WORK to renew ageing water mains to improve water quality in Taunton will start along the A38 on Sunday (March 30).

It marks the final phase of Wessex Water’s £16million Operation Clean and Clear scheme, which is on schedule to be completed by mid-September.

Phil Luxton, project manager for the scheme, said: “We are really grateful for the cooperation of local people and businesses.

“We understand that this last phase is taking place within a busy section of the town and ask that you’re patient while the work is completed as quickly as possible.”

The works will see a one-way system in Trull Road leading northbound to Compass Hill from March 30 to April 8. Southbound traffic will follow a clearly signed diversion route along Compass Hill, Wellington Road and Galmington Road.

Then from April 8 to 21, a section of Trull Road from its junction with Manor Drive, leading northbound to Compass Hill, will be closed while work takes place. Traffic will follow a clearly signed diversion route using Compass Hill, Wellington Road and Galmington Road.

So far 50km of iron water mains have either been replaced or relined throughout Taunton and surrounding areas, ensuring the water supply network is up to modern standards.

Wessex Water invited business owners, residents, stakeholders and representatives from emergency services to a drop-in session on Tuesday to advise them of what the final section of work would involve.

The company said it had written to local people and reminded people that businesses will be open as usual.