Midsomer Norton's traders are hoping for some relief from works being carried out by Wales and West Utilities to replace gas mains along Silver Street and into the High Street. The work began in April along Silver Street and has been

causing long tailbacks for months. Since moving along to the High Street, however, the situation has become much worse. Many are avoiding the area and some of the shops are reporting a downturn in trade as a result.

A spokesperson for Wales and West Utilities said this week: "We are replacing old metal gas pipes in Midsomer Norton with new plastic ones with a lifespan of over eighty years to make sure we can continue to supply a safe and reliable supply of gas to homes and businesses in the area.

"We are due to complete the current phase of work by mid-July, however, the temporary traffic lights currently in use at the junction of Silver Street and the High Street will be turned off and the pedestrian crossing put back into use this week. We will then be moving to work to the Charlton Road junction with Silver Street and will be using temporary traffic lights to manage the flow of traffic to keep road users and our workforce safe whilst we work.

"We will then start work on the next phase of our gas pipe replacement programme for this area on 20th July, working in Station Road, and this stage of work should be

completed within four weeks.

"If anyone has any queries, they can approach a member of the team working on site, or contact Customer Services on: 029 2167 8455."

Tina Veater, Chair of Midsomer Norton and Radstock's Chamber of Commerce, said: "The good news is that the core High Street should be back to normal this week. In the meantime, we are about to send a letter to businesses in the High Street with details on who to contact at Wales and West Utilities with regards to businesses claiming for significant loss of income as a result of the roadworks."

It has been a miserable time for the area's motorists, with Radstock's sewer network being renewed, the

highway changes in the town, Paulton's now removed

chicane and now these roadworks in Midsomer Norton.