SAMPFORD Brett Parish Council has called on the county council to bring forward planned repairs on the A358 before the winter and bad weather arrive.

The parish council is concerned about potential flooding on the already damaged road at the Black Arch railway bridge, where there was disruption for people travelling between Taunton and Minehead earlier this year.

The county council plans to carry out work in the next financial year, but the parish council wants it brought forward.

“We are very worried,” said parish council chairman Dr Jan Swan.

“If there is a lot of rain this winter, it’s likely the road will collapse further, and it already needs completely rebuilding with remedial work underneath.

“We recognise the council is strapped for cash, but this is a main artery and it would disrupt people from a wide area, so we are asking the council to bring the work forward to this financial year.”

Drivers experienced several weeks of delays at the bridge, which takes West Somerset Railway over the A358 in Sampford Brett parish, following the breaking up of the surface after the winter’s snow and heavy rain.

In wet weather, the position is further complicated by the bridge being near to Doniford Stream, which can contribute flood water as well as rainwater to the problem.