EMERGENCY funding of more than £2,000 has been approved by town councillors in Watchet to repair a tarmac path in the Memorial Ground.

Councillors were told it became apparent the work was needed after last autumn’s Storm Darragh damaged a tree in the playing field.

Dead tree removal was then carried out and a health and safety risk was identified where root heave over the years had pushed the tarmac upward, causing a serious trip hazard.

Council clerk Jo Grellier said the cost of removing damaged tarmac and resurfacing the path was estimated at £2,150, in addition to £480 for a tree surgeon to carry out emergency work on the storm-damaged tree.

Councillors agreed to meet the costs from their reserves.