Street traders and local organisations have raised concerns about the continuing closure of the B3151 Somerton Road, with businesses warning that diversion signs could leave visitors thinking the town itself is closed.

Street councillor Liz Leyshon met representatives of High Street traders, Clarks Village and Millfield School on Monday, 24 August to discuss the 24-hour closure, which is in place while work is carried out in connection with Curo's Somerton Road development.

Cllr Leyshon said she had been in contact with Somerset Council's highways teams throughout August over the quality of diversion signage, the lack of signs telling visitors that Street remains open for business, the length of the closure and the impact of diverted traffic on surrounding roads.

She has also raised concerns about the position when schools and Strode College return for the autumn term if the road remains closed.

The affected stretch of Somerton Road runs north from its junction with Stallgrove Lane for around 573 metres. The temporary closure began on 6 July and is currently scheduled to remain in place until Friday, 11 September.

The road closure is linked to access works for Curo's Somerton Road development, where up to 280 homes are planned, including up to 84 affordable homes.

Owner of The Loft and Street Traders Association chairman Mark Tobin has also criticised the way the closure and diversion have been managed.

He said he was particularly concerned by signage on approaches to Street, which he believes has caused confusion over where the closure begins.

Mr Tobin said: "The biggest issue — there are no signs whatsoever anywhere saying Street High Street and Clarks Village open to business as normal."

He said businesses were concerned about the effect during the peak summer visitor period, including on Street High Street, Clarks Village and Greenbank Pool.

Mr Tobin also raised concerns about the diversion routes being used by larger vehicles and the additional traffic being pushed onto residential roads.

He said: "We all know the development is happening, we all knew that enhancements to drainage and services needed to be made, however the time that it is taking and the poor management of the road closure is simply unacceptable."

Cllr Leyshon has similarly acknowledged the importance of drainage works connected with the development. She said surface and groundwater management was a critical part of the scheme, including the attenuation ponds being constructed on the site.

Somerton and Frome MP Sarah Dyke is also looking at the situation and shares concerns raised by Street councillors, residents and businesses, according to Cllr Leyshon.

Mr Tobin had previously highlighted the number of simultaneous roadworks and closures around Street in a post on social media, including works affecting the High Street, Overleigh and Wilfrid Road.

His concerns centred on the cumulative effect of the works and the additional traffic being redirected through other parts of the town.

Cllr Leyshon said she would continue making the case for residents, businesses and visitors and seeking solutions to the problems being raised around the B3151 closure.

The current temporary traffic order allows the Somerton Road closure to remain in force until 11 September.

Details of the housing scheme are available from Curo's Somerton Road development page.

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