A ROAD between two villages is to be closed for six hours during the week over a fortnight later this month during preparation work for road repairs.

Traffic will be barred from Stoke Road, on the Somerset Levels between Stoke St Gregory and North Curry, as workers fill in potholes and carry out localised patch repairs.

The work from 9.30am to 3.30pm from Mondays to Fridays between January 20 and 31 comes ahead of a scheme to fully surface dress the road next summer.

Stoke Road is close to New Road and Cutts Road, which have both been closed in recent days due to flooding - if either road is closed or looking likely to be flooded before or during the scheme, then the works will be postponed or suspended.

Cllr John Woodman, Somerset County Council’s cabinet member for highways, said: "This is an important route and I’m pleased we are able to carry out much-needed repairs and prepare the road for further improvement in the summer.

"We’re fully aware of the flood risk in this area so will be keeping a close eye on the forecast and liaising with our partners at the Environment Agency to ensure this does not cause any issues."

A suggested diversion route suitable for all vehicles can be found at travelsomerset.co.uk/roadworks or will be clearly signposted on site. As with any road closure, drivers are free to find their own alternatives.