REPAIRS to a West Somerset road where a 10-year-old schoolboy was killed when a coach crashed last July have been postponed just 48 hours after they were announced.

Somerset Council said it intended a January 5 start on major engineering works on the A396 Cutcombe Hill between Wheddon Cross and Timberscombe.

Now, it has postponed the project until February 9 after discovering Christmas could interfere with the delivery of materials.

Council assistant highway service manager Kali Martin said the road would be closed 24/7 for three weeks.

However, Mr Martin said February would incorporate the schools half-term holiday and reduce disruption.

Temporary two-way traffic lights have been in place since the crash in which Minehead Middle School pupil Oliver Price died and many other children and adults were injured when the coach came off the road as it returned from an end of academic year educational outing to Exmoor Zoo.

Mr Martin said: “The delay in programming the repairs was due to detailed ground investigations, which showed that sheet piling would not be suitable for reinstating the verge edge and fencing.

“Instead, a stronger and more reliable solution using king pin concrete anchors with a concrete beam will be installed to ensure the long-term stability of the road.

“To carry out these essential works safely, A396 Cutcombe Hill will need to be fully closed for approximately three weeks.

“We appreciate this may cause inconvenience, and we want to assure you these dates represent the worst-case scenario.

“We are hopeful the works can be completed sooner.

“We understand how important this route is to the community and thank you for your patience and co-operation while we complete these vital repairs.”

Mr Martin said it was hoped school transport could shuttle pupils through the site to minimise disruption for families, but public service vehicles would follow official diversion routes.