A COMMUTER claims a road he uses to get to Taunton was closed last week without the correct procedures being put in place.

But Somerset County Council says an official closure notice was not needed on the B3170 at Corfe Hill as its contractor was carrying out "urgent safety works".

Paul Lanning complained to the council last Monday when barriers and a road closed sign went up on the road as workers cut down trees suffering from ash dieback.

"There was no official road closure in place on that road," said Mr Lanning.

"The work started on Monday, when there was no road closure notice on the Somerset County Council website.

"I complained on Monday and on Tuesday a retrospective road closure notice was in place for Monday to Wednesday.

"But the road was still closed on Thursday and Friday despite the notice having lapsed.

"These were scheduled works with a contractor working on behalf of Somerset County Council without the correct authority as the council was not following the correct procedures."

Mr Lanning added that he was aware of several motorists driving to the top of Corfe Hill and being forced to turn around due to the closure not being advertised.

A spokeswoman for County Hall said today (Monday, October 25) that the works were "urgent" rather than "scheduled".

She added: "Urgent works to remove dangerous, diseased ash trees on Staple Hill and B3170 Corfe Hill roads have been completed and all diversion and closures signs removed.

"The roads have now reopened.

"These were urgent safety works as there were dying trees leaning against other trees which could have come down at any time."