A pressure group is being set up for residents of a Weymouth road affected by coastal landslides amid concerns that further slippages could cause up to 90 homes to be cut off from gas, water and electric supplies.

As reported, part of Old Castle Road may have to be rerouted across the Rodwell Trail and via small back roads if the situation is not resolved, as erosion is causing land next to the highway to crumble down a cliff onto Castle Cove beach below.

A pre-2015 report by an engineer at the former Weymouth & Portland Borough Council, Stuart Morris, called for an 'extensive deep land drainage system, followed by works designed to retain the embankments and cliffs.'

Following the latest landslip, which has led to partial closure of the carriageway, resident Steve Elsworth is inviting locals to join a new Old Castle Road Residents’ Association (OCRRA).

Said Mr Elsworth: “We’re satisfied that our local councillors and council officers are doing their best but are worried that unless there’s political pressure Dorset Council will ultimately back away from this.

“There’s also a practical problem that underneath the road there’s a gas main; a water main, an electricity main and a sewer, and if Dorset Council sit on their hands we’ll be looking at significant disruption to the lives of 90 households.

“It would be a huge problem. There is a plan B (to reroute the road) but it’s not really feasible – what we’re looking for is a commitment to save the road.”

Mr Elsworth anticipates that the council-commissioned geological report will be published next month.

He said: “We’re worried the report will sit on the table for a year – meanwhile if we get the same amount of rain we had last year we’re looking at part of the road possibly being washed away.

“If the road is allowed to crumble and disrupts the water and electricity that’ll mean a great deal of distress for residents.”

He also expressed concerns about the area being low on the council’s agenda.

“Weymouth and Portland have the most social deprivation and 15 per cent of the county’s population, but we tend to get overlooked," Mr Elsworth added.

“The thing about being assertive is that you don’t let people ignore you or push you over - we’re hoping to ameliorate the problem before it arrives.

“If people are concerned and express their concerns intelligently, that prevents them becoming furious later down the road.

“We have been measuring rainfall over the years - the problem is that there’s a reverse camber on Old Castle Road which means the water is funnelled from the street down through the soil.

“As a short term measure Dorset Council put sandbags in place which is very good, but why isn’t there a drain or gutter there? - they could lay a kerbstone to take water to the drain at the bottom of the hill but they haven’t.

“The council officer dealing with the issue is very good, but we need to be ready for the moment Dorset Council falls asleep on its hands.”

It is hoped that residents on Old Castle Road will join OCRRA to discuss opinions.

To join, email steveelsworth@mac.com

Professional opinion expected on progress

A Dorset Council spokesman said: “Dorset Highways is looking into what alternative access could be provided if Old Castle Road had to be fully closed along the landslip area. As part of this, engineers have been out assessing potential access across the Rodwell Trail to Parr Way.

“A specialised geotechnical consultant, Jacobs, has also been contracted to collate and review all existing information on ground movement in this area, examine the current condition of the site and provide a professional opinion on the likely progress of cliff recession.”

John Burridge, Dorset Council Bridges and Structures Team Leader, said Jacobs was expected to make its site visit during the last week of May and the geotechnical report should be completed by mid June.

"What happens next depends on the recommendations from this report,” he said.