Geckoella is delighted that Somerset Council has announced the reopening of the section of the B3191 road on Cleeve Hill for pedestrian access and, over the coming weeks, also for use by cyclists.
Over the past 12 months, Geckoella has undertaken a series of detailed geological and ecological surveys of the cliffs and foreshore west of Watchet for Somerset Council. The announcement of the reopening of the B3191 follows a recent Report by Geckoella assessing the stability of the cliffs and the geological risk affecting the SW Coastal Path in this dynamic environment.
The Cleeve Hill section of the B3191 road will remain closed to all motor vehicles, including motorbikes, on safety grounds and concerns about weight issues on the road and its very close proximity to the unstable cliff edge.
Ongoing monitoring work by Geckoella, following that of other engineering and geological specialists, has confirmed that the rates of cliff erosion and movement have increased at several points along West Street Beach and Cleeve Hill due to the impacts of climate change (including direct erosion from the sea at the cliff base and hydrological effects due to increased, prolonged rainfall and drainage).
Using drone surveys at Cleeve Hill, Geckoella has identified five main areas that were subjected to further monitoring regarding active movement within the cliffs. These were monitored in the context of additional evidence provided from ground sensors and other indicators such as the mis-alignment of the roadside kerb stones.
For more information about West Street Beach and Cleeve Hill click here.
For the latest report from West Somerset Free Press click here
B3191 closed to vehicular traffic
Coastal Erosion West of Watchet
