A TRADER is advising customers his patch remains open for business after claiming it has been turned into a "ghost town" at the start of a month-long closure of a road to traffic.

Mixed views have been expressed on the decision to bar vehicles from East Street in Taunton while Wessex Water replaces water mains.

The company promises to limit disruption and complete the work quickly but some people say they prefer to see the street without traffic, although others are critical.

Mike Slocombe, from Watkin Toys, said: “We just want people to know that all the shops are still open on East Reach Hill.

“It’s been like a ghost town this week because people walking out of town think all the shops are shut because of all the work.

“Wessex Water has been kind enough to put up signs but we just want to make people aware we’re all still alive and kicking.”

A Wessex spokeswoman said it was grateful for the public’s co-operation during the first week of the work in East Street, part of the £16million Operation Clean and Clear to improve drinking water in Taunton, and stressed businesses are open as usual.

The company’s project manager, Phil Luxton, said: “We’re working closely with businesses and people to ensure they know when work is taking place, as well as what traffic management is required.

“Road closures are essential in some areas of the town as water mains can often run down both sides of a street.

“In East Street, if we were to close just one lane at a time, the work would take between eight and ten weeks to complete as opposed to four weeks.

“Doing all the work at the same time, rather than one lane at a time, means we’ll complete work quickly and maintain safety for all.”