DRIVERS who ignored a closure on a road near Taunton are being blamed for the delayed re-opening of the route.

The police and a team from Somerset County Council highways were called to a "significant oil spillage" on the B3224 at Lethbridge Park, in Bishops Lydeard shortly after 5.30pm yesterday (Thursday, November 10).

The road, near its junction with the A358, was closed overnight for safety reasons after crews spread absorbent fibre to clear up the spillage.

But plans to potentially re-open the road this morning (Friday, November 11) were put on hold after an inspection revealed the road closure barriers had been removed.

As a result, the B3224 could possibly remain closed into the weekend.

Within the last hour, a spokesperson for Travel Somerset said: "Unfortunately, after inspection this morning, the road closure barriers were removed last night, and the closure has been driven through.

"This has caused oil to spread and affect an area that now extends to 500 metres.

"As a result, the road remains closed."

In the meantime, motorists are being warned of likely delays.

The spokesperson added: "We urge members of the public to observe all road closures.

"Suitable diversions signs will be placed out if the closure extends over the weekend.

"This is an ongoing situation and additional resources are now being deployed to make the surface safe."