12-03-2025
Public consultation being held ahead of major gas works
Motorists face six months of disruption as works to replace gas mains are set to and West Utilities (WWU) is upgrading pipes on Bishops Hull Road and Silk Mills Road in Taunton, Somerset, from 31 the works, road closures and traffic management systems will be in place as older metal pipes are replaced by longer-lasting plastic ones, WWU will be able to review the plans at a drop-in event between 14:00 and 19:00 GMT on Wednesday.
Tom Parker, owner of Bishops Hull Stores, Post Office and butchers, has warned that planned road closures could have a "catastrophic" impact on his business. He said: "I think people will think twice about coming up here. Hopefully we can garner enough support by explaining the situation and hopefully there is not a massive drop-off in trade."A WWU spokesperson said the works were "essential to keep the gas flowing safely and reliably to local homes and businesses, keeping people warm for generations to come".
To minimise disruption, the project will be carried out in two phases:Bishops Hull Road SchemeRoad closure on Bishops Hull Road from 31 March to the end of JuneWork on Orchard Drive from 21 April to 4 MayRoad closures on Bishops Hull Road and Comeytrowe Lane, with 2-way traffic lights on Stonegallows and Wellington New Road from 27 May to 13 JuneMountway RoadDirectional closure on Silk Mills Road from 16 June to 25 JulyDirectional closure on Silk Mills Road with a road closure of the junction of Mountway Road from 28 July to 17 AugustDirectional closure on Silk Mills Road with a road closure on Waterfield Drive and a lane closure on Wellington New Road from 18 August to 7 SeptemberMr Parker added the works could be "potentially catastrophic" because they could reduce footfall at a time when businesses are already struggling. "Big lorries come in here every week to deliver all our supplies and the roadworks will cause quite a big issue," he added.
