Drivers travelling between Wells and Shepton Mallet face around three weeks of temporary traffic lights on the A371 at Croscombe while Somerset Council repairs a collapsed stone boundary wall.

Drivers between Wells and Shepton Mallet face around three weeks of temporary traffic lights on the A371 at Croscombe while a collapsed stone wall is repaired.

The A371 will remain open, but a short section will operate under temporary two-way traffic lights while contractors rebuild the damaged wall.

The lights will be manually operated between 7 am and 6.30 pm to help manage traffic through the restricted section.

The repair will involve removing collapsed stonework from the river and embankment before storing it temporarily on the footway and highway. The stone will then be reused as part of the reconstruction.

Somerset Council says the partial closure is necessary because contractors need enough space to work safely and store materials at what is a particularly constrained site beside the River Sheppey.

The timing of the work is also important because of the wall's proximity to the water. The council wants the job completed during drier conditions before autumn brings a greater risk of prolonged rainfall.

Cllr Richard Wilkins, Somerset Council's Lead Member for Highways and Transport, said: "It's vital that the work is done soon before the onset of autumn and potential persistent rain.

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"Decisions to close part of a road are not taken lightly. In this case it's a very restricted site due to the proximity of the river.

"We appreciate the inconvenience for road users and thank them in advance for their patience and understanding while this section of wall is repaired and made safe."

The A371 through Croscombe is a key route between Wells and Shepton Mallet, so motorists should allow extra time while the temporary lights are in place.

The work is expected to take around three weeks, subject to conditions on site and the weather.

A dedicated number, 07515 569430, will be available for emergency or urgent enquiries relating to the works.

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