Help Support Pincushion Corner
Author: Andrew Goddard
Temporary road closure at Dorchester Road, Barwick and Stoford and East Coker
commencing 7th May 2026 and is expected to last until 9th May 2026 (between 09:30 to 15.30hrs). The road will be reopened when no work is taking place.
A map of the affected area (in red), together with the recommended diversion route (in purple) is shown below, along with the link to One. Network.
Halves Lane Planning Permission
The period for appeal has closed. The appellants now have until 23rd April 2026 to submit any further information. As soon as we hear anything, we will let you know.
Spring Growth
It is that time of year when everything grows so fast. We are very lucky to have our village ranger who helps us keep on top of the hedge trimming, drain clearing and verge cutting in and around the village. However, what he cannot do is the private areas outside our own homes. So please, when you have a chance, get your mowers and shears out!
Temporary Road Closure: Halves Lane
Works by OpenReach are expected to commence on 29th April 2026 and last for 6 hours (90.30-15.30)
Please can you make a note to take this closure down on 1st May unless I notify you otherwise.
North Coker Triangle
Highways have just advised us that the road works at the triangle have been postponed. We do not have a new date for the proposed works or road closure.
Hendford Hill to remain closed downhill (southbound)
Following the landslip in February, the A30 at Hendford Hill has operated one-way (open downhill only) while the road was cleared and the stability of the slope above the road was assessed.
After a detailed geological inspection the slope is failing, causing small rock and soil falls from weathered sandstone, tree roots loosening sections of the bank, rainwater washing out weaker rock and soil and instability caused by fallen trees.
These conditions mean there remains a risk of debris reaching the southbound carriageway, which is why the current traffic management remains in place.
Engineering consultants have recommended installing a protective barrier at the base of the slope, combined with regular inspections and removal of loose material. This approach would allow the southbound lane to reopen while significantly reducing the risk of debris reaching the road. It may require slightly narrower running lanes.
Engineers are now developing the detailed design and cost estimates for the barrier. The road will continue to operate one-way while these preparations are underway, and a temporary closure will likely be required to install the safety measures.
Work is also ongoing to confirm land ownership near the crest of the slope, particularly around trees, as this may affect how tree-fall risks are managed.
The next Parish Council Meeting
Temporary Road Closure: Dorchester Road, Barwick and Stoford and East Coker
There will be a temporary road closure at Dorchester Road, Berwick and Stoford and East for approximately 1790m from 11 March 2026 and is unexpectedly to last until 15 March between 19.00 & 05.00hrs.
The road will be reopened when no works are taking place. Signage will be placed on site.
POT HOLE REPORTING
We are all obviously noticing the worrying amount of pot holes appearing. If you are concerned about any of these and wish to report them to the Somerset Council, please contact them on: https://www.somerset.gov.uk/roads-travel-and-parking/report-a-problem-on-the-road/#potholes-road-damage-and-edge-loss
Somerset Council are no longer responding to ‘fix my street’ as a way of informing them, so please use the link above or go to the Somerset.gov.uk website and click on Roads/travel & parking and follow that link.