The indefinite closure of the B3191 Cleeve Hill road, a crucial coastal route connecting Watchet to Blue Anchor, has sparked growing concern over its damaging effects on the local economy and transport network. Since January 2023, motor vehicles have been banned from the road due to coastal erosion risks, forcing Somerset residents and holidaymakers to seek alternative routes.
Originally closed by Somerset County Council, now overseen by the unified Somerset Council, the road has remained inaccessible to motorised traffic despite limited reopening for pedestrians and cyclists in spring 2024. On May 19, Somerset Council announced plans to make this closure permanent until funding can be secured to divert the route inland—a measure similar to recent actions taken near Yeovil.
Rachel Gilmour, the Liberal Democrat MP for Tiverton and Minehead, has strongly criticized this decision, calling for government intervention and urging Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander to visit Watchet and see the road’s closure consequences firsthand. Gilmour has made the restoration of the B3191 a top priority throughout her tenure, emphasizing the road’s importance for community connectivity and economic vitality.
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“Improving transport links in Tiverton and Minehead remains one of my key missions,” Gilmour stated. “The closure of the B3191 significantly impacts local businesses and residents. I have invited the transport secretary to witness these challenges and advocate for funding to rebuild this essential road. The inclusion of the ‘Watchet Coastal Erosion Package’ in the Peninsula Transport investment plan is a positive step, but more action is needed.”
The Peninsula Transport body, which represents Cornwall, Devon, and Somerset, has prioritized the ‘Watchet Coastal Erosion Package’ within its strategic investment plan. This initiative aims to secure between £20 million and £50 million for coastal protection, cliff stabilization, and realigning the B3191 inland. Funding could come from government sources or developer contributions.
Somerset Council maintains that while the road remains unsafe for vehicles, adopting a permanent traffic regulation order is necessary until funds for realignment become available. Councillor Richard Wilkins, responsible for transport and waste services, emphasized ongoing lobbying efforts for transport investment.
“We recognize the critical nature of the B3191 closure and continue to push for funding,” Wilkins said. “Our influence on the Peninsula Transport plan reinforces the need for a ‘Watchet Coastal Erosion Package.’ We remain committed to working with regional partners to prioritize this investment once funding opportunities arise.”
As residents and businesses face continued disruption, the future of the B3191 serves as a pressing example of the complex challenges coastal communities encounter amid environmental threats and infrastructure uncertainty.