UTILITIES firm Wales and West has told Williton and Watchet residents it understands its work ‘can cause disruption’ but it was ‘essential’ to upgrade the area’s gas mains network.

The company issued a statement ahead of a public meeting planned in Williton for Tuesday (October 6) where local anger will be expressed about an upcoming two-month closure of the A39 through the village.

The meeting follows a recent Williton drop-in event where Wales and West Utilities said staff would be available to answer questions and explain more about the project, which started in May.

However, many villagers later complained at the lack of information available.

Project manager Roxanne Whittaker said: “This work involves investing in our gas network to ensure it remains safe, reliable, and fit for the future for the customers we serve.

“We will be keeping the local community updated on these works and working with the local authority and other key partners to keep disruption to a minimum.

“We ask motorists to strictly follow the traffic management signage to keep the traffic flowing and our colleagues safe as they complete this work.

“We understand our work can cause disruption, but it is essential to maintain a resilient gas network that households and businesses can rely on every day.”

Ms Whittaker said the gas network upgrade was progressing and the next phase would see Watchet’s Brendon Road closed to traffic heading into the town from Monday until November 13.

She said a clearly signposted diversion route was in place and Somerset Council would be running a shuttle bus service linking Watchet, Doniford, and Williton.

Williton’s Long Street is then planned to be closed from November 9 to January 20 as the project moves on.

Wales and West is investing more than £1.2 million to upgrade about four miles of gas pipes serving about 700 customers.