DRIVERS and villagers are rejoicing after the completion of a roundabout - five years after it was due to be finished.

Work has been taking place over the last eight months to build a roundabout on the A358 near Bishops Lydeard.

The roundabout has been built by SWH Civils for Taylor Wimpey as part of a legal agreement linked to a nearby homes development.

It’s meant misery for drivers and some of the village’s businesses, who said trade had been affected.

The temporary traffic lights were taken away on Monday, and while there is still work going on just off the roundabout, the main A358 road is open for businesses.

Somerset County Councillor for Bishops Lydeard, Mike Rigby, said there was a sense of ‘light euphoria’ in the village.

He has helped campaign for the build of a roundabout, which is hoped will reduce the number of crashes along the busy stretch of road.

He added: “We’re all very pleased that the roundabout is almost completed.

“This was part of the Taylor Wimpey planning agreement and while it is late I think the speed reduction on the road the roundabout dictates will help reduce the risks of using that junction.

“I was there on Monday as they wheeled the lights away at 4pm and there was a feeling of light euphoria.

“There has been disruption for businesses while the works take place but hopefully now it will return to normal again.”

One of the businesses that said it was affected by the roadworks was Strickoe’s Deli @ The Fruit and Flower Basket in Bishops Lydeard.

Phil and Ann Strickland, who own the firm on Broadgauge Business Park said sales were down by 50 per cent on Good Friday and Easter Monday, traditionally busy periods.

The couple were also concerned that they might have to lay staff off, and used their pension to help cover costs.

But already, things are looking up for them.

Mr Strickland said: “We did see a loss in the number of customers because they just didn’t want to sit in traffic.

“It has been really hard going at times.

“But already, since the lights have been take away, things have picked up.

“It was busy here Tuesday so I am feeling positive.

“Luckily we didn’t have to lay any staff off, that was something I really didn’t want to do because we’re all like one big family here and I feel very loyal to my team.

“Although it has been disruptive, we definitely did need the roundabout here.

“There have been a lot of bad accidents over the years at that junction, it’s a devastation of a road and hopefully the roundabout will help.”

A spokesman for Somerset County Council said: “The final elements of work on the new roundabout made good progress with the surfacing completed in five nights as planned.

“The new roundabout should be fully open by the end of the week with any remaining minor finishing works taking place off the carriageway. SWH Civils will then begin some separate works which are also linked to the development starting next week.”