MAJOR maintenance work is in progress this week on Taunton Town Bridge.

Somerset Council has confirmed pedestrian access will be maintained at all times during the works, which are expected to last for 40 weeks.

Although a closure notice was issued last week, the council has clarified that this was to be kept in reserve to allow the footpath to be closed at any given time only if necessary for the safety of the public.

But the intention has always been to keep the route open throughout.

Cllrr Richard Wilkins, Somerset Council’s lead member for transport and digital, said: “We need to have the legal powers in place to cover all eventualities and it is common practice to issue such an order when carrying out works.

"However the planned works have been designed to keep access to pedestrians across the bridge at all times as pedestrian movement is a priority.”