Major drainage improvements which were delayed by rebuilding work at the Beacon near Ilminster are due to finally go ahead today.

The work on the B3168 at Puckington is essential, and has been planned for some time, but had to be postponed last summer while the nearby Beacon was closed for nine months due to a significant landslip. The Beacon is on the recognised diversion route for this scheme.

The overall upgrade is scheduled to take six weeks, with work on the B3168 taking four weeks and work on the Stocklinch Lane junction due to last two weeks.

Cllr Harvey Siggs, Somerset County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, said: “I am pleased that this scheme is finally able to take place. Everyone knows about the major rebuilding work which took place at the Beacon for large parts of last year and unfortunately one of the consequences of that was a delay to these essential improvements.

“We will be working hard to complete the work as quickly as possible, but we’re aware there will be some disruption and I apologise for any inconvenience.

“We have been in discussion with local businesses and traders and additional signing, particularly for Barrington, Hambridge and Westport, will be provided on the official diversion route.”

A local diversion for light vehicles only will also in operation during these works.