CONCERNS have been raised about a proposed diversion route for traffic while the roundabout at Washford Cross is being built.

The work is expected to take nine months to complete with the B3190 into Watchet closed for around six months.

The diversion will see traffic directed along the B3191, past Danesfield School in Williton and onto the B3190 at Washford Hill.

The diversion is likely to be used by a number of lorries transporting goods to Watchet Paper Mill, as well as to the Coop and CRS Building Supplies.

The B3191 has a weight restriction of seven tonnes because of a weak culvert.

“The amount of lorries that will be driving over the culvert greatly concerns us,” said John Richards, chairman of the Watchet and Area Chamber of Trade (WACT).

“And we are unsure if there are any other plans for traffic if the culvert collapses.”

Five on-street car parking spaces in Williton will also be temporarily removed to accommodate the diversion, as well as the temporary removal of a pedestrian refuge at the junction of Long Street and North Street.

Traffic lights have also been planned to control the traffic flow at Five Bells junction.

“We are very concerned that the traffic chaos that will be caused by the diversion will prevent people from visiting Watchet and Williton,” said Mr Richards.

West Somerset Council is proposing to provide two free parking spaces to replace the five that will be lost.

Ian Liddell-Grainger, MP for West Somerset, said: “We need at least five free parking spaces, if not more, and since the central car park is very rarely, if ever full, I see no problem in providing them.

“The diversion is unfortunate but it cannot be done any other way.

“I am confident that a temporary crossing in Long Street is the best solution that could be achieved under the challenging circumstances.

“But I am absolutely adamant that the works will not take the full nine months to complete as we cannot allow this to run over to spring to interrupt with tourism.

“If there is any doubt at all during the process, I will speak to the Secretary of Transport to make sure that the work is done."