THE construction of a long-awaited roundabout at Washford Cross could spell disaster for local businesses, traders' leaders have warned. The scheme to improve road safety at the junction of the A39 and B3190 is expected to get underway in the autumn. And although two-way traffic should be maintained on the A39 - the main route into West Somerset - the estimated nine-month schedule of work will mean the closure of the B3190 into Watchet from the Tropiquaria zoo junction. Chris Moiser, who runs the tourist attraction with his partner Jane Bassett, said he was not only worried about the potential loss of visitors but also that the timescale would not allow the relocation of some of the zoo's animals. "We have always made it clear that we would need around six months to move some of our critically endangered primates whose cages are just 20 feet from the road," he said. "But we were only told in June that the work was likely to begin in the autumn, which doesn't give us time to get planning permission for the new cages that we will have to provide elsewhere on the site." Mr Moiser said three cotton-tailed tamarins - a breeding group - and a pair of gibbons would be affected. He is hoping to secure some grant aid to help fund the relocation, which is expected to be "very costly". "I am not convinced of the need for the roundabout and I believe the construction will have a negative effect on Tropiquaria," he said. "I am fearful that I won't be able to move the animals in time and fearful that we will lose visitors." Although the diversions are still being finalised, traffic could be sent via Five Bells. But John Richards, chairman of WACET, which represents many traders in Watchet, said his members were "up in arms" over the scheme. The organisation was due to meet with representatives from Somerset County Council, which will be carrying out the work, EDF, which is funding the construction as part of its plans for a new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point C, and West Somerset Council on Wednesday evening. But Mr Richards said many businesses were unhappy at the lack of consultation. "I don't understand how a roundabout can take nine months to build when the Japanese can rebuild a highway in 13 days," he said. "There will be an estimated 36 lorries a day for Wansbrough Paper Mill that will have to go through Williton and travel past the Co-Op and the Masons Arms to get there. "The traffic island will have to be removed and I can foresee some huge snarl-ups, especially if the Co-Op has deliveries. "This diversion will have a huge impact on people visiting Watchet, and Tropiquaria is more than likely to lose visitors. "And this disruption will be going on into the next tourist season." Mr Richards said he accepted that little could be done to alleviate the problems at this late stage but it would help if one lane of the B3190 from the Tropiquaria junction could remain open. However, construction of the roundabout has been welcomed by local civic leaders. As reported in last week's Free Press, Cllr Hugh Davies, who represents the Watchet and Stogursey division on the county council and Williton on West Somerset Council, said the scheme would transform the junction, improving safety for the long term. But he said keeping traffic flowing on the A39 was vital for West Somerset and its economy. "It is also important that the work takes place and is completed before the start of the main tourism season. "All partners will work closely with affected communities to ensure any disruption is kept to a minimum as much as possible whilst construction is underway."