A major scheme to repair a stretch of a busy road just outside of Shepton Mallet is due to start next week and involves a three-week closure.

Somerset County Council is resurfacing the A371 along Prestleigh Hill, as it is showing signs of deterioration with numerous cracks and potholes on the carriageway.

The work will begin on Monday October 12 and will last until Friday October 30, and the road will be closed to all traffic during this time at all hours, except for residents, local businesses and school traffic.

Work will take place from 7.30am to 5.30pm each weekday and will include minor drainage repairs alongside the resurfacing.

Councillor John Woodman, Somerset County Council's Cabinet Member for Highways said: "It's important we look after our roads and the imminent resurfacing of the A371 at Prestleigh Hill is key scheme in our ongoing maintenance programme.

"The work will go ahead in the daytime, which we know will unfortunately lead to some disruption, but we'll do everything in our power to complete the works as quickly as possible."

Residents and those accessing businesses or amenities can liaise with on-site staff. During the road closure a suggested diversion route will be clearly signposted on site.

Somerset County Council looks after more than 4,170 miles of road and in 2019/20 invested £26.1 million to keep the county moving, including filling 18,519 potholes and delivering 385 highway maintenance schemes ranging from drainage works to carriageway and footway resurfacing.