A crucial shortcut near Yeovil, known locally as Chinnock Hollow, will remain closed to all traffic indefinitely following a recently approved permanent traffic order. The route, which runs from the A30 High Street in East Chinnock through Odcombe and onto the western edge of Yeovil, has long served as a popular alternative for motorists seeking to avoid congestion on the A30 through West Coker, especially during peak hours.
The closure dates back to February 2021 after a major landslide deposited approximately 20 tonnes of rock, sand, and a large tree onto the road, rendering it unsafe. Initially, Somerset Council imposed a temporary traffic regulation order (TTRO) to restrict access while exploring funding to repair and reopen the road.
However, with no external funding secured to date, the council has now enforced a permanent traffic regulation order (TRO), effectively closing Chinnock Hollow indefinitely. Councillor Richard Wilkins, portfolio holder for transport and waste services, reiterated that the council remains committed to seeking all possible funding avenues and that the closure could be lifted should financial support become available.
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He emphasized, “Chinnock Hollow remains unsafe for vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists. This permanent order provides the necessary legal clarity, but we continue to advocate for transport investment in Somerset. When opportunities arise, we will strongly represent the interests of local communities.”
The February 21, 2021 landslide was preceded by a smaller incident just days before. A significant section of the road was buried beneath debris from a 12-meter high wall above the route. Comprehensive engineering assessments commissioned by Somerset County Council identified a high risk of further landslides in the same area, along with potential instability at other points along the road.
At a public meeting in October 2022, residents of East Chinnock were presented with four potential options for the future of the road. Despite these discussions, Somerset Council—now replaced by Somerset Council in April 2023—confirmed in June 2023 that the costs of reopening Chinnock Hollow cannot currently be justified amid ongoing financial constraints.