Government signals support for multi-million pound bid to reinstate B3191 Cleeve Hill road

 DfT has now confirmed that it will support the Council with its bid towards reinstating the B3191 Cleeve Hill near Watchet which was closed in January 2023 after cliff movement near the road was detected. A further geotechnical survey recommended it be kept closed to ensure the safety of the travelling public.  

 A later detailed report did find that it was safe for pedestrians and cyclists to use the route but it has remained closed to motor vehicles and the impact on the town and surrounding communities has been significant as there is only one route into the town over a 150-year-old bridge. 

 Officials from DfT will be working with the Council to support it in pulling together a bid to the  Government’s Structures Fund for a significant contribution towards what would be a £30-£40 million scheme to reinstate the B3191, either by making the existing route safe for vehicles or by redirecting the route further inland. 

 Councillor Richard Wilkins, Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Transport and Waste Services said:

This is only the first step but it’s a hugely important one – it means in principle the Government now recognises and supports the need to find a way to reinstate this road and will look seriously at our bid to fund this. 

We know the closure of the road to vehicles is having a major effect on the economy of Watchet and we have continually made it clear to Government that there is a significant cost to the local economy and inconvenience in terms of hours lost in delays, the logistics of coping with delivering goods to and from Minehead as well as the negative effects on tourism.

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The 2023 closure report can be seen here Transport policy. 

If you spot a problem on the road you can report it quickly and easily here www.somerset.gov.uk/roads-travel-and-parking/report-a-problem-on-the-road/