 and narrow roads near Old Cleeve. Despite a public consultation that drew over 1,000 objections, the council confirmed in October 2025 that the road would remain closed to motorised traffic unless alternative arrangements are funded and implemented.
Support for reopening the B3191 extends across political lines, with both Conservative and Liberal Democrat representatives advocating for investment—either as a standalone project or linked to the proposed West Somerset tidal lagoon initiative championed by MP Rachel Gilmour.
The closure has had tangible economic repercussions, impacting local businesses, tourism, and logistics for goods delivery to Minehead. Wilkins highlighted these challenges, noting the community’s frustration with longer travel times and disrupted supply chains.
Previous efforts to realign the road with a housing development fell through after councillors rejected the proposal in January 2023. However, the Environment Agency has committed approximately £1 million toward cliff reinforcement at Watchet, potentially contributing to future restoration work.
Councillor Sarah Wakefield, overseeing adults’ services, housing, and homelessness, stresses that reopening this road is a top priority in the council’s new local transport plan, stating, “People currently have to make lengthy detours, and it’s vital we pursue reopening or redesigning this route at every level.”
The Department for Transport will review bids and announce successful projects in the autumn, with all works required to be completed by March 2030. The council awaits confirmation on how much of the £40 million requested may be granted to finally bring this essential coastal link back into service.