THE construction of a new roundabout at Washford Cross is unlikely to begin until the new year following delays to the implementation of measures to divert traffic.

The road improvement at the junction of the A39 and B3190 is being funded by EDF Energy as part of its project to build a new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point.

But although two-way traffic is expected to be maintained on the A39 during the construction of the roundabout, the B3190 into Watchet will be closed, with traffic diverted through Williton.

Work to implement a series of measures in and around the village was due to get underway ten days ago.

But EDF Energy announced this week that it would not begin until the second week of December, with the start date scheduled for Monday (December 8).

With the temporary measures expected to take around a fortnight to complete and with the company's pledge that the B3190 would remain open over the Christmas period, the main roundabout project seems unlikely to get underway until January.

The diversion measures will include changes to the junction of Long Street and North Street, including the removal of the bollard to cater for the additional influx of traffic and turning lorries.

Virtually all on-street parking in the centre of Williton will be lost, with double yellow lines introduced in Fore Street and no parking in North Street between 8am and 6pm.

Alterations will also be made to the Five Bells junction, including the installation of traffic lights.

Other measures include the introduction of 30mph speed limits on a number of roads, including parts of Smithyard Lane, Washford Hill, Brendon Road and Five Bells.

In addition, the existing 7.5-ton weigh limit from the junction of North Street and Doniford Road, along North Road and to the junction with the B3190 will be suspended.

A spokesman for EDF Energy said the start date for work to implement the diversion measures had been put back due to an operational delay.

Traders in Williton and Watchet have voiced concerns about the impact of the diversion, including safety fears over the increase in heavy goods vehicles in Williton and the effect on trade.