Road closes again a day after reopening

A road is shut due to wet weather just a day after it reopened following a three-week closure.

Somerset Council said it had to act quickly to shut the section of the A361 between Stathe Road, near Burrowbridge, and Moor Lane in West Lyng as persistent rain had caused the ground to saturate.

But pub landlord Adam Matthews said the closures were having a significant impact on local businesses and described the situation as "not viable".

"During a wet winter like this, we do expect to have to close the road from time to time to keep people safe," said Somerset Council's transport lead Richard Wilkins.

"We're fully aware of the ongoing impact of flooding on many communities in Somerset, including businesses who have lost trade due to emergency road closures," the council previously said.

Matthews, landlord of the King Alfred pub in Burrowbridge, said his takings had almost halved during the road closure.

"They're still not allowing people the option to come here and they're opening and closing the road with no warning at all," he added.

The road was first closed this year on 25 January, when rain caused water levels to rise and a major incident to be declared in Somerset.

While this status was lifted on Wednesday, the council said more closures could be needed.

"Water levels will continue to fluctuate over the coming weeks until we have a sustained period of dry weather. We have to balance public safety with the need to open the road," Wilkins added.

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