WEST Somerset’s MP has said it is vital that a broken cattle grid on a major road through the Quantock Hills is fixed as soon as possible.
The middle spar of the cattle grid on Crowcombe Road, near Over Stowey, has broken and the road has been closed.

Conservative MP for Bridgwater and West Somerset Ian Liddell-Grainger said: “I understand it could be closed for up to a month, but it is a vital route between Crowcombe and Over Stowey and needs to be a priority.

“If something were to happen on one of the main roads, residents up on the hills would be left with no option but to use roads and country lanes that are ill-equipped to deal with lots of traffic.

“I have been talking to both the Quantock Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty authority and Somerset County Council in order to get this fixed as soon as possible.”
The road is likely to be out of action until at least February 2, according the Travel Somerset website.

A spokesman for Somerset County Council said: "The cattle grid east of Crowcombe Park has been damaged beyond repair and structural steel beams need to be replaced.

"The work has been ordered and should take place in the next few weeks. In the meantime, it is not safe to travel over the cattle grid and an emergency road closure is in place. We apologise for any inconvenience and will reopen the road as soon as the grid is fixed and the road is safe to use.”

Cannington resident Mike Hodge is a frequent user of the road who says he cannot believe it will take a month to fix.
“I heard the news and thought it was disgraceful it would take that long to sort out a cattle grid,” he said.
“If I want to get to Taunton it can take longer but with the traffic in Bridgwater these days at least you keep moving.
“Motorists can take the road which comes out by Dead Womens Ditch but it nothing like as good a road.”

For more information about upcoming roadworks in Somerset visit travelsomerset.co.uk/roadworks.