TRADERS are worried business will grind to a halt and commuters fear mayhem on the roads when a main Taunton street closes to traffic for eight weeks during roadworks at a key junction.

And there is likely to be anger from residents in streets where motorists are threatening to park to avoid getting stuck in town centre snarl-ups.

Vehicles will be barred from East Street up to the Market House during the work, while drivers travelling up East Reach will be banned from turning into Tancred Street.

New lights will be installed where East Street, East Reach and Hurdle Way converge, while a large pedestrian crossing will replace the current two and the road will be resurfaced.

Somerset County Council say the project, starting in June, is urgent as the traffic lights could fail at any time.

A spokesman added: “All equipment will be replaced and we’re also looking to improve the layout of the junction to reduce the number of pedestrian movements crossing Hurdle Way from three to two.”

Shop owners are concerned trade will be hit, claiming they suffered during a lengthy East Street closure when Wessex Water relaid pipes in 2014.

Mike Giles, of Bredons sewing shop, in Eastgate, said: “I’m concerned it will be harder for shoppers to get here. But the road surface is uneven and the crossing is a nightmare, so something needs doing.”

Dave Hollow, of County Flowers, in East Reach, said: “If they stop parking here during the work, some people won’t be able to run their businesses.”

Fellow director Denise Cross said: “The big issue is Tancred Street because customers would have to take a detour for the car park.”

Barry Griffin, of neighbouring Carpets R Us,  fears the works could “dramatically affect business”, adding: “They’re shutting off the main approach to Taunton – what happens if it takes more than eight weeks and goes into Taunton Flower Show (August 5 and 6)?”

The owners of Mei's Buffet, a Chinese restaurant opening on the corner of East Reach and East Street next month, are also fearful.

Joelle Liao, a partner, said: "We'll have only just opened when they close East Street.

"We have no choice - the council has decided to close the road, but we only found out about it this week.

"It's not good timing for us, but it will be business as usual."

Cllr David Fothergill, cabinet member for highways, said Somerset County Council would work with businesses, residents and bus operators over their concerns.

He added: “The new technology will be more reliable and energy efficient to help reduce running costs.

“Improving the layout will make it easier and safer for people to cross a very busy junction.

“It’s never an easy decision to close a major road, but we believe this is the best way to complete this work as safely and quickly as possible.”