CHARD High Street and Fore Street will be torn up this summer as part of resurfacing and road improvement works across Somerset.

The improvements will include removing the old surface of the road to an average depth of 50mm before laying a new material.

This will be split into two phases. The first phase of work will begin on July 4 and is expected to take four weeks.

The second phase, which is expected to take ten nights, will begin on August 1.

Somerset County Council and Chard Town Council said they had both worked together to try and ensure the roadworks cause minimal impact on businesses.

Councillors Amanda Broom and Jason Baker were involved in the planning for Chard Town Council. Cllr Broom said: “The main points that had to be considered were ensuring it had no impact on the businesses in Chard.

“It had at to be when it was most convenient and at the shortest length of time.

“The roadworks are so desperately needed.”

Cllr David Fothergill, Somerset County Council’s cabinet member for highways, said: “We’ve worked closely with Chard Town Council to plan this work to minimise disruption as much as possible, but please accept my apologies for any inconvenience it may cause.

“Please also remember this work represents a significant investment in the town. We’re committed to investing in our roads and maintaining them to the highest standards possible with the budgets we have, and I’m sure many people will welcome these improvements.”

Letters detailing the road improvements were hand delivered to people living on Fore Street and High Street at the weekend. Preparatory works are due to start on July 4 and expected to take four weeks. Damaged kerbs and water channels will be replaced and the existing drainage system will be upgraded or repaired where needed.

Work will take place during daytime hours, 7am to 7pm excluding weekends. Fore Street and High Street will remain open throughout this phase, although temporary traffic lights may be required at times in certain locations.

Carriageway resurfacing works will then begin at the start of August and are expected to take 10 nights. Work will take place from 7pm to 7am excluding weekends, and the road will be closed for some of the time.