MOTORISTS face lengthy diversions and long delays in the coming weeks when the A39 at Bilbrook is closed for a total of six days.

Somerset County Council says it has no choice but to carry out drainage work during the daytime, with a full road closure to all traffic except buses and heavy goods vehicles.

All other traffic will be expected to follow an official diversion route via Raleghs Cross.

In all, a 150-metre stretch of the A39 from Coastal 4x4 to Ivy Cottage is due to be closed next Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday between 9am and 3pm and again the following week at the same times.

A spokesman for the county council said all alternative options had been fully investigated, including single lane closures using traffic lights and night working.

The spokesman said: "Due to a deterioration of the highway drainage a section of the pipe needs replacing.

"The work cannot be done under traffic lights because of the proximity of properties which reduces the width that is acceptable for working under a traffic light system.

"Night work was also considered but rejected at the request of the residents and for the safety of the workers.

"The timing of the works is necessary to avoid school holidays, peak flows of intake days at Butlins and the approaching spring/summer season, together with restricted hours of working 9am to 3pm allowing access to schools and work.

"Diversion signs will be put in place and we would ask all drivers to use the designated routes during the closure.

"Somerset Highways apologise for any inconvenience caused but this work will solve the problem for many years to come."

Heavy goods vehicles and buses will be allowed through the closed section of road under escort.

The county council spokesman said highways staff had spoken in depth to local councillors, including members of Old Cleeve Parish Council, to explain the reasons for the road closure.

The parish council had been due to discuss the closure at their meeting on Monday as some members were unhappy with the proposal, but the item was withdrawn following a full explanation from highways staff.