ROADWORKS could have a "disastrous" impact on the success of two West Somerset artists taking part in a countywide arts initiative which gets underway tomorrow (Saturday).

Emma Bradshaw and Caroline Lytton will be showing their work at Emma's Watchet studio as part of Somerset Art Weeks 2012, which runs until September 30.

But West Street, where the studio is based, will be closed to traffic from Monday (September 17) to the following Friday for gas supply work to be carried out.

And Emma's mother Hannah Bradshaw told the Free Press the closure was likely to have an effect on the number of people visiting the studio.

"It will undoubtedly put some people off," she said. "And the awful thing is that the same thing happened two years ago when Emma opened her studio for the same event for the first time.

"On that occasion, Somerset County Council decided to resurface West Street.

"All kinds of closures and barriers were put up and sticky tarmac and grit was brought into the studio.

"Now we are facing more barriers, more drilling, yellow signs advertising Somerset Art Weeks being knocked down or obliterated making it more difficult to find the venue."

Mrs Bradshaw said that Emma, an artist and Caroline, a silversmith, had invested a considerable amount of money and worked hard on various projects to take part in the event.

"Two years ago it was horrendous. For this to happen once is unfortunate but to happen twice is disastrous.

"I appreciate it must be difficult to co-ordinate closures but this demonstrates a complete lack of co-ordination by the council."

Mrs Bradshaw said she had contacted the highways department but been told that the work could not be delayed.

A spokesman for the county council told the Free Press that the road was being closed to allow gas supply connections to be made to private properties by West and Wales Utilities.

"In order to maximise the road being closed, other companies will also be conducting their own works.

"No work is scheduled for the weekend when Somerset Art Weeks starts or the following weekend.

"There will be access during the week into Watchet's car parks from the Williton and Washford Cross directions and pedestrians can still use the pavements during the road closure, so we hope disruption will be minimal.

"We apologise for any inconvenience caused and wish Somerset Art Weeks every success."

Emma's studio is venue 104 in the Somerset Arts Week guide and can be found at 76 West Street, overlooking the slipway.