TRADERS have branded roadworks that are set to close a main road for five weeks a “nightmare” – with a 22-mile diversion recommended for motorists.

Businesses on Ilminster’s Station Road said the five weeks of closures would be “horrific”, with the road set to be closed from Monday, February 22 as engineers carry out essential drainage works.

The road will be closed in two phases while existing pipework is upgraded and additional gullies installed.

For phase one, the road will be closed between Home Farm Way and the site of the old Horlicks Factory at Hort Bridge. Phase two will see Station Road closed between Home Farm Way and the Hazelwell Lodge.

As part of the scheme, a 22-mile diversion has been planned but local businessmen and women have hit out at the scheme, saying it could “make or break them”.

Adam Marsden, from A M Cars hit out at the roadworks and said: “Well it is not very good news, we are going to lose a lot of passing sales.

“I have had a chat with one of the highways people, and it is not acceptable when the road is quite capable of staying open.

"It (The flooding) wants to be sorted. It has been like it for 20 years and will be until they sort out the river going up to Donyatt.

“With Easter weekend, it is going to be shut for the busiest week of the year.

“It could be a make or break for some smaller businesses. I don’t think it is acceptable.”

Sue Coombes, director of W Coombes and Sons Ltd also said her business would suffer, adding: “We will have to have access otherwise we cannot run our business.

“It is going to be pretty horrific.”

Jon Tierney, owner of Glamour Pets Grooming, said: “It is awful. Fortunately they say they are going to keep access points open.

“But the diversion is going to be 20 odd miles long, that is customers lost.

“We are very worried.”

Rob Clarke, owner of Clare Autos, said: “We have already noticed a bit of a problem starting actually, and people have been rebooked.

“It is going to be a bit of a nightmare.

“We have been assured access at all times, but it is going to be a bit challenging.”

A Somerset County Council spokesman said the reason the diversion was so long was because the council had to take into account the classification of the road, and the suitability of the road for heavy goods vehicles (HGV).

The spokesman said: “A diversion route has to be suitable for use by all types of vehicles and while the ‘Old A303’ has been considered, it is unfortunately a lower classification of road, and is not all on the gritting network.

“While we have an obligation to provide a signed diversion route, the travelling public can, where appropriate, choose a shorter alternative. In recognition of the difficulties faced by HGVs wishing to access Ilminster, particularly around the New Road/Station Road junction, we will be temporarily suspending the 7.5 tonne weight limit on the High Street.”

Cllr David Fothergill, Somerset County Council’s cabinet member for Highways, said: “It’s important we continue to invest in upgrading our roads and this essential drainage improvement work should help reduce the risk of flooding.

“Unfortunately, there will be an impact on the local community and I apologise for any inconvenience caused. We’ll be working as quickly as possible to keep any disruption to a minimum.”