Fears road closure could leave town 'desolate'

10 hours ago

Chris Lockyerand

Ross Pollard,Watchet

John Richards from the town fears the closure is a 'final nail in the coffin' for Watchet

BBC A man in a green shirt stands facing the camera, with a slight squint. He is bald with a neat short beard. Behind him in the background is the harbour and the boats in the marina, as well the paved esplanade and statue. — John Richards from the town fears the closure is a 'final nail in the coffin' for Watchet

Multiple road closures has left a town "desolate", with only one route open to motorists while buses have been suspended.

Brendon Road in Watchet, Somerset, has closed for six weeks for gas works, while the B3191 is shut due to cliff erosion.

John Richards, who oversees the town's Chamber of Trade, said the closures will leave the community "desolate" for weeks and it will be hard for residents heading into half-term.

Roxanne Whittaker, from Wales and West Utilities, which is leading the gas works, said while it will cause disruption, it is "essential to maintain a resilient gas network".

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Tracey Clarke said the roadworks are going to be "tough" for business

A woman in a white top stands looking at the camera. She is wearing glasses and has a neutral expression. She is stood inside a shop, with rows of products on shelves behind her. — Tracey Clarke said the roadworks are going to be "tough" for business

Richards said the works are the "final nail in the coffin" for Watchet, which has also seen permanent closure of its coastal road due to cliff erosion.

"It's going to be very difficult until the roadworks are completely finished," he added.

Tracey Clarke, who runs Albert's Ardware on Swain Street, said she will find it "tough".

"You've just got to keep turning up every day, as some of our customers do, so you just keep going," she said.

Clarke added while she hopes to get on with work, "simple little changes" such as better signage or a through-road could have improved the situation.

Whittaker said the work involves investing in the gas network to ensure it remains safe, reliable and fit for the future.

"We ask motorists to strictly follow the traffic management signage to keep the traffic flowing, and our colleagues safe as they complete this work," she said.

Somerset Council has introduced a shuttle bus in the town, which will take people to and from Williton to connect with the local bus service.

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