Extra shuttle buses will run between Draycott and Wells during a six-week closure of the A371 for essential gas mains work. Wales & West Utilities is due to close the road from Tuesday, 1 September until Sunday, 11 October while it relays the mains supply.

Somerset Council says the temporary service is intended to keep communities connected with schools, colleges, healthcare and other essential services while the road is shut. The shuttles will link into the existing public transport network, with services running towards both Wells and Cheddar.

Ten buses a day will operate from Draycott to Wells via Rodney Stoke and Westbury-sub-Mendip. A separate shuttle between Draycott and Tweentown in Cheddar will provide six return services each day.

The existing 126 bus will also be affected by the closure. During the works, the service will be diverted from Tweentown via Wedmore before continuing to Wells.

Schools have already been told about the closure, according to the council, with parents due to receive information about pick-up points and timings for school transport.

The road is expected to reopen under temporary traffic lights from Monday, 28 September, although work will continue. From that point, the 126 is due to return to its normal route through the area.

Somerset Council says it and Wales & West Utilities have been speaking to residents, businesses and other local stakeholders ahead of the closure. The council's traffic regulation listings confirm restrictions affecting roads around Cheddar, Wedmore and Wells from 1 September.

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