WORK to build a new roundabout on the A358 at Bishops Lydeard is expected to start in September – avoiding school term-time and the bulk of holidaymakers’ traffic.

The design has had to evolve since discussions first began and the new roundabout plans now include reconstruction of the underpass.

It is part of a legal agreement linked to the construction of new homes in the village – a scheme which was given permission by Taunton Deane Borough Council in 2011.

In 2014, Somerset County Council entered into a separate legal agreement with the developer, Taylor Wimpey, to enable the highway works to go ahead.

A series of positive meetings have taken place between Taylor Wimpey and the county council since then, and it has now been agreed that a final design for this will be approved within the next few weeks.

Once approval is granted, Taylor Wimpey will complete the tender process and appoint a contractor to construct the roundabout and associated works with a target start date of September.

Cllr David Fothergill, Somerset County Council’s cabinet member for highways said: “By starting in September, we’ll be avoiding the school holidays and the peak time for tourists in the area and this should also help keep disruption to local businesses and the West Somerset Railway to a minimum.”