PROTESTERS calling for one of West Somerset's main arteries to be kept open longer while road works take place have won an extra hour.

Now, the evening start time of planned resurfacing work on the A39, starting tomorrow (Thursday) has been put back from 7pm to 8pm.

But the concession has been branded too little by one village sub post mistress.

And West Somerset MP Ian Liddell-Grainger has called for more concessions.

He said: "There are a number of big events coming up, including the Spring Harvest festival at Butlins, which is the biggest gathering of Christians in Europe.

"I would like to see the start time pushed back to 10pm.

"Ideally, the work should be postponed until October."

Diane Hogg, who runs Kilve post office and general store, said on Tuesday: "The extra hour in the evening will help some, but won't make any difference to us.

"Many of our customers are going to have to go without their morning papers because delivery drivers may not get through."

Mrs Hogg, who also expects her bed and breakfast trade to be hit, said organisers of the annual Kilve antiques fair, held to raise funds for the renovation of Kilve parish church, were also worried the road closures could hit trade.

She said many local people had already signed a petition in the shop calling for the work to be rescheduled.

"Most people want the work done, but they think there was a better way of doing it."

Somerset County Council had planned to close various sections of the A39 from March 23 to April 28 between Williton and Nether Stowey from 7pm to 7am over a five-week period for resurfacing, with a short suspension over the Easter weekend.

Mr Liddell-Grainer added: "Tourism is the lifeblood of our constituency and this is the busiest time of the year."

He has also promised to pass on letters and petitions to Government transport secretary Alistair Darling in a bid to get the work postponed.

The decision has been welcomed by West Somerset District Council chairman Barbara Child, who has claimed the credit for persuading Somerset County Council to make the change.

She said: "The extra hour will allow more time for holidaymakers and other visitors to travel into West Somerset.

"It will also be a boost for hauliers and other professional road users who will have more time to use the A39."

But she criticised the county council for its lack of consultation.

"There has been quite a backlash locally to these plans," she said.

"At least I have been able to get them to compromise a little bit."

David Peake, the county council's highway service manager, told the County Gazette: "As the A39 is narrow, the road will have to be closed for the safety of the workforce and the public."

He said officials would man the closures at Williton to advise drivers of progress and diversions.

Advance warning signs will also be placed on the M5.