LEVELLING UP Secretary Michael Gove has been asked by a Watchet couple to tell Somerset Council how to apply for funds to reopen the B3191 coastal road at Cleeve Hill, closed for 10 months because of fears that it could fall into the sea.

Mrs Judie Bell who, with husband Maurice, has been campaigning for a month for action on the re-routing of the road, has told Mr Gove: “It’s very frustrating to be made aware that there could be funding available under the Levelling Up scheme, but Somerset Council seem to be unable to realise the severity of the problem.

“They have stated: ‘We simply don’t understand the requirements for such an enormous bid at this point.’

“I find it absolutely ridiculous that a council is unable to research the criteria to enable a bid for funding to go ahead.

“Is there any guidance available that I could direct them to in order to start the process of a bid? Nobody in our local authority seems to be able to grasp the severity of the situation.”

Estimates for re-routing the coast road, which according to the authorities could be closed for years, have varied from £30 million to £60 million.

In a statement to the Free Press last week, Cllr Mike Rigby, Somerset Council’s lead member for transport and digital, said there was more to accessing funding for the road than just applying - the council had to build a robust case.

Cllr Rigby said: “A bid of this kind necessitates significant financial outlay and a persuasive business case.

“To be frank, given the national economic situation, the odds are already stacked against a bid of this magnitude.

“Building a strong business case could cost in excess of £2 million.”

Responding to Mrs Bell, Cllr Rigby said: “We are in regular contact with the Government on this matter and will continue to discuss all funding streams with them. Initially, it was made clear to us that there was no available funding pot.

“Of course, we will investigate every avenue…confirmation that a bid can be submitted is not a guarantee of success.

“It’s important to underline the reality of the situation - it’s vital we can demonstrate to Government the clear impact resulting from the loss of the route using a substantive body of statistical evidence.”

In her reply, Mrs Bell asked Cllr Rigby: “Why not hold a public meeting in Watchet to explain the current situation as it stands? Closed meetings - such as the one held recently in Watchet council offices - are of no use to residents.

“Please take the time to come to Watchet, then both residents and the council can discuss their frustrations.”

Mr and Mrs Bell, who are retired, have lived in Watchet since 2007.

This week, Mr Bell, a former civil servant, told the Free Press: “I am absolutely flabbergasted that Cllr Rigby thinks it will cost upwards of £2 million to put forward a bid.

“I would have thought you could have done it using your own staff for a much smaller amount than that.

“My point is that if Somerset Council doesn’t put in an application, it is not going to get a grant, and it is up to them to research and understand what the requirements are.

“Putting in for a grant is a bit like doing the lottery. If you don’t buy a ticket you have no chance of winning and it would seem that the council don’t want to buy a ticket.

“People in Watchet are absolutely fed up with the situation.

“What we don’t want is apathy to creep in.

“Apart from a few weekends and bank holidays, the town is incredibly quiet.

“Some days Swain Street is like a pedestrian road.

“When you talk to shopkeepers they say the road closure has made a serious difference and they are very apprehensive about the future.

“We appreciate there is no easy solution for Somerset Council but when you hear of their discussions about spending £23 million on a theatre in Yeovil, you can’t help wondering about their priorities.”