Bishop's Hull traffic calming starts Monday (From Somerset County Gazette)

Bishop's Hull traffic calming starts Monday

2:30pm Wednesday 11th July 2012 in Taunton

TEMPORARY road closures will be in force on Bishop’s Hull Road, in Bishop’s Hull for five weeks from Monday.

The work is needed because of the 180-home Persimmon Homes development currently underway.

Villagers had feared up to two months of disruption, but Bishop’s Hull Parish Council chairman has obtained clarification from Somerset County Council.

Mr Porter said the county told him that the road will not be totally closed for the whole period, with a temporary road surface installed at times and some minor access restrictions.

The regular bus service will also no stop on Bishop’s Hull Road or in Waterfield Drive during the works.

Mr Porter and district councillor Ian Morrell say the traffic calming measures are welcomed.

But Mr Morrell said the county’s initial announcement that the road could be closed for two months had caused concern.

Village butcher Tim Pope said: “We haven’t really been told exactly what’s happening, but it’s obviously going to cause disruption and will hit my trade.”

A Somerset County Council spokesman said: “The existing traffic calming measures in Bishop’s Hull are to be enhanced with speed humps and cushions as part of the housing development works.

“Due to the width of the existing highway, it is not possible to carry out these works without road closures.

“The road will be closed in sections and will be well signposted to minimise disruption, and access will be maintained for local residents and businesses.

“The road closure has been programmed for two months to allow for contingencies such as delays due to bad weather but it is hoped that the works will be completed quicker than that.”