Council Leader Duncan McGinty said "The river wall has moved 7mm overnight and the experts feel that it is only a matter of time before it collapses.The Utility companies are onsite and continue to work towards securing utilities in that area by laying pipes and cables around the damaged area. So today there is a wider area of disruption whilst large holes are dug to cut and divert. Wessex water are concerned that no salt water should enter the system as this would have a catastrophic effect on the sewerage treatment process."
"The area around the collapse continues to be unstable and people have not been allowed back into the properties to collect anything. The only exception is the Vets have been allowed back in to remove some animals and feed others."
The area along West Quay continues to be blocked off and will continue so for the foreseeable future. Cllr Brian Smedley and Cllr Kathy Pearce (Westover ward) have called on Sedgemoor for an emergency item at Wednesdays full council meeting to address the consequences for local residents and businesses..
Cllr Smedley said "Local traders will presumably get some relief from their business rates but regarding compansation I would suggest the businesses need to check the terms of their insurances to see if any claims can be made. It may be that the Environment Agency has the key liability as the responsible authority and we are urging Sedgemoor to clarify the situation and to continue their excellent work to date with affected residents and businesses to mitigate the effects of this disaster. "
Cllr McGinty said "Tomorrow the SDC team will be working to find more permanent solutions for the affected tenants - so please bare with the us as this will mean some reassignment of Officers from their normal duties."
The M5 Motorway remains closed following the catastrophic incident there on friday night between Bridgwater and Taunton. The Highways Agency hopes to have the southbound carriageway on the M5 around Junction 25 open by 17:00 GMT. Police anticipated the M5 would be open both ways to traffic between junctions 24 and 25 on Monday morning.
Cllr Smedley said "The carnival committee called for a one minute silence at 12.00 today to remember those killed and injured on Friday night at the height of the Carnival. Carnival supporters and members of the public responded wonderfully and filled the area around the Guy Fawkes statue, all around Cornhill and along the High street."
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