TRADERS are to come up with a rescue plan for Watchet’s survival as a tourist destination if the vital B3191 coastal road remains closed for years - or never re-opens - and the town becomes a cul-de sac.

An emergency meeting held last Thursday, organised by Watchet Chamber of Trade (WACET) and attended by representatives of over 20 shops and businesses, agreed to invite organisations including Watchet Town Council and the Watchet Coastal Communities Team to join a working party “to progress the huge task that lies ahead.” 

As the Free Press has previously reported, traders have experienced up to 80 per cent drop in trade since the western end of the town was blocked off by the road closure.

After the meeting, WACET chairman John Richards said: “The positive mood of the meeting was wonderful, but it was generally agreed that it looked like nothing would be done for at least a year, probably more like five years, if it all. We must be prepared for the road to be permanently closed.”

It was suggested that the working group could look at how other cul-de-sac destinations like Boscastle, Mevagissy and Clovelly attracted visitors, and how funding could be sought from compensation and grants.

Giving the latest update on the road - which was closed to all traffic by Somerset County Council on January 11 - Mr Richards said a full geological survey was being planned and the highways authority had said it would open a footpath and cycle path if surveys showed it was safe to do so. “Many options have been discussed regarding alternative plans on roads, but these form part of a major area scheme which is unlikely to be funded.  

“Highways have no money to do any kind of new road scheme and wrote to central government last week to seek the large funds needed for any B3191 projects.”

Mr Richards added that county councillor Hugh Davies and district councillor Loretta Whetlor were working on a suggestion that the EDF bus could be diverted to include Old Cleeve and Warren Bay on its journey between Watchet and Minehead.

The meeting agreed to press for urgent action to mitigate the crisis, including a minibus service between Warren Bay, Blue Anchor, Old Cleeve, Washford and Watchet, and “No access to Blue Anchor and Warren Bay beyond Watchet” signs instead of the negative “Road Closed Ahead.”

It was suggested that the district council be pressed to make an immediate change in car parking charges, with two hours of early-morning free parking. The town should also be marketed as a destination, rather than a place to pass through.

The working group would also be asked to look into working with the new unitary authority to create and run a “parking rebate” scheme similar to those operated by supermarkets, and to segregate car parks into “short term” and “long term” to encourage parking in the centre of the town.

The group could also:

Search for urgent funding, possibly through Section 106 funds, ‘green’ grants, climate and coastal communities funding;

Work with the unitary authority to ensure businesses are not charged rates for the duration of the road closure and to assist businesses to appeal any rating adjustments in view of the changed circumstances;

Ask the town council and the new unitary authority (which includes highways) for initial funding to get the process rolling;

Manage to persuade all businesses to remain open for part of the evening during the season and to at least 6pm at other times;

find funding and employ a full time person to promote Watchet for business, shopping and to encourage people to visit - this includes PR to radio, television, magazines and newspapers. 

Mr Richards added: “We all have the responsibility now to promote Watchet as a destination - no-one else will do it for us! 

“Personally, I think this is the golden opportunity to take Watchet onto the next level and also a good reason for everyone to work together.”