WALES and West Utilities (WWU) has started weekend working and increased the size of its works team during a closure of Brendon Road, Watchet, which has left the town all but cut off from the outside world.

But, it said the extra effort was still not going to reduce the planned six-week closure of the road.

A spokesperson told the Free Press: “It was always the plan to move to a larger, 10-man team, including weekend work, once we reached this stage of the project.

“That will begin this weekend.

“So, this is not extra work being brought in, it is part of the original plan, working to the November 13 reopening.”

With the B3191 permanently closed at Cleeve Hill because of coastal cliff erosion, the only way in and out of the town is via a minor road through Doniford.

Somerset Council is running a free shuttle bus service during the Brendon Road closure to link Watchet, Doniford, and Williton.

The utilities firm is replacing nearly four miles of gas mains pipes in the Watchet and Williton area and closed Brendon Road on October 5.

There have been calls for the company to bring in weekend working and double shifts to speed up progress and reopen Brendon Road sooner.

Plans to close the A39 through Williton for two months for a gas mains upgrade have been postponed until next year.
Wales and West Utilities said it would give an update closer to the time on its plans to close the A39 through Williton for two months for a gas mains upgrade. (Google Maps)

However, the company has now confirmed that such measures were already part of its plan and would not affect the length of closure.

The spokesperson said regarding Williton and a planned two-month closure of the A39 in the New Year ‘further discussions are in place’.

They said an update on the plans would be given closer to the time.

WWU 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 business can rely on every day.”