WORK to reduce the risk of flooding in a Somerset village is being carried out next week – lasting for around a month – closing the route and affecting bus services.

The Somerset Council Highways Team will be completing “essential drainage works” in Church Street, Winsham, near Chard.

The scheme, which the council says will reduce the potential for road flooding and hazardous surface water ahead of the winter, is between Court Street and Back Street.

Work will take place from Monday (September 23), lasting until Monday, October 21, with the route closed to traffic, although access for residents will be maintained and businesses will be open as usual, with a diversion in place for other traffic.

The work will be phased to ensure school access during the first stage of the work between Court Street and Pooles Lane, before moving to the opposite side of the carriageway to complete the works from Pooles Lane to Back Lane.

During this next phase, Fore Street access to Church Street will be closed and the team will keep residents informed when this needs to happen.

Meanwhile, the 96 bus service will still operate in Winsham but will only collect passengers at Davies Close due to the closure, before turning around and following the posted diversion along the A30.

Number 96 bus services to Drimpton and Clapton will not run during the work and residents are advised to register for Somerset Council’s demand responsive Slinky Services as an alternative.

Lead member for transport and digital, Councillor Richard Wilkins, said: “It is vital we get this work done before the winter as excess surface water can cause all kinds of problems.

“Our team will do everything they can to minimise disruption during the work. “Residents can raise any concerns or issues they may have with the site supervisor.”