AFTER weeks of complaints from motorists and shopkeepers in Ilminster, problems with the Ditton Street diversion seem to be over.

As reported, people were baffled to find a hefty diversion to get into the town due to the closure of Ditton Street while it's converted for one-way traffic leading to the planned Tesco store.

Drivers were diverted away from the town, through Donyatt and to the Southfields roundabout, as Somerset County Council had not officially adopted the planned route along Canal Way.

The council, which has been working with Ilminster's town council and chamber of commerce, has now reached agreement with developers, Persimmon Homes, to divert traffic along Canal Way as originally planned.

The new diversion route will take effect on May 21 until work is due to be completed on July 30.

Construction delivery traffic for the store will continue to be diverted through Listers Hill, Donyatt, Horton Cross and Southfields roundabout.

Cllr Tony Shire, county councillor for Ilminster, said: "The closure is necessary to allow footway widening works and we are working hard to minimise disruption to traffic.

"We would like to remind the public that businesses and car parks are open as usual during this time."

n Ilminster's Chamber of Commerce has posted a sign at the BP Garage on the corner of Ditton Street and Canal Way to help confused motorists.

The banner explains where drivers can go, with instructions to the car park and town centre, in a hope to boost fallen footfall in the town.