Summary
Following concerns raised by the Parish Council and Local Somerset Councillors, discussions have taken place over the proposed road closure, please find the latest update from Somerset Council below, once further details are available I will update you:
We have received a vast amount of correspondence regarding the intended closure of Dene Road, Cotford St Luke. Below you will find an update sent to Cllr Mike Rigby and Cllr Andy Sully yesterday. I thought it would be prudent to extend this update to you both to ensure residents are aware of steps we are taking to reduce the closure extents.
Due to the volume of correspondence received regarding the proposed closure of Dene Road, which was originally scheduled from 19 October through to the end of November, we have been working proactively with Lovell Homes to review the scheme and reduce the extent of works requiring a road closure.
The original advertised duration of 66 days represented a worst-case scenario and included a number of unknown factors at the time. Following further investigations and confirmation of several key elements, it became apparent that the anticipated construction period would be closer to four weeks.
Through ongoing discussions with all parties, it has also been identified that the approved scheme could have an adverse impact on several sensitive trees within the Memorial Ground area. As a result, an alternative design solution is currently being considered to eliminate the risk of these trees being affected or removed.
In addition to protecting the trees, the revised scheme is expected to significantly reduce the extent of works requiring a road closure, potentially limiting the closure period to between one and two weeks. These discussions remain at an early stage; however, I have requested that the closure notice on One.Network be amended to defer the advertised dates while we explore and progress these potential changes.
Should a road closure still be required, every effort will be made to minimise disruption. This will include keeping the carriageway open wherever possible, particularly during school transport periods and in the evenings.
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch. I will provide a further update once the revised scope of works has been agreed and confirmed.
