IMPATIENT motorists have been criticised for putting highways workers' lives at risk after trying to force their way through a recent road closure in Bilbrook.

The police had to be called and road workers were subjected to verbal abuse after a number of motorists ignored the 'Road Closed' signs and try to continue their journey along the A39.

A 150-metre stretch from Coastal 4x4 to Ivy Cottage was due to be closed from 9am to 3pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of last week and this for drainage work to be carried out, and the workers managed to finish the job a day and a half ahead of schedule.

But the early finish was marred by the behaviour of a minority of motorists.

A Somerset County Council spokesman said the authority understood the closure was an inconvenience but it was "disappointed" the police had to be called.

"A number of motorists disregarded the safety of road workers by going through stop signs," said the spokesman.

"Members of the team working on the site were also subjected to verbal abuse, which is unacceptable.

"Somerset County Council takes the safety and welfare of its employees very seriously and the actions of these motorists not only endangered those working on the roads, but helped add further delays for others.

"We would like to thank the vast majority of motorists for their co-operation and patience over the last two weeks.

"Essential road works like those at Bilbrook are always going to be difficult due to the nature of the location and some delays did occur whilst opening up the road in the afternoons.

"However, the works were completed 36 hours earlier than planned.".

The council said it had no choice but to carry out the drainage work during the daytime with the use of a full road closure as the road was too narrow for a single lane closure and night working had been ruled out due to nearby homes.

The closure had also been timed to avoid school holidays, peak traffic flows and Butlins' change-over days.

The road was closed to all traffic except buses and heavy goods vehicles, which were allowed through the closed section under escort, while all other traffic was diverted via Raleghs Cross.