A key back road into Yeovil could remain closed until at least mid-2023, according to two local councillors.

Chinnock Hollow runs from the A30 High Street in East Chinnock through the neighbouring village of Odcombe and onto the western edge of Yeovil.

The road has been closed since February 2021 following a significant landslide involving 20 tonnes of rock and sand, as well as a large tree.

County councillors Mike Hewitson and Oliver Patrick have now revealed that a decision on the road’s future won’t be taken until February 2023, meaning any attempt to reopen it won’t take place until several months later.

The landslide on February 21, 2021 was preceded by a smaller incident the previous week, and resulted in part of the road being buried as debris rolled down the side of the 12-metre wall along the route.

Chard & Ilminster News:

Somerset County Council held a public meeting in East Chinnock on October 12 where four options were presented for the road’s future:

  • Close the road permanently (at a projected cost of £5,000)
  • Carry out routine maintenance to remove vegetation (£45,000)
  • Contain future debris through steel mesh wire (£312,500 to £347,500)
  • Strengthen the existing slopes and removing vegetation (£1.95m to £2.25m)

The two councillors revealed in their October newsletter, published on Thursday afternoon (October 27) that a decision on which option to take won’t be made until February 2023, shortly before the first budget for the new unitary Somerset Council is set.

They said: “We know that there is a perception that the highways department doesn’t listen to us out in the sticks, but we are working hard to bust that perception and that’s why we brought the highways officers out to our rural community.

“The fallen trees have now been removed and the fixed barrier has gone, so that the restricted by-way is safely accessible to pedestrians and horse-riders once again.

“A set of detailed, costed proposals will likely go to the council’s executive committee for approval in February 2023, after which contractors can be sought.”

The executive committee is due to meet in Taunton on February 13, 2023, with the full  council due to set the annual budget on February 22, 2023.