ANGRY traders in Williton are warning that measures designed to tackle a huge increase in traffic during the construction of the new roundabout at Washford Cross could hit business and put pedestrians at risk.

The scheme to improve road safety at the junction of the A39 and the B3190 is being funded by EDF Energy as part of the company's Hinkley C project.

Although the complex roadworks are expected to be completed without the closure of the A39 - the major route into Minehead and Exmoor - they will mean the B3190 into Watchet will be closed at the Tropiquaria zoo junction for around six months.

But with traffic being diverted through Williton and along Five Bells to reach Watchet, a series of measures looks likely to be implemented to help cope with the increase in vehicles, including heavy goods lorries travelling to Wansbrough paper mill.

However, although talks have been taking place for some months between EDF, Somerset County Council, West Somerset Council and local parish councils, the plans have yet to be made public - even though work on the roundabout is scheduled to begin at the end of November.

And traders in Williton are furious that they have yet to be consulted over the measures.

They range from the loss of parking spaces in Fore Street and the installation of double yellow lines to blocking off an existing pedestrian crossing point on the corner of Long Street and North Street and the removal of bollards at the approach to the junction.

John Newsome, who runs John's Fish and Chips in the village, criticised the lack of communication with the business community.

"This is going to affect the footfall of customers using local businesses and yet we have not been consulted at all," he said.

"I am concerned about the potential loss of trade but my major concern is for the safety of pedestrians.

"Under these plans, the existing gap in the barrier outside my business is going to be blocked off to stop people crossing there.

"But they can't block up the other side and people will still try and cross the road.

"It's already an incredibly dangerous and busy junction and it won't be a matter of if someone is killed or seriously injured, but when."

Mr Newsome said an alternative crossing point in Long Street was shown on a plan drawn up by EDF that he had obtained from Williton Parish Council, but it appeared this would be no more than dropped kerbs.

"I am very worried about the safety of children and the elderly in particular - there will be an accident.

"I think all the agencies are just trying to keep this under wraps because they know there will be complaints and concerns about what they want to do.

"I've spoken to many of the shops and businesses in the village and they all share my worries."

Mr Newsome said he had been told by a county council officer that permission for the closure of the B3190 had been granted from November 21 to July 21.

"And I was also told that the measures planned for Williton would have to be in place before construction started on the roundabout, so that means they could happen in the next few weeks.

"And yet we are still waiting to be told about them officially."

John Payton, who runs Somerset Farmhouse in Williton, said the lack of consultation was unacceptable.

"We haven't been told anything so at the moment we don't really know what is happening because it's all hearsay," he said.

"Taking away parking spaces will undoubtedly have an effect on my business.

"It looks like there will be two extra free 15 minutes spaces in the Killick Way car park but that's not enough - they should be making 25 per cent of the spaces free while this work is going on."

Mr Payton said he was also concerned about the safety of pedestrians.

"I don't believe the bollards need to be removed and I don't believe any of this has been thought through properly."

A spokesman for EDF Energy said designs for work at the Five Bells junction and in the centre of Williton, which would enable the diversionary routes to be established, were now complete and information about the "improvements" would be shared with the local community next week.

Local stakeholders, including local businesses, would be informed and in the longer term, EDF would work with West Somerset Council to help disseminate information.

"Arrangements to help facilitate building the new roundabout at Washford Cross have been developed following extensive engagement with the local community, including briefing Williton Parish Council, Watchet Town Council and Old Cleeve Parish Council.

"Work on the new roundabout is due to start at the end of November.

"Whilst there will inevitably be a degree of disruption in the village to accommodate the diversion routes, alternative arrangements will be provided, for example diversionary road crossings for pedestrians and two additional free 15 minute spaces in the WSC car park.

"The works in Williton to facilitate the diversion routes are due to take one week."