THE wheels have been set in motion toward a long-term solution to protect the Splash Point Wall at Watchet Harbour.

Before Christmas, part of the wall near Watchet's East Quay collapsed following high tides and strong winds, leaving a large hole.

Somerset West and Taunton Council swiftly put together an emergency temporary repair with the Environment Agency, plugging the gap.

Cllr Marcus Kravis, executive member for assets and economic development, said: “SWT has put in place a temporary repair at Splash Point utilising the framework agreements with the Environment Agency.

"The repair has held well to date but we recognise this is not a permanent solution.

"A report is going to Executive on January 22 to seek funding for design works for the permanent solution in this location and also to undertake some reinforcement works to the East Quay, the latter being unrelated to the failure that we have suffered.

"The council has received great support from the community over these emergency activities and we look forward to being able to confirm the design for the permanent solution and a delivery timetable.”