Roads around Shepton Mallet are being lined up for surface dressing as Somerset Council rolls out its spring and summer maintenance programme.

Among the key local routes included are the A37 between Shepton Mallet and Gurney Slade and the A371 linking Shepton Mallet and Wells. The council says the work is designed to seal the road surface, improve skid resistance and stop water getting underneath — helping to prevent potholes from forming.

Surface dressing involves spraying bitumen onto the road, covering it with stone chippings and then rolling them in. Somerset Council says it is used on roads that are still in good condition to help extend their life before more serious damage sets in.

There is one major catch: the work can only be carried out in dry weather. That means dates can change at short notice depending on conditions.

Most sites are expected to be completed within a single day, and some in only a few hours. Larger stretches of road can take between one and three days.

In many cases, roads will stay open with stop/go traffic control in place. But at narrower locations, short temporary closures may be needed to keep workers and the public safe.

The council has also warned there may be brief periods when vehicle access to properties is not possible, although pedestrian access will remain unaffected. "Business open as usual" signs will be put in place where needed.

Councillor Richard Wilkins, Somerset Council's lead member for transport and waste services, said: "Every summer we deliver this programme so that our network remains safe. Surface dressing is critically important in keeping our highways running efficiently.

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"Surface dressing is used on roads still in good condition to extend their life. It works much like repainting wooden windows – regular maintenance is essential."

Somerset Council says more detail on affected roads will be published before work starts. Residents can also check planned works through the council, while Travel Somerset is expected to share updates as the programme moves forward.

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