**Road Closure in West Somerset Raises Climate Change Concerns**
A stretch of road linking communities in West Somerset has been closed to cars for over a year, and there are growing concerns that it might never reopen due to climate change, according to a geological firm.
The B3191, affectionately known as Cleeve Hill, once provided vital access for those traveling between camping and touring sites in Blue Anchor and the harbor town of Watchet. However, Somerset County Council took the drastic step of closing the road in January 2023 after surveys revealed that ongoing erosion along the coast had accelerated, rendering it unsafe for vehicles.
While Somerset Council collaborates with the Environment Agency on plans to secure the road’s long-term future, geological experts from Geckoella, the firm monitoring the coastline, warn that the situation is only set to worsen.
The road, perilously situated just feet from the rapidly eroding cliff edge, forms part of the popular Somerset section of the England Coastal Path, linking Brean and Minehead. Geckoella has closely monitored the B3191 for the past few years, advising Somerset Council on the evolving situation along the West Somerset coastline.
Despite initial hopes that the road could be reopened fully, particularly after pedestrians were granted access over Easter, experts remain skeptical. Dr. Andy King, director of Geckoella, described the situation as dire, attributing the unprecedented erosion rates to climate change.
According to Dr. King, climate change has not only led to raised sea levels but also increased persistent rainfall in the area, exacerbating coastal erosion. The instability of the cliffs poses a significant challenge, with former landmarks like allotments now lost to the sea.
Somerset Council’s short-term focus is on finding ways to allow cyclists to use the road while supporting events in Watchet. However, Dr. King emphasized the need to work with nature rather than resorting to costly interventions like building walls.
Suggestions to relocate the road inland have been met with skepticism, with experts warning against merely “kicking the can down the road.” The Environment Agency acknowledged funding for coastal works but stressed the immense financial requirements for any alternative road construction.
As decisions are made about the road’s future, concerns about climate change’s impact on coastal communities continue to grow, underscoring the need for sustainable solutions and proactive measures to mitigate its effects.
This article highlights the urgent need for action to address the intersection of infrastructure vulnerabilities and climate change, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between local authorities, experts, and communities in confronting these challenges head-on.
