Traders in Watchet are offering a £100 reward for information leading to the arrest of the person who has continually removed a banner aimed at boosting business after a road into the road was closed.

The banner giving directions to the town centre has been cut down three times from the railings on Watchet railway bridge. The sign, which cost Watchet Chamber of Trade (WACET) £69, is an attempt to improve business after the closure of the B3191 coastal road reduced local trade by up to 80 per cent.

Chamber of trade chairman John Richards replaced it after the second time it was removed from railings on Watchet railway bridge. The banner was found later thrown over a hedge at St Decuman's Church.

But Mr Richards said on Saturday morning it had now been cut down for a third time. He issued an update on Monday that the sign was removed between 10.15pm and 11.45pm on Friday evening.

A woman reported to have been seen near the sign on Friday has come forward and has been eliminated from inquiries.

He said anyone with information should call the police non-emergency number on 101 or  01179 989 112 quoting crime reference 20230218-0053.He added: "WACET is offering a £100 reward for information that leads to the arrest of the person concerned."

Mr Richard said earlier: "WACET cannot afford this at £69 per banner. It is for the town but someone does not like the town they live in.

"Someone must have seen this when driving. Both I and the police need this information to have the thief arrested.

"I will not, repeat not spend any more of WACET's money until this person is caught - I am fed up with trying to encourage visitors just to have someone trying to ruin the town.

"Please advise me and the police of any dash cam footage etc etc. This is beyond a joke."

The B3191 road at Cleeve Hill, used by up to 2,500 vehicles a day, has been closed since January 12 while experts investigate a major landslide of soil and rocks.

Concrete blocks were brought in to block the road after a a barrier was damaged at the end of January. Traders have been told Somerset's highways authority has applied to keep the coast road into the town closed for up to 18 months.

The road connects Watchet to Blue Anchor and provides a diversionary route from the A39, a key route for holidaymakers travelling from M5 to the Exmoor National Park and the Butlin’s holiday camp in Minehead.

Meanwhile the district council has confirmed its desire to secure the road’s long-term future – but that it will remain closed until a project with the Environment Agency (EA) has been agreed.

Avon and Somerset Police has appealed for information about the damage to the banner.