Utility firm backtracks in face of villagers' fury over plans to close A39 in Williton

A TWO-month closure of the A39 through a West Somerset village for a gas mains upgrade project which has caused a furore among villagers has been postponed.

Wales and West Utilities (WWU) was due to shut a half-mile stretch of Long Street, in Williton, from November 9 as it replaces four miles of pipes in the area in a £1.2 million project.

The road was scheduled to have been shut 24 hours a day for two months until January 20 while the work was carried out.

But, WWU has now backtracked after public fury over the plans and said the work would now not start until January.

The company said it would allow more time for local consultations to help people better understand the project.

Parish council chairman Cllr Peter Payne said: “They are hoping to engage with more stakeholders and elected representatives and businesses, so hopefully the three months timescale will give us enough time.

“We know the work has to be done somehow, but it has to be done sympathetically for Williton and West Somerset.

“Whatever happens, there will be an impact, but we need to mitigate as best we can.”

Cllr Payne said the anger expressed after a recent WWU drop-in session in the village where people felt their questions were not being answered had made the company think again about the need to better consult the community.

A WWU spokesperson said: “We are now working with Somerset Council to explore the best time to carry out these works, which is likely to be in the New Year.

“We are sorry for any inconvenience these changes may cause and will keep people updated when we have more information.

“We would like to thank local people for their patience and understanding while we plan these essential works.”

The spokesperson said the work began in May and was being carried out in phases.

They said: “Our next phase on the A39, Long Street, was due to begin on November 9.

“We always do everything we can to minimise disruption, and following feedback from local stakeholders, we will be changing the start date for this phase of work.”

Meanwhile, WWU will be closing Brendon Road, in Watchet, from Monday (October 5) for six weeks until November 13.

A shuttle bus will operate during the closure period to help keep Watchet, Doniford, and Williton connected.

Cllr Payne said a public meeting in Williton Pavilion at 7 pm on Tuesday (October 6) would still go ahead for residents to express their views.

He said: “From people I have spoken to, it looks like it will be busy meeting with the number of people who say they are going.

Cllr Payne said both WWU and Somerset Council’s officers had already said they would not be represented at the meeting, but he was hoping some councillors would attend.

Those attending will hear from businessman Edward Martin, who has put forward a plan whereby the utilities firm could carry out the work without having to fully close the A39.