Somerset Council seeks millions to stabilize homes near Castle Cary
What happened
Somerset Council is seeking more than £8.4 million from the Department for Transport's structures fund. This funding is intended to protect homes on the A371 Ansford Hill, near Castle Cary railway station, from landslip risks. The embankment on the northern side of Ansford Hill has experienced localized instability, causing material to slip and block the road. The A371 is a crucial link connecting Castle Cary to other towns like Shepton Mallet and Evercreech.
Why it matters
This request is part of a wider local transport plan that allocates £283 million in central government grants for improving the county's road and rail network. The council is also awaiting the outcome of a £40 million bid to reopen the B3191 Cleeve Hill, which has been closed since January 2023 due to coastal erosion.
Who's involved
- Somerset CouncilThe local authority seeking funds and managing the county's transport plan.
- Castle CaryThe market town near which the landslip risk is threatening homes.
- Liberal DemocratsThe political party whose division members are involved in the council's governance.
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- Somerset CouncilSpeculative
Somerset Council could face increased costs for critical infrastructure repair if the funding bid is not successful.
Keep exploring
The entities involved
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Castle Cary
town in Somerset, England, UK
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Somerset Council
local authority in England